Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Establish National Museum of Italian American History

Washington, DC—Congressman Tom Suozzi (D—Nassau, Queens), a first-generation Italian American and a member of Congress's Italian American Caucus, is leading bipartisan legislation to create a planning commission with the aim of establishing a Smithsonian Museum of Italian American History in the future. The legislation, The National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act, was introduced today (text of bill is attached) and is co-sponsored by Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV02).

Suozzi and Amodei also co-sponsored the bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 1525, passed earlier this month. It recognizes October 2024 as Italian and Italian American Month and "salutes the Italian and Italian-American community and exhibits appreciation for their culture and their heritage that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of this nation and the world."

"As a first-generation Italian American, I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will initiate the process of permanently honoring the rich history, legacy, and invaluable contributions of countless Italian Americans to our nation," said Suozzi.

The bipartisan National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act would create a planning commission composed of experts in museum planning and the immigrant experience in America. The commission would examine the feasibility of establishing, maintaining, funding, and operating such a facility as part of the Smithsonian Institution.

"My father, Joseph A. Suozzi, had an extraordinary journey. Born in Ruvo del Monte, Italy, he immigrated to the United States as a child, served as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, was elected as Glen Cove City Court Judge at the age of 28, and went on to serve as Glen Cove Mayor and was later appointed to the Appellate Division of the N.Y. State Supreme Court," said Suozzi. "My father's life embodied the classic American Dream. The dream he and my grandfather often discussed had become a reality for the Suozzi family," 

"I cannot think of a better way to honor my father's legacy and the legacies, experiences, and stories of so many other hard-working Italians and Italian Americans than by establishing a National Museum of Italian American History within the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex," said Suozzi.

"I'm proud to support the National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act, which creates an expert commission to study and present recommendations towards the potential establishment of a Smithsonian museum to honor and celebrate Italian American history," said Rep. Mark Amodei.  "This bipartisan effort aims to preserve the rich legacy of countless generations of Italian Americans and the profound influence they had on the growth of this great nation."

###