Sen. Mike Lee Blocks Legislation For Latino, Women’s Museums

In a move that infuriated supporters of museums to be dedicated to Latinos and women on the National Mall, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah blocked legislation Thursday that would lead to the creation of both.

“The last thing we need,” Lee said, “is to further divide an already divided nation with an array of segregated, separate-but-equal museums for hyphenated identity groups.”

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey was incensed. Menendez, who hoped to pass the bill on a voice vote, said Lee’s action could jeopardize “the hopes and dreams and aspirations of seeing Americans of Latino descent having their dreams fulfilled and recognized.”