Congress passes anti-Asian hate crimes bill amid spike in attacks and sends it to the President to sign
May 18, 2021
WASHINGTON (AGN.News) – Congress passed the anti-hate crimes law amid a rise in hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The bill was sent to President Biden for his signature.
The bill is called the “COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act,” which was spear-headed by New York Rep. Grace Meng, who represents an Asian American-rich section of eastern Queens that includes Flushing. The bill will give federal law enforcement more tools to detect, prevent and prosecute anti-Asian bigotry.
The House of Representatives passed the bill in a 364-62 vote. Republicans were responsible for all 62 no votes. The Senate passed the bill last month in a 94-1 vote.
Commenting on the increase in anti-Asian hate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic said, “Those of Asian descent have been blamed and scapegoated for the outbreak of COVID-19, and as a result, Asian Americans have been beaten, slashed, spat on and even killed.” Meng also said, “The Asian American community is exhausted from being forced to endure this ongoing racism and prejudice. Asian Americans are tired of living in fear.”
Politicians from all parties have condemned the overt level of hate against the AAPI community. More than 6,600 anti-Asian attacks have been reported across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., according to Stop AAPI Hate, a national group tracking such incidents. Dozens of attacks have taken place in New York City and San Francisco.
The legislation would require the Justice Department to create a new position with the sole responsibility to expedite and expand federal investigation into hate crimes directed towards the AAPI community. Many of these hate crimes are being committed by those who falsely believe COVID-19 is being spread by people of Asian descent.
The White House said the President will sign the legislation later this week.
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For more information on local responses to the novel coronavirus also called … COVID-19, contact your local healthcare provider, visit coronavirus.gov or visit cdc.gov for the United States response to the coronavirus.
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