Press Releases
Neal Votes to Strengthen Defenses Against Hate Crimes, Protect AAPI Communities
Washington, DC,
May 18, 2021
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal voted for S. 937, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, landmark legislation that strengthens the nation’s defenses against hate crimes committed against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. This bipartisan bill, which will help combat the growing and grave crisis of anti-AAPI discrimination, violence and bigotry stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, will now go to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “Around Massachusetts and across the country, our AAPI family, friends and neighbors are fearful of being targeted with racial slurs, physical intimidation and deadly violence because of who they are,” said Neal. “That’s why Congress is acting quickly, boldly and in unity to combat the rising epidemic of anti-Asian hate crimes. I am proud to support this life-saving legislation, which will help stem the tide of hatred and violence during this pandemic and for years to come.” Following the spread of COVID-19, there has been a dramatic increase in discrimination, hate crimes and violence targeted at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to a new report issued on May 6, over the last year more than 6,600 reported hate crimes against Asian Americans have been reported across all 50 states, with many more going unreported. This vital bill will speed up and strengthen our response to hate crimes, including requiring the designation of an official at the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an expedited review of all COVID-related hate crimes. The bill also includes important provisions to improve the reporting of hate crimes, authorize grants to states to establish and run hate crime hotlines, support law enforcement agencies with training officers on how to identify hate crimes and help state and local governments develop a system for collecting hate crime data. In April, S. 937 passed the Senate on a nearly unanimous vote, 94-1. After being approved today by the House, the legislation will go to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. ## |