Murkowski Votes for Bill Denouncing Discrimination Against Asian Americans
Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Bill Passes Senate
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after voting in favor of S. 937, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which passed the Senate in a 94-1 vote:
“During this pandemic, we’ve seen reports of a rise in discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders stemming from a ridiculous perception relating to the spread of COVID-19. Acts of hatred cannot be condoned and are absolutely unacceptable. I’m pleased that the Senate came together to clearly denounce discrimination against AAPI communities by supporting the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. This legislation provides tools to governments at all levels to allow for better reporting of hate crimes and education campaigns to help raise awareness. Every step to help bring people together is important to take as we seek to end bigotry and discrimination.”
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There were more than 3,000 reported cases of anti-Asian discrimination related to the COVID-19 pandemic between March 19, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021.
The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act requires a designated officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the expedited review of reported hate crimes and to issue guidance raising awareness of such hate crimes, including to work with agencies to establish online reporting of them.
