Should Congress condemn anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19?

Civil Rights
Condemning All Forms of anti-Asian Sentiment as Related to COVID-19 (H.Res.908)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This resolution calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), and to call on federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local officials, to take specified steps. It calls on federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community and prosecute perpetrators. The resolution recommits U.S. leadership to (1) prioritize language access and inclusivity in communication practices, and (2) combat misinformation and discrimination that put Asian Americans at risk. Sponsor: Rep. Grace Meng (Democrat, New York, District 6)
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Opponents say

• “I will point out that the House is missing an opportunity by spending time on a non-binding resolution that is clearly just another anti-President Trump message rather than considering legislation that will actually help people, particularly Asian-Americans. We’re within two weeks of government funding expiring, and the American people continue to struggle with a simultaneous economic downturn and a pandemic.” Source: Rep. Thomas Jeffery Cole (Republican, Oklahoma, District 4)

Proponents say

• “Asian Americans, like millions of others across the nation, are worried about the coronavirus; however, so many Asian Americans are also living in fear following the dramatic increase of threats and attacks against those of Asian descent. During this time of heightened anxiety and fear surrounding COVID-19, we cannot lose sight of protecting the health and safety of every single person – no matter their race, ethnicity, or background. The House must take a strong stand against the sickening intolerance, bigotry, and violence that is leaving a terrible stain on our nation’s history, especially during this moment of an unprecedented public health crisis. I am grateful to my colleagues who introduced this resolution with me today, and for joining me in saying loud and clear: xenophobia and discrimination is absolutely unacceptable. I strongly urge all of my House of Representatives colleagues, to support this measure, and its passage.” Source: Rep. Grace Meng (Democrat, New York, District 6)
• “Anti-Asian rhetoric crosses a line that should never be crossed. The Asian-American community is an integral part of our society. It is an important part of my community in Massachusetts. These are our neighbors, our friends, and our families, and the hateful rhetoric that we are hearing directed toward them during this pandemic is unacceptable. It has led to an uptick in physical attacks, verbal assaults, and online harassments. Hate crimes toward Asian Americans are on the rise.” Source: Rep. Jim McGovern (Democrat, Massachusetts, District 2)
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