Chinanews, April 23, a comprehensive report, on the 22nd local time, the U.S. Senator passed a 94-1 vote and overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at addressing hate crimes against Asians.
The Democratic and Republican parties have jointly condemned the violence against Asians during the epidemic.
[94 to 1! The Senate passed a bill to fight hatred of Asians]
According to the report, the U.S. Senator passed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act with 94 votes in favor and 1 vote against. The only person who voted against was Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri (Josh Hawley). .
The bill was proposed by Japanese Democratic Congressman Keiko Hirono and Chinese Democratic Congressman Meng Zhaowen. It will authorize the Ministry of Justice to appoint an official to promote the review of hate crimes and provide more for law enforcement agencies to combat hate crimes. stand by.
The new version of the bill incorporates the amendment proposed by Keiko Hirono and Maine Republican Susan Collins, which requires the government to issue guidance "to raise awareness of hate crimes during the epidemic."
The original bill required the government to issue guidance on "stopping the use of discriminatory language."
The new version of the bill also incorporates an amendment proposed by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and Republican Senator Jerry Moran. The amendment aims to strengthen the reporting of hate crimes and report hatred to law enforcement agencies. Criminal training provides support and establishes a hate crime hotline.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of discrimination and violent crimes against Asians surged.
California State University San Bernardino's study of 16 major U.S. cities found that hate crimes against Asian Americans increased by 149% in 2020.
[Cross-party support! Hate crimes are not tolerated]
The "New Crown Hate Crimes Act" has received rare cross-party support in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer said on the same day: "By passing this bill, we are telling the Asian community that we are paying attention to them, we have heard their concerns, and will take action to protect them."
He added: "By passing this bill, we will send a clear message to the entire United States: hate crimes are intolerable."
Meng Zhaowen, one of the drafters of the bill, said in a statement: "For the past year or so, Asians across the country have been crying out and asking for help. This legislation proposed by Senator Keiko Hirono and I The smooth passage of the Senate shows that they have heard our request. I thank and appreciate every senator who supports our bill. This is a bold step in taking action to combat hatred and violence against Asians."
Before the vote, key members of the two parties held several days of behind-the-scenes negotiations until the final agreement was reached on the evening of the 21st local time.
The bill has now been submitted to the House of Representatives controlled by the Democratic Party. It is expected that the House of Representatives will consider the House of Representatives version of the hate crimes bill in May. After the two houses reach an agreement, it will be handed over to US President Biden to sign into law.
Biden has previously expressed support for this legislation. He said in a speech in March: "It is time for Congress to expand these actions and write them into the law. Because everyone in our country should live in a safe, secure, and In dignity and respect."