Doris Matsui: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule providing for consideration of…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule providing for consideration of Representative Chu's resolution condemning the horrific shootings in Atlanta and reaffirming the House's commitment to combating hate and violence against the AAPI community. Earlier today, I joined Speaker Pelosi, Representatives Chu and Meng, and others at an event to mark the importance of the steps we are taking on the House floor today. Together, Representatives Chu and Meng's bills make a statement of commitment to a sacred American value: celebrating our diversity as a force against hate and discrimination. As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, we stand amidst a reckoning on racial justice and discrimination. We must be intentional about how we uplift our voices, how we listen, and how we ensure dignity and respect throughout our communities. As the past few years have shown, hateful rhetoric can easily spiral into scapegoating and violence. Xenophobia and blame have proliferated, from the highest levels of government to our local communities. This cannot be overlooked. I have shared my own family's story of the consequences of inaction. The fear of ``the other'' is nothing new, but it has been chipping away at our social conscience for far too long. This is what we are working to root out. We must stop it at the source with a united front.…”