Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, thank you to my colleague, Congresswoman Meng, for her tireless efforts in combating hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic and championing this legislation. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your extraordinary leadership as well. In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only been a significant threat to public health; in some instances, it has brought out the worst impulses in people. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a spike in hate crimes and acts of hate against Asian Americans, with thousands of reported hate incidents across this country. Asian Americans have been verbally accosted and frequently told to go back where they came from. Countless Asian Americans have been pushed to the ground, shoved, punched, beaten, and struck with weapons all across our country. We are still mourning the eight victims shot in an Atlanta spa in March, six of whom were of Asian descent. Asian Americans are being scapegoated for the ongoing health crisis. It is disgraceful, and we must act. By passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we are sending a message that hatred and bigotry have no place in the United States of America. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. {time} 1415”