[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 18, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COVID-19 HATE CRIMES ACT

  Mr. SCHUMER. Finally, on Asian hate crimes, I am delighted the House 
will pass the Anti-Asian hate crimes bill today, which passed the 
Senate last month with overwhelming bipartisan support. Once the 
legislation is approved by the House, it will go directly to the 
President's desk. I expect it will be signed into law later this week.
  Discrimination against Asian Americans is, sadly, not a new 
phenomenon in our Nation's history, but the pandemic brought old biases 
and prejudices back to the foreground.
  This legislation will strengthen law enforcement's ability to detect, 
deter, and prosecute hate crimes of all varieties, especially hate 
crimes involving Asian Americans. It sends a powerful message of 
solidarity to all our friends in the Asian American community. It is so 
important, so vital, so strong, and an important piece of the puzzle of 
how we build a better future in America.
  I thank my colleagues from both Chambers, from Senators Hirono and 
Duckworth in the Senate to Representative Meng in the House and all 
those who improved the legislation through the amendment process here 
in the Senate.
  Today, we are another step closer to making progress in the fight 
against racial discrimination and violence aimed at Asian Americans in 
recent months. The Senate can be proud it took the lead.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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