At a time when all families are struggling with the threat of COVID-19, various communities are also suffering from the rise in hate crimes. Just within a few weeks time, 1,600 cases of physical and online attacks against those of Asian descent were reported. With COVID-19, we are fighting an additional pandemic as a result, and must address the rise in hate crimes with urgency.

That is why I am introducing the “COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act”, which would provide greater oversight of COVID-19 hate crimes and require DOJ to report to Congress regularly for until at least a year after the public health emergency is terminated. Specifically, the bill would require the Attorney General to designate an officer or employee of the DOJ to:
(1) Facilitate expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes reported to federal, state, and/or local law enforcement; and
(2) Report to Congress monthly on statuses of those cases, including any resources provided to complainants and actions taken to further the investigation of the incidents, with data disaggregated by victim’s race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and location of occurrence.

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 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is a necessary step to confront the second pandemic of racism and discrimination in this country. Please join me in the effort to keep all Americans safe.

To cosponsor, please complete this online form.

For more information, please contact Jacqueline Hsieh of my staff at Jacqueline.Hsieh@mail.house.gov.