WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today released a statement celebrating the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. The bill addresses the increase in hate crimes against Asian American communities and was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support.
“Today the United States unequivocally rejected hatred, racism, and xenophobia. I applaud President Biden, Vice President Harris and Members of Congress for addressing one of the most drastic increases in race-based violence in recent memory. Representative Grace Meng and Senator Mazie Hirono deserve special recognition, for their tireless work as the original sponsors of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.
“This legislation is an important step towards ending racial discrimination against our community and holding those who commit these heinous attacks accountable. We all have a responsibility to continue speaking out and we must seize the momentum from this important day to stamp out the violence for good.”
###
