Rosen-Backed Bill to Address Surge of Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), an associate member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), voted for the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 94-1. This legislation, introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and co-sponsored by Senator Rosen, will address the rise of hate crimes and violence against the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  

“Asian Americans in Nevada are part of the rich, diverse communities that make up our state. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, we have witnessed horrific and violent acts committed against the AAPI community,” said Senator Rosen. “No one in this country should have to fear for their safety and the safety of their family and loved ones. I was proud to co-sponsor the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, and I am glad to see that this urgently needed legislation passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. Together, we can ensure that hate has no place in Nevada and that all Americans, in every community, are treated with the respect, dignity, and protection that they deserve.”

BACKGROUND: Nevada is home to the nation’s fastest-growing AAPI community.

Specifically, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act will:

  • Designate a DOJ point person to assist with expedited review of hate crimes reported to federal, state, and/or local law enforcement;
  • Provide guidance for state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to:
    • Establish online reporting of hate crimes or incidents, and to have online reporting available in multiple languages;
    • Expand culturally competent and linguistically appropriate public education campaigns, and collection of data and public reporting of hate crimes; and
  • Provides grants to state and local governments for training and using the FBI’s national hate crimes database, create reporting hotlines, and support community engagement for prevention and services for victims;
  • Issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Senator Rosen:

  • Joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-President Trump, raising concerns about the increased harassment and violence against members of the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Joined Senate colleagues in a letter urging the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) to issue guidance to federal agencies on preventing and addressing anti-Asian racism and xenophobia related to the pandemic.
  • Joined Senate colleagues in a resolution condemning discrimination against Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

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