Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation, and I thank my dear friends and colleagues, Grace Meng and Judy Chu, for their passionate leadership on this issue, and for leading the charge on this bill today.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this country has witnessed a shocking rise in hate crimes against the AAPI communities. I am proud to represent New York City's Chinatown on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Brooklyn's Chinatown around 8th Avenue and Sunset Park.

It goes without saying that my constituents, and every one of our constituents, ought to be able to go to work, walk to the grocery store, or ride public transportation without fear of a bigoted, and even dangerous attack.

We need to bring justice to all the victims of these heinous crimes. That is why passing this bill is a must. Vote ``yes'' and let's lead with action. Let's send a strong message that hate and bigotry will not be tolerated in the United States of America.

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