Press Releases

Wexton Votes to Pass Bipartisan Hate Crimes Package

Legislation includes the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act

Washington, May 18, 2021
Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. The bipartisan legislation focuses on addressing violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to expand assistance, improve reporting, and provide better resources for victims of hate crimes.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, our country has witnessed a horrific rise in hate crimes and attacks against our Asian American communities,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “I’m thankful that we’ve made this issue a priority this Congress, and with the support of members of both chambers and both parties, we’re finally addressing this crisis and providing concrete solutions on how to fix it. Nobody should have to feel unsafe in their home or community, and with the passage of this legislation, we are sending a clear message that hate has no place in our country.”

According to a recent report, there were nearly 3,800 reported cases of anti-Asian discrimination and incidents related to COVID-19 between March 19, 2020, and February 28, 2021, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. During this time frame, race has been cited as the primary reason for discrimination, making up over 90 percent of incidents.

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act would:
  • Directs the  Department of Justice to award grants to states and eligible municipal law enforcement agencies to help address hate crimes. 
  • Requires the Attorney General to provide guidance for local law enforcement agencies on hate crimes
  • Requires the Attorney General and the HHS Secretary to issue best practices on how to raise awareness of hate crimes committed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Improves reporting of hate crimes by supporting the implementation of and training for the National Incident-Based Reporting System.
  • Encourages law enforcement prevention, training and education on hate crimes.
  • Establishes a hate crime hotline.
  • Requires individuals convicted of federal hate crime laws to undergo community service or education centered on the community targeted by the crime. 

###