Amata welcomes passage of Anti-Hate Bill

Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed bipartisan House passage of the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act, sending it to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The U.S. Senate had already passed the bill, S. 937, which is focused on stemming acts of hate and violence against Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. 

 “The senseless, unprovoked crimes and attacks against Americans of Asian heritage must be stopped,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I appreciate that Congress has strongly emphasized that the law will seek justice in these cases.” 

The bill creates a position at the Justice Department to review these cases, along with grants for states to take measures, such as hotlines for reporting hate crimes, and additional law enforcement training regarding prevention of hate crimes. It also directs federal agencies to take steps nationwide to raise awareness.