Heinrich, Luján Vote To Pass COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

WASHINGTON – As hate crimes and violence targeted against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the U.S. rise, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján voted to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. The Senate passed the bill today by a vote of 94-1.

On Wednesday, April 21, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced a bipartisan agreement on language amending the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. The substitute bill language is available here. 

“It is all too clear that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are facing mounting violent threats and racism fueled not only by misinformation about Covid-19, but also by long-running misogynist and xenophobic prejudices. Enough is enough,” said Heinrich. “I am proud to vote for the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and stand with the AAPI community in New Mexico, and across our country in strongly condemning the dangerous rise of anti-Asian racism and hate crimes that are plaguing this nation.”

“Today, the United States Senate took decisive action against the hate and discrimination that too many Asian Americans have endured during COVID-19,” said Luján. “Across the country, Asian Americans have been the target of racist attacks that have traumatized victims and sparked fear and frustration. Our country must stand firm in its fundamental belief that we are all created equal, and emphatically reject hate in all its forms. I’m proud to have voted for this legislation because it shows the AAPI community that their country stands with them.” 

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is cosponsored by Heinrich and Luján and is led by Senator Hirono in the U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.