Mobile Menu - OpenMobile Menu - Closed

Text Size: A A A

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence

Representing the 14th District of Michigan

U.S. Rep. Lawrence Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Bill

May 18, 2021
Press Release

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) applauded the House passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act . This bipartisan bill helps facilitate the Department of Justice's data collection on hate crimes against Asian Americans and includes the Jabara–Heyer NO HATE Act which improves hate crime reporting and accountability and provides support for victims. 

“The violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is completely unacceptable, and the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is a crucial step in addressing this crisis. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for their bipartisan work in passing this much-needed legislation,’ said Rep. Lawrence. “Understanding the problem will allow us to stop the surge in crimes and better address the bigotry in some of our most vulnerable communities. Today’s bipartisan effort sends a clear message that we strongly reject violence, hatred, and discrimination.”

The House vote comes after the Senate passed S.937. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature. The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act passed the Senate by a vote of 94-1 and in the House by a vote of 364-62. Since the start of the pandemic, over 6,600 instances of anti-Asian hate were reported across the country and nearly one in three Asian Americans reported experiencing racial slurs or jokes. 

Under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act:

  • A designated individual at the Department of Justice will expedite review of COVID-19 hate crimes so the burden is not left to individual communities.
  • The Attorney General will be directed to issue guidance for online reporting mechanisms and the collection of disaggregated data.
    • The Attorney General will also create guidelines for awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Jabara–Heyer NO HATE Act will improve hate crime reporting and accountability within law enforcement.
    • A National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) will allow law enforcement agencies to report hate crimes to the FBI. 
    • Pre-existing grant money will support the creation of state-run hate crimes hotlines and local law enforcement programs to prevent, address, or otherwise respond to hate crimes.
    • The Attorney General will be able to ensure that law enforcement grantees report on their progress reporting hate crimes and requires the Attorney General to collect and analyze the information to better mitigate hate crimes.