Democrats pressure Republicans to support Asian-American hate crimes bill

Washington — The Senate will take up a bill addressing hate crimes against Asian Americans this week amid a spike in anti-Asian discrimination and violence during the coronavirus pandemic. Although some Republicans have raised concerns about the bill, it is expected to advance on the Senate floor, allowing time for debate and adding amendments.

The bill introduced by Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, which currently lacks any Republican co-sponsors, would expedite the federal government's response to hate crimes against Asian Americans and strengthen guidance for state and local government hate crime reporting. Democrats have a narrow 50-seat majority in the Senate, and 60 votes are required to limit debate on legislation and then bring it to the Senate floor for a full vote. GOP Senator Chuck Grassley told reporters on Tuesday that the bill would receive enough support from Republicans to advance, but said that he was hoping it could be amended.