McConnell signals support for Democrats’ anti-Asian hate crimes bill

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:15 PM PT – Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is showing support for the Democrats’ proposed bill aimed at fighting Asian hate crimes.

On Tuesday, McConnell said he’s interested on hashing out a deal on the matter. The legislation would help track and report hate crimes committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, who have experienced an uptick in racist violence over the past year.

The Justice Department would create an online database documenting incidents as they happen.

McConnell said actual bipartisan work would need happen, but showed interest in the bill overall.

LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 03: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) delivered his victory speech next to his wife, Elaine Chao, at the Omni Louisville Hotel on November 3, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

“Yeah, I can tell you as a proud husband of an Asian American woman I think this discrimination against Asian Americans is a real problem and it preceded the murders that were recently on full display,” McConnell stated. “I’m hoping we can work out an agreement to get on the bill in a normal way, have some amendments and move to final passage.”

Republicans have signaled they will not filibuster this legislation.

In America, an attack on one group is an attack on all.

It’s now up to all of us to stand up and speak out in support of the Asian-American community.

The Senate this week will vote on @MazieHirono’s and @RepGraceMeng’s COVID Hate Crimes Bill to help #StopAsianHate. pic.twitter.com/6G83huKkeg

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 13, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the bill will be debated sometime this week.

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