By Shawna Chen
32 U.S. senators and 101 U.S. representatives have co-sponsored a resolution to condemn anti-Asian hate after shootings in Atlanta killed eight victims, including six Asian women.
Why it matters: The push comes amid a yearlong spike in hate and violence against Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Congressional leaders introduced the resolution, whose co-sponsors are all Democrats, last week.
- The resolution “condemns the recent shootings in Atlanta, reaffirming Congress’s commitment to combat hate against the AAPI community,” according to a press release distributed Monday.
- It also condemns “the heinous and inexcusable acts of gun violence” that led to the shootings.
The resolution is led by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and members of Congress from Georgia: Sen. Raphael Warnock (D), Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D), Nikema Williams (D) and Lucy McBath (D).
Between the lines: The GOP will face considerable pressure to back the resolution, considering 164 House Republicans opposed a similar measure introduced by Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) last year.
- GOP freshman Reps. Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Michelle Steel (R-Calif.), both of whom are Asian American women, have been outspoken about anti-Asian racism and former President Trump’s “China virus” rhetoric.
What they’re saying: “We must stand against AAPI hate and violence, full stop,” Warnock said in a statement. “Let me be clear: hate, including hate that hurts and kills members of the Asian-American community, has no place in Georgia—or anywhere in our country.”
- “This was a hate crime, plain and simple,” Chu added. “But this violence has long predated the murders in Georgia … That is why it is so important that all leaders speak out to reject bigotry and violence.”
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