The House passed legislation Tuesday to address hate crimes against Asian Americans, which have increased exponentially during the pandemic. This is New York Congressmember Grace Meng, who first introduced the bill over a year ago.

Rep. Grace Meng: “Asian Americans are tired of living in fear and being frightened about their kids or elderly parents going outside. People often ask what Congress is doing about this. And we are here today to say that Congress is taking action.”

The legislation tasks the Justice Department with expediting the review of hate crimes, facilitates the creation of hate crime hotlines, and provides funding for law enforcement to train officers in identifying hate crimes. A bill has already passed the Senate, and President Biden is expected to sign the measure.