“One year ago, we united to condemn hatred and violence targeting Asian Americans following the deadly shooting in Atlanta.  Today, as we remember the victims of that shooting and keep their families and community in our thoughts, we stand together still, united in opposing anti-Asian hate, bigotry, xenophobia, and racism and reaffirming our support for Asian Americans as they work to overcome discrimination.  Asian Americans deserve to feel safe in this country, no matter whether they are recent immigrants or whether their families have been a part of the American story for generations.    “Sadly, anti-Asian hate crimes continue to raise alarm, and Congress has a responsibility to continue taking action to combat this trend.  I was proud to bring legislation to the Floor, sponsored by Rep. Meng and Sen. Hirono, last year to reject anti-Asian hate, including COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law. In doing so, we affirmed our commitment to addressing the rise in hate crimes directed against Asian Americans during the pandemic, with more than 11,000 incidents recorded since March 2020.  Together, Democrats and Republicans must keep working to address this crisis affecting our country, and I want to thank Rep. Meng, Chairwoman Chu, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for their continued leadership.  Asian Americans contribute so much to the safety, health, prosperity, and vibrant culture of our country, and their place in America ought to be celebrated, not vilified.  Let us continue to stand against hate, against bigotry, and against efforts to divide Americans instead of unite us behind common purpose and a common future.”