Providing for Consideration of H.R. Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Strength in Diversity Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Condemning All Forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment As Related to Covid-19; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished member of the Rules Committee, Ms. Scanlon, for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of good things included in this rule. I want to discuss one in particular today: H. Res. 908--condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19.

This resolution is about our values; not our Democratic values, not our Republican values, it is about our American values.

Look, I understand that politics can be contentious. The rhetoric can get heated. But what we are talking about here is something else altogether. Anti-Asian rhetoric crosses a line that should never be crossed.

The Asian-American community is an integral part of our society. It is an important part of my community in Massachusetts. These are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. And the hateful rhetoric that we are hearing directed towards them during this pandemic is unacceptable. It has led to an uptick in physical attacks, verbal assaults, and online harassment. Hate crimes against Asian Americans are on the rise.

Mr. Speaker, this is the antithesis of what the United States of America stands for. During difficult times, our Nation comes together. We don't allow offensive rhetoric to tear us apart, no matter who says it. We are nearing 200,000 lives lost in this country because of the coronavirus. Countless more are sick. Businesses have closed, our economy is struggling.

Mr. Speaker, the world has changed. But one thing that is not and will not change is our obligation to be there for each other, to treat others as we would want to be treated. To show those around us the dignity and respect and the basic human decency that we would want them to show us--pandemic or no pandemic.

To pretend that these hateful words about Asian Americans don't matter is to kid yourself. Just ask those who have been on the receiving end. Or ask the groups that monitor hate-inspired discrimination. They tell us that there were more than 2,100 anti- Asian-American hate incidents in this country related to this pandemic between March and June. I shudder to think what the number has grown to today.

No one should be forced to endure such hate and violence. Asian Americans are struggling under the weight of this pandemic, just like everyone else. They are doctors and nurses and first responders--just like everyone else. I know that in politics our values don't always align, but on this, Democrats and Republicans should agree. Some things go beyond partisanship. They speak to who we are as a Nation and what we are willing to tolerate.

Mr. Speaker, I am hoping for a strong bipartisan vote on this resolution because this country should always stand as an inclusive and just society. And as elected officials, that starts with us. We must lead by example.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues on both sides to support this rule and the underlying measures.

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