Should the House Condemn Anti-Asian Sentiment Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic? (H. Res. 908)

What is H. Res. 908?

(Updated April 14, 2021)

This resolution would call on public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religous intolerance related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and call on federal law enforcement officials to work with state and local officials in expeditiously investigating credible reports of hate crimes and threats against Asian-Americans; collect data on incidences of hate crimes due to COVID-19; and hold perpetrators accountable.

The resolution would call on federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community and prosecute perpetrators.

It would also recommit U.S. leadership to prioritize language access and inclusivity in communication practices, and combat misinformation and discrimination that put Asian Americans at risk. 

As a simple resolution, this legislation is non-binding and wouldn’t have the force of law if passed.

Argument in favor

Anti-Asian rhetoric has gotten out of hand during the coronavirus pandemic, including from public officials. The House of Representatives should go on record opposing such rhetoric even if it's in the form a vote on a non-binding resolution.

Argument opposed

There is no question that anti-Asian rhetoric related to the coronavirus pandemic is out of line and should be condemned, but the House passing a non-binding resolution won’t have a serious impact.

Impact

Asian Americans; and public officials.

Cost of H. Res. 908

As a non-binding resolution, this legislation would have no cost.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced this resolution to denounce anti-Asian sentiment caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus:

“The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric, particularly from our nation’s leaders such as the President, and their use of terms like ‘Chinese virus,’ ‘Wuhan virus,’ and ‘Kung-flu,’ is not only irresponsible, reckless, and downright disgusting, it threatens the safety of the Asian American community; such language demeans, disparages, and scapegoats Asian Americans. Asian Americans, like millions of others across the nation, are worried about the coronavirus; however, so many Asian Americans are also living in fear following the dramatic increase of threats and attacks against those of Asian descent. During this time of heightened anxiety and fear surrounding COVID-19, we cannot lose sight of protecting the health and safety of every single person -- no matter their race, ethnicity, or background. The House must take a strong stand against the sickening intolerance, bigotry, and violence that is leaving a terrible stain on our nation’s history, especially during this moment of an unprecedented public health crisis.”

At times since the pandemic began, President Donald Trump has used the terms “Chinese virus”, “Wuhan virus”, and “Kung flu” as alternatives to “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” before he began saying “China virus” more consistently of late. During a press briefing on March 18, 2020, when President Trump was asked why he referred to coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” he said, “It’s not racist at all. No. Not at all. It comes from China. That’s why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate.” During a March 24th coronavirus task force press briefing, Trump condemned “a little bit of nasty language toward the Asian Americans in our country” and that:

“It’s very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States and all around the world. They’re amazing people, and the spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way, shape, or form." 

This resolution has the support of 157 cosponsors, including 156 Democrats and one Republican.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) Press Release