WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 908, condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment related to COVID-19:

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes and racist incidents against those of Asian descent. Recent reports show a total of over 2,500 incidents of discrimination against the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community across the country, and many more incidents go unheard and unreported.

“Misinformation and racist characterizations about COVID-19 has led to the stigmatization of those of Asian descent based on fear and xenophobia. This puts the wellbeing of our communities and public health at risk. We must remain unified and vigilant to combat this epidemic and uphold our resilient and diverse communities. Across the country, we must stand up and take collective action to quell the widespread anti-Asian American racism amidst this pandemic and beyond.”

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