Senate Moves Toward Passing Bill Aimed at Curbing Anti-AAPI Hate Crimes

The Senate will likely vote on a bill this week aimed at cracking down on hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). A 92-6 procedural vote in favor of the legislation last week indicated significant bipartisan support; the proposal comes amid reports of rising anti-AAPI hate crimes since the beginning of last year. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have reportedly worked closely together on tweaks to the original proposal. The bill hasn't been covered prominently by media outlets regardless of bias rating. Those that did cover it usually mentioned the bill's bipartisan nature, and often included statements of support from Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), who introduced the bill, and from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).