[ad_1]
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Thursday (September 17) denouncing anti-Asian rhetoric related to the coronavirus pandemic, including expressions such as “China virus” frequently used by President Donald Trump.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Grace Meng, passed 243 to 163, largely along party lines. Fourteen Republicans voted in favor along with 229 Democrats. All the “no” votes came from the Republicans.
The measure calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment in any form, condemns manifestations of racism and xenophobia, and calls on law enforcement agencies to investigate all forms of hate crimes.
The resolution notes that US health officials have said that it is “inappropriate and inaccurate to call COVID-19 the ‘Chinese virus'” and recommends that US leaders combat misinformation and discrimination.
There has been a wave of verbal and physical assaults on Asian Americans since the coronavirus took hold of the United States, with advocacy groups and researchers reporting thousands of such incidents.
“Passing # HRes908 sends a unified message that such intolerance, hatred and xenophobia will not be tolerated,” Meng said on Twitter.
Since the new coronavirus emerged in China late last year, the United States has had the highest number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in the world.
The measure is a resolution that expresses the intent of the Democratic-led House, so it would not be sent for consideration by the Republican-led Senate or the White House for Trump to sign or go.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who leads Trump’s fellow Republicans in the House, said that consideration of the non-binding resolution wasted lawmakers’ time and that the House should focus on bigger issues, like how best to compete with China.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
