Response of Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.)

1. "Even one hate crime in Oregon – or anywhere – is a serious problem. I’m alarmed by the recent reports showing a rise in the number of hate crimes in Oregon and across the country. White supremacy often fuels these incidents and leads to great tragedy, such as the MAX stabbings in 2017, and the El Paso shooting earlier this month. When the President routinely spews racist and hateful comments and conspiracy theories, it emboldens white supremacists. People of conscience and people in leadership positions must speak out against acts of hate and the proliferation of racist and hate-filled rhetoric." 2. "Congress took an important step to strengthen federal hate crime laws by passing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, but more must be done to stem hate crimes and white supremacist violence. I’m encouraged that state leaders recently updated Oregon’s hate crime laws to strengthen the state’s response to these cruel acts and to better assist victims. Congress should expand these and other protections at the federal level."