Response of Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)

1. “Hate crimes continue to be a problem in Oregon and throughout the US. The President’s hateful rhetoric, which has been echoed by individuals perpetrating hate crimes, makes our communities less safe. Oregon has recently seen a spike in hate crimes—the Proud Boys are holding a rally in our own community a few days from now. Initiatives to encourage hate crime reporting is actually giving us a more accurate picture of the problem.” 2. “FBI data showed a 17% increase in hate crimes nationwide in 2017. Earlier this year, the Oregon legislature revised the hate crime statue for the first time since the 1980s, including gender identity as a protected class, but it can’t stop there. Frankly this change must start at the top. It is outrageous that the President of the United States, instead of leading and healing, is dividing and fanning fears, and inspiring delusional twisted souls. Congress has a responsibility to improve hate crime reporting, assist law enforcement in effectively addressing hate crimes, and ensure people have the resources necessary if they witness a hate crime. I’m a cosponsor of the NO HATE Act which would do exactly that. I am committed to continuously and vigorously working with local, state, and federal partners to accurately document and address hate crimes and provide education to create a safer, more equitable society.”