Response of Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.)

1. "Yes. The Congressman is concerned with the growing trend of hate crimes around the country, and disappointed that the spread of hate crimes has hit New York. According to the NYPD, there have been 184 recorded hate crimes in New York City as of June 2, compared to last year’s 112 over the same time span. This increase in hate crimes can be directly linked to the President’s rhetoric. The Office of the President should be held to the highest standard, but this President continues to lower the bar." 2. "Absolutely. Chairman Bennie Thompson of the House Homeland Security Committee has called on the FBI to hold hearings on the spread of white supremacy and hate crimes in our nation. The Congressman fully supports these efforts." Has the congressman proposed any bills or taken any other actions related to hate crimes or white supremacy? "The Congressman is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2708, the Disarm Hate Act. This bill would prohibit the possession, shipment, or transport of a firearm by an individual, who has been convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime. Additionally, the Congressman joined 186 of his colleagues as a cosponsor of a House Resolution that condemns the President’s racist comments directed at Members of Congress, and upholds the values that we are a nation of immigrants. This Resolution was agreed to by the full House on July 16 by a 240-187 vote." On background: Engel issued the following statement on Nov. 7: https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/house-bipartisan-antisemitism-task-force-praises-fbi-for-thwarting-synagogue-bombing/ [Ed. note: spokesperson added last sentence on 11/8 to include a new statement.]