Response of Pete Olson (R-Texas)

1. "There have been reports of increases in hate crimes across the country, and Texas is no exception. According to police reports, last year in Houston incidents of hate crimes rose to a 10-year high. I represent one of the most diverse districts in America and as Co-Chair of the Victim’s Rights Caucus, I’m working to develop solutions that better track hate crimes and provide resources for victims." 2. "There are steps Congress can take to address this growing problem. Specifically, my Democratic colleague Rep. Don Beyer (VA) and I recently introduced a bill, H.R. 3545, the NO HATE Act, to incentivize better reporting of hate crime incidents, create a national hotline so that those targeted for harassment or violence can more readily ask for help, and ensure perpetrators of hate crimes receive the rehabilitative instruction they need in order to prevent recidivism and facilitate prevention of future hate crimes." What was your goal with H.R.3545, and do you support the similar S.2043 (Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act)? Why or why not? "The goal of the NO HATE Act is to end hate crimes. We need better information on why and where hate crimes are taking place to develop long-term solutions that permanently end vicious attacks on people simply for their ethnicity, faith or orientation. Several national organizations that closely work with victims of hate crimes have come out in support of our bill. We are working to get more support for our bill in the House and are pleased there is a Senate companion as well. I’d love to see this bill signed into law before I retire from Congress."