HOUSTON, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee made the following statement in support of and out of concern for the Chinese American community.

“I am outraged that we are seeing an uptick in violence against Chinese Americans and also other Asian-Pacific Americans because of the horrible misrepresentation by the President calling the coronavirus a Chinese virus and by others Kung Flu. Who are we as Americans if we can’t stand up for decency, respect and equality for all Americans - many of whom have served in the United States military? The Department of Justice must use all its resources to prosecute these hate crimes and indicate zero tolerance for this kind of behavior. All Americans of goodwill are demanding that the President cease and desist from using the term Chinese virus.”

Violence directed against individuals on the basis of their race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation is disturbingly prevalent -- and poses significant threats to the Chinese American community during this worldwide pandemic. Domestic terrorism is growing, and these words and attacks only create increasing fear in a time when our nation should be unified and stand together.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and a member of the Budget Committee.