Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of H. Res. 234--legislation condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation.
After the tragic events of September 11th, the Muslim community became the target of a major upsurge in hate crimes and discrimination. In just the first nine weeks after the attacks, over 700 violent incidents occurred targeting Arab Americans, Muslims, and others perceived to be such. These same citizens faced a four-fold increase in employment discrimination.
Crimes and incidents driven by bias and hatred must not be tolerated in a peaceful democracy. Our position of power and influence also brings a responsibility to celebrate our diversity and protect the rights of all in our nation.
As we continue to fight a war against terrorism and hatred, we have a golden opportunity to show the world that we celebrate our diversity; that every American citizen and everyone who visits here will not be in danger because of their national origin or religious faith; that we will not stand for bigotry and other divisive actions; that we are a Nation united as one.
Mr. Speaker, this important legislation received unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit, and I urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly support its passage by the full House.