Senate Decides to Pass Hate Crimes Legislation as an Amendment

The US Senate has decided to pass hate crimes legislation as an amendment to another bill instead of a standalone piece of legislation, reported the Advocate.

"We understand that Senate leadership does not believe a hearing or mark up on the bill is necessary and plans to bring it directly to the floor as an amendment to another moving vehicle," said Trevor Thomas, an HRC spokesperson, in a statement to the Blade on Monday.

The bill passed the House on April 29, 249-175, as a standalone measure. The legislation would allow the U.S. Justice Department to assist in the prosecution of hate crimes committed against LGBT people that result in death or serious injury.

The Blade reported last month that the Senate was debating whether to pass hate crimes legislation as an amendment or as a standalone bill. Thomas stated that the Senate opted to pass the legislation as an amendment because the chamber's leaders believes that's "the most efficient way" to send the measure to the president's desk.

Meanwhile HRC is actively pushing every day for the amendment to come to the floor confident  there's enough support in Congress to pass the measure as an amendment.
According to Thomas, HRC is lobbying to have the Senate pass the legislation before the end of the summer.

"We are urging the Senate to move the hate crimes bill before the August recess," he said. "After more than a decade and nine successful votes in Congress, there is no good reason why this bill can't be sent to the president's desk for his signature."

Also acknowledging the fact that the Senate has passed hate crimes legislation many times before during previous congressional sessions, Thomas declared "continuing to delay the passage of this bill is unwarranted."