Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler today issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, explicitly designating lynching as a hate crime under federal law:

“With the signing of this historic piece of legislation, President Biden today corrected one of the longest standing injustices in our country,” said Chairman Nadler. “The Emmett Till Antilynching Act will, for the first time, specifically designate lynching as a crime under federal law. It is vitally important that we send the strongest possible message that violence of any kind, especially acts motivated by bigotry and hate, will not be tolerated in our society. I thank Congressman Bobby Rush and the many other members and advocates who have worked tirelessly, and overcome many setbacks, to make this day possible.”

The signing of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act marks the 12th Judiciary Committee bill signed into law this Congress by President Biden, including three this month: 

• Ending Forced Arbitration Act
• Violence Against Women Act
• Emmett Till Antilynching Act