Sen. Richard Blumenthal urged Congress to take stronger actions against hate crimes on Friday at the Connecticut State Capitol.

The senator asked for an increase in penalties for hate crimes and more resources for criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Sen. Blumenthal also urged Congress to increase security in centers vulnerable to hate speech.

He says synagogues, mosques and churches should get federal resources for protection.

"What we are seeing is a rising tide of hate speech and hate violence that endangers the fundamental pillars of our democracy. We are seeing it on campuses, public places, privately. Hate speech and violence are a metastasized cancer that we need to stand up and speak out and stop,” said Blumenthal.

Blumenthal says he will also ask lawmakers to provide more aid to Israel and Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance to Gaza.