The Senate voted to consider legislation confronting anti-asian hate crimes.

WASHINGTON — The Senate opened debate Wednesday on legislation confronting the rise of potential hate crimes against Asian Americans, a growing problem during the coronavirus crisis.

Senators voted overwhelmingly, 926, to proceed Wednesday to consideration of the bill.

Ahead of the vote, several leaders of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Congress shared personal stories of the racism they and their constituents have faced, incidents on the rise during the virus outbreak.

The White House on Wednesday issued a statement of administrative policy that “strongly supports” the bill’s passage. “Elected leaders must act to prevent anti-asian violence and advance inclusion and belonging for all Asian American communities,” it said.

Senate Republican leader Mitch Mcconnell said as the “proud husband of an Asian American woman, I think this discrimination against Asian Americans is a real problem.” Mcconnell is married to Elaine Chao, the former transportation secretary.

Final passage remains uncertain, however.

Any one senator can halt the process, and it takes 60 votes in the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, to overcome a filibuster. Six Republicans voted Wednesday against proceeding to the bill, including Sens. Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was open to considering changes to the bill. He is in conversations with Mcconnell on a package of amendments that could be considered, according to aides.