[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S7419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate 
crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this 
year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to 
current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any 
kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred December 20, 
1991 in Russian River, CA. A 45-year-old gay man, Joseph Mitchell, was 
stabbed to death along Highway 116 by a hitchhiker. Paul Daniel Huyck, 
19, was arrested in Springfield, Oregon the first week of January 1992 
in connection with the crime. He was charged with murder and violation 
of parole.
  I believe that government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001 is now a symbol that can become 
substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change 
hearts and minds as well.

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