[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam 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 March 6, 2001 
in Middleburg, PA. Two brothers, Todd Justin Clinger, 20, and Troy Lee 
Clinger, 18, were charged with attempted homicide after severely 
beating a neighbor, Michael Aucker, 41. Police allege that one of the 
brothers, Troy, said that Aucker tried to make a pass at them while the 
trio drank beer in their trailer. Police said the three men walked out 
on the deck, where the brothers allegedly punched and stomped on Aucker 
with heavy work boots several times before taking the bleeding Aucker 
to his nearby trailer. Aucker was discovered a day and a half later by 
a neighbor and co-worker. When they found him, he was in a coma and 
every bone in his face and nose were broken.
  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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