[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 9 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    H.R. 1343, THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage the Republican 
leadership to bring the Conyers bill, H.R. 1343, the Local Law 
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to the House floor. Congress 
must take action against crimes that are motivated by hate. That is why 
I organized these speeches today to promote H.R. 1343. I appreciate all 
of my colleagues who have taken their precious time to come down to the 
House floor to join in on this discussion.
  Hate crime offenses are more serious than comparable crimes that do 
not involve prejudice, because they are intended to intimidate an 
entire group. These crimes have a particularly damaging effect on 
victims, their families, and the communities they are part of. Victims 
oftentimes feel powerless, isolated, depressed and suspicious. Fear is 
another pervasive victim response, fear for their personal safety and 
for the safety of their families.
  Family members share some of the long-term effects of hate crime 
victims. They may feel guilty for not protecting their family member 
who has been victimized. Like those actually targeted by the hate 
crimes, families may feel isolated or helpless. Their effectiveness on 
the job or at home or in school is also affected. When the perpetrator 
is arrested and convicted, but not given a full consideration and a 
harsh penalty, families actually lose faith in the justice system. 
Light sentencing may also cause further disillusionment.
  In addition to the psychological effects hate crimes have on 
families, Mr. Speaker, there are particular concerns as well depending 
on the crime and there may be repair bills or medical bills or funeral 
expenses. Trials and court appearances can prolong the grieving 
process, as can parole hearings. If there is media coverage of a hate 
crime, a family may find itself dealing publicly with intensely 
personal issues.
  Currently, the Justice Department's civil rights division lists nine 
killings across the country as possible hate crimes in revenge for the 
terrorist attacks on September 11. Many families of post-September 11 
murder victims believe that police are reluctant to recognize and 
pursue hate crimes, which is a complaint that African American victims 
have made for years. These outcries from victims and their families 
signal that hate crimes need to be taken more seriously.
  It is unbelievable that Congress has yet to pass significant 
legislation that will strengthen and expand hate crimes law. And it is 
unbelievable that when there is a bill already crafted that would 
elevate hate crimes law that Congress has the opportunity to debate, it 
has not been brought to the House floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I support the Conyers Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes 
Protection Act because it would offer real solutions by strengthening 
existing Federal hate crimes law. This legislation allows the United 
States Department of Justice to assist in local prosecutions, as well 
as investigate and prosecute cases in which violence occurs because of 
the victim's sexual orientation, disability, or gender. H.R. 1343 would 
also eliminate obstacles to Federal involvement in many cases of 
assault or murder based on race or religion.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is too important to ignore as families across 
our country continue to fall victim to hate crimes. We have over 200 
bipartisan Members of the House of Representatives who have signed on 
to H.R. 1343, and we ask the leadership to bring this issue before the 
House to show American families that hate crimes are taken seriously.
  This Congress has a responsibility to fight against hate and this 
bill will provide that commitment. I look forward to hearing the rest 
of my colleagues on this issue.

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