[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 91 (Tuesday, July 9, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6496]
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 last 
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 September 12, 
2001 in Huntington, NY. A man, who was drunk, tried to run over a 
Pakistani woman in the parking lot of a shopping mall, according to 
police. The man then followed the woman into the mall and threatened to 
kill her for ``destroying my country.''
  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 and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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