[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7222]
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 in November 
2000 in Bloomington, MN. Cecil John Reiners, 57, attacked a Hispanic 
man for speaking Spanish at work. Witnesses told police that Reiners, 
the business owner, was upset when a 23 year-old employee was speaking 
Spanish with two others at a break table. Reiners went to the warehouse 
with a wood post and severely beat the victim, who was treated for 
severe skull fractures and clots at the hospital. ``All I wanted was 
for that Mexican to leave my property,'' Reiners said. Mr. Reiners was 
later convicted of felony first-degree assault in connection with the 
incident.
  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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