[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7306]
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 July 16, 2001 
in Newmarket, NH. Thung Phetakoune, 62, a man of Laotian descent, died 
of injuries he suffered in an attack apparently motivated by racial 
hatred. According to authorities, Richard Labbe, 35, assaulted the 
victim amid an anti-Asian tirade. Phetakoune died from injuries 
stemming from a fractured skull, subsurface bleeding, and swelling of 
the brain.
  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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