[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7369]
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 
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 on October 
14, 2000 in Billings, MT. Chris Lehman, 23, shot Roderick Pierson, 44, 
with a BB gun. Mr. Lehman later admitted to shooting Pierson because he 
was black. Mr. Pierson was shot while walking with his 6 year-old 
daughter.
  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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