[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 107 (Wednesday, July 31, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7736]
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 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 7, 
2000 in Los Angeles, CA. A woman ran over a 65-year-old Hispanic man, 
Jesus Plascensia, twice in a parking lot. Authorities say that the 
perpetrator made comments about her hatred of Hispanics after the death 
and referred to the victim as ``dead road kill.'' The assailant was 
charged with murder and hate crimes 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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