[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8557]
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 July 2000 
in San Diego, CA. Four Mexican migrants were attacked and shot with 
pellet guns. The assailants, several neo-Nazi skinheads, chased the 
victims, beat them, and shot them with high-powered pellet guns. Two of 
the victims had to have the pellets surgically removed. Police 
investigated the incident as a hate crime.
  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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