[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8747]
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 April 13, 
2002 in Temecula, CA. Two black women were assaulted in a restaurant 
parking lot. The assailants, described as a group of drunken white men, 
surrounded the victims' car, pounded dents into it, taunted the women 
with racial slurs, and attacked one of them physically, ripping her 
clothing.
  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.

                          ____________________