[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 21, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred May 3, 2001 
in Los Angeles, CA. An African-American man was shot by an Hispanic 
man, Carlos Garcia. Garcia shot and critically wounded the victim after 
telling him that he ``did not like black men associating with Hispanic 
women,'' according to police. After the incident, the gunman hijacked a 
bus and caused a deadly crash as he was fleeing from police.
  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 is 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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