[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 29 (Monday, February 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S2591]]
                   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 4, 2002 
in Alexandria, VA. A man threw a brick through the window of an Afghan 
man's car. The incident began when 28 year-old Michael Woolls 
approached the victim on the street and demanded to know his national 
origin. When the man said he was from Afghanistan, Woolls hit his car 
with a stick and threw a brick through the window, striking a 
passenger.
  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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