[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2695]
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 July 22, 2001 
in Pleasanton, CA. Two men assaulted an Afghani cab driver in an 
incident that police labeled a hate crime. The two attackers, Kenny 
Loveless and Travis Gossage, both 21, yelled racial epithets at the cab 
driver during their ride. Upon getting out of the cab they struck the 
outside of the cab. When the driver got out to inspect the cab the two 
men attacked the driver and continued to yell racial slurs.
  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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