[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3987]
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 on September 
12, 2001, in New York, NY. Five teenagers attacked an Arab-American 
candy store owner. The teenagers stopped in front of the small store 
and asked the owner, who stood in the doorway, ``Do you feel sorry for 
America?'' Without waiting for a response, one teen punched the owner, 
sending him reeling backwards onto the floor, bleeding heavily. The 
assailants were able to flee from the scene before witnesses could 
catch them.
  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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