[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 65 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S5721]]
                   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 September 19, 
2001 in Teaneck, NJ. An Arab-American was hanging an American flag on 
his car when a woman approached him and asked if he was an ``Arab.'' He 
answered, ``Yes, why?'' to which she responded, ``Because I was in the 
department store buying a rope to hang myself before you kill me.'' The 
man ignored her and returned to his task. When he turned his back, the 
woman assaulted him with her fists and her keys.
  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.

                          ____________________