[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 70 (Monday, May 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need 
for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, 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 12, 
2001, in Bridgeport, CT. A Brazilian waiter was attacked on the street 
by eight men who verbally accosted him because they believed him to be 
of Arab descent. The man was also physically attacked by the group and 
suffered a broken arm and several facial bruises.
  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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