[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I 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 bring to my colleagues' attention a landmark report 
by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's Research 
Institute, ADCRI, entitled, ``Report on Hate Crimes and Discrimination 
Against Arab Americans: The Post-September 11 Backlash.'' This report 
catalogues the experiences of the Arab-American community for the year 
following the tragic September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. According to 
the report, over 700 violent incidents targeting Arab Americans, or 
those perceived to be Arab Americans, Arabs and Muslims occurred in the 
9 weeks following the attacks.
  The report demonstrates the profound challenges confronting the Arab-
American community, as well as other communities caught up in the post 
September 11 backlash. However, the report also emphasizes that 
Americans have consistently demonstrated their commitment to 
maintaining tolerance and respect for all Americans and that hatred is 
confined to a distinct minority. It is this minority that breeds hatred 
and violence against innocent individuals.
  I believe that government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend us 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. This is a challenge that none of 
my colleagues should shy away from.

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