[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  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 in Phoenix, 
AZ, on May 19, 2003. Avtar Chiera, a Sikh American, was seriously 
wounded after being shot twice. The 52-year-old truck driver was shot 
after he parked his 18-wheeler. The suspects, who were riding in a red 
pickup truck, yelled hateful comments. The FBI and Phoenix police 
department are investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
  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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