[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7875]
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 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 Palos 
Heights, IL. On September 11, 2001, a man attacked a Moroccan-American 
gas station attendant with the blunt end of a 2-foot machete. The 
attacker was arrested and charged with 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.
  (At the request of Mr. DASCHLE, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

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