[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 111 (Thursday, July 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9899-S9900]
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

[[Page S9900]]

crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I introduced 
the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement 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 Omaha, NE. 
On September 12, 2001, two Muslim women were physically assaulted with 
a soda can as they walked through a parking lot of a Methodist 
hospital. The women were both wearing traditional hijab.
  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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