[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11155]
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 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 San Diego, 
CA. On September 24, 2002, two teenagers attacked an immigrant, Jose 
Luis Cisneros, that left him in a coma for several days and with head 
and facial injuries. The pair were charged with hate crimes. According 
to the Deputy District Attorney, they went looking for ``beaners'' to 
beat and rob and went to a spot where they knew they could find 
undocumented immigrants.
  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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