[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 130 (Monday, September 22, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11749]
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 Redwood 
City, CA. On September 13, 2003, a Sikh cab driver, Devinder Singh, was 
shot and killed in an apparent hate crime. Two days after the 
anniversary of the September 11, 2001, bombing tragedy, Devinder Singh 
was called to pick up two passengers and drive them from Redwood City, 
CA to Menlo Park, CA. One or both of the passengers shot and killed him 
after driving less than four blocks in the cab.
  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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