[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S30]
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.
  In early May 2003, Jessica Mercado, a Latina transgender woman was 
found dead in her apartment. According to police reports, Mercado was 
stabbed twice in the neck in her New Haven, CT apartment which was then 
set on fire in a possible attempt to cover up the 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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