[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SMITH. Madam 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 the fall of 1999 in Washington County, PA, Ira Swearingen, a 49-
year-old medical consultant was abducted, beaten and murdered. After 
being abducted, Swearingen was stuffed inside the trunk of his car 
while one of the perpetrators allegedly said, ``Did ya' hear it? I 
broke his jaw.'' Another perpetrator heard gurgling of blood and heard 
the victim screaming. They yelled ``Shut up faggot!'' Later, the victim 
was driven to an isolated area, forced to strip and marched into the 
woods as he pleaded for his life at which point, one perpetrator 
testified, he shot the victim between the eyes at close range.
  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. By passing this 
legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as 
well.

                          ____________________