[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S10713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce 
hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate 
crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable 
in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to 
highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country.
  On October 31, 2002, Patrick Vogrich a State-funded caregiver, 
bludgeoned his disabled client Larry Rap to death with a hammer in an 
apartment outside of Chicago, IL. The apparent motivation for the 
attack began when Mr. Rap ran into Mr. Vogrich with his wheelchair. 
According to police, Mr. Vogrich was convicted of murder on November 
19, 2002.
  I believe that the 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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