[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 151 (Tuesday, November 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12836]
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 January, 25, 2000 in New York City, NY, Melissa Hart had just left 
a local hotel when eight men threw her to the ground and attacked her. 
One of the assailants held Ms. Hart by her throat and beat her head 
against the sidewalk, while the other assailants beat her with their 
fists. The attackers stripped her of her coat, and stole her cell phone 
and approximately $350 from her purse. According to police, the 
motivation for the attack was that Ms. Hart was a transgender person.
  I believe that our Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, 
in all circumstances, from threats to them at home. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement Act is a major step forward in achieving that 
goal. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current 
law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

                          ____________________