[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 11 (Thursday, February 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S506]]
             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 February 1, 2006, in New Bedford, MA, a man walked into Puzzles 
Lounge and asked someone at the bar if it was a gay bar. The man then 
opened fire with a handgun, wounding at least three people. Two of the 
victims were flown to Boston hospitals for treatment, while the third 
person was taken to St. Luke's hospital in New Bedford.
  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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