[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING DAVID RAY RITCHESON AND RECOGNIZING HIS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING 
               FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO COMBAT HATE CRIMES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 535, Commending David Ray Ritcheson and his efforts in promoting 
legislation to combat hate crime.
  David Ray Ritcheson was the victim of a horrific hate crime in 
Houston by white supremacists in April of 2006 because of his Mexican 
heritage.
  He was brutally attacked with a metal pipe, burnt with cigarettes, 
had bleach poured on him, and was kicked with steel toed boots. His 
injuries from the attack were so severe that he underwent 30 surgeries 
and was scheduled for even more surgeries.
  Miraculously, David was recovering from his injuries and eventually 
returned to school.
  David wanted to move past his horrific experience, but he bravely 
came to Washington in April to testify before the House Judiciary 
Committee in support of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate 
Crimes Prevention Act of 2007.
  David's case was never tried as a hate crime. Due to Federal statutes 
and under Texas criminal law, first-degree felonies are exempt from 
hate crimes provisions.
  In his testimony, David called upon the Congress to give local 
authorities the ability to federally prosecute hate crimes. He said 
``if these crimes cannot be prevented, the federal government must have 
the authority to support state and local bias crime prosecutions.''
  I strongly agree with David and his testimony helped the House pass 
H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 
2007.
  Unfortunately, earlier this month, David took his own life.
  David deserves to be remembered for the hero that he was and honored 
for his hard work to combat hate crimes.
  I support this bill which will honor David Ray Ritcheson and urge my 
colleagues to do the same.

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