[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6227]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need 
for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement 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.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred October 20, 
2001 in San Diego, CA. An Afghani taxicab driver was attacked by one of 
his passengers. According to police, after getting in the cab, the 
passenger asked the cab driver for his nationality. After the driver 
answered, a heated argument ensued. When the cab stopped, the passenger 
got out and put his hands around the driver's throat and struck him 
with his fist.
  I believe that 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.

                          ____________________