[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1195]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, I 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 11, 2006 in Stuart, FL, two men allegedly beat and robbed 
John Sprunger, a mentally handicapped man for $150. Earl Shanks called 
his friend Raymond Lee Dawson to the home of the victim, after trying 
to get Sprunger to give him money. When Dawson entered the home, he 
pistol-whipped Sprunger, and, assisted by Shanks, got his wallet before 
both men left the trailer.
  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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