    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 22, 1999]
    [Page 1304]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Proposed Hate Crimes Legislation
    July 22, 1999

        I am gratified that the Senate has unanimously passed the strong
    legislation I proposed to combat hate crimes.
        All Americans deserve protection from hate crimes, and that requires
    us to stand together against intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry. The
    hate crimes prevention act gives power to those values and will help
    make our country more safe and secure.
        Senate approval of this legislation gives it real momentum, and I
    call on the House of Representatives to meet its responsibility in
    combating violence that is fueled by hate. We have some distance to go
    before the hate crimes prevention act is the law of the land, but
    tonight's action by the Senate is a big step forward in the journey
    toward greater protection for all Americans.