OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001

Date: Feb. 24, 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice

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 May 4, 2002 in Alexandria, VA. A man threw a brick through the window of an Afghan man's car. The incident began when 28 year-old Michael Woolls approached the victim on the street and demanded to know his national origin. When the man said he was from Afghanistan, Woolls hit his car with a stick and threw a brick through the window, striking a passenger.

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.

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