The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S7603 on June 10, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, 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 in Lincoln Park, MI, on September 19, 2001. Mr. Ali Almansoop, a 45-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Yemen, was shot to death by a man who confessed the attack was in retaliation for the September 11 tragedy. The attacker broke into the apartment where Mr. Almansoop was asleep, dragged him out of bed, and shot him in the back as he attempted to flee. The Department of Justice investigated the slaying as a hate crime murder.
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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