Gordon Smith

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, ever since the days of the pioneers, when folks would gather from miles around to participate in community barn raisings, the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor has been an Oregon tradition. I rise today with great pride in my State to tell you that the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor reached new heights these past few days in a remarkable project entitled ``Flight for Freedom''. Spurred by New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's call that New York City was open for business, Portland Mayor Vera Katz and Portland businessman Sho Dozono came up with the idea of sending a delegation of Oregonians to New York City to lend whatever support they could to the residents of the Big Apple. It wasn't too long before 100 Oregonians signed up, and then 200, and then 500, and then 750, and when all was said and done, over 1,000 Oregonians from every corner of my state boarded planes and traveled to New York City last weekend. This delegation brought a great deal of business to New York hotels, restaurants and stores. But more important than that, they brought a great message. A message that we are one Nation. A message that the 3,000 miles between New York City and Oregon was made non-existent on September 11. A message that as New Yorkers move forward in the days and weeks ahead, Oregonians and Americans will stand with them. It was a message expressed in the tee-shirts that members of the Flight to Freedom wore and distributed as they marched in the Columbus Day Parade. The shirt said simply ``Oregon loves New York.'' Many participants in the Flight for Freedom have described the trip as the most moving and most memorable of their life. They will always remember the gratitude New Yorkers extended to them. They will always remember the words of a New York policeman who said, ``The gap in the New York skyline is incredible. It can't ever be replaced. But we'll bounce back with the help of people like you in Oregon.'' I know my colleague Senator Wyden joins with me in saying to Senator Schumer and Senator Clinton that we share the sentiments expressed by our fellow Oregonians last weekend. We, too, love New York, and we, too, will stand with you every step of the way. The State motto of Oregon is ``She flies with her own wings.'' And it seems to me that Oregon, New York City, and all of America are flying just a little bit higher today because of the spirit and leadership of Mayor Vera Katz, Sho Dozono, and all those who made the Flight to Freedom such a remarkable success.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Last Friday marked the three-year anniversary of a heinous crime that occurred in Laramie, WY. On October 12, 1998, Matthew Shepard, 21, an openly gay student at the University of Wyoming, was savagely beaten to death, burned, and tied to a wooden fence. Russell A. Henderson, 21, and Aaron McKinney were convicted of first-degree felony murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery. The duo had met Shepard at a bar, pretended to be gay, and lured him to their truck where they intended to rob him. After being pistol whipped and burned, Shepard was found 18 hours later tied to a fence and in a coma. He died later that night in Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. The pair's girlfriends, Chasity V. Pasley, 20, and Kristen L. Price, 18, were convicted for being accessories after the fact. On a personal note, I want to state that my involvement with hate crimes legislation stems from this murder. I was in Portland, OR watching the televised vigil on the steps of the Capitol following Matt's death. It caused me great sorrow to note that no sitting Republican Senator was involved in this vigil. I resolved then to help change our current hate crimes law in part so that what happened to Matt, would never happen again. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 6, 2001 in Monmouth County, NJ. Seven people were sentenced on multiple counts, including aggravated assault and harassment by bias intimidation under the state law, for assaulting a 23-year-old learning disabled man with hearing and speech impediments. The victim was lured to a party, bound, and physically and verbally assaulted for three hours. Later, he was taken to a wooded area where the torture continued until he was able to escape. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred April 27, 2001 at Kent State University, OH. Mikell Nagy, an openly gay university student, was eating breakfast with friends when he heard someone make an anti-gay comment toward another friend across the room. He went over to see if the friend was okay. The next thing he knew, a man walked up behind him, called him a ``faggot'' and punched him in the face. According to witnesses, blood was pouring from cuts above his left eye. His two front teeth were chipped in the incident and his right cheek stayed swollen for over a week. The incident resulted in an on-campus rally against hate crimes. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, on behalf of countless thousands who have better lives because of her, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding Oregonian: Margaret Godfrey. On November 2, 2001, Margaret Godfrey will be formally recognized for her life's work in the field of immigration. Margaret Pellischek was born in Austria in 1928 and soon exhibited a talent for art and learning the English language. Margaret was 17 when World War II ended and was hired by the British to act as a liaison between the community and the British zone of occupied Austria. Given her excellent command of English, Margaret also worked with refugees to obtain military intelligence information. Margaret continued her work with refugees and began assisting the United Nations and International Refugee Organization with the resettlement of almost 22 million ``displaced persons.'' This event began a five decade career in helping the world's refugees. Margaret Pellischek met John Godfrey in 1952 and they were married on July 18, 1953. She arrived in the United States on November 1, 1953 and immediately continued her refugee work. Mrs. Godfrey, as she became known in Oregon, worked with Catholic Charities to resettle refugees from Indonesia, Uganda, Czechoslovakia, and Southeast Asia. In 1978, she left Catholic Charities and joined Reverend Father Francis Kennard in founding the Immigration Counseling Service. Since 1953, Margaret Godfrey has devoted her life to helping those who have fled poverty, persecution, war, and political unrest. She has affected countless thousands of lives and I am humbled by her dedication to public service. Margaret Godfrey cannot sit in a restaurant, walk into a hotel, or ride a bus without someone pausing to thank her. Oregon is truly grateful for her work and her contribution to our community. The author Alice Tyler once wrote, ``Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our heart.'' Margaret Godfrey has left her footprints on all our hearts, and we are deeply indebted.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred May 25, 2001 in Honolulu, HI. Two teens were charged with attempted murder after allegedly dousing the tents of gay campers, while people were inside, with flammable liquid and setting one on fire in Polihale State Park. Police believe the crime is a hate crime based on ``insinuations and remarks'' made by the suspects at the time. Victims in the attack said the perpetrators threw rocks and shouted homosexual slurs at about 20 men prior to setting the tent on fire. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred April 13, 2001 in San Antonio, TX. According to police, a 39-year-old man was attacked because the suspect thought he was a homosexual. The victim had stopped in a park to look at some rocks when a man with a knife came up behind him. The man held the victim in a bear hug before stabbing him in the chest with a knife that he described as a three- inch Buck knife. The suspect allegedly called him anti-gay names as he stabbed him. I believe 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam, this trade agreement will extend normal trade relations status to Vietnam. This important legislation enjoys strong bipartisan support, it passed the House of Representatives by voice vote and implements the comprehensive trade agreement signed last year. The United States has extended the Jackson-Vanik waiver to Vietnam for the past 3 years. This waiver is a prerequisite for Normal Trade Relations trade status and has allowed American businesses operating in Vietnam to make use of programs supporting exports and investments to Vietnam. The passage of this trade agreement completes the normalization process with Vietnam that has spanned four Presidential Administrations, and I believe it is a milestone in the strengthening of our bilateral relations. I would like to commend our former Ambassador to Vietnam, Pete Peterson. Ambassador Peterson's tenure as Ambassador was a seminal period in United States-Vietnamese relations, and he did, by any standard, an outstanding job in representing the United States. I believe that this trade agreement will result in significant market openings for America's companies. In particular, Oregon companies will benefit from this expansion of trade with Vietnam by having greater access to Vietnam's market of almost 80 million people, as well as lower tariffs on Oregon goods. This agreement also gives the United States greater influence over the pace of economic, political and social reforms by opening Vietnam to the West. Our goods and our democratic values will have a strong and lasting impression in that country. I believe that this agreement will help transform Vietnam into a more open and transparent society, expanding economic freedom and opportunities for the Vietnamese people. Portland, OR is home to a strong Vietnamese-American community, most of whom left their homeland as refugees decades ago. Oregon welcomed these people with open arms and their tight-knit community have become highly sought after workers and valued American citizens. I hope that this step towards better relations will bring about true economic and social reforms to their homeland, as well as faith in their new country's ability to share western values abroad. I applaud the Administration for its work on this trade effort and for its work in rebuilding relations between the United States and Vietnam. In particular, the work of the Department of Defense in solving unresolved MIA cases in Vietnam has been outstanding. The devotion to the goal of repatriating MIAs to the United States has provided a sense of closure to many American families who experienced a loss decades ago. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee for the timely disposition of this trade agreement, and I look forward to working with the Vietnamese people to bring further economic and political reforms to their country.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred March 6, 2001 in Middleburg, PA. Two brothers, Todd Justin Clinger, 20, and Troy Lee Clinger, 18, were charged with attempted homicide after severely beating a neighbor, Michael Aucker, 41. Police allege that one of the brothers, Troy, said that Aucker tried to make a pass at them while the trio drank beer in their trailer. Police said the three men walked out on the deck, where the brothers allegedly punched and stomped on Aucker with heavy work boots several times before taking the bleeding Aucker to his nearby trailer. Aucker was discovered a day and a half later by a neighbor and co-worker. When they found him, he was in a coma and every bone in his face and nose were broken. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred January 17, 2001 in Helena, MT. An openly gay student at Carroll College withdrew from school 14 days after being knocked unconscious and beaten in his dorm room. The victim did not initially report the incident due to fear of further retribution. Someone struck the student in the head with a bottle as he returned to his room from the dorm showers early in the morning and then beat him while he was unconscious. The attacker also wrote ``Die Fag'' on his body with an ink marker. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred January 7, 2001 in Ashburn, GA. Robert Martin, 32, was hospitalized in critical condition after being found lying outside an abandoned school with head injuries from a blunt object. In early April, Martin died as a result of the injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating but has no suspects. Press reports indicate that Martin had been beaten and harassed before because of his perceived homosexuality. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Dropout Reduction Outreach Program Act of 2001 known as DROP. I have been deeply concerned about the high number of students dropping out of school in Oregon and around the country. We all know that for children at risk, having a relationship with a caring adult in school is often the only reason students choose to stay in school. But many of our schools, facing tight budgets, have had to cut guidance counselors, the very people whose top priority is helping our kids manage the difficult terrain of middle and high school academies and social life. This bill will provide funds to demonstrate what we know by instinct: that these guidance counselors can make a significant difference in reducing our dropout rates. Funding will help districts with particularly high dropout rates hire more counselors, and train teachers and administrators in the most effective methods for working with at-risk students. We have spent many hours in this chamber this year debating the way ahead for education in this country. We discussed and provided funding for many programs that should allow every child in this country the opportunity to receive a high quality education. And yet, recent numbers from my State project that nearly one in five children in Oregon will drop out of school before graduation. If you think this statistic is sobering, consider that the dropout rate for minority students is higher still. Dropout rates among Hispanic, Native American, and African American children in Oregon are all in double digits for each year of high school. We know some of the warning signs for dropping out: getting behind in coursework, working more than 15 hours each week, dysfunctional home life, substance abuse, pregnancy, and lack of parental support for education, but spotting these indicators and keeping students in school are not the same. With the economy increasingly dependent on highly trained technical workers, a high school diploma is now a minimum credential for success in American society. Keeping students in school is one way we can help America's young people achieve success in their lives, while maintaining our status as a world leader. The DROP Act will establish a multi-state demonstration program that will fund school counselor positions in middle and high schools with high dropout rates. it will also offer specialized training to guidance counselors and teachers who work with ``at risk'' students. The effects of these demonstration projects will be carefully monitored, and evaluations reported back to the Secretary of Education, who will then share them with Congress, states, and educators who wish to address this problem. While the DROP Act requires only a small financial commitment, it has the potential to have far-reaching implications as our society gears up to lead the world into the 21st century. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation as a way to help all our nation's children achieve their highest potential.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Dropout Reduction Outreach Program Act of 2001 known as DROP. I have been deeply concerned about the high number of students dropping out of school in Oregon and around the country. We all know that for children at risk, having a relationship with a caring adult in school is often the only reason students choose to stay in school. But many of our schools, facing tight budgets, have had to cut guidance counselors, the very people whose top priority is helping our kids manage the difficult terrain of middle and high school academies and social life. This bill will provide funds to demonstrate what we know by instinct: that these guidance counselors can make a significant difference in reducing our dropout rates. Funding will help districts with particularly high dropout rates hire more counselors, and train teachers and administrators in the most effective methods for working with at-risk students. We have spent many hours in this chamber this year debating the way ahead for education in this country. We discussed and provided funding for many programs that should allow every child in this country the opportunity to receive a high quality education. And yet, recent numbers from my State project that nearly one in five children in Oregon will drop out of school before graduation. If you think this statistic is sobering, consider that the dropout rate for minority students is higher still. Dropout rates among Hispanic, Native American, and African American children in Oregon are all in double digits for each year of high school. We know some of the warning signs for dropping out: getting behind in coursework, working more than 15 hours each week, dysfunctional home life, substance abuse, pregnancy, and lack of parental support for education, but spotting these indicators and keeping students in school are not the same. With the economy increasingly dependent on highly trained technical workers, a high school diploma is now a minimum credential for success in American society. Keeping students in school is one way we can help America's young people achieve success in their lives, while maintaining our status as a world leader. The DROP Act will establish a multi-state demonstration program that will fund school counselor positions in middle and high schools with high dropout rates. it will also offer specialized training to guidance counselors and teachers who work with ``at risk'' students. The effects of these demonstration projects will be carefully monitored, and evaluations reported back to the Secretary of Education, who will then share them with Congress, states, and educators who wish to address this problem. While the DROP Act requires only a small financial commitment, it has the potential to have far-reaching implications as our society gears up to lead the world into the 21st century. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation as a way to help all our nation's children achieve their highest potential.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred August 1998 in Bridgeport, PA. Greg Thorpe, 30, allegedly made anti-gay threats and assaulted a lesbian outside a bar. On September 23, 1998, he was charged with aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terrorist threats, harassment, stalking, disorderly conduct, conspiracy and ethnic intimidation. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 25, 1994 in Hollywood, CA. Three men and five juveniles wielding baseball bats and a golf club allegedly assaulted two gay men. Juan Huiza, 19, and Marvin and Guillermo Hendriquez, both 20, were charged with suspicion of civil rights violations and assault with a deadly weapon. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred August 29, 1993 in Walla Walla, WA. A man believed to be gay was sexually assaulted with a stick, struck by the assailant's truck and abandoned in a remote area. Todd I. Klevgaard, 27, was charged with felony assault. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred November 30, 1993 in Tyler, TX. Nicholas West, a 23-year-old gay man, was abducted from a park known as a meeting place for gays, robbed and shot to death. Donald Aldrich, 29, David Ray McMillan, 17, and Henry Dunn Jr., 19, were charged with 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred January 4, 1996 in Houston, TX. Fred Mangione, a 46-year-old gay man, was allegedly stabbed to death outside a gay bar. Two men, Daniel Christopher Bean, 19, and his half-brother Ronald Henry Cauthier, 21, members of a new-nazi organization, were charged with a first-degree felony. Gauthier, 23, was sentenced to 10 years' probation for his part in the 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred December 19, 1997 in Stockton, CA. A high school student was allegedly beaten by a group of youths who believed he was gay. Two youths, ages 16 and 17, were charged with civil rights violations. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I would like to clarify with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee the disposition of certain funds earmarked by the Senate report language for the Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and related agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2002. This earmark, for $1 million within the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, addresses natural threats to the southern Oregon/northern California coho salmon in the Klamath River. I would like to clarify that since this earmark is out of the funds provided for the State of Oregon, these funds are to be spent within the State of Oregon. I can assure my colleagues that there are such overwhelming needs related to water quality in the Upper Klamath River Basin that these funds would be spent effectively in Oregon to improve water quality or enhance flows for the Klamath River system overall. Is that also the understanding of my colleague from Oregon?

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred August 26, 2001, in Portland, OR. Lorenzo Okaruru, according to detectives, died after being savagely beaten about the head and face with a blunt instrument, most likely by a man who picked up someone he thought was a woman and was angered to find out Okarura was a man. Law enforcement officials have said they believe Okaruru was killed based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Washington County Sheriff's Office last week classified Okaruru's August 26 beating as a hate crime, the first such killing in the county. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I think all of us who have an election certificate and who have been called upon to represent the citizens of our State feel an obligation today to come together as Americans, not as Republicans and Democrats but to come together in a way that says symbolically and in reality to our constituents that our ship of state is still on course. Yesterday, America was called to endure yet another day of infamy. And in times of infamy, in times of tragedy, I find it helpful for us to refocus on the fundamentals that make us a great nation and a great people. So I say to my friends, my constituents of the great State of Oregon, that this is a time to come together as a country the way the U.S. Senate today is showing it can. Indeed, it is time, as individuals, to reach out to our neighbors, to love them better, to hold our families closer, and to serve our country with more determination than ever in the way we live our lives. Yesterday I was, like all, shaken beyond words at this tragedy and was soon hustled into a room--a secure room--where I was in the presence of Senator Daschle, Senator Lott, Senator Nickles, Senator Reid, Tom DeLay of the House, and a number of others. It was not a large group, but it was a group that normally has daily differences. Those differences melted away, and what remained were Americans determined to seek the greatest good of our country. That is the kind of unity that has preserved America through days of infamy of the past and can sustain us yet again today and in the future. When I spoke about focusing on fundamentals, this morning I got out my little copy of the Constitution. The preamble is worth reading, as we, Members of this body, consider our responsibilities: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. That preamble, that set of values, brought people of diverse interests together to make of States united States and the United States the leader of the free world. Freedom is not free. America knows that now in a renewed fashion. Our duty in this Senate, in this Congress, and in this country is now to rescue what victims remain alive and to comfort the families of those victims who have perished. It is to restore our institutions and set aright the shaken confidence many feel. Then it is to seek retribution that is careful but certain and as swift as possible. When I say that freedom is not free, I believe the American people will expect of us a heightened sense of security, but the balance, we must remember, is that as we seek security we not trample on liberty. The great test of our time in this tragedy, as one who supports without reservation the State of Israel, is how we treat our Arab brothers and sisters who are citizens of this land. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. We must be careful. We are the leader of the free world. We must not trample on freedom, as we continue to lead. We are the leader of the civilized world. Our retribution must not target in any way innocent civilians. They are the leaders of the uncivilized world, and we saw their work yesterday. America is called to lead in a different way. We are called to lead the civilized and the free. I say, God bless our fellow citizens who perished yesterday. I say, God bless America. I take this opportunity to recognize some Oregonians who are doing their part to respond to this tragedy. The Oregon Disaster Medical Assistance Team has assembled and is prepared for immediate deployment by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Many of their colleagues have already been deployed; the Oregon team is still on the ground awaiting availability of air transport. Their courage and willingness to serve is one of many bright lights that have brightened this dark day.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 25, 1994 in Dana Point, CA. A man allegedly beat two gay men and threatened to kill them after yelling anti-gay slurs. Bradley Jason Brown, 22, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and committing a hate crime. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 31, 1991 in Coronado, CA. A gay man was choked and beaten by three men. Three Marines, David William Bell and Jeffrey Martin Davis, both 20, and Steven Louis Fair, 26, were charged with attempted murder, assault, robbery and a hate crime. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 14, 1991 in Eugene, OR. Police arrested Pamela Joanne Richardson, 28, and Michael James Hughes, 21, for allegedly attacking a gay man outside a bar while using offensive language about his sexual orientation. 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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change hearts and minds as well.