Gordon Smith

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 28, 1998 in Webster, MA. A gay man was allegedly attacked by two men, one of whom he met through a gay chat room on the Internet. The men also used anti-gay epithets. William ``Billy'' Peters was arrested in the incident. 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, earlier this month I went to the Santiam Canyon community of Detroit. Along with my visit to Klamath Falls in May, it was probably one of the most emotional days I have had as a Senator. This beautiful community, located on one of Oregon's most popular recreational lakes, has been devastated by a combination of natural and man-made disasters. I stood next to one of the Detroit Lake marinas, which in past years had been the busiest spot on the lake, provided services to hundreds of boaters. I was amazed to see this marina was high and dry. Now there are only tree stumps and mud flats in the reservoir. Again, a result of both natural and man-made disasters. I hosted a town hall where 350 community residents, nearly the entire population of the City of Detroit, came to share their desperate concerns. I need to tell you what brought the community of Detroit, OR, to this point. Over 50 years ago, the town was forced by the Federal Government to move from its original location so that Detroit Dam & Reservoir could be built. The original city site was buried under several feet of water. Detroit was a hearty community of strong-willed men and women. Instead of giving up, they moved their community to higher ground, and they survived. Years later, the Federal Government again came to Detroit. Like a number of other timber dependent communities in Santiam Canyon, the timber supply from the surrounding Federal land was cut off and the mills were forced to close. Again, the residents of Detroit refused to be broken, and instead retooled their economy from timber to tourism. Now, the Federal Government is visiting Detroit, Oregon again. This time, as a result of drought and the government's decision to drain Detroit Reservoir, upon which that new economy was based, the community is once again facing extinction. Even with economic losses estimated at $1.75 million, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency tell me that according to their regulations, there is no disaster in Detroit, OR, today. I am here to tell you that there is a disaster in Detroit, it was caused by the Federal Government, and it should be made right by the Federal Government. The Corps of Engineers drained Detroit Lake this summer before it ever had a chance to fill. The Corps tells me that under a negotiated agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, NMFS and other State and Federal agencies, it devised an operating plan to drain the reservoir in order to meet far downstream needs for water quality under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, and even to meet the power needs of California. Once again, the needs of rural communities were left out of the equation. I hope that the Senate will work with me to find more effective ways of addressing drought. Detroit Lake is the prime example of how Federal programs fail to prepare and assist non-agricultural communities through drought disasters. This must change. The Federal Government must engage the States in preparing comprehensive drought contingency plans that address all those who are affected, agricultural and non- agricultural communities alike. Areas like Detroit Lake and the Klamath Basin also portray in bold proportion the Federal Government's failure to take responsibility for its own actions, actions it deems necessary to meet environmental goals. I do not believe, however, that commitment to shared environmental values means leaving dustbowls, wastelands, and paralyzed communities in the wake of Federal actions. There must be a better way. Therefore, I am introducing legislation today that would qualify government-induced disasters for Disaster relief under the same guidelines as natural disasters. It seems only fitting that if the Government causes the disaster, it should provide the same relief as when nature causes the problem. I understand our environmental ethic, and I believe in our environmental stewardship obligations. But I know that I am not alone when I say this Government of the people and by the people, must also be for the people. Including those people hurting in Detroit, OR, today.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, almost everyday we hear about new Palestinian violence in Israel and all too often, American citizens are among the victims. Earlier this year, Mrs. Sarah Blaustein, of Long Island, New York, was murdered in a drive-by shooting by Palestinian terrorists south of Jerusalem. A few weeks before that, a 13-year old boy from Maryland, Jacob ``Koby'' Mandell, was savagely beaten and tortured to death by Palestinian terrorists. Eighteen American citizens have been killed by Palestinian terrorists since the signing of the Oslo accords in September 1993, and six of them were killed during the current wave of violence that began last autumn. Of course, Americans are occasionally the victims of terrorism all over the world, not just in Israel. But what makes the American victims in Israel unique is that while our government does everything it can to capture the terrorists who harm Americans elsewhere around the world, it takes a completely different approach when it comes to Palestinian terrorists. Our State Department offers multi-million dollar rewards for information leading to the capture of terrorists who have killed Americans around the world--but it has never offered such a reward to help catch terrorists who are being sheltered by Arafat. The State Department maintains a web site www.dssrewards.net for its ``Heroes'' program, where it posts the rewards to help capture terrorists. The time has come to take this vital issue out of the State Department's hands and put it back where it belongs, in the Department of Justice. This should not be a political issue. When a matter of justice is at stake, the decision should be made by the legal authorities whose responsibility it is to pursue justice, not politics. This is why today I rise to introduce the Koby Mandell Justice for American Victims of Terrorism Act of 2000.'' This bill will establish a special office, within the Department of Justice, the sole purpose of which will be to facilitate the capture of Palestinian terrorists involved in attacks in which American Citizens were harmed. The bill will: Collect evidence against suspected terrorists; offer rewards for information leading to the capture of these terrorists and maintain contact with families of victims to update them on the progress of efforts to capture the terrorists. In short, this legislation will help ensure that the killers of Americans will have a sanctuary in the Palestinian Authority territories. This legislation will advance the cause of justice and it will put terrorists and their supporters on notice that the United States government will not stand idly by when our citizens are harmed. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to reflect on a tragedy that weighs very heavy upon my heart. Last month four firefighters were killed in a conflagration in Washington State's Okanogan National Forest. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of Tom Craven, Devin Weaver, Jessica Johnson, and Karen FitzPatrick. Their service and bravery will not be forgotten. This tragedy, like those at Mann Gulch and Storm King Mountain, reminds us of the very real, imminent and often hidden specter of wildfire. While Congress and the Administration have made a commendable commitment to fighting and preventing wildfire, this most recent tragedy raises valid concerns about potential administrative and regulatory barriers to responsible fire management. There are reports that conflicting authorities, involving the requirements to protect bull trout under the Endangered Species Act, delayed a water drop on the fire for nearly 12 hours, during which time the fire grew from 25 to 2,500 acres. I am aware that the Forest Service is investigating this matter, and in no way want to comment on the verity of this report. The fact that such an occurrence is possible, however, is cause enough for great alarm, and a call for immediate attention by this body and the administration. I would pose two questions to my colleagues: What obstacles are preventing the protection of human life during emergency situations? If there is indecision in the face of danger, is there also inconsistency in our laws, and our priorities as a government? There is a clause in the Endangered Species Act, ESA, that provides for threats to human life. It says that ``No civil penalty shall be imposed if it can be shown . . . that the defendant committed an act based on a good faith belief that he was acting to protect himself . . . or any other individual from bodily harm, from any endangered species.'' This is the ``charging bear'' scenario, which I believe in spirit, should apply to any conflict between human and animal life. As the Forest Service investigates this tragedy, I believe that clarity should be given to all Federal land management agencies, as well as the National Marine Fisheries Service, NMFS, giving explicit authority, in emergency situations, to take without reservation necessary actions to prevent the loss of human life. While this authority is consistent with the Endangered Species Act, it seems to be constrained by a bureaucracy that has repeatedly turned a blind eye to the human side of natural disasters. I also want to express my disappointment in one of the government's missed opportunities to prevent wildfire threats in the first place. The National Fire Plan provided a landmark level of funding to reduce hazardous fuel loads on 3.2 million acres of public lands. In addition, the Forest Service and NMFS entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to streamline the ESA consultation process for fuels reduction projects while protecting salmon habitat. NMFS was consequently given $4 million to accomplish this. Over a month ago, thirty NMFS biologists were sent to the Pacific Northwest to expedite these consultations. It appears that, to date, they have not been assigned a single project. In addition, testimony from the General Accounting Office this week reported that there are serious flaws in the implementation of the National Fire Plan, including interagency cooperation. When I go home to Oregon tomorrow I want to tell my constituents, including my friends and neighbors, that ``help is on the way.'' In order to do that, I must be confident that this body will exert every power at its disposal to protect our citizens, and our forests, from Nature's disasters, and our own.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, almost everyday we hear about new Palestinian violence in Israel and all too often, American citizens are among the victims. Earlier this year, Mrs. Sarah Blaustein, of Long Island, New York, was murdered in a drive-by shooting by Palestinian terrorists south of Jerusalem. A few weeks before that, a 13-year old boy from Maryland, Jacob ``Koby'' Mandell, was savagely beaten and tortured to death by Palestinian terrorists. Eighteen American citizens have been killed by Palestinian terrorists since the signing of the Oslo accords in September 1993, and six of them were killed during the current wave of violence that began last autumn. Of course, Americans are occasionally the victims of terrorism all over the world, not just in Israel. But what makes the American victims in Israel unique is that while our government does everything it can to capture the terrorists who harm Americans elsewhere around the world, it takes a completely different approach when it comes to Palestinian terrorists. Our State Department offers multi-million dollar rewards for information leading to the capture of terrorists who have killed Americans around the world--but it has never offered such a reward to help catch terrorists who are being sheltered by Arafat. The State Department maintains a web site www.dssrewards.net for its ``Heroes'' program, where it posts the rewards to help capture terrorists. The time has come to take this vital issue out of the State Department's hands and put it back where it belongs, in the Department of Justice. This should not be a political issue. When a matter of justice is at stake, the decision should be made by the legal authorities whose responsibility it is to pursue justice, not politics. This is why today I rise to introduce the Koby Mandell Justice for American Victims of Terrorism Act of 2000.'' This bill will establish a special office, within the Department of Justice, the sole purpose of which will be to facilitate the capture of Palestinian terrorists involved in attacks in which American Citizens were harmed. The bill will: Collect evidence against suspected terrorists; offer rewards for information leading to the capture of these terrorists and maintain contact with families of victims to update them on the progress of efforts to capture the terrorists. In short, this legislation will help ensure that the killers of Americans will have a sanctuary in the Palestinian Authority territories. This legislation will advance the cause of justice and it will put terrorists and their supporters on notice that the United States government will not stand idly by when our citizens are harmed. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, earlier this month I went to the Santiam Canyon community of Detroit. Along with my visit to Klamath Falls in May, it was probably one of the most emotional days I have had as a Senator. This beautiful community, located on one of Oregon's most popular recreational lakes, has been devastated by a combination of natural and man-made disasters. I stood next to one of the Detroit Lake marinas, which in past years had been the busiest spot on the lake, provided services to hundreds of boaters. I was amazed to see this marina was high and dry. Now there are only tree stumps and mud flats in the reservoir. Again, a result of both natural and man-made disasters. I hosted a town hall where 350 community residents, nearly the entire population of the City of Detroit, came to share their desperate concerns. I need to tell you what brought the community of Detroit, OR, to this point. Over 50 years ago, the town was forced by the Federal Government to move from its original location so that Detroit Dam & Reservoir could be built. The original city site was buried under several feet of water. Detroit was a hearty community of strong-willed men and women. Instead of giving up, they moved their community to higher ground, and they survived. Years later, the Federal Government again came to Detroit. Like a number of other timber dependent communities in Santiam Canyon, the timber supply from the surrounding Federal land was cut off and the mills were forced to close. Again, the residents of Detroit refused to be broken, and instead retooled their economy from timber to tourism. Now, the Federal Government is visiting Detroit, Oregon again. This time, as a result of drought and the government's decision to drain Detroit Reservoir, upon which that new economy was based, the community is once again facing extinction. Even with economic losses estimated at $1.75 million, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency tell me that according to their regulations, there is no disaster in Detroit, OR, today. I am here to tell you that there is a disaster in Detroit, it was caused by the Federal Government, and it should be made right by the Federal Government. The Corps of Engineers drained Detroit Lake this summer before it ever had a chance to fill. The Corps tells me that under a negotiated agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, NMFS and other State and Federal agencies, it devised an operating plan to drain the reservoir in order to meet far downstream needs for water quality under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, and even to meet the power needs of California. Once again, the needs of rural communities were left out of the equation. I hope that the Senate will work with me to find more effective ways of addressing drought. Detroit Lake is the prime example of how Federal programs fail to prepare and assist non-agricultural communities through drought disasters. This must change. The Federal Government must engage the States in preparing comprehensive drought contingency plans that address all those who are affected, agricultural and non- agricultural communities alike. Areas like Detroit Lake and the Klamath Basin also portray in bold proportion the Federal Government's failure to take responsibility for its own actions, actions it deems necessary to meet environmental goals. I do not believe, however, that commitment to shared environmental values means leaving dustbowls, wastelands, and paralyzed communities in the wake of Federal actions. There must be a better way. Therefore, I am introducing legislation today that would qualify government-induced disasters for Disaster relief under the same guidelines as natural disasters. It seems only fitting that if the Government causes the disaster, it should provide the same relief as when nature causes the problem. I understand our environmental ethic, and I believe in our environmental stewardship obligations. But I know that I am not alone when I say this Government of the people and by the people, must also be for the people. Including those people hurting in Detroit, OR, today.

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 June 4, 1996 in Santa Monica, CA. Lawrence Ford, 61, a retired stockbroker, was found beaten to death in his apartment, allegedly killed by a man who believed Ford was gay. Michael Robert Schafer, 28, was arrested and faced first-degree murder and hate crime charges. 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 July 4, 1991 in Houston, TX. Eight to 10 high school and college-aged males beat Paul Broussard, 27, and two of his companions with two-by-fours, some with nails in them. Broussard died seven hours later. Police labeled the homicide a ``gay bashing.'' 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 April 19, 1992 in Methuen, Massachusetts. Two men who had been harassing a group of women as they left a gay bar allegedly beat two women. The men were charged with assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous 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 give my support for the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2001 or ENDA. I believe that every American should have the opportunity to work and should not be denied that opportunity for jobs they are qualified to fill. In both my private and public life I have hired without regard to sexual orientation and have found both areas to be enriched by this decision. ENDA would provide basic protection against job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Civil Rights progress over the years has slowly extended protection against discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, national origin, age, religion and disability. It is time now to extend these protections to cover sexual orientation, the next logical step to achieve equality of opportunity in the workplace. As a Republican, I do not believe that this discrimination in the workplace can be categorized as a conservative/liberal issue. Barry Goldwater once wrote: I am proud that the Republican Party has always stood for individual rights and liberties. The positive role of limited government has always been the defense of these fundamental principles. Our Party has led the way in the fight for freedom and a free market economy, a society where competition and the Constitution matter, and sexual orientation should not . . . Indeed my Republican predecessor in this seat, Mark Hatfield was also a strong supporter of ENDA and viewed discrimination as a serious societal injustice, in both human and economic terms: As this Nation turns the corner toward the 21st century, the global nature of our economy is becoming more and more apparent. If we are to compete in this marketplace, we must break down the barriers to hiring the most qualified and talented person for the job. Prejudice is such a barrier. It is intolerable and irrational for it to color decisions in the workplace. I believe that ENDA is a well thought-out approach to rectifying discrimination in the workplace. ENDA contains broad exemptions for religious organizations, the military and small businesses. It specifically rules out preferential treatment or ``quotas'' and does not affect our nation's armed services. I am confident that this bill will pass this Senate by a bipartisan majority. ENDA is a simple, narrowly-crafted solution to a significant omission in our civil rights law. I strongly believe that no one should be denied employment on the basis of sexual orientation or any other factor not related to ability to do a particular job. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass ENDA and strengthen fundamental fairness in our society.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to give my support for the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2001 or ENDA. I believe that every American should have the opportunity to work and should not be denied that opportunity for jobs they are qualified to fill. In both my private and public life I have hired without regard to sexual orientation and have found both areas to be enriched by this decision. ENDA would provide basic protection against job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Civil Rights progress over the years has slowly extended protection against discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, national origin, age, religion and disability. It is time now to extend these protections to cover sexual orientation, the next logical step to achieve equality of opportunity in the workplace. As a Republican, I do not believe that this discrimination in the workplace can be categorized as a conservative/liberal issue. Barry Goldwater once wrote: I am proud that the Republican Party has always stood for individual rights and liberties. The positive role of limited government has always been the defense of these fundamental principles. Our Party has led the way in the fight for freedom and a free market economy, a society where competition and the Constitution matter, and sexual orientation should not . . . Indeed my Republican predecessor in this seat, Mark Hatfield was also a strong supporter of ENDA and viewed discrimination as a serious societal injustice, in both human and economic terms: As this Nation turns the corner toward the 21st century, the global nature of our economy is becoming more and more apparent. If we are to compete in this marketplace, we must break down the barriers to hiring the most qualified and talented person for the job. Prejudice is such a barrier. It is intolerable and irrational for it to color decisions in the workplace. I believe that ENDA is a well thought-out approach to rectifying discrimination in the workplace. ENDA contains broad exemptions for religious organizations, the military and small businesses. It specifically rules out preferential treatment or ``quotas'' and does not affect our nation's armed services. I am confident that this bill will pass this Senate by a bipartisan majority. ENDA is a simple, narrowly-crafted solution to a significant omission in our civil rights law. I strongly believe that no one should be denied employment on the basis of sexual orientation or any other factor not related to ability to do a particular job. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass ENDA and strengthen fundamental fairness in our society.

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 8, 1994 in Reno, NV. A gay man, William Douglas Metz, 36, was stabbed to death. A self-proclaimed skinhead, Justin Suade Slotto, 21, was charged with murder. Slotto allegedly went to a park with the intent of assaulting gays. 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 11, 1990 in Seattle, WA. A 23-year-old man was near death from head injuries suffered in an attack by members of a Seattle gang known as the United Blood Nation. The attackers had been targeting gay couples during the night. 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 in April of 1996 in Myrtle Beach, SC. A man was beaten by a group of men yelling ``we're going to get you, faggot'' and left for dead in a trash bin under the body of his friend who had his throat slashed by the men. The attack occurred outside a primarily heterosexual bar. As a result of the attack, the man lost his hearing in one ear, suffered broken ribs and required 47 stitches in his face. 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 August 28, 1993 in New York City. Two gay men were beaten with a golf club by three men outside a Greenwich Village gay bar. Noel Torres, Joseph Vasquez, and David Santiago were charged in connection with the 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. 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 8, 1994 in Medford, OR. A man who said he thought their lifestyle was ``sick'' killed two prominent lesbian activists, who had been domestic partners for many years. 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. I thank Senator Gramm. I will be brief. Mr. President, I compliment the ranking member and the chairman of the Banking Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor. It has been my privilege to introduce it to their committee with Senator Schumer, the Senator from New York--a Republican and a Democrat. Senator Schumer and I came together on this bill in the belief that, as America pursues its national interests abroad, we should not forget our national values at home. One of the national values that I believe we have is our commitment to the State of Israel to defend it in its existence. This is a commitment that continues today in some very troubled waters. But the truth is, if you examine the globe and try to evaluate where America could be drawn into a conflict, surely the Middle East is one of those. Some of the actors in the Middle East, it seems to me, have made it clear in recent days that their intention is not to make peace with Israel but to eliminate Israel from the map. To that end, we see in Iran a nation that is pursuing its petroleum business in order to buy its munitions, its weapons business, to build weapons of mass destruction and the rocketry to deliver them, to engage in this deadly trade--all aimed at the State of Israel. What can we do about that? Well, one of the things this Congress and the American people have done as an expression of our commitment is to establish the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act. We need to renew that before August 5 or it will lapse. It will now be renewed, I believe, for an additional 5 years. It is very important that we do this because, currently, Iran is giving $100 million a year to finance the activities of Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas. They are supplying them with the deadliest of munitions, and we are seeing their work played out on the streets of Jerusalem. Further, now we know that Iran is proliferating all kinds of weapons of the deadliest kind. So the only peaceful means we have to respond is with our dollars and with these sanctions, which try to thwart the development of petroleum projects in Iran--by the way, they have been very effective in that interruption--the profits from which can be spent on weapons of mass destruction. Where does Libya come in? Libya still refuses to abide by U.N. Security Council resolutions regarding Pan Am flight 103, which require that Tripoli formally renounce terrorism, accept responsibility for the actions of its Government officials convicted of masterminding the bombing, provide information about the bombing, and pay appropriate compensation to the families of the victims. Further, Libya is a prime suspect of many of the past terrorist actions that have rocked the Middle East. ILSA threatens the imposition of economic sanctions against foreign entities investing in Iran and Libya. Again, as we look at how effective it has been, of the 55 major petroleum projects in Iran that have sought foreign investment, I am only aware of a half dozen or so that have received foreign investment. This is the best and most peaceful way we have to respond to a buildup of weaponry that could threaten Israel's existence and draw the United States into conflict as well. I believe ILSA has proven it works. I believe it reflects our national values, and I believe it restates in the clearest of terms our commitment to the security of Israel and its place in the world. I am pleased over 78 of our colleagues have signed on as original cosponsors of this bill. I thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for bringing it to the floor today and to a vote, I assume, very soon. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that Scott Holmer of my office be granted floor privileges.

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 17, 1990 in Salt Lake City, UT. Three men were charged with aggravated assault in the July 17 attack of a 17-year-old gay male. The three suspects, Roy Larsen, 20, Glen Chad Hosey, 20, and Brian Snow, 18, allegedly beat the victim with nunchaku in a city park. 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 October 23, 1994 in Buena Park, California. Two men parked near a gay bar were slashed with broken bottles and beaten by a group of men who shouted anti-gay epithets and stole the victims' car. 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 July 27, 1990 in Grand Chute, WI. Two policemen, from Marathon County and Blanchardville, were accused of disorderly conduct in the beating of a gay man. Witnesses said the officers, who were in a local nightclub, began taunting the victim on the dance floor with anti-gay slurs. Witnesses said they later saw the officers beat and kick the man in the parking lot. The victim was treated for bruised ribs and internal injuries. 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 February 21, 1997 in Atlanta, GA. A bomb exploded at a gay nightclub and another bomb was found outside the club during the investigation. Packed with nails, the bomb exploded in the rear patio section of the lounge shortly before 10 p.m. Two people were treated for injuries resulting from the flying shrapnel. An extremist group called ``Army of God'' claimed responsibility for the bomb. 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 in 1998 in Boston, MA. A 27-year old gay man was allegedly attacked and beaten when he was walking home from work by assailants who shouted anti-gay epithets. One of the attackers carved the letter ``F,'' presumably for ``faggot,'' on the victim's shoulder. 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 October 25, 1996 in Trevose, PA. A gay man, James Rebuck, 55, was stabbed to death at his residence after he allegedly made a pass at a man at a bar. David Alan Elliott, 23, and Scott Stocklin were charged with first- degree murder, burglary, criminal conspiracy and possession of deadly instruments. 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 3, 1991 in Houston, TX. Phillip W. Smith was shot to death outside a gay bar in Montrose. Johnny Bryant Darrington III, 20, was charged with murder and aggravated robbery. He told police he hated homosexuals. 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.