[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 20 (Monday, February 28, 2005)] [Senate] [Page S1792] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. In December of 2004, a gay man was attacked outside of his Kansas City home by two unknown assailants. Floyd Elliot reported to authorities that two men held him down, cut him with a knife, and used the knife to burn letters into his skin. It looks as if the assailants were attempting to ``brand'' a homosexual slur onto the victim's chest. The attack is being investigated as a hate crime. I believe that 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 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. ____________________