Correspondence From Senator Tom Harkin: Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of

May 22, 2007

Dear Michael:

    Thank you for contacting me.  I am always glad to hear from you.

    I appreciate hearing your views on proposed legislation intended to combat hate crimes.

    I am a cosponsor of S.1105, the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2007.  This legislation, which has bipartisan support, would provide broader federal jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes, including crimes motivated by race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.  It would also allow effective prosecution even when hate crimes are committed in states that lack hate crime statutes, or where local law enforcement lacks the resources for this type of prosecution. Additionally, the bill would provide federal grant money to states to enable these jurisdictions to successfully prosecute hate crime offenders. Similar legislation passed the Senate in the 109th Congress by a vote of 65-33, but unfortunately was not enacted into law.

    Hate crimes strike at a fundamental principle - that a person should be able to live in relative peace without being a victim of violence because of who they are.  Each year, over 9,000 hate crime incidents are reported in the United States.  The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act sends a clear message that violence against a person based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability will not be tolerated anywhere in this country. I assure you that I will continue to fight for the protection of all citizens' constitutional rights.

    Again, thanks for sharing your views with me.  Please don't hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.

                    Sincerely,



                    Tom Harkin
                    United States Senator

TH/

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