Washington D.C. ---- 

Madame Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1592, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This bill lends a voice to those who have no voice.

As a nation, we have been endowed to preserve the truth that all men and women are created equal under God and as  Members of Congress, we must fight to preserve this truth as long as we continue to live in a democracy.

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act does not in any way infringe on the First Amendments Rights of Americans. On the contrary, the bill only covers violent criminal actions. Nothing in this legislation would prohibit any form of lawful expression of ones religious beliefs.

This legislation brings our current hate crimes laws into the 21^st century by expanding the current provision to cover all violent crimes ­motivated by race, color, religion or national origin when the defendant causes bodily injury, or attempts to cause bodily injury through use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device.

Additionally, the bill will also allow the Federal government to provide crucial federal resources to state and local agencies to equip local officers with the tools they need to prosecute hate crimes. This resolution ensures that the Federal prosecution of hate crimes is limited to cases that implicate the greatest Federal interest and present the greatest need for Federal intervention.

This bill will protect people like Billy Ray Johnson of Linden, Texas, a mentally-challenged African-American man who suffered severe brain damage after being maliciously attacked by four white men whom hurled racial expletives at him. This law would properly prosecute the individuals, ensure that justice is allowed to run its course, and is seen by Mr. Johnson’s family.

In conclusion Madame Speaker, hate in any form is neither a Democratic nor an American value and I do not subscribe to it.

We must love our neighbors and moreover we must protect them from crimes committed against them due to their self-expression.

We must be vehemently opposed to prejudice in all forms.  I strongly support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this important bill.