Janice Schakowsky: “at a time when we are waging war around the world against terrorism, oppression and hate, we must be sure that we are…”

“at a time when we are waging war around the world against terrorism, oppression and hate, we must be sure that we are sending a clear message at home to all Americans, especially our children, that hate crimes will not be tolerated, period. President Bush has repeatedly called on Americans to resist all acts of bigotry and hate; and yet since the terrorist attacks on September 11, thousands of assaults have been reported across the country against people of South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh backgrounds. Some of those occurred in my district, one of the most diverse districts in the Nation. The Conyers bill, H.R. 1343, is the right antidote. It is not just talk; it is action. We must elevate the status of hate crimes within Federal law to ensure that the punishment fits the seriousness of the crime. Congress has given law enforcement new tools to fight terrorism, and we must not delay in adding new tools to fight hate here at home.”