Fred Heineman: “Today, Congress has its opportunity to speak out against the ignorant and cowardly actions of the antireligious bigots…”

“Today, Congress has its opportunity to speak out against the ignorant and cowardly actions of the antireligious bigots who participated in burning the churches of both black and white Americans. Unfortunately, as a former law enforcement officer, I have witnessed firsthand the horror of both the burning and desecration of sacred houses of worship. Nothing can be more devastating to people than to see the very foundation of their existence go up in flames. Black Americans have always centered their hope and aspirations around God and their respective churches. I have seen this myself. The destruction of these institutions tears the very fabric of our society and dashes hope for the future. Likewise, the desecration of synagogues is a grim reminder of the Holocaust and is a painful reminder of the tragedies of the past. We, as a nation and as a Congress, must now allow this to continue. This bill is a proper response to these cowardly acts. This bipartisan legislation will truly make a difference. It will enable the Federal Government to more easily prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes and impose stiff and appropriate criminal sanctions. Americans have always stood for God and country. Americans have always supported each other in times of need. Today is one of those times. Let us all stand together in this matter and put an end to this madness.”