FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 09, 2004

CONTACT: Brendan Daly 202-226-7616

Pelosi: 'Republican Leadership Ignored Will of House and Senate and Stripped Hate Crimes Provisions from DOD Bill

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke today on the House floor on the removal by Republican leaders of hate crimes prevention provisions, supported by both Houses of Congress, from the Department of Defense Authorization conference report:

"Later this afternoon, we will be voting on the Defense Authorization bill, which I strongly support, and I commend the committee for bringing it to the floor.

"I want to especially acknowledge the great work of our Ranking Member, Mr. Ike Skelton of Missouri, for his leadership on the legislation.  I want to particularly acknowledge two things.  One is under the leadership of Chet Edwards of Texas we’ve had the phased-in elimination of the two-tiered survivor benefit over a period of three and a half years.  He and Mr. Skelton took the initiative on that with your discharge petition.  Mr. Edwards, you made that possible for the survivors. Then I want to acknowledge the work of Jim Marshall of Georgia, who worked with Mr. Skelton to eliminate the ten year phase-in of the disabled veterans' tax for those with one hundred percent VA disability rating.

"But one area I where was very disappointed -- and I condemn the action of the conference committee -- was that for the second time in four years the Republican Leadership has unconscionably ignored the will of the House and the Senate and stripped the hate crime prevention provisions from the bill.

"The needs of law enforcement, which has repeatedly requested federal assistance in solving and preventing a wide range of violent hate crimes, have been ignored.  The measure enjoyed strong bipartisan support, and was endorsed by over one hundred and 175 law enforcement, civil rights, civic, and religious organizations including the National Sheriff’s Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers' Association, and many others.

"To that list it would have added sexual orientation, gender, and disability to the federal hate crimes laws, allowing the federal government the ability to provide critical assistance to the states.  It is very unfortunate that it has happened.  I want the record to show that this is the second time that this has happened.

"Four years ago, strong bipartisan support in both Houses supported adding this to the Defense Authorization bill.  It was rejected four years ago.  Once again, the Republican Leadership of the House has decided that we will continue to discriminate against those on the basis of their sexual orientation.  Having said that, I plan to support the Defense Authorization, and once again commend our colleagues for bringing it to the floor."

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi