Washington, D.C. July 19, 2000 . . .The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the House of Representatives to take action and approve the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (LLEEA), legislation designed to eliminate gaps in federal authority to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated crimes.

"The historic Senate approval of this bill last month has put us squarely on track to secure final passage of this necessary legislation." said Howard P. Berkowitz, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Too often we have been horrified by the specter of senseless violence which has accompanied a series of highly visible hate crimes. The time is now for the House of Representatives to act."

ADL representatives participated in a press conference at the National Press Club today to launch a new web-based campaign of behalf of the LLEEA and other federal and state initiatives to address hate violence. Also appearing at the press conference were victims of the hate-inspired shootings in Chicago in July 1999 and in Pittsburgh on April 28, 2000.

"This legislation will authorize the Department of Justice to assist local prosecutions and, where appropriate, investigate and prosecute cases in which bias violence occurs because of the victim's race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability." said Mr. Berkowitz and Mr. Foxman. "Congress should not adjourn without enacting these essential hate crime provisions into law," the ADL officials said.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.