Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the House to pass hate crimes legislation before we recess this year. We are a Nation still at war. We are a Nation still healing, and we are still standing strong as a people unified. The events of September 11 have brought out the very finest in what America stands for. Communities have rallied around its law enforcement officers, neighbors have come together, individuals have stopped by a fire station to say a word of thanks. In many ways we have celebrated our diversity and united as a Nation.
Unfortunately, some have taken the events of September 11 to act violently towards those who may appear different from the majority. Since September 11 there have been 1,200 recorded deaths, assaults, discrimination, bomb threats or intimidation against men, women, children and families who look like or are Arab or Muslim Americans.
At a time when we are fighting a war against terrorism and hatred, we have a golden opportunity to show the world that we celebrate our diversity; that every American citizen or everyone who visits here will not be in danger because of their national origin or religious faith; that we will not allow these acts of terror to divide us; that we are one Nation under God, indivisible and we will stay that way.