My replied from Vernon Ehlers

I wrote a letter to Rep. Ehlers asking for Representive Foxx resignation or at very least a party response. I made no request of him to vote in favor of passage of the hate crime bill. Here is his replied it makes no sense

Dear Mr. Fox,

Thank you for writing to me about federal hate crimes legislation, along with your thoughts on comments made by Representative Virginia Foxx. I appreciate knowing your views on this sensitive subject.

Under existing law, certain crimes against victims based on race, color, religion, or national origin are covered by federal civil rights legislation. Federal law provides for prosecution of those who interfere with federally protected rights such as voting, employment without discrimination, education and the use of public facilities. Violent crimes against victims based on race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual orientation are covered under certain states' laws.

Recently, the House of Representatives considered the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913) to broaden federal intervention in these areas. In particular, the bill provides federal jurisdiction and financial support to state and local law enforcement for prosecution of crimes of violence that are based on race, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. The bill passed by a vote of 249-175, and has moved to the Senate for consideration.

I voted against the bill. I am not convinced that we need to expand federal jurisdiction over hate crimes, nor expand the list of people and groups that receive special protection under the law. Current state laws involving hate crimes receive limited use by prosecutors, and they are generally utilized only in the absence of some other available criminal law. Hate crimes are indeed terrible, but I think that state law is the more adequate and appropriate way to address the prosecution of these crimes and that increased federal powers are not necessary.


Thank you again for contacting me. With best wishes, I am


Sincerely,
Vernon J. Ehlers
Member of Congress