"What this bill speaks to specifically is white supremacy - it amends the hate crime bill," she said. "That is distinctive from speech. I can read. I can read what the First Amendment says."
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The bill, which is being cited as the "Leading Against White Supremacy Act of 2023," says its mission is to "prevent and prosecute white supremacy-inspired hate crimes."
It adds that it would come into play when white supremacy ideology has motivated the planning, development, and carrying out of an act that would be considered a crime.
The bill would also give the Justice Department authority to investigate and prosecute such acts.
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Far-right figures attack Houston lawmaker's anti-white supremacy bill
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The Congresswoman said this legislation was inspired by data released by that department, as well as acts like the anti-Semitic shooting at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh in 2018, and the racially-charged mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo last year.
"I knew there was a problem that had to be addressed," she said.
Jackson Lee also called out individuals who "misdirect and provide misinformation that provokes people to anger."
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