[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 216TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2005

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 216th 
Anniversary of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), our nation's 
oldest federal law enforcement agency.
  The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the United States Marshals Service. 
That same year, President George Washington appointed the first 
thirteen U.S. Marshals. At that time the Service's primary mission was 
to support the federal courts; however, U.S. Marshals and Deputy U.S. 
Marshals also performed a myriad of duties such as executing warrants, 
distributing presidential proclamations, registering enemy aliens in 
time of war, controlling riots, conducting the national census, 
collecting commerce statistics, and protecting the President. Many of 
these responsibilities have changed over the past 216 years, yet the 
Service's dedication to integrity and justice has remained constant.
  Today, the USMS provides for the custody and transportation of 
federal prisoners, ensures protection for witnesses, and manages the 
maintenance and disposal of seized and forfeited properties. Also of 
great importance is the Service's fugitive apprehension mission. The 
USMS apprehends more federal fugitives than all other federal law 
enforcement agencies combined. State and local law enforcement agencies 
nationwide have found the Service to be an invaluable fugitive 
apprehension resource. U.S. Marshals and Deputy U.S. Marshals carry out 
complex and life-threatening missions daily, striving to maintain the 
integrity of the American judicial process.
  Over the years, the USMS has earned its reputation as one of the most 
versatile and effective law enforcement agencies in the world. The 
4,500 men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service are justly proud of 
their history. I too am proud, and wish to commend the United States 
Marshals Service and thank them for their contributions to the law 
enforcement community and to our nation.

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