[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Madam President, for 219 years, the U.S. Marshals 
Service has helped to bring some of America's worst criminals to 
justice, and our Nation is a safer place because of their service. On 
their anniversary, I would like to offer my many thanks for their 
commitment to upholding the rule of law and their willingness to 
protect and serve Americans.
  During their 219 years of service, the marshals have executed 
warrants, distributed Presidential proclamations, registered enemy 
aliens in a time of war, and helped conduct the national census. They 
have also ensured the safe conduct of judicial proceedings and 
protected Federal judges and jurors and other members of the Federal 
judiciary.
  They lead the Witness Security Program; serving nearly 18,000 
Government witnesses and their family members whose lives are in danger 
as a result of the witnesses' testimony against gangs, drug 
traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members, and other criminals.
  Recently, the State of Florida enlisted the marshals' services to 
help combat rising instances of violent crime. During the 3-month 
effort, known as Operation Orange Crush, the Marshals' Regional 
Fugitive Task Force was responsible for arresting more than 2,400 
violent criminal fugitives in Florida. The operation was an 
overwhelming success, and Florida is grateful for the men and women of 
the U.S. Marshals Service for helping to make it possible. I would like 
to offer my special thanks to a few of the officials who made Operation 
Orange Crush so successful: U.S. Marshal Service Director John F. 
Clark; U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida, Dennis A. 
Williamson; U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida Thomas D. 
Hurlburt, Jr.; and U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida 
Christina Pharo.
  As Americans, we are fortunate to have such a highly specialized law 
enforcement agency dedicated to protecting our personal freedoms and 
keeping criminals behind bars. I offer my heartiest congratulations to 
the U.S. Marshals Service on 219 good years and wish for many more to 
come.

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