[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[SENAT]
[Pages 20785-20786]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

   SENATE RESOLUTION 679--COMMEMORATING THE 219TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                     UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE

  Mr. MARTINEZ (for himself and Mr. Nelson or Florida) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 679

       Whereas the Act entitled ``An Act to establish the Judicial 
     Court of the United States'', approved September 24, 1789 (1 
     Stat. 73, chapter 20) (commonly known as the ``Judiciary Act 
     of 1789''), directed the appointment of United States 
     Marshals and launched the United States Marshals Service;
       Whereas the Judiciary Act of 1789 determined that law 
     enforcement would be the primary function of the United 
     States Marshals;
       Whereas President George Washington appointed the first 13 
     United States Marshals soon after signing the Judiciary Act 
     of 1789 into law;
       Whereas, during 219 years of service, United States 
     Marshals have executed warrants, distributed presidential 
     proclamations, registered enemy aliens in time of war, and 
     helped conduct the national census;
       Whereas, during 219 years of service, United States 
     Marshals have protected the President and the Federal courts, 
     provided for the custody and transportation of Federal 
     prisoners, and maintained and disposed of seized and 
     forfeited properties;
       Whereas, during 219 years of service, United States 
     Marshals have ensured the safe conduct of judicial 
     proceedings and protected Federal judges and jurors and other 
     members of the Federal judiciary;
       Whereas, through the Witness Security Program, United 
     States Marshals provide for the security, health, and safety 
     of 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;
       Whereas the United States Marshals Service directs and 
     coordinates regional and district fugitive task forces that 
     combine the efforts of Federal, State, and local law 
     enforcement agencies to apprehend the most dangerous 
     fugitives, making the United States safer;
       Whereas, during 219 years of service, United States 
     Marshals have conducted their mission of apprehending 
     fugitives with skill and valor;
       Whereas, during fiscal year 2008, United States Marshals 
     have arrested more than 100,000 fugitives wanted for 
     committing felonies and have conducted more than 800 
     extraditions; and
       Whereas United States Marshals carry out complex and life-
     threatening missions daily

[[Page 20786]]

     to maintain the integrity of the judicial process of the 
     United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the United States Marshals Service on its 
     219th anniversary;
       (2) commends the United States Marshals Service as one of 
     the most versatile and effective law enforcement agencies in 
     the world; and
       (3) honors the men and women who have served the United 
     States Marshals Service and the Nation valiantly with their 
     dedication to justice, integrity, and service.

                          ____________________