A resolution recognizing and supporting all efforts to promote greater civic awareness among the people of the United States.

Mr. President, I rise to submit a resolution honoring our Nation's oldest Federal law enforcement agency, the United States Marshals Service, on the occasion of the Service's 215th anniversary.

The United States Marshals Service was created when President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act into law on September 24, 1789. Subsequently, President Washington appointed the first 13 United States marshals that same year. Although their primary mission was to support the Federal courts, United States marshals and deputy United States marshals performed a wide variety of duties, including: 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 of the United States. Although some of its responsibilities have changed over the past 215 years, the Service's dedication to justice, integrity, and service remains constant. As it continues to serve in the 21st century, the United States Marshals Service only enhances its role as one of the most versatile and effective law enforcement agencies in the world.

Today, the United States Marshals Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the Federal judiciary and carry out all Federal court orders. This entails providing for the custody and transportation of Federal prisoners, ensuring protection of witnesses, and maintaining and disposing of seized and forfeited properties. Of great importance is the fugitive apprehension mission of the Service: United States marshals capture more Federal fugitives than all other Federal agencies combined, and they have become an invaluable resource for State and local law enforcement agencies regarding fugitive apprehension tactics and techniques. Across the Nation, the United States marshals and deputy United States marshals carry out complex and life-threatening missions daily to maintain the integrity of the American judicial process.

The 4,500 men and women of the United States Marshals Service are proud of their history and their service to our Nation. I, too, am proud of their commitment to justice. On behalf of the Senate, I wish to honor the men and women of the United States Marshals Service and thank them for their contributions to the law enforcement community and to our Nation for 215 years and counting.

I ask Unanimous Consent that the full text of the Senate resolution be included in the record following my remarks.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 434 submitted earlier today by Senators Levin, Cochran, Leahy, Allen, and others.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record without intervening action or debate.