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“RECOGNIZING THE U.S. BORDER PATROL'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E728-E729 on May 9, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE U.S. BORDER PATROL'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. CANDICE S. MILLER
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 9, 2014
Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Border Patrol's 90th anniversary of its founding.
First established as the Mounted Guard, founding members came from a large number of disparate groups that included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier looking for smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United States.
A Department of Labor Appropriation Act on May 28, 1924, formally established the U.S. Border Patrol with an initial force of 450 Patrol Inspectors, each patrolman responsible for furnishing his own horse.
Prohibition radically changed the role of the early Border Patrol due to the rampant smuggling of alcohol across the borders. As a result, a formal training regime was initiated for this young organization at Camp Chigas in El Paso, Texas.
In August 1942, the Border Patrol's emblem was officially designated with a circular solid navy blue background surrounded by yellow with the continental United States centered in the middle with the words
``U.S. BORDER PATROL'' embossed in yellow on top, becoming a highly recognizable emblem worldwide.
The original emblem is still in use and is worn proudly by the men and women of the Border Patrol on all of their uniforms. The motto of the U.S. Border Patrol, ``Honor First,'' grew out of the dedication and actions of the first men who called themselves U.S. Border Patrol Inspectors, later to be known as U.S. Border Patrol Agents.
In the past 90 years, Border Patrol Agents have enforced our Nation's immigration laws, provided border security, responded to civil disturbances, acted as air marshals, assisted State and local law enforcement, trained foreign officers, and provided humanitarian assistance. The present force of over 21,000 agents, located in 139 stations within 20 sectors across the southern and northern borders has been given an immense responsibility--protecting more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries.
Whether dealing with the problem of illegal immigration or facing the threat of international terrorism, Border Patrol agents continue to be known for their dedication to duty, integrity, ingenuity, and rugged determination.
The threats have changed over the years but their commitment to the mission has remained steadfast. For nearly one hundred years, they have protected the Nation's borders in unforgiving terrain against all who would do us harm.
Let us never forget the dangerous nature of this work--118 agents and pilots have given their lives in the line of duty.
On behalf of a grateful Nation, I want to commend the men and women of the Border Patrol for their many years of service and wish them a happy 90th anniversary.
Honor First.
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