The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“U.S. MARSHAL CLEVELAND VAUGHN, JR.” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E97-E98 on Jan. 25, 2018.
The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
U.S. MARSHAL CLEVELAND VAUGHN, JR.
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HON. DON BACON
of nebraska
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate African-American History Month by posthumously honoring the federal service, accomplishments and communal contributions of U.S. Marshal Cleveland Vaughn, Jr.
He was born on a farm in Earle, Arkansas, skipped a grade in country school and graduated from high school at age 16. He went to college at what is now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and graduated with a degree in agriculture education. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a game warden.
He began his federal career as a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1967, when he was accepted into a federal law enforcement training program. Mr. Vaughn wrote of the experience in an essay for the Omaha World Herald stating ``I was the first black. At the time, I didn't realize what that meant, that it was a tremendous breakthrough. To me, it was a job. Period.'' It is a job he held for half of a 28-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 1993, Cleveland was the first African-American appointed to be the U.S. Marshal for the State of Nebraska. The U.S. Marshals Service describes the members of its ranks thusly, ``hometown-men and women familiar with local feelings about national issues. They are people comfortable within their own neighborhoods.'' This is a particularly apt description of Mr. Vaughn according to his friends, family and colleagues. Quoting Shirley Vaughn, his wife of nearly 49 years, ``He loved people. He loved his church. He loved to help.''
Cleveland Vaughn was active in his church, Zion Baptist, serving as a trustee. He was a mentor and a confidant for the young and old. Cleveland shared his love of the outdoors and nature with all. He utilized his passion to help coordinate an annual wild game feed at Zion Baptist church, which emphasized fellowship between young men and positive role models. The Douglas County Attorney described Mr. Vaughn as a ``public servant whose public service didn't stop.'' He was known for his generosity, openness and selflessness.
In addition to his wife, Shirley, and other relatives, Vaughn is survived by son Derek Vaughn, and daughters Monica Watson and Janae Vaughn of Omaha.
As we prepare to celebrate Black History month, we recognize the immense contributions African-Americans have made to this country. Trailblazers and public servants like Cleveland Vaughn, Jr. deserve our gratitude and thanks.
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