Date: 1982-04-28
Speaker: WON PAT (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. yesterday several of my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee who traveled with me to the Middle East to review the highly important mission of the multinational force of observers. commented on the nature of our inspection trip and our findings. Unfortuanately. I was unable to participate in the discussion because of extremely pressing busir ess in the Armed Services Committtee and today. I want to add my comments to the excellent statements made by my colleagues. Representatives HUTTo. WHITE and RUDD. The trip covered eight nations In the Middle East and during our visit we talked with a number of national leaders of the countries we visited. including the heads of Israel and Egypt. As a member of the Armed Services Committee. I was privileged to join in this inspection trip which helped focus our attention on American activities In the Middle East and to have a rare opportunity to see firsthand the problems our forces could face should the Rapid Deployment Force ever need to become active In that part of the world. Let me say at the outset that trips such as this one are extremely beneficial to Members -of Congress because they provide us with detailed information which can never be obtained in a formal hearing room. This was made especially clear during our meetings with the chiefs of states of those countries we visited and their staffs with whom we shared many hours of discussions. It is clear to me that there are many difficulties ahead. should the need arise. to send elements of the Rapid Deployment Force to the Middle East. but I am convinced that we are up to the challenge and that our friends in that part of the world count on our help and friendship to maintain peace in that sensitive part of the globe. I. In particular. want to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the U.S.*. military forces currently assigned to the multinational force of observers in the Sinai. They are an outstanding group of professional military men and women. It is clear that they are undertaking a most crucial task. and In the process. learning a great deal about how to Improve our military equipment for life in a hostile environment. One point which particularly impressed me was the overwhelming and positive reception our military forces have received from various Middle East countries. They are very much aware of the American interest in peace In that part of the world and view our presence there as a stimulant to peace. There is always reason to be concerned about the involvement of U.S. forces In the affairs of other nations. and it was most appreciated when our delegation heard that no foreign nation expects the United States to keep a permanent presence there. This is an Important fact. I do not believe that there s a need for a permanent U.S. presence in the Middle East. nor do I support euch a plan. But. based on our conversations with Prime Minister Begin. President Mubarak of Egypt. Israel Defense Minister Building. the Justices. and employees in the years since the Supreme Court moved from quarters in the U.S. Capitol to the Supreme Court Building in 1935. In 1949 Congress accorded legal recognition to the Supreme Court Police and established their jurisdiction as special police to patrol the Supreme Court Building and grounds much as Capitol Police do for the Congress. Since then. security problems encountered In protecting public officials and facilities have required the Supreme Court Police to assume a greater role In providing Increased physical protection for the Justices and employees of the Court. and for visitors to the Court building. including foreign dignitaries. There has also developed a compelling need to protect Justices when they leave the building on their official duties. The legal status of the Supreme Court Police should be clarified to reflect these present realities. Sharon. and numerous other digni- H.R. 6204 taries. it is clear that the U.S. presence A bill to amend title 28 of the United States at present is helping maintain the Code and related statutes with respect to peace. the appointment and jurisdiction of the I was especially surprised and Supreme Court police pleased to see that a constituent of Be it enacted by the Senate and House of mine. a resident of Guam. was as- Representatives of the United States of signed to U.S. forces in the Sinai. We America in Congress assembled. That seemet for some time and he expressed tion 672(b) of title 28. United States Code. Is his support for the role his unit is amended to read as follows: playing and hopes that this Nation ") The Marshal may. with the approval will continue to encourage a peace- of the Chief Justice of the United States. appoint and fix the compensation of neceskeeping role in the Middle East. sary assistants and employees to attend the It is essential for world stability that Court employees to serve as Supreme Court we maintain peace in the Middle East polie. and necessary custodial employees.". and the Persian Gulf. BJut it should be Sxc. 2. Section 672(c) of title 28. United noted that the United States cannot States Code. Is amended by changing the do the job alone. Other nations should period at the end of paragraph (7) thereof and must contribute to this important to a semicolon and by adding the following task. new paragraphs: The delegation worked long hours "(8) Oversee the work of those employees workd had t gater he fctsappointed In the capacity of Supreme Court and workedpolice. who shall serve as law enforcement which will be placed in an official officers to police the Supreme Court buildreport on the trip. I congratulate our Ing. grounds. and adjacent streets. and to leader. Congressman DIcK WHITE. for protect the Chief Justice. Associate Justices. doing an outstanding job and also the officers and employees. guests. and thank the committee staff assistants property of the Court and shall be authorand military escort personnel. who ized to bear arms and to make arrests In worked so hard to make the trip a suc- such capacity. cess. "(9) Prescribe such rerlatons. approved by the Chief Justice and consistent with sections 2 through 6 of the Act of August 18. SUPREME COURT POLICE FORCE 1949. chapter 479. 63 Stat. 616. (40 U.S.C. LEGISLATION l3gl3k). as may be necessary for the adequate protection of the Supreme Court