Mr. JONES: Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2006, I first stood before this House to call attention to the case of two United States Border agents who were convicted in Federal court for shooting and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our borders in 2005. Now, Mr. Speaker, more than 2 1/2 years and more than 45 speeches later, I stand before this House to thank President Bush for heeding the calls of the American people by commuting the sentences of Agents Ramos and Compean.

The agents entered Federal prison on January 17, 2007, to begin serving sentences of 11 and 12 years respectively. Both men are now due to be released from prison on March 20, 2009, after serving 26 months.

Like the millions of Americans who have followed the case over the past several years, I am so relieved to see the unjust imprisonment of these distinguished law enforcement officers finally come to an end. As these men sat in Federal prison for 2 years, my heart ached for them and their families. While I firmly believe that these agents never should have been prosecuted, I am very grateful that President Bush has used his authority to close this ugly chapter in their lives. I will do everything in my power to see that Ramos and Compean are able to reclaim their lives and in due time will be fully exonerated with a pardon. The prosecution and imprisonment of Agents Ramos and Compean has been a black mark for the United States justice system. Its legacy will not be forgotten by those of us in Congress who have criticized the indictment of these two men.

The facts of this case have shown, as Judge E. Grady Jolly stated on December 3, 2007, during the agents' appeal, and I quote Judge Jolly, ``The government overreacted here, and for some reason this one got out of hand.''

The truth of why this indictment was able to move forward and get out of hand still deserves to be investigated. The truth of why this indictment was able to move forward and get out of hand still should be investigated. I repeat that, Mr. Speaker, because it should be investigated. However, it is clear that President Bush understood one of the most troubling aspects of this case, the agents were charged under a statute intended for violent criminals carrying guns, not for law enforcement officers acting in the line of duty. This statute, which carries a sentence of no less than 10 years, was enacted by Congress to discourage criminals from carrying guns. It was never intended to apply to law enforcement officers who are required to carry firearms on the job. This was clearly a sentence Ramos and Compean should never have been ordered to serve.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with the agents, Ramos and Compean, as they are finally able to return home to their families and their children. And may God continue to bless America.