GRAMM, HUTCHISON PUSH JONAS FOR MARSHAL POST

WASHINGTON - Bill Jonas, a former FBI special agent from San Antonio, has
been recommended by Texas' two U.S. senators to become U.S. marshal for the
Western Judicial District, which stretches from Austin to El Paso.

The recommendation by Sens. Phil Gramm and Kay Bailey Hutchison, both Texas
Republicans, now goes to the White House, where President Bush has
nominated other individuals identified by the senators for federal posts.

"Bill Jonas is an experienced law enforcement professional who will ensure
that the office of U.S. marshal continues its storied history of protecting
the innocent and bringing fugitives to justice," Gramm said.

Jonas, 66, served as the U.S. marshal for the Western Judicial District for
Texas for 12 years under President Reagan and President George H.W. Bush.

"Bill Jonas is a tested law enforcement professional," Hutchison said. "He'
s been a U.S. marshal before, and this experience will allow him to hit the
ground running."

If nominated by the president for the post and confirmed by the Senate,
Jonas will replace Jack Dean, a former Texas Ranger captain who was
appointed to the post by President Clinton.

Jonas is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He served in the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers before becoming a high school teacher and later a
special agent with the FBI.

Jonas also served as a security manager for the Southwestern Bell Co. in
San Antonio, and later as a security and corrections consultant.

"Bill Jonas will bring a strong background in federal law enforcement and
security to this important position," Hutchison said.

The Western Judicial District of Texas encompasses half the border region
of Texas and handles a large number of federal narcotics cases.

The U.S. Marshal's Service is the country's oldest law enforcement agency.
It is responsible for the pursuit and capture of federal fugitives,
protection of witnesses, transportation of defendants and convicts, and
courtroom security.