WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today commended the Senate Judiciary Committee's approval of Lieutenant Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell to be the next U.S. Marshal for Rhode Island. Earlier this year, the Senators recommended Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell to President Obama, who then nominated O'Donnell on August 7. The Judiciary Committee, of which Whitehouse is a member, today unanimously approved O'Donnell's nomination.

"We applaud the Judiciary Committee's strong, bipartisan approval of Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell as the next U.S. Marshal for Rhode Island and look forward to his confirmation by the full Senate. Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell has served our state with great distinction and is exceptionally qualified to be our next U.S. Marshal," said Reed and Whitehouse.

U.S. Marshals play an important and versatile role in the federal justice system, overseeing federal courthouse security, witness protection, the apprehension of federal fugitives, and the transport of federal prisoners. They are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a four-year term of service.

Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years with the Rhode Island State Police, 2 as its Acting Superintendent, 2 years with the North Kingstown Police, and 1 year with the Department of Corrections.

Now that Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee he must be confirmed by the full Senate.