Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Letterkenny Army Depot in my district on receiving its 10th Shingo Medallion for Operational Excellence. Shingo Prizes are awarded to organizations that not only provide great results, but also go above and beyond to cultivate a culture of enablers and streamliners in the workplace. The high bar set to achieve the award led Businessweek to dub Shingo Awards the ``Nobel Prize of Manufacturing.'' Letterkenny made history in 2005 when it became the first Army Depot to win a Shingo Institute prize, when the depot was awarded the Silver Medallion. Eleven years later, Letterkenny Army Depot was just awarded this year's Bronze Medallion for its Patriot launcher new-build program--its 10th medallion in 13 years. This is the first time an Army depot built a new Patriot air and missile defense system major end item, and to have it result in a Shingo Medallion exemplifies Letterkenny Army Depot's deep commitment to manufacturing excellence. With more than 20 years of experience in working with the Patriot missile system, and now 10 Shingo Medallions in the last 13 years, it is clear that Letterkenny is delivering outstanding results and support to our national defense. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Letterkenny Army Depot on its 10th Shingo Medallion. This is an outstanding achievement, and I encourage all of my colleagues to celebrate Letterkenny's success as a crucial installation to central Pennsylvania and to the security of our nation.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cambria County Farm Bureau in Pennsylvania's 9th and 12th Congressional Districts for reaching a huge milestone: its 50th Anniversary. The Cambria County Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization consisting of members from the local agricultural community who help develop and implement policy for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Since its founding in 1967, the Cambria County Farm Bureau has been instrumental in providing legislative outreach and information and services for area farmers and rural families. It plays a critical role in representing the local agricultural industry on a wide variety of issues impacting it at the federal and state levels. Cambria County has a rich tradition of farming that is being upheld today by hundreds of local farms that help feed and nourish the citizens of Pennsylvania, our nation, and those around the world. The Cambria County Farm Bureau will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a dinner in Carrolltown on March 29th that includes guest speakers Vincent ``Zippy'' Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Rick Ebert, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. As such, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Cambria County Farm Bureau and its dedicated members on this 50th Anniversary milestone, and wish them an even brighter future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Mason Dixon Homeschoolers Association (MDHSA) on its 30th year of service to families in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Mason Dixon Homeschoolers Association was founded in 1986 by two families in Franklin County, Pennsylvania who wanted to homeschool their children. Martin and Mary Hudzinski, along with Barbara and Michael Sniders, were surprised to find out that families all over Pennsylvania were being denied the right to home-educate their children. They began organizing with other families who wanted to see the law changed as opposed to leaving the state to educate their children elsewhere, as some families had done. Soon, the MDHSA had seven families, and its members along with other homeschoolers in Pennsylvania worked for the passage of Act 169, signed by the governor in 1988, which allowed parents and guardians the choice of homeschooling their children. Today, the MDHSA's membership has grown to support nearly 200 families. In 1997 they were authorized by the PA Department of Education to issue high school diplomas, and their first graduate was in 1998. Today, the MDHSA issues around 200 diplomas each year. In addition to providing their member families learning materials, they also provide their students with monthly assemblies for guest speakers to attend, classes taught by other homeschooling parents or outside experts in a particular field, field trips for its members, and even a yearly high school prom. Their graduates have become physicians, public school teachers, human rights workers, welders, and much, much more. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to congratulate the MDHSA on three decades of history and service to the Central Pennsylvania community, and to thank all who have helped this organization continue its success.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Donna Gority on receiving the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission's (CBRC) Respected Citizen Award for 2017. This is not the first time I have had the honor to congratulate Mrs. Gority. I had the privilege of congratulating her on her retirement in 2012 for 28 accomplished years in public office. Mrs. Gority, the first female member of the Blair County Board of Commissioners, is well known in central Pennsylvania for her extensive track record of dedicated service, advocating strongly for children and human services, and being a loud voice for the citizens of Blair County on all community issues. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that Donna, in her usual manner, has not slowed down. In fact, Mike Hofer, the Executive Director of the CBRC, said that it is possible Donna may be busier now since before her retirement in 2012. This example set by Donna is one we all should strive for. Her willingness to serve her community and Pennsylvania, especially as a private citizen, sets her apart as an outstanding individual and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. Mrs. Gority will be honored February 25, 2017 with the Respected Citizen Award by the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission at the 8th Annual Community Classic Dinner and Auction at the Bavarian Hall in Altoona. I congratulate Donna and her family on this recognition, and thank her for her extraordinary contributions to the community. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Donna for this achievement and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, we started this week with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I appreciate every colleague of mine who came to praise our men and women who keep us safe in the most perilous of times. The greatest souls of this nation run towards the danger, never thinking of themselves, but always ensuring those around them are safe. These men and women are our protectors, our guards, our stalwarts. And I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest in our nation, who was senselessly and tragically taken from us too soon. Landon Eugene Weaver was a proud son of Pennsylvania. He was born in Altoona, and graduated from Central High School in Martinsburg. He attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania until he was accepted into the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, achieving his life-long dream to become a State Trooper. On June 4th last year, he married his high school sweetheart Macy at Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. Thirteen days later, Trooper Weaver graduated from the State Police Academy and was assigned to Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police, Huntingdon Barracks where he proudly swore his life to protecting and defending our commonwealth. Like most of us, Landon and his wife had big plans for the New Year and their life ahead. They were going to buy a house and start a family together. Landon was going to continue doing the only job he has ever wanted to do--protect his community as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. Mr. Speaker, Trooper Weaver's short watch came to an end on December 30, 2016, just 49 days after his 23rd birthday. Trooper Weaver was responding to a domestic incident in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, when he was shot and killed. He died doing what he did every day, trying to make life for others a little bit better and a little bit safer than the day before. Last Thursday, January 5th, was Landon's funeral. It was here, Mr. Speaker, where the true magnitude of our community's loss could be felt the most. His wife Macy, now a young widow, was forced to say farewell to her best friend and husband. Landon's parents had to do the hardest thing a parent ever has to do: put their son to rest. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from around the nation, representing virtually every state, attended Trooper Weaver's funeral to say goodbye to their brother. Police uniforms of every color and squad cars of every design followed Trooper Weaver, lights flashing, to escort him to his final resting place in Martinsburg. Trooper Weaver lived up to the call of honor of the Pennsylvania State Police, which states: I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a soldier of the law. To me is entrusted the honor of the force. I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty. It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition. It is also my duty to be of service to anyone who may be in danger or distress, and at all times so conduct myself that the honor of the force may be upheld. My prayers are with Trooper Weaver's family, and the entire region that is struggling to make sense of this loss. Rest easy, Trooper, and may God bless every man and woman in the law enforcement community.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a dedicated public servant, John Lignelli. ``Chummy,'' as his friends knew him, passed away on Thursday, December 1st at the age of 95. John was known best as the longtime hard working mayor of Donora, Pennsylvania, but John was no stranger to hard work and public service before being elected mayor. He attended Monongahela High School before he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. After the war, he returned to Western Pennsylvania to work in a steel mill. Before being elected to his first term as mayor of Donora in 1993, John served on the city's council and was a 50-year member of the Donora Fire Department. In 2013, the citizens of Donora elected John Lignelli to his sixth term as their mayor. As mayor, John was a true public servant to his beloved Donora. He organized an annual cashew sale to raise money for a new local library. He sold raffle tickets to purchase a new police cruiser after the only one they had broke down. Countless times he would open his own wallet if it meant improving the quality of life for Donora residents. He was chairman of the Washington County Housing Authority, where he fought to construct a senior citizen high-rise in Monongahela. Into his 90s, he still volunteered for Meals on Wheels and helped transport residents with special needs to services in nearby Charleroi. John was always searching for new opportunities to help his neighbors. In September of 2014, Mayor Lignelli decided to retire at the age of 93, capping off his four decades of service to the people of Donora and the Monongahela Valley. Those who knew Chummy know his true passion was helping his community. I want to honor Mayor Lignelli for his decades of dedication to public service, doing everything in his power to help his community. Mr. Speaker, Donora, Pennsylvania is known as the City of Champions, and they have lost a true champion of public service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the question of adopting a motion to recommit on S. 612 be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule XX.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 949, I call up the bill (S. 612) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the ``George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. SHUSTER. Yes.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gibbs), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on S. 612.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, or the WIIN Act. This is a comprehensive bill to address water resources and infrastructure issues across the country and could be one of the final achievements of this Congress. Today we have an opportunity to deliver one more win for America. The WIIN Act includes the Water Resources Development Act as title I. Ranking Member DeFazio and I worked very closely throughout the process to ensure his and other Democratic priorities were preserved in this final bill. So I want to thank Ranking Member DeFazio for his work with me on the WRDA title. However, this bill is bigger than just WRDA, and I also want to thank the Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Upton, the Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bishop, and our Senate counterparts for helping us put together this package today. This legislation provides important direction from Congress to the Army Corps of Engineers in their missions to improve our infrastructure. The bill strengthens America's competitiveness, creates jobs, and grows the economy. The WIIN Act maintains congressional constitutional authority to ensure our infrastructure is safe and effective. This bill contains authorizations for 30 Corps Chief's Reports, eight Post-Authorization Change Reports, and 37 feasibility studies for projects across the United States. Today's legislation restores regular order and the 2-year cycle of Congress considering these essential WRDA bills. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, this is good public policy, so I strongly urge my colleagues to support this jobs and infrastructure bill. Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act--Letters of Support

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman on the Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Farenthold).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate all of the work that has gone into this bill, especially by the staff on both sides of the committee. There were a lot of hours that they put in, and I can't thank them enough for what they did. Again, I thank my counterpart, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), for his efforts on the bill as well as the ranking member's and the subcommittee chairman's. I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 612, or the WIIN Act, so we can improve our ports, our harbors, and can protect this Nation from flooding and natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from western Pennsylvania. I support Buy American provisions, and, of course, as he mentioned, there is a 1-year provision in this. I just disagree--this is not the process for doing this moving forward. I believe it will kill the bill. This is a good bill. It was carefully negotiated with our counterparts in the Senate and both sides of the aisle. It represents a lot of--months and months of hard work. First, the bill will create jobs. It keeps American jobs in America by strengthening or competitiveness and grows our economy, and it will be including American steel in it. Second, it is a fiscally responsible bill. We fully offset it. It reduces a deficit by a half a billion dollars. Finally, it reasserts congressional authority by restoring the 2-year cycle of considering WRDA bills. It returns us to regular order, preventing unelected bureaucrats from making decisions on our Nation's water infrastructure. So stopping the bill now, I don't think, is the right thing to do. Let's pass it. Let's continue to work together to get strong, Buy American provisions as we move forward, which is something I do support. So I urge a ``no'' vote at this time. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, as members of Congress, we all know that our time in this chamber is limited. Each election brings new faces, while history records the names of members as they leave the chamber for the last time. Some members, however, will be remembered long after they have left for the work they do on behalf of the American people. Joe Pitts is one of those members. During his time in Congress, he became known for his dedication to helping his constituents. He was always someone who could be counted on to help create real solutions and to uphold the best traditions of this chamber. He took the lead on helping craft legislative solutions to some of the most difficult problems of our time, including fixes to Medicare and research for deadly diseases. He was also a dedicated fighter on behalf of the pro- life cause, and used the pulpit of elected office to give a voice to the unborn. But perhaps most of all, Joe will be remembered as a man who cared deeply about helping others, and his legacy will be one of working to improve the lives of the American people. Oh behalf of myself and all Pennsylvanians, thank you Joe for your years of dedicated service. I am honored to call you a friend, and wish you all the best in the years to come.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a dear friend and highly respected colleague, the Honorable Steve LaTourette. He left us too soon, and will never be forgotten. It is an honor for me to speak about Steve. To the LaTourette Family--Sara, Scott, Grandson Matthew, Emma, Henry, and Jennifer--we share in your great sorrow for someone we all knew and loved. Your brother, your father, your husband, and our friend and colleague brought us joy. Yesterday I was on a plane flying to Washington, D.C. I sat next to a nice, young woman. We exchanged pleasantries and then kept to ourselves. I started to rework my remarks for today, and I was going at it pretty intensely--write, scratch, write--and at one point, I stopped, and the woman asked me what I was working on so hard. I told her it was a eulogy for a good friend's funeral, and that I had never delivered a eulogy before. She said she was sorry to hear of my loss. I went back to writing and she went back to her iPad. Several minutes later, I paused again to look out the window. At that point, I could feel this overwhelming emotion welling up inside of me. I had no outward sign of emotion--no tears, no noise--just strong internal emotion; that lump in your throat. At that point, without saying a word, the young woman put her hand on my shoulder and squeezed it a few times. I turned to her and said thanks. She told me it would be okay. I turned to look out the window again and thought to myself, ``that must have been Steve's doing,''--a simple act of kindness to reassure a friend. I was 30,000 feet in the air, closer to Heaven, where I know Steve is but the more I thought about it, I changed my conclusion. And it brought a smile to my face. The same smile Steve always brought to my face. It wasn't that I was close to Heaven and that Steve's spirit was with me. It was because I was on a mode of transportation. It wouldn't have mattered which mode--plane, train, car, bus, or boat-- Steve's spirit would have been with me because we shared that interest and passion. Whenever I work on these issues, Steve's spirit will always be with me. Steve was a great friend, a dear friend. But he was also a mentor to me, both in Congress and in life. He was bright, compassionate, and hardworking. He was someone you could count on, and he was funny. That humor often carried the day, in good times, intense times, and bad times. He could always light up the room with his wit and humor. I first learned about Steve from my father, who served with Steve. During my first term in Congress in 2001, I asked my father which members I could look to for good, sound advice. He gave me four to five names but the first name was Steve LaTourette. He said, ``You can trust Steve. You may not always agree on the issue but he will always shoot straight.'' Steve was a member's member. He cared about the people he worked with and the institution. He also cared deeply about finding solutions, which always had him working in a bipartisan manner. He would reach across the aisle to find a path forward. My father gave me a piece of advice for serving in Congress: You must learn the rules of the institution, become an expert on an issue, and keep your word. Steve excelled at all three. First, learn the rules. Few if any members knew the rules of the U.S. House of Representatives and Congress better than Steve. You could watch him in action when he was in the chair, presiding over the chamber during debate. He was in the chair frequently, and especially when a bill or debate was expected to be challenging. Steve was given those assignments because his knowledge of the rules. He was always able to act quickly and forcefully because of his knowledge. Second, become an expert on an issue. Steve demonstrated his expertise on financial services issues time and time again. In debate or verbal combat with another highly intelligent legislator, Barney Frank, it was always educational and insightful. Few could go toe-to- toe with Barney but Steve was one. And on transportation and infrastructure issues, Steve's knowledge was always impressive. It didn't matter the mode of transportation, whether it was highway transit, railroad, aviation, maritime, or even public buildings, Steve knew his stuff. Transportation and infrastructure issues were where his heart really was. That was fortunate for me because he taught me so much. Finally, keep your word. Steve's word was always solid. Regardless of if you were on the same side of an issue or he opposed you, you could count on his word. But if you opposed him, it could be a very, very long day. In Congress, your word is critical to success. It is the coin of the realm, and Steve LaTourette's word was gold. As I thought about what to say today, I thought what I might have said to Steve if we had exchanged places on the last day I saw him--me in bed and he by my bedside. It was the Friday before the GOP Convention in his beloved Cleveland. What came to me was the final scene from one of my favorite movies, The Outsiders. Johnny was in a hospital and beside was his friend, Ponyboy. Throughout the movie, they referred to the Robert Frost poem, ``Nothing Gold can Stay.'' At that point in the movie, Johnny whispers into his friend's ear, ``Stay gold, Ponyboy . . . stay gold.'' Steve LaTourette was gold and will forever be gold. Steve, we love you, and you will be missed, my friend.