Member of Congress

Bill Shuster

Role
Former Representative
State
PA
Party
Republican

Speeches

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20172016-06-15

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SHUSTER. Again, I have great respect for both the gentlemen from Indiana and New Jersey, but this, I do believe, does affect readiness. As I keep saying, these dollars are obligated. By cutting them, we will stop the flow of work once the fiscal year ends and they continue to rebuild this vital, vital equipment that needs to get back into the field and needs to be back and deployed so that our warfighters have the equipment necessary. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Again, I certainly thank the chairman and my good friend from New Jersey for being a champion for our national defense, but I disagree. I think this does hurt our readiness because these are dollars that are obligated. These are projects that aren't completed at the end of the fiscal year but have to go on to the next year. The Army, in fact, has been reducing carryover for the last 5 years, and, again, these budgets that are tight, you still have to complete the reset for this equipment to be able to go back into the field. Again, it is already obligated, and it will impact readiness. So, again, our bill offsets it. I think we have bipartisan support, so I would, again, urge all my colleagues to support this to protect our depot system which is critical to the Nation's readiness. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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CELEBRATING ERIKA VOYZEY AS A THREE-TIME HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD STATE CHAMPION2016-06-09

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erika Voyzey, an exceptional high school track & field athlete from Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Erika has been a track and field athlete to watch since 2013, when she competed in the PIAA state championship as a freshman. She managed to finish 11th, jumping 5'2", but this was only the beginning of her illustrious career. The next year, she returned to the PIAA state championship as a sophomore and secured her first state championship with a jump of 5'7". And the next year, she returned as a junior to beat her personal best and become the first female athlete from Tyrone to win two state championships, with a jump of 5'8". Well Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that Erika raised the bar yet again, this year taking first place as a senior, and achieving an outstanding 5'10" jump earlier in the season. With this milestone, she tied the PIAA record that has been held since 1979 and became the only three-time PIAA state champion in Tyrone Area High School's history. Perhaps Erika's most impressive aspect, though, is that she never neglected her education in pursuit of her passion. This past week, Erika graduated from Tyrone Area High School where she was the salutatorian. Starting this year, Erika will attend the University of Miami, where she will be a student athlete. Erika will double major in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, as well as competing on the track team. Today I am honored to recognize Erika Voyzey's tremendous achievements, and I look forward to her future accomplishments. I have no doubt that she will continue doing what she has always done--raise the bar and clear new heights, both athletically and academically.

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SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY: PROTECTING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE OF PIPELINES AND ENHANCING SAFETY ACT2016-06-08

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the PIPES Act. I want to commend Chairman Denham, Ranking Member Capuano, and Ranking Member DeFazio for all the work they have put into this bill. I also want to thank Chairman Fred Upton from the Energy and Commerce Committee for the great relationship we have been able to develop. In these bills, we share jurisdiction, so we have been able to work and incorporate provisions from both the committees. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee who have worked with us over the past month to produce the legislation we are considering today. Pipelines are vital for getting energy products to markets and users. It is one of the safest modes of transportation, if not the safest. I believe this bill will build on the safety advances that we have been making. Congress last authorized the pipeline safety bill in 2011, and that bipartisan act charged DOT with updating regulations and procedures across a host of issues. But DOT needs to finish out those provisions, and this bill includes strong transparency and reporting requirements to keep pressure to finish the 2011 work. Another major provision in this act provides PHMSA with emergency order authority for pipelines. Most other Department of Transportation modal administrations have EO authority, which allows regulators to act quickly when they identify an industrywide safety issue that poses an imminent hazard to the public. As we crafted this language, we took great care to balance a variety of concerns. This bill maintains the Transportation Committee language that requires PHMSA to consult with industry stakeholders and other regulators prior to issuing an EO so that PHMSA understands the potential impact on the economy, end users, and safety. We also included extensive due process procedures on the back end so that if the agency makes a wrong call, affected parties will have redress, both administratively and judicially. PHMSA is also required to issue regulations to carry out this authority, including requiring administrative law judge procedures that mirror similar requirements in the hazmat EO authority. This is a good bill. It builds on the work that we did in 2011. It is developed in a bipartisan, bicameral manner. Again, I thank Mr. Capuano, Mr. Denham, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Upton, Mr. Pallone, and the Senate for their work and their leadership on this bill.

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CELEBRATING BENTLEYVILLE BOROUGH'S BICENTENNIAL2016-06-07

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bentleyville Borough in Pennsylvania on its momentous achievement of reaching 200 years of existence. Beginnings were humble for Bentleyville 200 years ago, when Sheshbazzar Bentley started selling lots of land in the beautiful Monongahela Valley for as little as 45 dollars. His original posting advertised ``Bentleysville'' as being surrounded by rich country, and having on site three wool machines, one gristmill, and one sawmill, along with some building materials. Local rumor has it that George Washington once passed down the main road of this Washington County town, and two centuries later, Bentleyville has blossomed into a borough with unique character and beauty--a place I am proud to have in Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District. The borough of Bentleyville has benefitted greatly from its location in a strong coal mining region, and as such I am proud to highlight the borough's contribution to the rich history and heritage associated with coal mining. Over the past 200 years, Bentleyville has produced many generations of exceptional citizens, all adding their unique spirit, character, and successes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is thus with great pride that I represent the remarkable citizens of past and present of the Bentleyville Borough and congratulate them on this significant milestone.

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HONORING FLORENCE SHUTSY-REYNOLDS AND THE WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS2016-05-24

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the service of Florence Shutsy-Reynolds, who served her country with great honor and distinction in World War II as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). The WASPs stepped up and answered the call of duty at a time when their country needed them most, with no expectation of praise or recognition. When the U.S. military needed more male pilots, these women signed up to fly noncombat missions so that their male counterparts could be deployed in combat. Florence Shutsy-Reynolds was one of these brave women who stood up to serve her country. When she was still in grade school in Dunbar, Pennsylvania, she told her parents she wanted to learn how to fly. Her parents laughed at the time, but in 1941, Shutsy-Reynolds became the first woman to earn her pilot's license at the local Connellsville airport. Not yet old enough to meet the minimum age requirement of 21, she wrote letter after letter to the director of the WASPs until the age requirement was lowered to 18 and she was permitted to apply. She then took the military oath, endured six rigorous months of training, and flew aircraft that were damaged in the war, at times pieces of her planes falling off mid-flight. These brave women flew more than 60 million miles, trained male pilots for combat, test piloted aircraft, and 38 gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country, perishing in the line of duty. After the war ended, Shutsy-Reynolds remained committed to her comrades by helping lead the charge for WASP members to receive veteran status, and later, a Congressional Gold Medal. She also assisted with designing the WASP flag, which has 38 stars in memory of the 38 women who died serving our country. Ms. Shutsy-Reynolds has never stopped advocating for the respect she and her fellow WASPs are due for their critical role in the war effort. Even to this day, at 92 years of age, Shutsy-Reynolds is still fighting for recognition and military benefits for the WASPs. Mr. Speaker, Florence Shutsy-Reynolds and the Women Airforce Service Pilots truly lived in the wind and sand, with their eyes on the stars, and I thank them for their service to our country.

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RECOGNIZING BRECHBILL & HELMAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR 50 YEARS OF SUCCESS2016-05-16

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Darrell Brechbill, John Helman, and Linda Brechbill on the occasion of their 50th year in business and well-deserved retirements. Brechbill and Helman Construction Company began in 1966 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently has grown to become a premier design-build commercial construction company serving a large portion of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Throughout their 50 years of business, Darrell, John, and Linda have remained actively involved in the projects and business, which has enabled the company to make many of its impressive contributions. I would be remiss to not also highlight the great work these owners have done to positively impact their community. Both Darrell and John have served on the boards of local nonprofit organizations, and their quality of work can be seen in the hotels, office buildings, restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses, and manufacturing buildings they built within their community. I am honored to recognize and congratulate Darrell, John, and Linda on their 50 years of building up not only their business but also communities. They exemplify the true American Dream, building something from nothing, and I wish them the absolute best on their hard-earned retirements.

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CO-PRESCRIBING TO REDUCE OVERDOSES ACT OF 20162016-05-11

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3680, which is one of several initiatives being taken up by the House this week to combat the devastating opioid epidemic our Nation is facing. Every person in my district knows someone who has been impacted by this crisis, and each day that we wait is another day we go without taking action to save the lives of the people feeling the terrible effects of this addiction. Each day without action is another day that our communities are ravaged by these drugs. We can combat this crisis and repair our communities. This is a needed step that both Republicans and Democrats are working together to achieve. I strongly support this legislation because it will provide funding to our health centers to coprescribe naloxone, a lifesaving drug. My entire district has been plagued by the scourge of this crisis. The alarming rise in overdose deaths show the urgent need for naloxone to be readily available to both healthcare professionals and those with increased risk of overdose. These efforts are one part of a broader solution that will undoubtedly save lives. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking these steps, and I look forward to continuing to work to make our communities a safer place by ridding them of this epidemic. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 3680.

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RECOGNIZING MR. MARTY MARASCO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO AND RETIREMENT FROM THE ALTOONA-BLAIR COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION2016-05-10

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Martin Marasco's many invaluable contributions to and retirement from the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation. Mr. Marasco has been the President and CEO of the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, known as ABCD Corp, since 1994. His work has been fundamental in helping the industrial and commercial economic expansion in Blair County. Specifically, under his leadership, ABCD Corp. has facilitated over 800 economic development projects, totaling in excess of $1.5 billion in total project costs that have resulted in the creation and retention of over 19,000 jobs. Thanks to his hard work, Blair County has seen the growth and introduction of businesses, which in turn have helped improve the standard of living for many families and individuals in Blair County. Among his many responsibilities, Mr. Marasco was the Executive Director of the Blair County Industrial Authority and Blair County General Authority, which are public agencies that help provide information and pathways for public funding and taxable and tax-exempt financing. Furthermore, I am happy to highlight that this dedication has not gone unnoticed, as Mr. Marasco has been the recipient of awards from the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, Italian Heritage Society and others. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize Mr. Marasco, who has devoted his life to serving Blair County. On behalf of the many people he has positively impacted, I offer our tremendous gratitude. I am proud to serve constituents like Mr. Marasco, and wish him well in retirement.

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CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LIVING LEGACY OF ROSE SCHETROMPF ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY2016-05-10

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate Rose Schetrompf of Bedford County for recently turning 100 years old. As this tremendous milestone illustrates, Rose is truly a remarkable person. She is a loving parent and grandparent, a long-time small business owner, and a pillar in the community. Starting in the 1950s, at the Murphy building in Everett, Pennsylvania, Rose opened up Rose Schetrompf Beauty Shop, which she subsequently managed until she was 95 years old. While the location of Rose Schetrompf Beauty Shop may have moved around Everett over the years, one thing always stayed the same: her business's reliable and quality work, which is evidenced by the fact that some of Rose's most loyal customers went to the shop for over 40 years. I think everyone who went to Rose over the years has their own story, but one that stands out is her commitment to serving her customers. Nothing could stop Rose, including a broken bone. As the story goes, when Rose sustained a broken wrist, she worked right through the injury instead of taking time off, like many people with a physically demanding job might have. Additionally, she is known for her continued willingness to learn the newest hairstyles, which ensured her long-standing business success over the years. When Rose isn't working, she has always been known for finding ways to give back to the community, and that is something that may be just as memorable as her beauty shop. When people are asked to describe Rose, one of the first things they say is that she is a genuinely great person. During Rose's recent birthday celebration, one of her grandchildren asked her what she attributed her long and full life to. Rose's answer was, ``hard work.'' So today on behalf of the people of Bedford County I would like to thank and recognize Rose for her hard work and role in the community.

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COMMENDING DR. ANDREW W. GURMAN, FOR BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION2016-04-28

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. Andrew W. Gurman on his inauguration as President of the American Medical Association on June 14th, 2016. A native of New York, Dr. Gurman received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, in 1980. He served his surgical internship in Bronx, New York, completing and following his passion for hand surgery at the Hospital for Joint Disease Orthopedic Institute in New York City. In addition to his career as an orthopedic hand surgeon in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Dr. Gurman has served as the speaker and vice speaker of the AMA House of Delegates for eight years, a member of the Pennsylvania delegation for 20 years, a congressional contact for PAMED, and member on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand's Council on Government Relations. Fortunately for our community, Dr. Gurman's achievements are not limited to his medical involvement, as he has also served as a professional chair for the United Way campaign, and a member of the board of trustees of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. It is with great pleasure that I highlight Dr. Gurman's inauguration to the presidency of the American Medical Association and commend him for his capacity to serve the 9th Congressional District in so many ways. I have no doubt he will continue to make an impact on our community.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATON2016-04-27

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on roll call Numbers 164 and 165, on H.R. 4820 and H.R. 4096, I was unable to make it to the vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on both.

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CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND 70TH BIRTHDAY OF THEODORE KATTOUF2016-04-19

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mr. Theodore Kattouf of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kattouf has dedicated his life to serving our country, and in so doing has achieved a uniquely distinguished career. Upon graduation from Penn State University in 1968, Mr. Kattouf served in the United States Army infantry for over three years and subsequently joined the Foreign Service in 1972. Beginning in 1973, Mr. Kattouf served as the economic and commercial officer in Kuwait, which then led to his assignment as a political officer to Damascus, the second largest city in Syria. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Kattouf became a Middle East analyst at the U.S. State Department. Mr. Kattouf returned abroad from 1983 to 1986, serving in Baghdad as the Deputy Chief of Mission. Mr. Kattouf has spent numerous years working abroad with distinguished titles such as: Deputy Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission in Damascus, Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, and Charge d'Affaires. His international work is not to be overshadowed by his work in the United States, which included Deputy Director and Director of Lebanon, Jordan and Syrian Affairs, and President and CEO of AMIDEAST. Additionally, under President Clinton, Mr. Kattouf was nominated and confirmed as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in 1998. Later, in 2001, he was confirmed as Ambassador to Syria, having received a nomination for the post from President Bush. Over the years, Theodore has encouraged international cooperation through his work as a U.S. Ambassador for the UAE and Syria. Mr. Kattouf has also received numerous awards, highlighting his dedication and advocacy efforts, some of which include: the Cobb Award, two Meritorious Honor Awards, four Senior Performance Awards, and one Presidential Honor Award. It is with great pleasure and honor that I recognize Mr. Kattouf's service and contributions to our nation at the highest level. I applaud Mr. Kattouf for his dedication to our country and wish him a happy 70th birthday.

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CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TYRONE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE2016-04-14

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The Chamber, which was started as the Tyrone Business Men's Association, today boasts 207 members and continues to grow. Since its founding, the Tyrone Chamber has been instrumental in advancing countless infrastructure projects and backing the World Metric Standardization Act. Other achievements include introducing a higher standard of education in the borough and improving school playground equipment, train facilities, and critical surface transportation infrastructure. Thanks to the Chamber, Tyrone was able to secure the Reliance of Manufacturing Company in 1933 and the Chicago Rivet and Machine Company in 1948. More recently, the organization has assisted with opening the branch office of the Blair County Motor Club (A.A.A.), erecting the ``Welcome to Tyrone'' signs at the entrances into Tyrone, and sponsoring the Tyrone Community Improvement Association in its efforts in the Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce sponsored Community Development contest. Their motto from 1916 still rings true today, as the Chamber truly does work for a ``Bigger and Better and Busier Tyrone.'' It gives me great pleasure to recognize the 100-year history and the promising future of the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce. I know that in the years ahead, they will continue to serve the community proudly and advance the commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interests of Tyrone.

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COMMEMORATING GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 143, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, ON ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY2016-04-14

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate George Washington Lodge No. 143, Free and Accepted Masons, of Chambersburg, PA, on its 200th anniversary. Similar to the Borough of Chambersburg, the George Washington Masonic Lodge No.143 has a history dating back nearly to our country's founding. Having been resurrected by a group of committed Masons who sent a petition to Grand Lodge for a warrant to institute George Washington Lodge No. 143, the lodge has maintained this historic presence since 1816. A point of local pride, the lodge remains the oldest Masonic building in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also, as many of us know, it was its association with the Free and Accepted Masons that prevented the lodge from being destroyed during the burning of Chambersburg in 1864. Having withstood that assault and standing the test of time, George Washington Lodge No. 143 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Prior to that achievement, a small addition was added to the rear of the building at the time of its 150th anniversary, in 1966. In more ways than one George Washington Lodge No. 143 represents the story of our country and I am proud to commemorate the 200th year of its institution.

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RECOGNIZING PROFESSOR DONNA J. BON OF PENN STATE ALTOONA FOR HER ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT2016-04-13

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Donna J. Bon, of Penn State Altoona, for her commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit within Penn State Altoona and the Sheetz Fellows Program. Founded by Steve and Nancy Sheetz to instill leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset in students studying business at Penn State Altoona, the Sheetz Fellows Program continues to make a positive impact in the lives of the committed Penn State Altoona student participants. While the generosity of the Sheetz family is worth highlighting, I believe Professor Bon also deserves appreciation for her role in making the program a continued success. As the Executive Director of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Professor Bon has been instrumental in executing the program's important mission of teaching and mentoring students to be tomorrow's key decision-makers and to impart in them a strong sense of servant leadership. On behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I want to thank Professor Bon for her commitment to these high ideals and recognize her success in pursuing them. Thanks to her and her colleagues at Penn State Altoona, our community will continue to benefit from the actions and ideas of an ambitious student body.

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CONGRATULATING JIM CUNNINGHAM FOR BEING INDUCTED INTO THE MINOR PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME2016-04-13

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim Cunningham, of Connellsville, PA, on being inducted into the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame. Born in Connellsville, PA, Jim grew up excelling in athletics. In fact, during his time at Connellsville High School, he managed to win 10 varsity letters, competing in Track and Field, Basketball, Swimming, and Football. As a result of his outstanding performance, Jim was selected all-county in Basketball and Football two years in a row, and received many offers from colleges and universities to play football. As a means of encouraging Jim to attend the University of Pittsburgh, the school arranged to help his mother out with a heart operation she desperately needed. Thanks to this kind gesture and Jim's talent and dedication, he went on to a successful collegiate football career at Pitt that subsequently got him drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 3rd round in 1961. Following three seasons with the Redskins, Jim eventually returned home to pursue his dream of teaching. However, it wasn't long until Jim returned to the gridiron, this time playing for the Wheeling Ironmen, of the Continental Football League, for five seasons. Jim eventually retired from teaching in 1997. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Jim remains grateful for his three children and six grandchildren, as well as his wife, Norma. It is my pleasure to highlight Jim's impressive football career and also the hardworking approach his multiple careers illustrate. I wish him and his family the best going forward.

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AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION ACT OF 20162016-03-21

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill, as amended by the Senate, extends the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration programs and the revenue collection authorities for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through July 15, 2016. The current FAA reauthorization expires at the end of this month. Without this bill, the authority to collect aviation taxes will lapse, depriving the trust fund of more than $40 million per day. That is funding for air traffic control, airport development, and other aviation programs that can never be recovered. Additionally, the airports will be unable to receive grant money that has already been awarded to them, putting dozens of construction projects at risk. H.R. 4721 will avoid these unnecessary consequences while Congress works to finish a long-term aviation bill. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4721. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4721) to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 4721.

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. HARRY D. JOHNSTON2016-03-17

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the self-described ``Last of the country doctors,'' Dr. Harry D. Johnston, who passed away on March 15, 2016 at Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Johnston, a native of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, was a general practitioner in his hometown for nearly 46 years. In 2013, he was named the ``Outstanding Citizen'' of his community for his untiring dedication as a community leader and care-giver, healer, and one who makes every effort to ease a person's pain. In the community he was thought of as a trusted, extended family member. Over the years Dr. Johnston took an interest in all the individuals he came in contact with, paying special attention to their concerns, medical treatment, and everyday issues. He also was a community leader serving on the Boards of the First National Bank of McConnellsburg, the Arthur Schmidt Charitable Trust, the Fulton County Medical Center, and the Fulton County Home Nursing Services Association. His vision led to the creation of the Tri-State Community Health Center, the county's 911 system, and the funding of a state-of-the-art hospital with modern equipment, staff and specialty physicians. His interests included antique cars, farming, hunting and flying. Dr. Johnston was born on September 19, 1936, was graduated from the Mercersburg Academy, attended the University of London, was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, and the University of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife Darlene Pierce Johnston, a son Harry Pierce Johnston (husband of Winter), two granddaughters Ella and Maggie, a sister Alice Walker and nephews William and Kenneth Walker.

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CONGRATULATING MRS. PEGGY J. BOSMA-LaMASCUS ON A SUCCESSFUL 34-YEAR CAREER AT PATRIOT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION2016-03-15

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Peggy J. Bosma-LaMascus, the former President and CEO of Patriot Federal Credit Union, on a distinguished career and a well-deserved retirement. Mrs. Bosma-LaMascus began her career with Letterkenny Federal Credit Union, the predecessor to Patriot Federal Credit Union, in 1982. Under Peggy's subsequent leadership, the credit union grew from $26 million in assets to over $520 million, which has put Patriot in the top 5 percent of all credit unions in the country in terms of assets. In addition to implementing beneficial mortgage, lending, and wealth management programs and processes, Peggy always made sure to keep the credit union's focus on member service and convenience. What is possibly even more impressive than her tremendous accomplishments is the way she remained committed to having a positive impact on people's lives and the lives of their families. I believe her trust in the credit union philosophy ``Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service'' is truly worth highlighting and celebrating. Additionally, many know that Peggy played a significant role in the 1990s to save jobs at the Letterkenny Army Depot, as the Department of Defense pursued a Base Realignment and Closure. It was to acknowledge the Letterkenny Army Depot's missile repair capabilities that Peggy urged the credit union to change its name to Patriot Federal Credit Union. What's more, Peggy has also made time to serve several community boards and organizations like the Downtown Chambersburg and Chambersburg United Way, and the Greater Chambersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. It was in 2006 that the Greater Chambersburg Area Chamber of Commerce named her Businessperson of the Year. Peggy has additionally played a notable role in advancing credit unions by serving many state and federal level organizations. On behalf of the Ninth District of Pennsylvania, I want to thank Mrs. Peggy J. Bosma-LaMascus for her dedication to making our communities not only stronger financially but also richer in personal service and community spirit. Her leadership and dedication to Pennsylvanians is to be commended, and her retirement is well-deserved.

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