Bill Shuster

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.

Mr. SHUSTER

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining on our side?

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4721, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2016. This bill extends the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration programs through July 15, 2016. The bill also extends the revenue collection authorities for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through March 31, 2017. The current FAA authorization 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 $30 million per day. That is $30 million a day for air traffic control, airport development, and other aviation programs that can never be recovered. Additionally, airports will be unable to receive grant money that has already been awarded to them, putting dozens of construction projects across the country at risk of delay, cost overrun, or cancelation. H.R. 4721 will avoid these unnecessary consequences while Congress works to finish a long-term aviation bill. On February 11, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, or the AIRR Act. The AIRR Act provides the transformational reform we need to modernize our antiquated air traffic control systems; to ensure the system is safe and efficient; and to ensure the U.S. leads the world in aviation. The AIRR Act takes ATC out of the Federal bureaucracy and establishes an independent, not-for-profit corporation to provide and modernize ATC service. This corporation will be governed by an independent board and representatives of the public interest. This independent entity will provide a service. It will not be given the public airspace. And the FAA will continue to be our Nation's aviation safety regulator. Let me stress that the FAA will continue to be the Nation's aviation safety regulator and that Congress will have full oversight over that entity. The bill includes protections for general aviation and for service to rural communities. This structure gets ATC away from political infighting and from an FAA management structure that has wasted billions of dollars in trying to modernize the system. I believe this reform will benefit passengers first, our communities, all system users, and will ultimately save taxpayers and the traveling public billions of dollars. The AIRR Act also streamlines the FAA certification process so as to improve America's competitiveness and to protect jobs. It includes a robust safety title, protects investment in airport infrastructure, and promotes passenger service reforms. We have worked every step of the way under an open process in order to address concerns and find common ground to move forward. In the markup, the committee approved 44 amendments, mostly on a bipartisan basis, to make the AIRR Act a better bill; but our work isn't done yet. With so much at stake, it is critical that we get this reform right. We are working with Members in the House to get the ball over the goal line. Last week, Members of the Senate Commerce Committee introduced its FAA reauthorization bill, and I look forward to working with Chairman Thune. We have worked well with the Senate Commerce Committee on the highway bill, on passenger rail reform, and on a Surface Transportation Board reauthorization. I believe we can be successful on an aviation bill as well. I am confident that we can produce a transformational FAA bill that will restore our global leadership position in aviation and ensure that the United States has the safest, most efficient aviation system in the world. In the meantime, we need to pass this short-term extension, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. I yielf myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just a couple of points to point out. Again, we talk about privatization, but this is a not-for-profit corporation that is going to be governed by the stakeholders. The government will have representatives, and the others that use the system will be on there to make sure that this entity operates in the most efficient, safe manner possible. Just to point out, over 50 countries around the world have done this and they have done it successfully. As the gentleman points out, in the bill that we passed, there is much agreement, but there are significant differences on this point. The gentleman also points out, which I agree with, Congress is part of the problem. It is not just the bureaucrats at FAA. It is the way Congress funds things. His solution to mandatory spending, though, I would oppose significantly because that takes the Congress out of the equation. It gives the FAA money. They will get it automatically without Congress going through appropriations or any kind of real oversight by Congress. If it comes down to it, it will be very difficult to change. The track record is very, very clear. As the gentleman points out, over time we have reformed over and over and over, given the FAA the ability to do things that other agencies don't have. But to paraphrase my good friend and colleague from Oregon who has said this a number of times, the only agency worse than the Department of Defense for procurement is the FAA. They just can't get it right. And Congress is an accomplice in that failure. So, again, that reform I think will go great distances to make this a modern FAA system, to be able to get it to operate with the GPS-based systems, give us much more capacity, improve the airspace, decrease the time it takes to fly places for the traveling public, and decrease the amount of energy burned up, which will be good for the environment. Again, I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Senate to try to do something, which, really, its time has come, to significantly reform the FAA and do something that, again, over 50 countries have done. Britain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, our allies around the world have done it successfully and with very, very safe results. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 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. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for pointing out the potential for a prolonged period to get to NextGen. We forget it has been a prolonged period. For over 20 years, we have been trying to get NextGen in the current system, and we haven't been able to get it. It is the GAO, it is the Inspector General of the Transportation Department, and it is numerous reports that have said there is no end in sight as to when we can get NextGen, a GPS-based system. Let me just point out--the gentleman mentioned Canada, which is a model we are looking at very closely. We certainly have made it to be an American model. But what has Canada done? Canada, in this type of system, a not-for-profit corporation--which this corporation will not be able to raise taxes, will not be able to put taxes. It will go to a user fee-based system. What has Canada done? They have decreased the cost of those user fees by 30 percent over the last 20 years, a 30 percent decrease. What they are doing this year is that the Canadian Nav Can will launch its first batch of satellites, and over the next 13, 14 months, until the next year of 2017, they will launch 70-plus satellites. They will have visibility of 100 percent of the world's global airspace. Today all of us together see about 30 percent. The Canadians will do this based on a system that we are trying to move toward to implement. So it has been a great success for Canada. It has lower costs. They are going to have a system that is deployed. It is safe. The only good news about Canada doing it is that they are one of our best allies. It is not the Russians and the Chinese doing it. If they were doing it, we would be hell-bent on trying to get this done. Let me just point back to, this is a system that the stakeholders will be in charge of at the board level. The FAA will still be the regulatory agency. So, again, this is something that is a long time coming. The Clinton administration tried to do it. The Bush administration tried to do it. The time has come. We should do this. We should not let the Canadians have the ability that we don't have, even though they are our allies. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will say, point out for the Record, correct the Record, first, the gentleman is correct: Canada is not launching satellites. They are launching modules to go on satellites by the corporation that they own about half of to deploy this GPS-based system. So, the gentleman is correct. Technically they are not satellites, but they are components to go on satellites which will, in fact, see 100 percent of the global airspace, which America should be doing. The next thing I would like to correct is we have had numerous hearings on this. We have had over half a dozen hearings. In fact, we had one just before we marked the bill up. We have had over 12--I think maybe even 14 or 15--roundtable discussions with both sides of the aisle and stakeholders from all over the industries who sat there and talked to us about what they thought is good and what is bad. The concern about safety--as I said, safety stays in government, and today the FAA safety certification portion of it is paid by the general fund. That is appropriate. The other fees, the taxes, we plan to eliminate most of those taxes, eliminate those taxes and go to a user fee-based system. There is plenty of money there. That will go to run the ATC system. This way it will be in a user fee-based system, which history has shown us what Canada has done. History has shown us, I think, in many, many cases, when you take something outside the government that can go outside the government, it is run more efficiently. We will get out of the starts and the stops of the appropriations process, of the government shutdowns, of the 23 extensions last time. This will be a better program. And the Secretary and the FAA will still maintain that regulatory oversight, which, in fact, means that Congress will maintain regulatory oversight. And I don't know when Congress has not had oversight and, in many cases, screwed up many of the private industries in this country by our overreach and our oversight by putting rules and regulations in place that don't work. In the case of the FAA, we rolled those back in many cases, let them go outside the Federal Government human resources rules and regulations. What did they do? They just kept on doing the same old thing. So this is an opportunity for us, again, with extensive hearings, with extensive experience around the world, looking at people who have done it successfully. Again, I believe the time has come for us to do this, to make this a modern aviation system that I believe will improve safety, although we have an incredibly safe system today. It will reduce the cost for the traveling public. It will make their flight times faster, more efficient, and it will be good for the environment. I don't see, really, anything in this that many, many Members of this House can't embrace. I will continue to talk about it and continue to push it because I really believe the time is now to have a modern air traffic control system that will be the envy of the world, just as our aviation system, our airlines, the development of our airlines, and our manufacturers have been for years. If we don't do it, I think we stand to diminish ourselves in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, we invented aviation. We ought to make sure that we continue to be the leaders in the world when it comes to aviation, whether it is flying planes, building planes, or controlling the airspace in the most efficient and safe way. Again, I urge all my colleagues to support this short-term extension that is on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Indiana Borough in Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District for reaching a huge milestone: its Bicentennial. Officially incorporated on March 11, 1816, countless citizens of the Indiana Borough have contributed to and witnessed the impressive development of a uniquely welcoming and enterprising community over the past 200 years. As a proud American city, Indiana can claim as one of its many notable contributions to our country to have had citizens participate in the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, and our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What's more, the borough has helped develop citizens who have contributed meaningfully to just about every aspect of our society, including: business, education, medicine, the arts, and politics. As many of my constituents know, Indiana Borough is also the hometown of famous Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart. Additionally, it is home to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which attracts thousands of bright students to the area each year. As the product of a region that has experienced the benefits of a strong coal industry, I am also proud to highlight Indiana Borough's contributions to the rich heritage associated with coal mining. There can be no doubt that over the past 200 years, the Indiana Borough has contributed an invaluable spirit as well as list of accomplishments and successful residents to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and I am certainly proud to represent this borough and its citizens. As such, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Indiana Borough and its remarkable citizens on this Bicentennial milestone, and wish them an even brighter future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Altoona City Planning Commission (APC) on its 100th year of service to the Altoona community. The APC was officially introduced in a 1916 ordinance, by then-mayor Charles E. Rhodes, during a message to City Council. Shortly after the official ordinance was introduced, the City Council unanimously passed it, thereby creating the Department of City Planning and the Altoona City Planning Commission. While the ordinance received unanimous backing from the council, it had previously faced political opposition. Thus, a great deal of thanks is due to those who provided concerted support for the planning commission's creation. Today, the APC consists of a seven-member Board of area residents, which is appointed by the Mayor. Acting in an advisory role to the City Council, the APC helps direct the short and long-term development of the city. As such, I would like to express my appreciation and that of Altoona's residents to all those who have served on this Board throughout its 100 years of existence. I believe it is also worth highlighting that the APC is the longest continuously operating planning commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am privileged to congratulate the APC on a century of history and service to the Altoona community, and to thank all who have helped this commission continue its success.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kendra Murray for being selected as one of Pennsylvania's top youth volunteers of 2016 by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Kendra is a senior at Meyersdale Area High School, and one of the 29,000 students across the United States to participate in the 21st annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Kendra helped her high school raise $5,000 to support breast cancer research by sponsoring a ``Flamingo Flocking'' pink flamingo event. Kendra is also the President of her school's student council, organizes community cleanup days along with other school activities and fundraisers. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Kendra is one we all should strive for. Her willingness to serve her community and Pennsylvania sets her apart as an outstanding individual and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kendra for this achievement and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the selfless assistance provided by many of the volunteer fire department and public assistance agencies from southern and central Pennsylvania during the recent Winter Storm Jonas. While many of us sought shelter during the recent winter storm that struck the East Coast, some of us were not so fortunate, as was made evident by the miles and miles of cars that were stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Many of these travelers had gotten trapped on the turnpike as a number of crashes stopped traffic while a huge amount of snow fell. Fortunately for the beleaguered travelers, a number of local volunteer fire departments from the surrounding communities braved the weather to assist those in need. For the drivers stranded overnight, these volunteer emergency responders were the only ones who could reach the area to help. As snow continued to fall, these volunteers worked together to ensure the well- being of those stranded by traveling car to car and offering supplies to many. To aid the cause, many local stores and restaurants contributed food and water to be distributed. It was truly a community effort. On behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and all of those who were assisted by the area's volunteers, I would like to thank these public servants for their selflessness. It is my honor to highlight this tremendous effort and its illustration of the neighborly commitment my constituents embody. To the volunteer organizations and governmental agencies listed below, we thank you for your generous dedication to serving the public: New Baltimore Vol. Fire Co. Shawnee Valley Vol. Fire Co. Shawnee Valley EMS Bedford Fire Co. Everett Fire Co. Breezewood Fire Co. Southern Cove Fire Co. Alum Bank Fire Co. Chestnut Ridge EMS Blue Knob Fire Co. Claysburg Fire Co. Martinsburg Fire Co. Imler Fire Co. Bedford American Legion Pa. National Guard SCMRTF Incident Management Team

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the service of Colonel Joseph Spielbauer, whose dedication to excellence and sacrifices for public service spanned more than 25 years of active duty military service and over 20 additional years of public service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Colonel Spielbauer was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery from Gonzaga University, in May 1967. He immediately shipped out to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for officer basic training followed by Airborne training and the grueling Ranger course at Fort Benning, the home of Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. He earned both his paratrooper wings and the prestigious Ranger tab prior to his first assignment to the famed 82nd Airborne Division. After duty with the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Spielbauer was reassigned to combat duty with the 1st Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam, where he served as an artillery firing battery commander. Following combat duty, he returned to the United States and completed the artillery officer advance course, the advanced maintenance course, and rigorous infantry pathfinder training. Colonel Spielbauer's next assignment was in Germany, where he first served as an artillery service battery commander and then as the Group S-3 (plans and operations) officer. As Vietnam drew down and the Cold War heated up, the Army decided to station a combat ready Ranger battalion in Europe. The leaders of this elite fighting force went through a vigorous screening process. Colonel Spielbauer's outstanding service record and demonstrated potential for greater responsibility earned him the challenging assignment as the first Fire Support Coordinator for the European Ranger battalions. He excelled in this duty and was subsequently assigned to teach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he was responsible for helping to train the next generation of military leaders. Colonel Spielbauer and his family then moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he completed the Army's resident Command and General Staff College. He then returned to Europe for the next 7.5 years. In Europe, Colonel Spielbauer served in numerous positions of escalating responsibility. He initially served as the plans officer for the 59th Ordinance Brigade. His initiative, hard work, and dedication to excellence earned him the opportunity to command the 294th Army Artillery Group. This difficult job carried the heavy responsibilities of nuclear fire support for NATO and numerous challenging host nation support requirements. Colonel Spielbauer did an outstanding job in this assignment. He earned the rare opportunity to then command the 552nd Army Artillery Group. He spent 5 years commanding high profile, high risk nuclear units. Colonel Spielbauer's demonstrated potential for greater responsibility earned him a slot in the resident Army War College class. This is the most senior Army school, reserved for the absolute best Army leaders. After graduation, he was selected for a prestigious staff/faculty position at the War College. Colonel Spielbauer's final assignment was the Senior Army Advisor to the Commanding General of the 28th Infantry Division/Pennsylvania National Guard. Colonel Spielbauer retired from active duty in September 1992 and transitioned to civilian service for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Colonel Spielbauer held several important positions in Pennsylvania including his role as the Director of the Base Development Committee and his current position as Executive Director of the PA Military Community Enhancement Commission. Joe was directly responsible for bringing together all of the disconnected military operations in Pennsylvania and preparing a unified strategy to expand the military presence through the 2005 Base Re-Alignment & Closure (BRAC). Colonel Spielbauer approached this daunting responsibility with the same unflinching dedication and professionalism that he employed to achieve military mission accomplishments. The unquestionable success of Colonel Spielbauer's detailed planning, meticulous execution and foresight can be seen throughout Pennsylvania, as military programs expand and employment grows. Throughout his long and successful career, Colonel Spielbauer has faithfully executed his diverse duties with great professionalism. He is a ``Soldier's Soldier'' and a consummate professional. Colonel Spielbauer's outstanding career reflects great honor and credit upon himself, his family, and our nation.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S.J. Res. 22, the resolution of disapproval for the waters of the United States rule. The ranking member pointed out that the Bush rule creates tremendous uncertainty. He is correct, absolutely correct. We need to make sure we change it. This rule that the President has put forward has 32 States that have filed lawsuits against it. Thirty-two States have said: no, this doesn't work. For decades, the Federal regulators worked as partners with the States to significantly improve water quality across this country. Those situations that the ranking member talked about that happened 40 and 50 years ago aren't happening today. The States have worked very closely with the Federal Government to make sure that we have clean water, that we are protecting that precious resource we have. Now, I will say right up front, because I know someone is going to call me out on it, the Governor of Pennsylvania did not file a lawsuit. Well, he is a liberal Democrat who has an extreme environmental agenda. He doesn't really care about the farmers of Pennsylvania, nor does he care about the building industry in Pennsylvania. This Governor is wrong on this issue. Again, 32 States have said ``no'' to this rule. The Federal Government shouldn't be regulating every drop of water. Again, Pennsylvania, like every other State, is supposed to bear primary responsibility for regulating the waters within its own borders, but that will change when the EPA and the Corps of Engineers blatantly ignore Pennsylvania and the other 49 States, the limits of the Federal jurisdiction published in this rule. The gentleman knows full well, across this country, there are protests going on, and also in the State of Oregon. The Federal Government, again, has an overreach, keeps pushing out there. This rule will be the same thing. The Federal Government will push out and reach out and do things that weren't intended to be in the law. Just about every wet area in the country is open to Federal regulation under this rule. Jobs will be threatened, the rights of landowners and local governments will be trampled. That is the frustration out in America today. The Federal Government keeps pushing, pushing, pushing, and doing things that really don't have a significant impact on the environment or other areas of their jurisdiction, and they cause great harm to individuals out there. So that is why there is tremendous frustration in this country today. There are clear problems with this rule. Again, the administration basically concocted this proposal in a vacuum. Pennsylvania and the other States were asked about this rule. As I said, 32 States have filed suit against it. That is significant. That is almost three- quarters of the States that have said ``no'' to this rule. That is a prime example, again, of why Americans are sick and tired of this. Every day I hear from farmers, homebuilders, small businesses, and others in my district. Some farmers have said they won't be able to pass on their family farm because of the cost associated with this power grab. As I said, I have no doubt that is what is going to happen. This will continue to expand if we don't stop it here today and send a strong message to the President to, as the subcommittee chairman said, take this rule back. Let's start over. Let's include the States in the development of this rulemaking. The EPA and the Corps need to listen to the States as partners as they have done for many, many years Just last night, the President of the United States stood on this House floor and talked about the need for eliminating rules that are on the books. Well, how about let's not put rules on the books that are going to cause great harm and great damage to many sectors of the economy, to many American people. This is a time when the President can show us that those words last night weren't hollow, that they were meaningful, and that he wanted to reach across the aisle. Here is a chance. There were a number of Senators on the other side of the aisle who voted for this. The last couple of times we have passed WOTUS bills here in the House, we have had bipartisan support. Here is an opportunity for us to work together. Again, last night we listened to the President. We heard him say some words, some words good. Again, if they are not willing to listen to the Congress on this issue, the very first order of business after he stood there last night and talked about, as I said, the need to reduce rules, as I said, how about let's not put a rule in place that is going to cause great harm to this country. The Congressional Review Act was put in place for just this very purpose. This is an opportunity for us to all join and do exactly what the ranking member has asked for, certainty in the rule. Reject President Bush's rulemaking. Let's put a rule in place the States can support and the American people can support I urge all Members to support S.J. Res. 22.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Darrell Creamer, a longtime volunteer firefighter and former President of the Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Creamer began his career with Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Company in 1968. In the subsequent 47 years he has been with the company, Darrell has earned his ascent through the department. Over his career, he has held many positions, including: Secretary, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief, Vice President, and is currently retiring from his position as President, which he has held since 1985. Mr. Creamer has been a dedicated public servant, overseeing many of the station's needs, and has helped countless Pennsylvanians as a priceless asset for the greater community. To this day, he still serves as the department's Business Manager, continuing to lend his decades of experience for the betterment of the community and the station he has long served. On behalf of the Ninth District of Pennsylvania, I want to thank Mr. Creamer for his selfless service, and moreover highlight the sense of purpose with which he has served the community. His leadership and dedication to Pennsylvania will live on, and his retirement is well- deserved. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Darrell Creamer on his many accomplishments and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2015 Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School football team for earning its second consecutive PIAA Class A state football championship. Adding to its inspiring accomplishments from last season, this dedicated Marauder team, led by Coach Justin Wheeler, finished this season with a perfect 16-0 record. Even more impressive, that brings their winning streak to 32 straight games over two seasons. By handily winning another PIAA Class A football championship this year, the team has even made regional football history by not only making it to the big game in back-to-back years but also winning it. What's more, winning more than one state football championship is something that no other team in the region can claim. While these many notable achievements are worth highlighting, I also believe it's worth pointing out the humility and work ethic that accompanied them. Through their efforts, the Bishop Guilfoyle football team's players and coaches have displayed character and commitment worth recognizing. This team's continued success is surely another reason to be proud of where we're from. Today I am honored to recognize the 2015 Bishop Guilfoyle football team for another state championship victory and its continuously growing list of accomplishments. I am proud of how this team has represented Central Pennsylvania and I speak for many when I say I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this program.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and also thank him for setting up this Special Order tonight and his leadership in his years in Congress and the pro-life movement. Life is the most precious gift we are given. The youngest and most vulnerable among us are a blessing. We must never stop working to protect them. Unfortunately, 2015 brought renewed attacks on life, and horrific new events came to light that showed us just how important this fight is. Videos were released exposing Planned Parenthood's barbaric practices. The things we saw being discussed and done in these videos were appalling. They underscore why we must continue to do everything we can to uphold the sanctity of life. I am proud that today we are sending down to the President a piece of legislation that will defund Planned Parenthood. I am proud of the work this House has done to bring attention to this issue and advance the cause of life. I have been honored to count myself among those who are in this fight, but we can never rest on our work to protect the unborn. Together, we must work to ensure that the terrible practices of Planned Parenthood come to an end and that life is valued, cherished, and always protected.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

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 S. 808.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank Mr. Capuano, Mr. Denham, Mr. DeFazio, and, of course, our colleagues in the Senate for bringing this bill forward. I think Mr. Capuano said it accurately: Transportation and infrastructure bills should come to the floor in a bipartisan way, figuring these things out, because this is good for America. It has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. It has to do with what is good for the American people, what is good for the American economy. The Surface Transportation Board is the Federal economic regulator of the Nation's freight system, and that has been a real success story. Since the Staggers Rail Act was passed, I believe, as the gentleman from Massachusetts mentioned, in 1980, our freight rail system is the envy of the world. It is strong. It is vibrant. It does a great job. But I know the STB reauthorization and making some of these significant changes is going to be beneficial to everybody. I think the gentleman from California ticked off a list of different outside groups or stakeholders and people that utilize rail that are in favor of this. Again, they sat down and worked it out. This will allow the STB to run more efficiently and, ultimately, again, as I said, improve the Nation's economy. I am not going to go through all the description--Mr. Capuano did a great job of that--of the changes that it makes and the authorities it gives them. It is going to streamline this and get these rate cases to the STB faster and get us through that process quicker. That is extremely important. So I believe this legislation is a crucial step for the railroad industry, the folks that use it on a day-to-day basis, and the American economy. As mentioned, the Senate passed this bill with broad support, and I am pleased that we are moving this forward today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 808) to establish the Surface Transportation Board as an independent establishment, and for other purposes.

Mr. SHUSTER. Again, I would just urge all my colleagues to support this important reauthorization and reform to the Surface Transportation Board. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of over 160 organizations that support S. 808. They are users of the railroad system, from agriculture interests to chemical, auto, pipe manufacturers, and energy companies. Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Agribusiness Council of Indiana, Agricultural Retailers Association, Agriculture Transportation Coalition, Alabama Crop Management Association, Alliance for Rail Competition, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, American Chemistry Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest & Paper Association, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Malting Barley Association, Inc., American Public Power Association, American Soybean Association, Auto Care Association, Chemical Industry Council of Delaware, Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, Chemistry Council of Missouri. Chemistry Council of New Jersey, Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, Connecticut Business & Industry Association, Corn Refiners Association, Edison Electric Institute, Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association, Foundry Association of Michigan, Freight Rail Customer Alliance, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Chemistry Council, Glass Packaging Institute, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, Green Coffee Association, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Growth Energy, Idaho Barley Commission, Idaho Grain Producers Association. Idaho Wheat Commission, Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Institute of Makers of Explosives, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, International Liquid Terminals Association, International Warehouse Logistics Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Louisiana Chemical Association, Manufacture Alabama, Manufacturers Association of Florida, Massachusetts Chemistry & Technology Alliance, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Bean Shippers, Michigan Chemistry Council. Midwest Food Processors Association, Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Forest Products Association, Montana Agricultural Business Association, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Grain Elevators Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Association of Chemical Distributors, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union. National Grain and Feed Association, National Industrial Transportation League, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Onion Association, National Pasta Association, National Retail Federation, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, National Sunflower Association, Nebraska Agri-Business Association, Inc., Nebraska Grain and Feed Association, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Wheat Board, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association, New York State Agribusiness Association, New York State Chemistry Council, North American Millers' Association, North Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, Ohio Agribusiness Association, Ohio Chemistry Technology Council, Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers Association, Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association, Oregon Wheat Growers League, Outdoor Power Equipment Association, Inc., Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council, Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, Plastics Pipe and Fittings Association, Portland Cement Association, Promotional Products Association International, PVC Pipe Association, Rail Customer Coalition, Renewable Fuels Association, Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association. Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, South Carolina Fertilizer and Agrichemicals Association, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Grain & Feed Association, South Dakota Wheat Inc., SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, Steel Manufacturers Association, Texas Ag Industries Association, Texas Chemical Council, Texas Grain & Feed Association, Texas Wheat Producers Association, The Chlorine Institute, The Fertilizer Institute, The National Industrial Transportation League, The Sulphur Institute, The Vinyl Institute. United States Fashion Industry Association, US Canola Association, US Dry Bean Council, US Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice Federation, Vinyl Building Council, Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc., Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Washington Grain Commission, West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Western Fuels Association, Western Governors' Association, Western Plant Health Association, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, Wyoming Ag Business Association, Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. The gentleman did a lot of work on the Amtrak bill, which made it into this final bill.