Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, even though I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Chair, this amendment makes an important change to the distracted driver incentive grant program that will ensure more States can qualify for funding. It is a good amendment. I urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentlewoman's work on the amendment, and I support her amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. I will continue to work with the gentleman on this issue as it moves to conference.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I just want to say my heartfelt thanks to the leaders of the Democrats on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. DeFazio and Ms. Norton, for getting this extension until November 20. It doesn't give us much time, but we need to get down to work, get this passed next week, get it into conference, and work to get this on the floor as soon as possible. I also thank them for a sound extension to PTC, which is absolutely vital to the Nation's economy to get this thing extended so we continue rail shipments and to make sure that we have got something in place that gets this important technology deployed in a reasonable way, a responsible way to make sure that our rail system continues to be even safer than it is today. It is a very, very safe system today. So I urge all my colleagues to support this. I yield back the balance of my time.

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. 3819.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 3819, which extends Federal surface transportation programs through November 20, 2015. This bill allows States to continue to fund transportation projects, and it prevents 4,100 U.S. Department of Transportation employees from being furloughed. H.R. 3819 funds these programs at the authorized levels for fiscal year 2014. No offsets or transfers of funding to the highway trust fund are necessary for this extension since the trust fund will remain solvent during this period. Last week, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously approved a bipartisan, multiyear surface transportation reauthorization bill. This extension will enable the House to continue its work on this important legislation. H.R. 3819 also includes critical language extending the deadline for railroads to implement positive train control technology to 2018. We have known for some time that railroads simply cannot meet the congressionally mandated positive train control, or PTC, deadline of December 31, 2015. What has become more apparent is how catastrophic it would be for the Nation's economy if we don't extend the deadline now. Without an extension, railroads will stop shipping important chemicals critical to manufacturing, agriculture, clean drinking water, and other industrial activities. In fact, some railroads are already notifying shippers they will stop accepting chemical shipments by December 1. This is creating extreme uncertainty across a variety of groups that rely on rail shipments, from farmers who need ammonia for fertilizer, to water utilities that need chlorine to purify drinking water. Some industrial companies have already begun the planning process for shutting down plants because they cannot operate without chemicals delivered by rail. We have heard from one chemical company in New Hampshire that said its railroad will stop picking up chlorine on November 13. This company is the only supplier of chlorine to the entire six-State New England region for drinking water and wastewater treatment. Therefore, after November 13, New England could very well be without chlorine to clean its water. On a broader scale, a PTC-related rail shutdown would pull $30 billion out of the economy in one quarter alone and lead to 700,000 jobs lost in just one month. It is our responsibility to extend this deadline now and avoid such harm to the Nation's economy. This language is based on bipartisan, bicameral work over the last several weeks, and it would ensure that railroads implement positive train control as quickly as possible. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3819. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3819) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tyrone Area High School for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognition. Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has celebrated schools that have either made significant improvements or achieved an outstanding level of school-wide performance. This year, only 335 schools in the United States were honored with this distinction, including the 9th District's Tyrone Area High School. In order to achieve this distinction, schools must earn test scores that illustrate advanced or strongly improving academic achievement. As the Tyrone Area High School mission statement explains, there is an expectation that all students will achieve high levels of personal and academic success. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated students and the support of not only highly organized administrators and teachers but also the community, Tyrone Area High School has attained this extraordinary honor. Furthermore, this involved and no-nonsense approach has enabled Tyrone students to achieve this recognition despite lacking the same resources as some of the state's wealthiest districts. A true mark of its high expectations, Tyrone High exposes all of its students to college-level coursework, and the results speak for themselves. Tyrone students led a state of 541 districts in both writing achievement and growth in 2012, and placed first in the state in 2013 for literature growth. In 2014, Tyrone had the highest School Performance Profile in the 35-district Intermediate Unit. It is my privilege to congratulate Tyrone Area High School for its National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. I'm also proud to highlight the dedicated and involved effort of all those who made this award possible as it represents the spirit of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bentworth High School for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognition. Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has celebrated schools that have either made significant improvements or achieved an outstanding level of school-wide performance. This year, only 335 schools in the United States were honored with this distinction, including the 9th District's Bentworth High School. In order to achieve this distinction, schools must earn test scores that illustrate advanced or strongly improving academic achievement. Supporting a hard working student population of about 400, fewer than 50 dedicated teachers and personnel have worked together to increase overall academic achievement at Bentworth. Using strategies to help identify economically disadvantaged students and embracing its relatively small size, Bentworth High School and its surrounding community have provided students with a uniquely personalized educational experience. Furthermore, this involved approach has enabled Bentworth High to provide its students with a challenging curriculum, specialized support services, and valuable extracurricular programs. Today it is my privilege to congratulate Bentworth High School for its National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. I'm also proud to highlight the dedicated effort of all those who helped earn this award as it illustrates the spirit of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Since the return of Penn State undergraduate education to southwestern Pennsylvania in 1965, the Fayette campus has grown to encompass about 100 acres and 10 buildings. Penn State Fayette's impressive development is also illustrated by its increased breadth and depth of program offerings, which now includes nine baccalaureate and seven associate degree options. Just as when it first came to the area, Penn State Fayette continues to offer our area students a local option for a globally competitive education. Additionally, I am proud to highlight those who have made these remarkable advancements possible. While a debt of gratitude is owed to those who have supported Penn State Fayette's continuing progress, like the Eberly Family, the campus's administration and faculty have also played a fundamental role in this success. Unlike many other universities, the faculty at Penn State Fayette serves students as not only teachers but also advisors, enabling students to get a truly worthwhile educational experience. Walking around the campus today, visitors will notice an atmosphere of unity that has been cultivated by more than 25 student clubs and organizations. In addition to creating this vibrant and dynamic learning environment, the Fayette campus also maintains the Coal and Coke Heritage Center, which pays homage to the area's rich industrial past and represents the hardworking nature of Fayette County citizens, from its students to those who have long since retired. I am privileged to congratulate Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus for 50 years of success, and to thank all who have helped this community continue to grow and prosper.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of World War II's Italian Service Units, in particular, the 321st Quartermaster Battalion once assigned to Letterkenny Army Depot near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. During the summer of 1943, fierce fighting took place across North Africa and Sicily between Allied Forces and the Axis Powers. The U.S. and its allies captured approximately 275,000 prisoners of war and sent nearly 1,250 Italian soldiers to the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania. A few months later, an armistice was signed with Italy and the one-time foes transformed into Italian Service Units culminating as the 321st Quartermaster Battalion. With sworn allegiance to the United States, they spent the next seventeen months ordering, stocking and shipping critical military items to our men and women serving in the Pacific and European Theaters of war. The rugged labor and staunch commitment of the 321st Quartermaster Battalion were integral to the Allies' eventual defeat of the Axis Powers. Additionally, the men once held prisoner now helped to construct the depot itself, including a chapel and bell tower resplendent in Tuscan style. As we mark the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II, we also celebrate the repatriation of these distinctive soldiers and honor their contributions to both our home front and efforts abroad. They will forever remain entwined in our history and in our hearts.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club on the occasion of its 90th year of service to the Chambersburg community. The Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club is one of the oldest of 46,000 Lions Club International chapters in operation today. Since the club was chartered in 1925, its members have included a diverse group of individuals united in their passion for community service. In that time, hundreds of men and women have lent their time and talents to improve the quality of life throughout the Chambersburg area. The Noontime Lions Club continually invests in the organizations that have the greatest access to areas of high need in the community, with resources going to Meals on Wheels, Easter Seals, Little League, Girl Scouts, and more. Although they tackle a breadth of community concerns, they focus the majority of their efforts on eyesight preservation projects. As such, the Noontime Lions Club frequently offers eye exams, assists in the purchase of eyeglasses, and maintains active partnerships with organizations such as Leader Dogs for the Blind and Beacon Lodge. As an example of their generosity, the Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club has previously assisted a local family by funding much needed surgery for their seeing-eye dog. Though much has changed throughout Chambersburg in the past ninety years, the commitment of Noontime Lions Club has remained steadfast, serving the needs of the local community. I am grateful for their contributions throughout Pennsylvania's 9th district and would like to thank all who have helped the organization reach this momentous milestone of 90 consecutive years of service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Johnston of Grain Valley, MO. This October, Jim will be completing his eighth term and fourth decade as the President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), an organization that formed to give owner-operators and drivers a voice where they previously had none. Jim is widely considered a national leader on all issues affecting small business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. It is hard to believe that OOIDA began in an office trailer chained to a light pole at a truck stop in Grain Valley. Under Jim's leadership, it is now the largest organization of small business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers in the country, with more than 155,000 members nationwide. OOIDA has members in every state and every Congressional district. There is no single person or organization that is more capable of representing the interests of truck drivers. In fact, Jim leads a twenty-two member Board of Directors that collectively has more than eight-hundred years of truck driving experience, and a staff of three- hundred twenty OOIDA employees, many of whom were truck drivers themselves. Needless to say, Jim is an invaluable resource on trucking and transportation issues to those fortunate enough to work with him. To say that Jim is a tireless advocate representing the interests of truck drivers is an understatement; it has been his life's work and there is nobody more dedicated to the cause. Throughout his career, he has worked with legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, law enforcement agencies, other trucking and transportation organizations, and he has served on numerous commissions and advisory boards. His mission is simple: fight for the rights of all professional truck drivers. While some of his colleagues might say that he is a fierce adversary--perhaps another understatement--I think most people would agree that he conducts himself with integrity and the utmost professionalism. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to work with Jim and his team at OOIDA. I would ask all of my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Jim Johnston for his lifelong dedication to the members of OOIDA and the trucking industry and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Franklin County Head Start Program on the 50th Anniversary of the National Head Start Association. Since it began as a summer program in 1965, the Head Start Program has grown and developed into an innovative early childhood experience offered to children in over 1,500 communities, including those in Franklin County. Thanks to the Franklin County Head Start, countless children and their families in our area have been empowered to reach their full potential. As of 2013, more than 31 million preschool aged children have participated in Head Start. The continued success of the Head Start Program has been made possible by the dedicated staff and community members like those in Franklin County, who have put an inspiring amount of work into growing and improving its positive impact. I am privileged to congratulate the National Head Start Association for achieving 50 years of service and to highlight the Franklin County Head Start Program for its commitment to improving the greater Chambersburg area.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, here we are with a short-term extension for 6 months. I believe it is critical that we do this, obviously, as it is about to expire. There are things that not only do we want to do, but we need to do, to make sure that we have the safest airspace in the world. We also need to make sure it is the most efficient airspace in the world. We can do that if we deploy the technology and the things we have been talking about for almost 2 years now to transform the FAA into something that can move quicker, that can deploy the technology that is available to us. When we look around the world, there are over 50 countries that have taken the air traffic control organization out of government and have been able to maintain the highest levels of safety, but deploy technology that makes their airspace more efficient. That is the kind of thing we are looking at. I think we are at a critical time. What we have been talking about is not anything new. It is something that we have been talking about for 20 years. In fact, the Clinton administration had a similar proposal, the Bush administration had a similar proposal, and here we are today talking about it. But I think that we have different groups that are looking positively at this. We are very close to putting something together that, as I said, will transform the air traffic control system while keeping back in government the safety and regulatory oversight to this agency to make sure that we are streamlining the certification process for our aviation industry that is manufacturing everything from Boeings to Gulfstreams, to the avionics, to the parts that go into these flying systems. We have got to maintain our lead in the world. The way we do that is to streamline the certification process. The gentleman from Washington, who has Boeing in his district, agrees with me on that issue. There is a lot more in this that we need to do to move forward. I think, as we get through September and into October, we are going to be able to see the bill that we have put forth that is going to have, I believe, bipartisan support not only from Congress, but around the country, around Washington, D.C., and, as I said, here in the House. In talking to the Senate, I am encouraged by what they have said about what we are looking at proposing. Again, I would encourage all Members to support this 6-month extension to give us the time to get our bill on and off the floor and let the Senate work on it so we can truly do something that is bold, do something that is transformational, and do something that will be very, very positive for aviation, not only travel, but for the manufacturing industry in this country.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Lanny Ross, a lifelong educator and public servant, for receiving the 2015 Altoona Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Award. As a career educator and administrator, Dr. Ross has played a central role in developing countless lives and careers. Illustrating his dedication to education, Dr. Ross has worked in several school districts in multiple states as a Math Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Assistant High School Principal, High School Principal, Director of Secondary Education, Superintendent of Vocational Education, and Executive Director of Vocational Education. Additionally, he has taught at the university level for Penn State University, Lock Haven University, and St. Francis University. Driven by a desire to give back, Dr. Ross has also been an active member of many community organizations, including: the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, Blair County Airport Authority, Southern Alleghanies Workforce Investment Board, and several Professional Education Associations. Despite a demanding career and extensive community responsibilities, Dr. Ross has also remained a dedicated family man to his wife of 50 years, his three children, and his six grandchildren. On behalf of the Ninth District of Pennsylvania, I want to thank Dr. Ross for his service, and moreover highlight the sense of purpose with which he has served the community. He has exemplified the selfless drive that is a hallmark of our educators, and this award is a well- deserved acknowledgment of that spirit of giving. It is my honor to recognize Dr. Lanny Ross and congratulate him for receiving the 2015 Altoona Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Award.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Graphics Universal Incorporated on the occasion of its 50th year of business. Over the past half-century, Graphics Universal Inc. has grown into a successful, diversified printing business. As a family-owned small business, Graphics Universal Inc. has shown how successful a loyal approach to business can be. Fortunately for its clients and the Greencastle community, it has also shown what the grit and determination of entrepreneurs can create. As a former small business owner, I truly appreciate how essential small businesses like Graphics Universal Inc. are to the prosperity of our country and local communities by creating jobs and economic opportunity. In celebrating Graphics Universal Inc. for its 50-year anniversary, it is essential to also recognize the extraordinary employees that have made that milestone possible. I believe this achievement speaks to the value they have created for the company and the clients and communities they serve. I am honored to recognize Graphics Universal Inc. for its 50 years of business, and for successfully participating in one of our country's proudest traditions: owning and operating a small business.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on July 14th, 2015 pro-life activists with the group Center for Medical Progress released a video of a Planned Parenthood official discussing the sale of fetal body parts. There have been many other videos released since, and each one has revealed more terrible details about the reprehensible activities of this organization. When the first Planned Parenthood video was made public, I called it horrific and inhumane, and called for an immediate investigation. Sadly, we have discovered over the last few months that this was just the beginning. With each passing day, more information comes to light illustrating that the sale and profit from fetal body parts is central to Planned Parenthood's business model, as is the performance of abortions. The American taxpayer should not be forced to pay for this. It is time to defund Planned Parenthood, and bring a stop to these barbaric practices. This is not a Republican vs. Democrat issue. This is about protecting life and taking a stand against an inhumane activity that the people of this country are being forced to subsidize. Enough is enough. I am proud to support the Defund Planned Parenthood Act to put a moratorium on both mandatory and discretionary funding while Congress continues its investigation, and to have been a leader on the issue of protecting life and stopping these evil practices. It is time to act, and I am hopeful that we stand for life, and end this once and for all.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the 22nd annual Personal Achievement Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona, given to encourage and reward those who have made an outstanding effort to deal with or overcome a disability. This year, I congratulate: Barbara Horne of Hollidaysburg, Larry Snyder of Hollidaysburg and Isaac Snowberger of Roaring Spring. Barbara Horne is the recipient of a HealthSouth Personal Achievement Award. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother until August 31, 2014, when tragedy struck and changed her life forever. Barbara was diagnosed with an acute brain stem stroke which caused her to have garbled speech, double vision and limpness on her right side. Shortly thereafter, she developed a urinary tract infection. She was dialysis dependent and was given a small percentage of survival. With hard work, determination and assistance from her family, she overcame these obstacles. Barbara actually walked out of HealthSouth's facility at discharge on November 5, 2014, and now walks without the assist of a device. She's been able to return to her active lifestyle. Larry Snyder is also the recipient of a Personal Achievement Award. On April 3, 2013 Larry sustained a life-changing injury to his dominant right hand when it was crushed between the couplings of two railroad cars. Larry underwent a total of 7 surgeries to repair vascular, skin, bone, nerve, and tendon damage sustained in the accident. Surgeons were able to save Larry's hand, but had to amputate his thumb. He also lost much of the sensation to his remaining fingers, leaving his hand essentially non-functional. Larry was a year away from retirement, after a lifetime of work in the local railroad shops, when he sustained this injury. With the help of his family and friends, he has fought discouragement by keeping an optimistic and cheerful attitude, and learned to make his left hand the dominant one. Isaac Snowberger is also the recipient of a Personal Achievement Award. For Isaac and his family, June 21, 2015 will be a day they will never forget. Normally healthy and active, Isaac collapsed at home due to an arteriovenous malformation in the brain. His parents were able to revive him, and he was taken immediately to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for surgery. Due to his injury, he had some weakness in his right side, balance issues, double vision and swallowing difficulties. But Isaac remained in good spirits and has made rapid progress in therapy. With his family's help, he is now walking well, and has achieved his main goals of returning to high school and participating in garden tractor pulling events. Congratulations to Barbara, Larry and Isaac. Their accomplishments are a testament to us all that with hard work, persistence and a big heart, we can overcome any hardship. I honor each of them for their perseverance, and I wish them the best as they continue to overcome illnesses and disabilities while setting an example for the rest of the community.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice strong opposition to this fatally flawed Iran deal. By signing the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, the President agreed to allow all documents, secret annexes, and side deals to be reviewed by the U.S. Congress. But, once again, President Obama has not complied with the law of the land and, therefore, does not have the authority to waive sanctions on Iran. By lifting sanctions on the Iranian regime, a nation that finances the likes of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist groups will receive over $100 billion in assets and no doubt will continue to fund terrorist organizations at probably greater levels than they are able to do today, those terrorist organizations with the motto ``death to America.'' Have we learned nothing from our past mistakes? The same person that negotiated the deal with North Korea also led the discussions with Iran. We must ask ourselves, Is the world a safer place when unstable nations like North Korea are testing nuclear weapons? The number one responsibility of the United States Congress charged to us in the Constitution is national security. This agreement jeopardizes our security because I believe, as the Prime Minister of Israel believes, that this will ensure that Iran will get a nuclear weapon. For the security of America and our friends and allies around the world, we must oppose this agreement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 388, I call up the bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care services, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.