Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed).

Mr. SHUSTER. I want to name them off. It is the Teamsters; it is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; it is the Laborers' International Union of North America; it is the Operating Engineers; it is the pipefitters of the United States and Canada all supporting this project. Again, they see it as positive economic impact. When these jobs are completed, they will move on to other, hopefully, construction jobs; but what is left behind will have a positive impact to our economy, to job creation for a generation. Our energy renaissance is helping make North America more secure and energy independent, and, in fact, I want to quote the President: In this time of significant political uncertainty in key oil-producing countries and regions, and in the context of a difficult economic situation, non-OPEC Canada crude oil supplies advance the energy security of the United States. Now, I wish he would have said that about this pipeline, but he didn't. He said it in 2009 about the Enbridge pipeline, which started transferring oil sands from Canada to the gulf coast last month. The President, 5 years ago, supported this type of thing. He should support it now. So other than politics, I don't understand why he hasn't approved this project as he did with Enbridge. It is time to build. Ladies and gentlemen, I especially look to my Democratic colleagues. Let's put down our gloves. Let's do something positive for America, for those 3 million union workers that are out there supporting this. Let's do what is good for the environment. Let's do what is good for energy independence. Finally, let's be fair to our greatest friends in the world, our Canadian neighbors. They allowed us to build a pipeline across their land. We should allow them to do the same in ours. They are our best allies. They are our greatest friends. They are a great neighbor. So let us, today, pass this bill and build the Keystone pipeline. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I just want to remind my Democratic colleagues that, first of all, I am from Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney is several miles outside of my district. That is where Punxsutawney Phil resides. So I am somewhat knowledgeable on Groundhog Day. And I just want to point out to my Democratic colleagues that in the movie ``Groundhog Day,'' Bill Murray learned from his mistakes the day before and improved his situation each day. So hopefully today, your references to your learning from yesterday and how we can move forward--I think the Nebraska situation improves the whole situation for all of us. And I certainly don't question the wisdom of the Nebraska Supreme Court. And with that, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hanna).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I would just like to remind the distinguished ranking member of the Transportation Committee, arguably the most knowledgeable man in Congress when it comes to transportation issues, with many years of service plus an intellect that is very sharp--I would never presume to tell him--I just want to remind him that the safest way to move product, to move oil is by pipeline. And I think the gentleman knows that, but I just wanted to remind him of that. With that, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer).

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, today I recognize the Bishop Guilfoyle Marauder football team, who capped off an undefeated season, beating the Clairton Bears in the Pennsylvania Division A State championship. Led by Coach Wheeler, BG's offense plowed through their opponents, posting 715 points this season. While I don't hold it against them, it became obvious that BG was destined for a championship when I watched them defeat my nephew, Michael Shuster, and the Camp Hill Lions. But defense wins championships, and in the final minutes of the State championship, BG's defense held the goal line, defending multiple Clairton scoring attempts, securing a 1-point lead, a 19-18 victory to the title. The character displayed by these young men gives us another reason to be proud of the central Pennsylvania that we call home. I would like to recognize the seniors who played their last games: Berger, Chadbourn, Gormley, Kitt, Livoti, Luther, McCloskey, Miller, Price, and Wolf, and especially the Marauder's honorary captain, who truly exemplifies the spirit of BG football, Jorden McClure. Congratulations to Coach Wheeler and all of Bishop Guilfoyle for bringing home the State championship. If you are watching today, take notice; I have the team colors on.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter H. Stephaich on the occasion of his receipt of the River Bell Award for his contributions to our nation's water transportation infrastructure. Mr. Stephaich has devoted his talents to serving the maritime industry for over 30 years. During this time, he has held a number of important roles that make him a trusted figure, and someone who the industry looks to as a leader on transportation issues. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Blue Danube Incorporated and Campbell Transportation, which together employ hundreds of people, and operate over 500 vessels and four shipyards across the inland waterway system. In addition, he has served in a number of notable positions that have made him a steward of the industry. From his chairmanship of the National Waterways Foundation and the Board of American Waterways Operators, to his position as Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Peter Stepaich is renowned across the nation as a stalwart advocate for America's water transportation professionals. Furthermore he has extended this advocacy to Capitol Hill, where he has been a notable voice for legislation to update and modernize our infrastructure. His testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was an important part of the process that led to the passage of The Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), and his input is thoroughly valued among the halls of Congress. Transportation of goods and services across America's waterways has never been more crucial to the economic wellbeing of our nation than it is today. Leaders like Peter Stephaich help expand this important industry, and in doing so help speed the flow of materials and commodities that are the fuel our nation needs to grow and prosper. His receipt of the River Bell Award is certainly well deserved, and I invite my colleagues to join me in offering congratulations for his many years of service as a transportation leader.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, and would like to address the following language included in the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) to accompany the bill: As operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility draw down, there will be reduced demand for airlift. The CRAF program was created to ensure the nation can address airlift requirements despite fluctuations in requirements over time. During this transition back to pre-1990 levels of demand for airlift services, we believe it is imperative to maintain both organic and commercial capacities to meet operational demands and unknown future requirements. Therefore, we direct the Department of Defense (DOD) to work closely with CRAF program partners to ensure that DOD establishes ``appropriate levels for peacetime cargo airlift augmentation in order to promote the effectiveness of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet and provide training within the military aircraft system,'' as directed in the National Airlift Policy. The Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) has proven critical to assisting the Department of Defense (DOD) meet its defense mobilization and deployment requirements and its humanitarian and disaster relief missions. For that reason, I support the language included in the JES. The provision states that it is imperative that airlift requirements include both organic and commercial capacities to meet operational demands and unknown future requirements. The JES also directs DOD to work closely with CRAF program partners to ensure that DOD establishes ``appropriate levels for peacetime cargo airlift augmentation in order to promote the effectiveness of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet and provide training within the military aircraft system,'' as directed in the National Airlift Policy. Maintaining interoperability between CRAF civil air carriers and DOD is key to ensuring the military's readiness to respond to both national and international crises. Therefore, I look forward to working with the Committee on Armed Services and DOD during the next Congress to ensure the effectiveness and viability of the CRAF air cargo program.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I was more than happy to let Mr. Coble come up. He didn't have to thank me. His hard work is thanks enough. But, again, a fine member of the committee and a Member of Congress. We are going to miss him greatly. So, again, as I want to sum up, Chairman Hunter, Ranking Member Garamendi, great work on this bill. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this, and hopefully we will get a vote in the Senate next week, and we can get this to the President's desk and he can sign it for Christmas. So, again, thanks to all. I want to thank the staff for their great work, not only on the subcommittee but on the full committee. As we worked through the past 2 years, the staff has had a lot of good action together, and I want to thank the staff and wish them a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday, and a happy new year. If we don't see you, then we will see you around the first of the year. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes a provision which equalizes the regulatory treatment among similar vessels which operate out of the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. Current law puts certain vessels operating out of the U.S. Virgin Islands at a competitive disadvantage with similar vessels operating out of the British Virgin Islands. H.R. 5769 establishes an equal playing field for these vessels. It allows vessels operating out of the U.S. Virgin Islands which meet safety requirements identical to those in effect for similar vessels operating out of the British Virgin Islands to carry an equal number of passengers. It is clear the provision comes into effect on the date of enactment. The Coast Guard may write standards to implement the provision, but, again, the provision is clear, any such standards must be identical to those imposed on BVI vessels; and during any period prior to the implementation of such standards, vessels operating out of the U.S. Virgin Islands which meet the standards referenced in section 319, uninspected passenger vessels in the United States Virgin Islands, of H.R. 5769 shall be allowed to carry an equal number of passengers as those operating out of the British Virgin Islands.

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlemen from California, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Garamendi, for their great work. There were a couple of rough patches, but in the House, we were able to figure it out. In the Senate, I especially thank Senator Rockefeller for working through this. I know Senator Rockefeller is retiring, so it is fitting that, as he leaves, this bill and his work is complete, and so we congratulate and thank him for his work. This bill that Chairman Hunter and Mr. Garamendi put together is truly bipartisan and bicameral. There are a lot of great reforms in it. The men and women of the Coast Guard that help to keep this country safe and enforce our laws, this is a tribute to them for what they do. They risk their lives to save people and to save property, and so my hat goes off to them and to thank them again for the great work that they do protecting the American people on the waterways and on the high seas and the marine natural resources that they also help to protect. They have a huge job. I am very, very proud that the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act is going to pass today. As I said, a lot of bipartisan reforms are in the bill that will help to streamline and ensure that our Coast Guard can do their job more efficiently and with less red tape, giving them the resources that they need. Again, a special thanks to Howard Coble, who the bill is named for. This is his final bill. We wish him well in his future journey. Being the only Member of Congress that is a coastie, we thank him for all of his years of service back to 1985. I think I am one of the few Members who has known Howard Coble since 1985--not that I was a Member then, but my father served with Howard on the committee. I was with my father last night, and I told him that we are doing the bill today, and he sends his best to you, Howard, and congratulates you on your retirement. You have been a tireless worker for the interests of the Coast Guard and for the security of America, and we can't thank you enough for that. In addition, the ranking member, Mr. Rahall, I believe this will be the final bill that he moves through the committee. I want to thank him for his friendship and for working with me the past 2 years. It has been a great partnership. I have got a lot of great stories. As we went through the WRDA bill, a lot of great successes. A couple of them I can't tell, or I can't tell them on the House floor, but they are all clean. They are all good. But, again, we really worked well together on that, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors. You will be missed here in Washington. And again, a family friend for almost 40 years, serving with my father and with me; and again, we can't thank you enough for the great work that you have done in your 38 years here.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent and lifelong Bedford, Pennsylvania resident Mabel Koontz. Mabel, who is 92 years young, represents a symbol of how special our right to vote is in the United States and how important it is that every American citizen's voice is heard on Election Day. Since 1943, when Mabel turned 21, she has never missed a vote. Over these years Mabel has casted her vote during some of America's most historic moments. She has been there as the 26th Amendment, which gave 18 year olds the right to vote, was enacted. She has also been at the polls as the American people have chosen leaders such as Ronald Reagan to move our nation forward. While our country has faced its challenges over the years, Mabel has never missed an opportunity to select elected officials at all levels of office to help our nation become stronger every time we faced adversity. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, ``Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.'' These comments hold true to today and Mabel Koontz is a signature example of how special her dedication and belief in democracy has been for all of these years. Her perfect record should be a lesson and reminder to all who cast their vote every year. I again am honored to recognize Mabel Koontz of Bedford for this remarkable achievement. Mabel's voice has been heard many times and because of people like her this nation remains today--the greatest the world has ever known.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to reiterate the numerous benefits this project will bring to our country, including jobs, energy security, safety, efficiency, and I would argue that more supplies of oil generally drive prices down, not up. First, this pipeline safety, it is officially moved through this country safely. It is the safest way to move these products. There have been numerous additional mitigation measures. The State Department said it will reduce the risk of release. Second, the State Department has explained this project will create over 40,000 jobs, over $3 billion in construction contracts. Finally, as I said, from sourcing more crude oil from our friendly neighbor in the north, it will reduce our reliance and most likely reduce the cost of energy to the American people. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 748, I call up the bill (H.R. 5682) to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 5682.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from western Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5682, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. Pipelines are the energy lifelines that power nearly all of our daily activities. Pipelines are a very safe and cost-effective means to transport the products that fuel our economy. In fact, pipelines today supply more than two-thirds of the energy used in the United States. The Keystone XL project will be a critical addition to this extensive network, increasing our Nation's supply of oil and, thus, helping to reduce the cost of oil. H.R. 5682 closely follows H.R. 3 that this House passed last year. Since the passage of H.R. 3, the State Department completed its Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on January 31 of 2014. However, there has still been no action by the administration on the pipeline. There have been excuses, the most recent of which is pending litigation in the State of Nebraska. However, H.R. 5682 takes that into account and allows for the rerouting in that State. There is simply no further reason to delay this important project, especially given the numerous benefits it will provide our Nation. This pipeline will be a boon to economic development. Of particular interest to taxpayers, this pipeline doesn't require one Federal dollar to build. Further, the very nature of infrastructure creates jobs, and the Keystone XL is no exception. The U.S. State Department reconfirmed all of this last January. The State estimated that the Keystone XL will produce 42,000 jobs and $2 billion in employee earnings. This project will have a significant positive economic impact, including an estimated $3.1 billion in construction contracts, materials, and support services. Furthermore, the State confirmed that the estimated total property taxes for the project will be over $55 million spread across 27 counties. The State Department called this impact ``substantial for many counties.'' The Keystone XL pipeline is the most extensively studied and vetted pipeline project in the history of this country. The project will include 95 special mitigation measures, including 59 recommended by PHMSA, to prevent spills and to make this the safest pipeline ever built. In fact, I would argue that we are facing a manufactured stalemate, one that could be described as ``paralysis by analysis.'' The majority of Americans knows this is the right thing to do, so the Congress, through this bill, will lead where the President has refused. This project will create jobs, improve the Nation's economy, strengthen our transportation system, and help improve the Nation's economic security. I urge my colleagues to support this vital piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Bedford's Fall Foliage Festival. This wonderful event celebrates not only the changing of the seasons, but all that the town of Bedford has to offer. Every year, the coming of fall brings about a beautiful transformation across Central Pennsylvania. From the changing color of the leaves, to the return of autumn favorites like Sunday football and pumpkin pie, there truly is no better place to experience all that the season has to offer than in the heart of our state. That is why I am honored to stand here today to celebrate 50 years of the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival. In 1964, the Bedford County Motor Club and the Antique Auto Club joined together to create the Historical and Fall Tour, an event which then came to be known as the Fall Foliage Festival in 1966 and has grown ever since. Today, the event draws an estimated 70,000 visitors to Bedford over the course of two weekends, and features the work of over 400 artists and craftsmen. In addition, parades, antique cars, the crowning of the fall foliage queen, and a wide range of musical entertainment offer excitement for people of all ages. The event is one of the largest fall foliage festivals in the Northeast, and its 50th anniversary this year promises to be the best one yet. I would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who have put so much effort into making the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival such a lasting success. Their hard work has ensured that the festival continues to be a highlight every autumn, and I know that it will only get better in the years to come. I'm proud to have such a wonderful event in the 9th District, and hope that everyone has a chance to visit and experience fall in Bedford County.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 60th Anniversary of Tyrone Hospital in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. It is a milestone in this outstanding facility's history of providing essential healthcare services to the residents of its community. In the early 1900s, Harvey Gray, a prominent Tyrone businessman had a vision to build a hospital to care for the people of Tyrone and surrounding areas. Mr. Gray and his wife Adda ultimately donated $150,000 after their deaths toward the establishment of Tyrone Hospital. The Tyrone Borough Water department provided the location, donating nearly 17 acres of wooded land west of the Laurel Ridge. The people of Tyrone realized the Gray's vision of a community hospital over a period of years. Numerous community residents, businesses, and social and civic organizations donated time and funds to support the construction of the hospital. A contribution was also made by Tyrone's famous son, Fred Waring who gave a concert in Tyrone to benefit Tyrone Hospital. On September 20, 1954, Tyrone Hospital opened its doors and accepted its first patient. Over the years, the hospital has grown to bring personalized health care not only to the residents of northern Blair County but also to communities in neighboring counties. That growth has included state of the art medical equipment, an expanded range of services, and a diverse medical staff. The hospital's 60th year has been marked by the recent introduction of its new name--Tyrone Regional Health Network--reflecting its developing system of new providers and services throughout Central Pennsylvania. The 60th year also coincided with the announcement of plans for a 38,000 square foot expansion that will provide a new hospital facility. A lot has changed since Tyrone Hospital first opened its doors in 1954. However, its presence as a community hospital and its mission to provide needed healthcare services to local residents has remained the same. I wish to thank Tyrone Hospital's dedicated staff, Board of Directors and CEO Stephen Gildea for their commitment to quality healthcare. I congratulate them and the people of Tyrone and surrounding communities on this important anniversary for their local hospital. I'm proud to have such a wonderful facility in the 9th District, and wish Tyrone Hospital continued success in the next sixty years and beyond.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania. It is a milestone in this wonderful community hospital's long history of providing exceptional healthcare services to the people of Indiana County and surrounding areas. Resting in the heart of western Pennsylvania, Indiana offers the perfect blend of history, progress, industry, scenery, culture, and charm. When Indiana Regional Medical Center first welcomed the public in November of 1914, it was a 40-bed facility with 13 private rooms. From the time of its opening, the hospital's mission has been to serve the community with quality, progressive, compassionate patient care. Over the years, this nonprofit institution has grown to become the county's sole full-service health care provider. Throughout its many renovations, expansions in services and continued advancements in knowledge and technology, Indiana Regional Medical Center has remained unchanged in its commitment to the community. It truly lives by its mission to serve the health care needs of every life it touches with compassion, respect and dignity. The hospital and its people certainly have made a difference in making Indiana County a better place to live, and they continue to have a positive impact on the region. I wish to thank Indiana Regional Medical Center's dedicated staff, Board of Directors and CEO Stephen Wolfe for their commitment to quality healthcare. I congratulate them and the residents of Indiana County and surrounding communities on this important anniversary for their local hospital. I'm proud of having such an outstanding facility in the 9th District, and wish Indiana Regional Medical Center continued success in the next one hundred years and beyond.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the McKeon amendment to train and equip vetted Syrian opposition groups and to confront the threat posed to our Nation by ISIL. ISIL are thugs, murderers. They are monsters, and they must be stopped. Their trail of destruction and slaughter of innocent men, women, and children must be stopped. ISIL has laid out their goals and their strategy, and that is to reestablish a caliphate and death to anyone who stands in their way, or, to use their motto, ``convert or die.'' They must be destroyed. Now is the time for the United States to make clear our goals and our strategy, that we will not stand by idly. We will not watch and wait for the slaughtering of more innocent civilians. I am pleased that the President has finally committed to some action. It should have happened months ago, if not a year ago. The President has been timid for far too long. It is time to act. By coming together as a unified body to take this important step, we will tell the world that America stands together in opposition to global terrorism and to the monsters of ISIL. This amendment to train and equip vetted Syrian opposition groups sends a clear signal to our European allies that we are committed to eradicating ISIL and that we hope they will join us in this effort. It sends a message to moderate Arabs and Muslims in the region and around the world that we stand with them against terrorism. This amendment strengthens the Commander in Chief's request for ensuring that Congress has oversight and greater transparency, which is our constitutional duty. We must do all we can on every front to ensure these killers do not gain one more inch of ground in their pursuit of a terrorist state. With this amendment, we send a firm message that America is not going to allow this cancer to spread. Congress must act now. For that reason, I strongly support this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' to send a clear, strong, overwhelming message that a bipartisan Congress stands with the President to defeat ISIL and all evil everywhere.