Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleague from Massachusetts that we need to get this economy back on track, but you don't get it back on track by creating the great uncertainty that your side has created in the economy, raising health care costs, raising energy costs--potentially raising energy costs--raising taxes. Businesses aren't going to invest when there's this much uncertainty out there. And I hear it every single day from my colleagues from around the country, from businesses that I speak to. But what we can do is start to find out ways to cut wasteful spending. And I support Mr. Schock from Illinois's proposal today to cut the wasteful spending on these signs that are across this country. $20 million. They're not creating a single job. They're not improving safety in this country. In fact, as my colleague said, I find it silly that this administration is spending $20 million on signs. In my State of Pennsylvania, which has more structurally deficient bridges than any other State in the Nation, we could take these $20 million and apply it to some of these bridges in Pennsylvania and across this country. And I'll just point out three of them in Pennsylvania, while I'm sure there are hundreds if not thousands across this country: $1.1 million to replace the Bolden Ridge Bridge in Fayette County, a project that would create 33 jobs and improve safety for the traveling public; $3 million to replace the Fair Grounds Bridge in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, a project that would create 92 jobs and, again, improve safety for our citizens; And, finally, $5.5 million to repair a sinkhole that's occurring in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, that is going to pose a serious risk to the traveling public in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, and those people that cross that road. $5.5 million will create 167 jobs, and it will make our roadways safer. These projects will create jobs. They will improve our infrastructure. And most importantly, they'll improve safety. So I ask my colleagues on the other side to stand up with us today and say, let's stop this silliness. Let's stop spending $20 million on these signs that aren't creating jobs and are nothing more than propaganda. So I ask them to support my colleague's, Mr. Schock, H.R. 5679.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tina Walter, who has been selected as the Bedford Rotary Club's 2010 Citizen of the Year. Tina Walter is an exemplary citizen of New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, where she has worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 26 years. Mrs. Walter is a founding member and manager of the Southern Cove Ambulance Service where she presently serves as an EMT, CPR, and First Responder Instructor. She is also a highly regarded firefighter who serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Cove Fire Company. Mrs. Walter has helped secure over $200,000 in state and federal grant funds by serving as the grant writer for the Southern Cove Ambulance and Fire Company. Mrs. Walter has been married for 29 years to the Chief of the Southern Cove Fire Company, Brian Walter. She has two children, one of whom has a severe handicap and requires twenty-four hour care. Because of her schedule as an EMT and Fire Fighter, Mrs. Walter relies on friends and family to help care for her son. In her spare time, Tina Walter volunteers in nursing homes, schools, service clubs and churches. She also helped form and is the current director of the Southern Cove Fireman's Choir, which is scheduled to sing the National Anthem during a Pittsburgh Pirates game in August. Furthermore, Mrs. Walter is currently spearheading a Rotary committee to bring the first annual ``Bluegrass Festival'' to New Enterprise in July of this year to benefit the Fire Company. Tina's efforts and accomplishments serve to exemplify great service of self, service to family, and service to community. I commend those who have seen fit to honor Tina Walter as this year's Bedford Rotary Club's 2010 Citizen of the Year, and I too recognize and congratulate Tina Walter for all she has done.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to associate myself with the gentleman from Vermont's remarks and urge my colleagues not to be swayed by the lobbyists from the credit card companies that are trying to eliminate the Durbin amendment from this important legislation. Let me make this point clear. The compromise reached in the conference committee does not eliminate the interchange fee or allow the Federal Government to set the interchange fee. The amendment simply creates a level playing field for banks and small businesses to negotiate interchange fees like any other business contract. The Sheetz Corporation, which has 363 stores in 6 States, is headquartered in my district, and last year, the Sheetz Corporation paid twice as much in interchange fees as they took in in net income after tax. Their second largest expense after payroll is the interchange fee. That means that for Sheetz, the interchange fee eclipsed the company's cost in rent for their 363 stores, and they are paying 1\1/2\ times the cost of providing health care to their nearly 13,000 employees. The compromise reached by the conference committee benefits merchants, retains flexibility of small community banks and credit unions, and ultimately benefits the American consumer. I urge the conference committee and my colleagues to support the Durbin amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, June 10, I was not present in order to attend my son's high school graduation ceremony. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 353, final passage of the FHA Reform Act of 2010, and ``yes'' on rollcall 354, passage of amendments to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to authorize advances from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. I rise in support of the en bloc amendments, but I rise in opposition to the Murphy amendment, which will repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which is the current law for the U.S. military. Our Nation is at war, and after making the continuous sacrifice of fighting two wars over the course of 8 years, the men and women of our military deserve to be heard. This December, the Pentagon's Don't Ask, Don't Tell Working Group will return a survey of over 300,000 of our members of our military concerning that policy. We should listen to the men and women in uniform first before we act in the Congress. This decision should not be based on a campaign promise made to a particular constituent base, but on thoughtful consideration of readiness, morale, and cohesion. We owe that to the men and women who serve us in harm's way. In the committee, we have heard from all four of our service chiefs expressing their concerns on this amendment, and it is unanimous. The Chiefs and Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen recently sent a letter to the chairman of the committee, Chairman Skelton, saying that they believe in the strongest possible terms that the Department must, prior to any legislative action, be allowed the opportunity to conduct a thorough, objective, and systematic assessment of the impact of such a policy change, develop an attentive comprehensive implementation plan, and provide the President and the Congress with the results of this effort in order to ensure that this step is taken in the most informed and effective manner. That is Admiral Mullen and Secretary Gates. Further, Admiral Roughead has sent a letter. It says he shares the views of Secretary Gates that the best approach would be to complete the Department of Defense review before there is any legislative change made. Further, General Schwartz has said that as a matter of keeping faith with those currently serving in the Armed Forces, that the Secretary of Defense commissioned review be completed before any legislative act is done to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. General Casey has the same type of response. He goes further saying, ``Repealing the law before the completion of the review will be seen by the men and women of the Army as a reversal of our commitment to hear their views before moving forward.'' And, finally, General Conway stated that he believes the current policy works, and at this point his best military advice to the House committee and to the Secretary and to the President would be to keep the law as it stands today. In addition, Congress is giving up its powers, surrendering, abdicating its constitutional authority to the executive branch in order to appease a political agenda. This amendment, as drafted, puts a conditional future on an important defense policy and law, which would then only be decided by the administration.

Mr. SHUSTER. I believe Congress should maintain its authority to review and debate this policy implication of repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell before a final decision is made. We owe that to the men and women of the Armed Forces. To my colleagues, I urge them: Don't shoot before we aim. I urge a ``no'' vote on the Murphy amendment. The Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC, April 30, 2010. Hon. Ike Skelton, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing in response to your letter of April 28 requesting my views on the advisability of legislative action to repeal the so-called ``Don't Ask Don't Tell'' statute prior to the completion of the Department of Defense review of this matter. I believe in the strongest possible terms that the Department must, prior to any legislative action, be allowed the opportunity to conduct a thorough, objective, and systematic assessment of the impact of such a policy change; develop an attentive comprehensive implementation plan, and provide the President and the Congress with the results of this effort in order to ensure that this step is taken in the most informed and effective manner. A critical element of this effort is the need to systematically engage our forces, their families, and the broader military community throughout this process. Our military must be afforded the opportunity to inform us of their concerns, insights, and suggestions if we are to carry out this change successfully. Therefore, I strongly oppose any legislation that seeks to change this policy prior to the completion of this vital assessment process. Further, I hope Congress will not do so, as it would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns, and perspectives do not matter on an issue with such a direct impact and consequence for them and their families. Adm. Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 92nd anniversary of Republic Day on May 28. Located in a geopolitically dynamic region between Europe and Asia and sandwiched between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is a secular county with a predominantly Muslim population that has also been home for more than a millennia for vibrant Christian and Jewish communities. Azerbaijan first gained independence in 1918, which led to an explosion of the arts, education, and economic growth. That independence was suspended in 1920 by Soviet invasion, not to be restored until 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan has opened Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project, supported by both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, is the most successful project contributing to the development of the South Caucasus region and has become the main artery delivering Caspian Sea hydrocarbons to the United States and our partners in Europe. Notably, in 2009 Azerbaijan provided nearly one-quarter of all crude oil supplies to Israel and is considered a leading potential natural gas provider for the U.S. supported Nabucco pipeline. On the security front, immediately after 9/11 Azerbaijan was among the first to offer strong support and assistance to the United States. Azerbaijan participated in operations in Kosovo and Iraq and is actively engaged in Afghanistan, having recently doubled its military presence there. Azerbaijan has extended important over-flight clearances for U.S. and NATO flights to support ISAF and has regularly provided landing and refueling operations at its airports for U.S. and NATO forces. Also, Azerbaijan plays an important role in the Northern Distribution Network, a supply route to Afghanistan by making available its ground and Caspian naval transportation facilities. Additionally, Azerbaijan provides specialized training for Afghan police, border guard officers and de-miners, education and training of Afghan civilian and military medical doctors, and medical treatment of Afghan citizens at Azeri hospitals. Azerbaijan has provided medical equipment and supplies to Afghanistan as well as assisting in the construction of schools and hospitals there. Azerbaijan remains a reliable partner of NATO and the EU in the South Caucasus through its consistent and effective contribution to common goals and objectives. Azerbaijan is also an active partner of the United States in efforts regarding the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction through its participation in programs such as Caspian Guard and Cooperative Threat Reduction. Against this backdrop, Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992, which prohibits direct U.S. government assistance to Azerbaijan, remains a serious obstacle to expanding the strategic partnership between our two countries and is contrary to U.S. national interest in the region. Furthermore, the absence of a U.S. Ambassador to Baku since July 2009 creates unnecessary uncertainties. Finally, as one of the cochairs of the OSCE Minsk Group charged with resolving the Armenia- Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the United States must engage more actively in mediation efforts, as is the case with Moscow and Paris. Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, I applaud the European Parliament for adopting a resolution on May 20, 2010 urging the EU to pursue a strategy in the South Caucasus to promote stability, prosperity, and conflict resolution and demanding ``the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by deployment of international forces to be organized with respect of the UN Charter in order to provide the necessary security guarantees in a period of transition, which will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and allow the displaced persons to return to their homes and further conflicts caused by homelessness to be prevented.'' Again, as the Cochairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 92th anniversary of Republic Day and to recognize the valuable bilateral relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan. I also encourage my colleagues who are interested in supporting Azerbaijan to join me as a member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 92nd anniversary of Republic Day on May 28. Located in a geopolitically dynamic region between Europe and Asia and sandwiched between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is a secular county with a predominantly Muslim population that has also been home for more than a millennia for vibrant Christian and Jewish communities. Azerbaijan first gained independence in 1918, which led to an explosion of the arts, education, and economic growth. That independence was suspended in 1920 by Soviet invasion, not to be restored until 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan has opened Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project, supported by both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, is the most successful project contributing to the development of the South Caucasus region and has become the main artery delivering Caspian Sea hydrocarbons to the United States and our partners in Europe. Notably, in 2009 Azerbaijan provided nearly one-quarter of all crude oil supplies to Israel and is considered a leading potential natural gas provider for the U.S. supported Nabucco pipeline. On the security front, immediately after 9/11 Azerbaijan was among the first to offer strong support and assistance to the United States. Azerbaijan participated in operations in Kosovo and Iraq and is actively engaged in Afghanistan, having recently doubled its military presence there. Azerbaijan has extended important over-flight clearances for U.S. and NATO flights to support ISAF and has regularly provided landing and refueling operations at its airports for U.S. and NATO forces. Also, Azerbaijan plays an important role in the Northern Distribution Network, a supply route to Afghanistan by making available its ground and Caspian naval transportation facilities. Additionally, Azerbaijan provides specialized training for Afghan police, border guard officers and de-miners, education and training of Afghan civilian and military medical doctors, and medical treatment of Afghan citizens at Azeri hospitals. Azerbaijan has provided medical equipment and supplies to Afghanistan as well as assisting in the construction of schools and hospitals there. Azerbaijan remains a reliable partner of NATO and the EU in the South Caucasus through its consistent and effective contribution to common goals and objectives. Azerbaijan is also an active partner of the United States in efforts regarding the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction through its participation in programs such as Caspian Guard and Cooperative Threat Reduction. Against this backdrop, Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992, which prohibits direct U.S. government assistance to Azerbaijan, remains a serious obstacle to expanding the strategic partnership between our two countries and is contrary to U.S. national interest in the region. Furthermore, the absence of a U.S. Ambassador to Baku since July 2009 creates unnecessary uncertainties. Finally, as one of the cochairs of the OSCE Minsk Group charged with resolving the Armenia- Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the United States must engage more actively in mediation efforts, as is the case with Moscow and Paris. Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, I applaud the European Parliament for adopting a resolution on May 20, 2010 urging the EU to pursue a strategy in the South Caucasus to promote stability, prosperity, and conflict resolution and demanding ``the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by deployment of international forces to be organized with respect of the UN Charter in order to provide the necessary security guarantees in a period of transition, which will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and allow the displaced persons to return to their homes and further conflicts caused by homelessness to be prevented.'' Again, as the Cochairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 92th anniversary of Republic Day and to recognize the valuable bilateral relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan. I also encourage my colleagues who are interested in supporting Azerbaijan to join me as a member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Timothy P. Sissler, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Bank in Altoona. Mr. Sissler deserves recognition for his career and accomplishments, which have truly been an asset to his industry and community. The story of Mr. Sissler's career is characterized by hard work and business acumen. He began as a management trainee with Mid-State Bank and Trust Company and then rose through its ranks. When he became the Director of Commercial Banking, Mr. Sissler assumed responsibility for a $750 million portfolio and over 100 officers and employees. He filled this position with such skill that the Central Bank of Hollidaysburg named Mr. Sissler as its President. Once again, Mr. Sissler's abilities proved up to his task, and while he was president, the bank produced double-digit deposit and loan growth. Since 2000, Mr. Sissler has served as president and Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Bank. As impressive as these career achievements are, Mr. Sissler also excels in other areas of the banking industry. He received an A.P. Giannini Public Speaking Award from the American Institute of Banking and coauthored an article for the Journal of Commercial Bank Lending. Furthermore, Mr. Sissler serves on the boards of several organizations, such as Mount Aloysius College and Pennsylvania Free Enterprise, and has been named a Fellow of Leadership, Blair County. Timothy Sissler reminds us of the benefits hard work, diligence and integrity provide. With these characteristics, he has risen to the top of his field and provides responsible, positive leadership in the banking industry. I commend Mr. Sissler on his honorable achievements, and I look forward to many more.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the induction of 42 seventh grade students of Chestnut Ridge Middle School of Fishertown into the National Junior Honor Society. The Chestnut Ridge chapter will holds its induction ceremony on Monday, May 3, 2010. Induction into the National Junior Honor Society is reserved for students with impressive academic achievement and a high potential for personal and intellectual growth. The incoming students of the Chestnut Ridge Chapter have distinguished themselves in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. As NJHS members, these young men and women will build on their commendable dedication to academic and personal excellence. They have taken an important step of growing into the leaders of the next generation. The following Chestnut Ridge Middle School students have been inducted: Rachel Dikum, Cassandra Brown, Hannah Miller, Jennifer Carthew, Nativa O'Brien, Emily Sprigg, Matthew Claar, Katie Weaver, Abby Barnes, Derrick Claar, Casey Fleegle, Lucas Berkey, Megan Anderson, Kimberly Bischof, Shane Davis, Christian Collins, Holly Davis, Toshia Rush, Harold Wentz, Natalie Dumin, Cassandra Wright, Kenzie Bowser, Nicholas Hyde, Austin Taylor, Brittany Finnegan, Caitlyn Ferguson, Brandon Mowry, Paul Sims, Trent Crouse, Dakota Kauffman, Kylee Snyder, Jarret Dunn, Luke Stultz, Jonathon Heming, Alesha Rightenour, Lakyn Code, Bradley Frankenberry, Makayla Weaverling, Mylee Dull, Derek Gardner, Andrew Loar, and Colby Hillegass. These inductees have already displayed remarkable talent and depth of character. I congratulate the new members of the Chestnut Ridge Middle School National Junior Honor Society on the honor they are receiving, and I look forward to many more great achievements.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Legion Milton L. Bishop Post No. 301 of Connellsville for signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant. In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln urged the country to ``care for him who shall have borne the battle.'' By signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant, the members of Post No. 301 have assumed this high moral obligation. They are committed to improving the quality of life of service members and their families. With this solemn pledge, the members of Post No. 301 recognize the importance of caring for those who put their lives on the line for our country's safety and freedom. It is a great act of patriotism and human decency. The Connellsville Legion's commitment to service members and their families is truly admirable. I commend Post No. 301 for volunteering its time and efforts to this worthy cause, and I thank the Post for its devoted citizenship.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the chairwoman of the subcommittee, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. The ceremonial golden spike hammered at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869, marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, one of the greatest engineering masterpieces and, I might add, was spearheaded by the Republican President, Abraham Lincoln. It also marked the birth of what would become the greatest rail network in the world. One hundred forty-one years later, we are still reaping the benefits of our ancestors' visions. The United States now has over 140,000 miles of railroads making up the transportation backbone of the Nation. Our railroads are environmentally friendly, producing significantly less pollution than other modes of transportation. A train can haul one ton of freight 436 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, and it is three times cleaner than a truck. Trains also help to alleviate the congestion of our crowded highways across America. One train can actually take 280 trucks off the road. Railroads have also enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since the bankruptcies, disinvestment, and decay of the 1970s. The rail deregulation law of 1980, the Staggers Act, has been an unparalleled success. We must take great care to protect the regulatory environment that has allowed railroads to thrive and resist any effort that would undo all the progress this industry has made. Two years ago, President Bush signed into a law an Amtrak reauthorization that will take this country into the next generation of passenger rail service. The law makes important reforms to Amtrak and also creates a role for the private sector in the passenger rail industry. The Amtrak reauthorization law, the first in more than a decade, created the framework for public-private partnerships for the construction and operation of high-speed rail corridors all over this Nation. High-speed rail promises safe, fast, convenient service, all while helping to alleviate aviation and highway congestion. The railroad industry is vitally important to this country and this economy, and I urge the passage of H. Res. 1301 to celebrate National Train Day on May 8, 2010. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank and congratulate my colleague, Mr. Kennedy from Rhode Island, for his leadership in Special Olympics throughout the years and his service in Congress. I know he will continue that work after he leaves Congress. I also want to thank the Shriver/Kennedy family for the great support and the effort they've put forth over the years in supporting such a worthwhile program as Special Olympics. So, thank you, Mr. Kennedy.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be held on June 4. The torch will be carried throughout the Capitol Grounds as part of the journey to the D.C. Special Olympics summer games. The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with special disabilities through athletics and competition. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when the chief of police of Wichita, Kansas, saw an urgent need to raise funds and increase awareness of the Special Olympics. The Torch Run was then quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Today, the Torch Run is the largest grassroots effort that raises awareness for the Special Olympics program. The event in D.C. is one of many law enforcement torch runs throughout the country and across 35 nations leading up to the summer Special Olympics. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 1278, a resolution expressing support of the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month. I introduced this resolution to encourage people to call 811, the nationwide Call Before You Dig number, before conducting any digging or excavating activities and to help draw attention to the problem of excavators and homeowners unintentionally damaging underground utilities. Throughout the month of April, U.S. Department of Transportation, State utility regulators, and damage prevention stakeholders such as the Common Ground Alliance took part in public awareness campaigns to alert people of the dangers of not having underground utilities located before digging. Each year more than 256,000 utility lines are unintentionally damaged during excavation activities resulting in fatalities, injuries, loss of utility service, and environmental damage. Many of these unintentional strikes could have been easily avoided if somebody had dialed 811 and had all of the underground utility lines in the area marked. When a homeowner or contractor calls 811, he is connected to a call center that works with all of the local utility companies to have any underground utilities in the vicinity of the project located and marked. Many utilities, such as cable and telephone lines, are buried only a few inches underground, so even a project that involves only a shallow digging can result in damage to a utility line. Every weekend, hundreds of homeowners lose cable or telephone service because they unintentionally cut a line while putting in a new mailbox or planting a new tree. While loss of cable or telephone service can be inconvenient, unintentionally striking an underground pipeline or electrical line can be deadly. There are more than 2 million miles of pipelines and more than 1 million of underground electric lines in the United States. These utilities are usually buried deeper than telecommunication lines, but they can be easily struck during road construction and home improvement projects. Spring marks the beginning of the construction season and the time of year when most homeowners are taking on home improvement and landscaping projects. As contractors and homeowners move forward with their projects, it is important that they remember to call 811 and have underground utilities located before they begin any activity that involves digging or excavating. Since I will be home this weekend planting trees in my yard, I have called my family, and I hope they have made the call to 811. So if my son, Garrett, is listening to me, make sure you dial 811 before I get home so when we plant the trees this weekend, we are doing all of the right things. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the gentlelady stated, this resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 69th Annual Washington Soap Box Derby in June. This event occurs annually on the Capitol Grounds, and I know that the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, has been a tremendous supporter of this event every year. The Soap Box Derby allows children to really showcase their efforts, their dedication, their work, and their creativity as they compete for these trophies. The winners of each division are qualified to compete in the National Soap Box Derby, which occurs in Akron, Ohio. I support passage of this resolution and urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the majority leader for his leadership on this, and set the record straight. I said you have supported this every year; I meant every year you have been in Congress. You haven't been around for 69 years.

Mr. SHUSTER. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of the Honors Government class of Marion Center High School, which took first place at the ``We the People'' Pennsylvania State competition at Valley Forge. The ``We the People'' competition measures students' knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, and Marion Center's Honors Government class proved well-acquainted with our principles of government. The following students: Emilie Borst, Tori Buzzelli, Toni Corosu, Alycia Frampton, Jed Gallo, Cody Miller, Brandon Snickles, Nick Stanisha, Jozzie Stuchell and Sarah Wolfe have all demonstrated their thorough understanding of the supreme law of our land. These young men and women, as well as their teacher Chris Peters, should be commended on this impressive accomplishment. Preserving our Nation's unique character requires an understanding of our Constitution that these students have so ably displayed. Their dedication to this important responsibility of citizenship is outstanding. I congratulate Marion Center High School's Honors Government class on its feat of civic knowledge and academic excellence, and I trust that these promising young citizens will continue to excel in their endeavors.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Dennis Tice for his recognition as Bedford County's Historian of the Year for 2010. Mr. Tice will receive his award at the Bedford County Historical Society Annual Banquet on April 24, 2010. Mr. Tice earned this award for his commitment to chronicle Bedford County's World War II veterans. Recognizing the importance of the Greatest Generation's legacy, Mr. Tice began working on a project that would bring its story to life. The result of his efforts was a feature- length film entitled ``Bedford County Veterans WWII,'' which premiered at the Pitt Theatre in Bedford in December of 2009, with 2,100 tickets sold to the public and many subsequent DVD sales. Such a reception by the people of Bedford County is a testament to the accuracy, accessibility, and authenticity of Mr. Tice's work. Our World War II veterans have many inspiring stories to tell, and Dennis Tice's dedication to ensuring these stories are told is truly admirable. I commend Mr. Tice for his contribution to the understanding of our past, which shall guide and encourage us in our future. May his work continue to enrich Bedford County now and for years into the future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mission and accomplishments of the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation. CADC will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual meeting on May 7, 2010. Since 1960, the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation has worked to advance the general interest of the Chambersburg area, specially the economic health and quality of life. Recognizing Chambersburg's valuable resources and location, a group of local leaders, coupled with businessmen and women decided to raise funds for a not-for-profit industrial development corporation. From these beginnings, CADC has been successful in promoting economic vitality in the area. Together with businesses, CADC works to bring and retain major employers in the area. Working with other community organizations, CADC has participated in the revitalization of downtown Chambersburg. Among the beneficiaries of CADC's resources are the Chambersburg Memorial YMCA, the Grove Family Library, and the historic Capitol Theatre, as well as several community celebrations. All together, CADC is linked to nearly 2,900 jobs and about $3 million in wage and property tax revenues annually, as well as invaluable contributions to the Chambersburg area's quality of life. Over its 50-year history, the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation has been an essential player in advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the Chambersburg area. The whole region benefits from its commitment to a business-friendly climate and an improving quality of life. I commend the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation on its work over the past 50 years and anticipate many more accomplishments in its future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health bill. Mr. Speaker, tonight, the House will vote on legislation that will reshape our nation. The Federal Government will take control over one sixth of our private economy in order to extend government approved health care across America. Never before in our history has such an important issue been brought to the floor on a party line vote. In fact, the only bipartisan agreement on this bill has been the opposition against it. No one disputes the need for health care reform in America that lowers costs and protects those with pre-existing conditions, but this bill is not the answer. The reality is that we cannot even afford the government we have today and we cannot afford the disastrous fiscal and economic consequences this bill will place on future generations. The Democrats' bill will create a $2.4 trillion entitlement when fully implemented. Our deficit, already dangerously in the red, will grow by $662 billion in 10 years. The bill raids Medicare and Social Security to pay for these new entitlements and will require $529 billion in new taxes while national unemployment hovers around 10 percent. This health care bill is nothing short of a road map to fiscal insolvency. One of the cornerstone principles of this nation is that we have a government by the consent of the governed. For over a year, the President and Congressional Democrats have pushed this health care plan over the vocal objections of the American people, my own constituents and House Republicans who have offered solutions only to be denied at every turn. It didn't have to be this way. Health care reform could have been achieved through bipartisan cooperation and a sharing of ideas between the political parties. The American people deserve better than this.