Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. We support it, accept the amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I will yield to the gentleman. (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the chairman. (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, today Congress can finally do something positive when it comes to energy, the energy situation in this country, and that is to pass this landmark legislation, The Passenger Rail Investment Improvement Act of 2008. With gas prices today at $4 a gallon, we, on both sides of the aisle, can join together and move to improve passenger rail in this country. And it is, as I said, something that will be a positive for the energy situation. When you look at the airlines, they consume 20 percent more energy per passenger mile than Amtrak does to move a passenger. Passenger cars consume over 27 percent more energy per passenger mile than Amtrak. Amtrak is the most efficient way to move large numbers of people in our country today. So this is going to help with the energy situation. It's a positive step in the right direction. We still need to do much more but this is a positive step. The other situation that we're facing in this country is a growing population. It took, we just recently crossed over the 300 million threshold in population in our country. It took us 65 years to go from 200 million to 300 million. It'll take us just 35 years to go from 300 million to 400 million. And if you look around the country, and what I have is a chart that shows these corridors throughout the country. This is where the population density is going to get even thicker and more dense throughout this country. And this is where we're talking about down the road expanding high-speed rail across the country to help move passengers, to get people out of their cars, to move them efficiently, to get them into our major urban areas and get them out again and get them between major urban areas. So, as I said, as the population grows, Amtrak can be there with intercity travel helping us to move people. And people are desperate to get out of their cars, I believe, especially when you're traveling to and from. I know in Pennsylvania we've had a fantastic partnership between the State and Amtrak to establish the Keystone line. It travels over 100 miles an hour, and gets you from Harrisburg, the State Capitol to downtown Philadelphia in about an hour and 35 minutes, an hour and 40 minutes; no messing with traffic, no congestion. Once again, the American people, I think, will get out of their cars and get on this intercity travel if we establish a system that works, a system that moves people fast and conveniently. Three provisions in this legislation that I'm very pleased to see we've put in here. First, a private partnership with Amtrak, the Department of Transportation, identifying two of the worst performing lines in the country and putting them out for bid, allowing the private sector to come in and take those lines over and have a hand at trying to make them more efficient, trying their hand at finding ways to improve rail traffic, to decrease costs. So I'm very pleased that that's in here. Second, a private partnership that we're looking at is, as my colleague from Florida stated, to re-establish a line that has been abandoned by Amtrak, that's no longer in service, to have the private sector come in and around the country see where one of those lines are and to re-establish that. And third, as the gentleman from Florida talked about the Northeast Corridor, putting a request for a proposal in to have private industry come in in a partnership to look at how much it's going to cost us to take the Northeast Corridor and truly make it a high-speed rail corridor from New York City to Washington, D.C., traveling in 2 hours or less, which is something that, once again, I believe that the American people will embrace. So for my colleagues that we've debated on this floor, I've watched debates for the last 20 years on this floor. There's always been an argument; can the private sector do it better. No, the government has to do it. Well here we're going to have some tests. We're going to have I believe some positive results in a public/private partnership that we'll be able to look to be able to expand passenger rail in this country. So I'm very pleased with that. One thing I do want to point out in this that I've heard a lot of talk, that this legislation does not change Davis-Bacon law. There are people running around town here saying that this does change Davis- Bacon law. It does not change Davis-Bacon law. So for any of my colleagues that wish to have a discussion with me on that, I'm happy to do that. But I want to make sure that that's been pointed out here. And finally, I want to say thank you to the chairman for his goodwill and his allowing me to put some of my ideas in this legislation. Also Chairwoman Brown and our partnership on the subcommittee. I appreciate her leadership. I thank you both very much. And also to Mr. Mica for giving me the opportunity to be the ranking member and also including me deeply in all the discussions as we were able to craft this legislation. So I would encourage all my colleagues to support this today. This is something positive we can do for America, a positive step we can take to help with our energy situation. And I think it's just a win/win for everybody in America today as we move forward to establish some high- speed rail corridors around this country. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I was hoping to get this train running on time, excuse the pun, so if somebody needs me to yield time to them, I will make it available.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time. I yielded back prematurely.

Mr. SHUSTER. I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. I just wanted to say that the situation highlighting the situation is certainly important, and I understand why the gentleman is highlighting it. It would have been covered, it is covered in the underlying bill I believe. But as I said, I understand why the gentleman wants to highlight the situation. And this report to determine the cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance is extremely important, and we need to tend to that. This Northeast Corridor is extremely important and, as I said, I do not oppose the amendment, and would accept it. I yield back my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. I just wanted to say that we accept the amendment. Anything to do with improving technology on trains we certainly support.

Mr. SHUSTER. I just want to say that the gentleman from Washington has a commonsense amendment. I think encouraging collaboration between Amtrak and commuter rail systems is a positive thing. I urge all Members to accept and support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and I want to start today by saying that it's a shame that this Congress and that the majority party, for 18 months, has failed to do anything to alleviate our energy problems in this country. We've had ample opportunity to pass legislation that will deal with this rising cost of energy this country, and as I've said, we've done nothing. The American people are crying out for us to do something. And what we can do, it's obvious, in the short-term it's supply. It's look for new sources of oil, explore in different parts of this country, offshore. That's the answer in the short-term. The long term-we have other technologies, clean coal technology, nuclear energy. We have to start doing something here. The American people, as I said, are crying out. Gas in my district is $4 a gallon. In my 7 years in Congress, I've been approached by people to tell me they disagree with me on this issue or that issue. But I've never had people come up to me and at the gas pump and yell at me publicly about this Congress doing absolutely nothing. The time is now. We have to act. We've already, 7, 15 years ago we should have been acting. But we have to move today. As I said, it's just a shame that we haven't done anything sooner. That being said, I think that this bill that we have before us today, The Passenger Rail Investment Improvement Act, does something positive when it comes to energy in this country. It's a small step. It's a positive step, but it's a step I think it's important for us to take today. The last time that we authorized Amtrak was 1997. Gas was $1.27 a gallon, and today, as I said, in Central Pennsylvania it's hovering around $4 a gallon. We also have, in this country, in 2005, we passed the 300 million mark in population. It took us 65 years to go from 200 million to 300 million. It's only going to take us 35 years to go from 300 million to 400 million. And that population isn't all going to move out into the West and to the middle of the country. That population will move around some, but those corridors around the country that are densely populated, the Northeast Corridor, Chicago, the west coast, throughout Texas, Florida, up and down the east coast, those corridors are going to become even more, the population is going to become denser. So it's important that we do things to encourage people to use other forms of transportation, and passenger rail is one of those modes of transportation. It is one of the, if not the most efficient modes of transportation to move people, move large quantities of people. And I think that that's an extremely important reason for us to move forward. As we watch fuel prices escalate, as we watch the population continue to grow, and as I said, the American people are desperate to escape gas prices, long commutes that define their work days, and I think this is a way for us to move forward. Now, in the bill there are some important provisions, and one of the reasons that myself and the Ranking Member Mica signed on to it, and there are some private sector initiatives. First, we authorize in this bill for Amtrak, the IG and the Department of Transportation to identify the least of the underperforming, significantly underperforming lines in this country; identify at least two of them. That we then turn to the private sector and allow them to bid to take those lines over, and to allow them to run them and see if we can't turn them into efficient operations. The second privatization initiative is to take a line in this country that Amtrak has stopped using, has abandoned because of high cost or whatever reason, and allow the private sector to take it over, re- establish it and run it efficiently and profitably, we hope. And third is the Northeast Corridor. It is the most used corridor in the country. We need to establish high speed rail in this country, and the Northeast Corridor is where we need to do it, from Washington to New York; to get private sector companies to come to the table to give real bids on how much it's going to cost to establish high speed rail in this country. Not pie in the sky, not throwing darts, as we've done over the years, but to have real numbers, if it's $10 billion, $20 billion, $60 billion, how much is it going to cost us to have true high speed which we need in this country, because of the population growth, because of energy costs that we have in this country. High speed rail is extremely important in this authorization. And for the past 20 years we've had a theoretical debate on this floor about can the private sector run a railroad, can the public, is it the public responsibility, and can the public do it better than the private sector? Well, I believe that the private sector can run a passenger rail system. And I just have to look back to history. From 1850 to 1950 the private sector ran a profitable passenger rail system.

Mr. SHUSTER. For 100 years the private sector operated passenger rail profitably. But what happened to it wasn't mismanagement, it was aviation, the airplane that came about. It was the interstate highway system that we built in this country. So people got off the trains and got into their cars and into airplanes. That's what happened to passenger rail. And for the last 30 some years, as the government's tried to run it, it's not done it efficiently. So this is an opportunity for us to have some real successes, some private sector successes, and we can end this debate. Is the private sector able to run a railroad, a passenger rail system? I believe they are, and I believe that these initiatives are extremely important for us to have some successes to point to as we move down the road and give the American people something they need, a passenger rail system that is profitable, that is successful. And I want to end as I started. We need to do something on energy. This is one small step in the right direction. We can do more to solve our energy problems in this country. We should do more, and we must do more. The American people deserve that.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of Todd ``Parney'' Parnell. Mr. Parnell will be recognized for his service by the Penn's Woods Council Boy Scouts of America as their Distinguished Citizen at the 2008 Blair County Friends of Scouting Luncheon on June 11, 2008. From the time Mr. Parnell graduated from Messiah College in 1988 with a degree in physical education, he has constantly worked to increase the value of the community in which he has lived. Mr. Parnell began his minor league baseball career in 1990 when he joined the Eastern League's Reading Phillies as the club's Director of Sales and Marketing. His vivacity for the business and sports world made him a considered candidate for Assistant General Manager. His dedication and hard work has not gone unnoticed, recently he was elected as the League's Representative to the Baseball Chapel. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Parnell served as Vice President and General Manager of the Single- A Kannapolis Intimidators in the South Atlantic League. His tenacity to lead a team to success resulted in his recognition as the 1999 South Atlantic League General Manager of the Year. Today, Mr. Parnell has served the Altoona Curve as their General Manager for seven seasons. His eternal optimism makes him a joy to work with even in the most serious moments of business. Mr. Parnell has been a key factor in helping the Curve set multiple single-game and season attendance marks at the Blair County Ballpark. His outgoing personality has continued to move the team to shatter sponsorship and corporate sales records. Under the steadfast leadership of Mr. Parnell, the Curve has been honored as Minor League Baseball's top franchise and winner of the John H. Johnson President's Trophy. In 2004, Mr. Parnell was awarded the Eastern League Executive of the Year Award, as well as the Larry MacPhail Trophy for promotional excellence. His demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm to the Altoona Curve has allowed the team to soar to new heights and has made them one of the most respected minor league baseball teams. As he reflects upon his work as General Manager and his lifetime of achievements, Mr. Parnell can certainly be proud of his life of service to his team and his community, in which he has found great success. I look forward to celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of such a dedicated individual. His involvement has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Mr. Todd ``Parney'' Parnell the best in his future endeavors as he continues to serve the Altoona Curve as General Manager and a true leader. I thank him for his far-reaching commitment and service as he continues to add greatness to his community.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I am placing this statement in the Congressional Record. Requesting Member: Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-9). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Project Name: Army Reserve Center, Letterkenny Army Depot. Account: MILCON, ARMY RESERVE. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot. Address of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $17.9 million for Army Reserve Center, Letterkenny Army Depot. It is my understanding that funding for this project would consolidate three area Army Reserve facilities at the Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The project will provide a 300 member training facility with administrative areas, classrooms, assembly hall, arms vault, kitchen, equipment storage areas, physical training rooms, and maintenance facilities. LEAD has set aside 7.5 acres of secure federal land for construction of the Reserve Center. The Center will be constructed behind the Letterkenny fence and adjacent to 600 aces of federal land which are used for Reserve training. This facility will also meet all projected force protection and anti-terrorism standards. This project is in including the President's FY 2009 budget and the US Army Reserve Fiscal Year 2009 FYDP. Project Name: Upgrade Munition Igloos, Phase 2, Letterkenny Army Depot. Account: MILCON, ARMY. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot Address of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County, Pennsylvania Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $7.5 million for Upgrade Munition Igloos, Phase 2, Letterkenny Army Depot. It is my understanding that funding for this project would modify igloo doors and provide concrete ramps to significantly increase productivity and enhance Letterkenny Army Depot's (LEAD) ability to rapidly and safely support mission requirements. Letterkenny is a major receiving, storage, maintenance, and shipping site for both tactical missiles and conventional ammunition. These munitions are stored in 902 igloos constructed in the 1940s to store low technology ammunition that could be carried by hand. 706 of these igloos have 4 foot wide single doors ad a two step differential between the pavement and igloo floor. Funding for this project will modify approximately 100 igloos to 10 foot doors and provide concrete ramps direct from the pavement to the igloo. This project is in the US Army Fiscal Year 2011 FYDP. Letterkenny's munitions storage mission continues to grow and its need for upgraded igloos to meet this mission requirement is more immediate than programmed. Project Name: Expeditionary Persistent Power. Account: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, & EVAL, DEFENSEWIDE. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mission Critical Solutions, LLC. Address of Requesting Entity: 271 Industrial Lane, Alum Bank, PA 15521. Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $3 million for Expeditionary Persistent Power. It is my understanding that funding will be used for research, development, testing, and evaluation. This program builds on the recent success and advancements in ground based power and alternative propulsion systems for USSOCOM as well as advancements in the ultra thin film solar and small wind driven regeneration systems. The power/ propulsion system will use latest-generation, commercially available Li-ion polymer batteries storing power from wind, solar, and regeneration techniques. USSOCOM has a continuing requirement for Expeditionary Power and Clandestine Propulsion Systems for ground, marine, and UV's for all operations environments and tactical scenarios. It is also my understanding that approximately 55 percent of funding would be used for labor costs, approximately 40 percent of funding would be used for materials, and approximately 5 percent of funding would be used for travel and other costs. Project Name: Fire Support Technology Improvement Program. Account: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, & EVAL, ARMY. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Szanca Solutions, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 100 East Pitt Street, Suite 300, Bedford, PA 15522. Description of Request: Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $1.5 million for Fire Support Technology Improvement Program. It is my understanding that funding for this project would be used for research, development, testing, and evaluation to leverage and develop advanced artillery battle management technologies and to integrate these advanced technologies into the Army fire support modernization initiatives. This program will help in Battlefield Damage Assessment (BDA) for target re-fire, to include target of opportunity avoidance due to weighted benefits of a current intel information resource that is supplying crucial tactical intel information. This effort will also decrease the time from target identification to firing. The program will also provide Theater Commanders with the intelligence to determine if a fire mission may affect critical infrastructures or resources (water and oil pipelines, power lines or support facilities) that are critical to the civilian population. It is also my understanding that approximately 80 percent of funding would be used for staff, approximately 17 percent of funding would be use to design and implement a test facility, and approximately 3 percent of funding would be used for travel and other costs. Project Name: Maritime C4ISR System. Account: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, & EVAL, ARMY. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mission Critical Solutions, LLC. Address of Requesting Entity: 271 Industrial Lane, Alum Bank, PA 15521. Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $1 million for Maritime C4ISR System. It is my understanding that funding would be used for research, development, testing, and evaluation. This project would be used to support C4ISR situations awareness for maritime protection activities. The Maritime C4ISR System is a comprehensive suite of sensor devices together with IP based network communications to support C4ISR situational awareness for maritime protection activities. The system was conceived for port and coastal security missions requiring enhanced situational awareness, integrating and fusing existing sensors via IP. The Maritime C4ISR system allows the user to manage several complex and diverse tasks simultaneously through remote access, automation, information management, and the development or enhancement of decision aides to simplify decision-making and support defensive action by joint forces. It is also my understanding that approximately 50 percent of funding would be used for labor, approximately 42 percent of funding would be used for material, and approximately 8 percent of funding would be used for travel and other costs. Project Name: Strengthening LEAD Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management. Account: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, & EVAL, ARMY. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mountain Research LLC. Address of Requesting Entity: 825 25th Street, Altoona, PA 16601. Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Provide an authorization of $500,000 for Strengthening LEAD Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management. It is my understanding that funding for this project would be focused on technology transfer and implementation to reduce the impact of legacy use of toxic chemicals, investigate alternative fuel use for non-tactical fleet vehicles, reduce energy intensity, implement alternative renewable energy technologies, support the design and construction of sustainable buildings, and improve Environmental Management Systems at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The President signed E.O. 13423 on January 24, 2007, requiring Federal agencies to ``conduct their environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities under the law in support of their respective missions in an environmentally, economically and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient, and sustainable manner.'' Letterkenny Army Depot's unique mission, including manufacturing, depot level maintenance, and demilitarization, presents significant challenges to maintaining operations while achieving aggressive sustainability targets. Letterkenny Army Depot's leadership in technology implementation will not only benefit Letterkenny, but will also facilitate horizontal technology transfer to surrounding Pennsylvania military installations, other Army depots, and installations across the DoD. It is also my understanding that approximately 57 percent of funding would be used for labor, approximately 40 percent of funding would be used for material, and approximately 3 percent of funding would be used for travel and other costs.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial celebration of the town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1808, Liverpool is a beautiful town which resides along the Susquehanna River and possesses a rich and colorful history. In 1808, Mr. John Staily warranted the plot of land upon which the foundation of Liverpool was originally set. The land was later deeded to John Huggins, who surveyed, plotted and extended Liverpool over time. On May 4, 1832 through acts of legislature, Liverpool became incorporated, and soon flourished into a bustling, vibrant town. An 1894 Liverpool Business Directory, supplied by the Liverpool Historians, holds a description of a town of thirty-seven businesses which supplied the bustling towns along the canal route. Liverpool continued to thrive over the past hundred years and continues to be an important place of commerce and community for the people of western and central Pennsylvania. A celebration in honor of the town's history will be held between May 16, 2008 through May 18, 2008. The events will begin with a banquet at the Liverpool Legion Banquet Hall. Saturday morning the lively history of Liverpool will be retold by historic reenactors. There will be a multitude of arts and crafts, along with a presentation given by the 47th Regiment Band. It is a celebration which is certain to bring the strong community of Liverpool together. Led by dedicated elected officials, including President Walter S. Teats III, Vice President Stephen Drew, and Mayor John Mark, and the Liverpool Historians, adults and children who have made their homes in Liverpool are eager to celebrate the birth of the community which has supported and uplifted them throughout their lives. It is a town which is always willing to offer as much as they can to their community and whose community in turn gives back. The town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania has provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has worked to help generations of men, women, and children throughout its history. I look forward to celebrating the 200th anniversary of such a wonderful town, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the state of Pennsylvania. I would like to wish all residents of Liverpool all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 183, 184, and 185 I was not present because I was returning from a field hearing. Had I been present I would have voted: ``yes'' on rollcall 183--H. Res. 886, ``yes'' on rollcall 184--H. Res. 994, and ``yes'' on rollcall 185--H.R. 3548.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Crawford, who has been named Historian of the Year by the Bedford County Historical Society. Paul, who is the founder of the Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society in Bedford County, will he honored with this distinguished award at the Bedford County Historical Society's annual history banquet in April. As founder of the Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society, Paul has dedicated much of his life to researching and preserving the history of his community. He serves as a true leader in the community and the Society, directing many of the projects and events of the organization. Paul is a constant presence in the Cumberland Valley region, active in various community events and projects that support and promote the region. Paul's role as a historian cannot be denied. He is consistently found pouring over historical documents and photographs, researching, documenting, and cataloging the history of the Cumberland Valley Township so that others can learn and remember the stories of those that came before them. Paul is a great leader in the community, and Bedford County is lucky to have such a dedicated individual working for the benefit of the entire community. Paul Crawford's dedication to the preservation of his community's history is admirable, and we can hope that others will follow in his footsteps and view our history with the same pride and honor as he has so clearly done.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the current President of the Department of Pennsylvania's Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mrs. Kathy Jo McMillion Reinsmith. Mrs. Reinsmith will be recognized for her service at the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Testimonial Dinner on April 12. Over the past decade Kathy Reinsmith has worked consistently to increase the value of the community in which she has lived. Not only has Mrs. Reinsmith served four terms as President, four terms as Sr. Vice President, and one term as Jr. Vice President of her Auxiliary, she is now serving her second year as Trustee. As President of the Department of Pennsylvania's Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mrs. Reinsmith has made it her mission to travel throughout the State of Pennsylvania and the United States, inspecting auxiliaries and attending a variety of functions in order to reach out to those around her. She has dedicated her time and energy not only to helping veterans in need, but also to students at Chambersburg High School where she has constantly served as a teacher. Currently, Mrs. Reinsmith serves as a Life Member for both the Durff-Kuhn VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Scotland School for Veterans Children and the VFW National Home for Children. Her commitment to her community has been exhibited through her involvement with several organizations, many of which she has chaired, including the Voice of Democracy, Buddy Poppy Jr. Girls, and the Patriots Pen Program. Through these prominent positions Mrs. Reinsmith has volunteered much of her time to fundraising for the local community. One of her most memorable accomplishments is her dedication to the Food Stand at the Shippensburg Community Fair. She spent a multitude of hours working with those in the community to make the Fair a positive experience for all. Mrs. Reinsmith's passion and hard work have not gone unnoticed. During her first term as District 18 President in 1999, she received the Outstanding District President Medallion. While serving her second term as President of District 18, she received the Nation ``Remembrance'' Plate for the Legislative Program as well as the Outstanding Department Chairman Medallion. Mrs. Reinsmith was also recognized for her service to the community and was given the National ``Everyone Achieves Magic'' Plate. As she reflects upon her work as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs. Reinsmith can be proud of her life of service with which she has found a great amount of success. I look forward to celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of such a dedicated individual. Her involvement has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Mrs. Kathy Jo Reinsmith all the best in her future endeavors as she continues to serve the Chambersburg County School District as a devoted teacher. I am sure she will continue to do great things for the community and I thank her for her dedication and service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to extend congratulations to the members and leadership of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1758 in Waynesboro on the occasion of their 100th anniversary. One-hundred years ago, citizens of Waynesboro organized Aerie #1758 with a simple objective, to ``make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope.'' They have succeeded! Over the last 100 years, the Eagles have been an integral part of the Waynesboro community--providing civic leadership, raising funds for children, the elderly, and medical research, and improving the borough in ways great and small. The Eagles have made Waynesboro an immeasurably better place to live, work, and raise families. I would like to thank the Waynesboro Fraternal Order of Eagles for all they have done for Waynesboro, the state, and the country. Congratulations to the members and leadership of Aerie #1758 and to Eagles who have assembled from across the country to be in Waynesboro on this occasion. Best wishes to them for the next 100 years and beyond!

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of Family Services Incorporated, a non-profit organization located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Family Services Incorporated has worked to provide vital services to the community. Known at its founding as the Blair County Children's Aid Society, the organization was created to aid in the care and eventual adoption of abused and neglected children. A community-wide evaluation found that there was a need for a nonprofit agency to offer capable social work services aimed toward resolving individual, marital and family problems in 1967 and 1968. The United Way agency provided funding for Family and Children's Service of Blair County so it could provide programming and services to meet those needs. Throughout the 1970s, the agency established a residential program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Throughout the 1980s the agency served victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and runaway and homeless children. In 1997 the agency officially became Family Services Incorporated. Led by a dedicated board of directors and management team, Family Services Incorporated is always willing to adjust programming for adults and children who seek its services. It has constantly endeavored to build healthier relationships within the community. Dedicated staff provide services through the Domestic Abuse Project, Crime Victim Support Services, Street Wise Outreach and Opportunity Program, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, Emergency Shelter for Men, Men helping Men, Developmental Disabilities Program, Protection from Abuse Office, Women Aware and Counseling. Family Services Incorporated has provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has worked to help a multitude of men, women, and children throughout its history. I look forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of such a wonderful organization, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Family Services Incorporated all the best in its future endeavors.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Indiana County, Pennsylvania, for being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in America by America's Promise Alliance. Indiana was one of only two communities in Pennsylvania to receive this award. It is a great honor and achievement by the government of Indiana County and, most importantly, its community. I am proud of their hard work and dedication to our youth. The objective of the 100 Best Communities competition is to recognize outstanding community-wide efforts that improve the well-being of youth. Indiana County has achieved this through the creation of a Children's Advisory Commission to assess the needs of the children and youth of the county and create positive after school activities. The annual Family Fun Fest was also noticed for its ability to connect parents and youth in a way that strengthens the family bond and promotes positive behavior. I congratulate the people of Indiana County and their government for creating an environment where young people can thrive in a nurturing environment. It is truly a great place to call home, a wonderful place where our youth can grow and thrive. The county has illustrated great initiative in creating an environment that encourages young people to get involved work together, and help others in their community. I am proud of the work Indiana County has done to encourage positive youth development, and I hope they continue to be recognized for their efforts.