Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against the phrase beginning with the comma on page 38, line 11, through ``funds'' on line 14. This provision violates clause 2 of rule XXI. It changes existing law and therefore constitutes legislating on an appropriation bill in violation of the House rules.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against the paragraph.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to my colleague's amendment, which seeks to eliminate an important research and development program that would take place in the Juniata locomotive shop, which is in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Yes, that is my district. I am proud to stand up and take claim for this earmark. But I am also proud to stand up and say this has been authorized. This has gone through the authorization program, and it has gone through the appropriations committees. In the 2005 Energy Bill that we passed, the Diesel Emission Reduction Act of 2005, we are pushing, we are prodding, we are forcing our companies in this country to reduce emissions. And when we are encouraging and when we are prodding and forcing people to do that, companies to do that, I think that we have an obligation to assist in getting those things developed and doing the public and private assistance that comes together to reduce emissions, especially in our aging diesel fleet in the rail industry. In 2006, the rail industry will embark on a new program to produce cleaner locomotives that utilize conventional truck engines to charge large stacks of batteries that power locomotives. In this account also there is a 50/50 match on this legislation. But what this earmark does, it is a 90/10. Norfolk Southern is providing 90 percent of the funding to do this important research and develop this initiative, and the taxpayers are putting in 10 percent. This new hybrid locomotive will reduce harmful emissions, increase fuel efficiency and take locomotive research and development in a new direction. The freight rail industry consumed over 4 billion gallons of diesel fuel in 2005 and freight rail traffic has grown at unprecedented levels in the past 3 years. Finding new technologies to save fuel in the movement of freight will benefit everybody. Additionally, it is important to note that any technology gains from this project and research development will be open to the public. So this a 10 percent investment by the public, and everybody will benefit. General Electric will benefit. The other rail companies will benefit by this research and development. Further, Mr. Chairman, this is about more than just reducing energy use. It is about improving our environment. I prefer working cooperatively with the private sector to reduce harmful emissions of nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. This program seeks to accomplish this as well. Last year, America's freight rail industry spent nearly $1 billion on new locomotive purchases. This money helped buy newer, more fuel efficient equipment. While the newer locomotives are 40 percent more fuel efficient than just a decade ago, we need to take the next step in moving emissions reductions to extremely low levels, something we cannot accomplish with conventional locomotive engines. This program will encourage industry to work on a prototype hybrid ultra-low emissions locomotive that will reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 80 to 90 percent, which is the primary component of smog, reduce diesel fuel consumption by 40 percent and lower particulate matter by 80 percent. In a time when increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy are vital to ensuring our Nation's energy independence, we should be encouraging public-private partnerships that seek to further these goals. We need to build on our Nation's advantages, one of which is the best freight rail system in the world, which helps us compete globally. By making this mode even more fuel efficient, it will be reducing costs of transportation to our Nation's consumers and making the air we breath even cleaner. Mr. Chairman, I would encourage my colleague from Arizona to withdraw the amendment, but, if not, I hope my colleagues will support me and vote down this amendment. This initiative, if enacted, it will, by 2008, will have hybrid locomotives as well as hybrid cars moving us into the future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4530.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman working on this, and just to let the gentleman know, I have a Henry Clay Township in Pennsylvania, which happens to be in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, so Pennsylvania and Kentucky have more in common than one would think.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 4530 was introduced by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Chandler). The bill designates the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Judge Scott Reed was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 3, 1921. He graduated from Henry Clay High School and the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he received many honors. During his years as a private attorney, he distinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great integrity. His career as a jurist began in 1964 when he became a Fayette Circuit Court judge. Five years later, he was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where he sat for over 7 years. During the mid-1970s, Kentucky's judicial system experienced a significant reorganization with the creation of the new Kentucky Supreme Court. Judge Reed played an instrumental role in the reorganization and was elected to serve as the first chief justice of Kentucky in 1976. He was considered a strict interpreter of Kentucky's constitution and a staunch advocate of the separation of the judiciary from the other branches of government. In 1979, he was named U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He served as a U.S. district judge until he retired in 1990. His opinions from the Supreme Court of Kentucky have received national acclaim for their scholarly content, and he has been recognized by many in a comparable light to Brandeis, Holmes, and Marshall. I support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4530) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ``Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse''.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3858, originally sponsored by Representative Lantos of California and Representative Shays of Connecticut amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of FEMA to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. During the evacuation of the gulf coast region last fall, we learned of the difficulty of evacuating household pets and service animals. Concerns over whether pets would be permitted to accompany their owners made some victims reluctant or unwilling to evacuate, choosing to wait out the disaster. The PETS Act would help ensure that household pets and service animals are considered by State and local emergency preparedness plans. I would like to recognize my colleague, Mr. Lantos, who introduced this bill soon after Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast. Mr. Lantos, a founding member of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, has been an outspoken champion for animals. I would also like to commend Mr. Shays for his dedication in moving this legislation and strong desire to resolve flaws in our Nation's emergency management system made apparent by Hurricane Katrina. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Shays on the Katrina investigation committee. Both Mr. Lantos and Mr. Shays have been champions of this issue and have worked to ensure that owners don't have to make a choice between their personal safety and their pets' safety. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3858) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3858.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I also want to thank Mr. Lantos and Mr. Shays for their work on this bill. The PETS Act would help ensure that household pets and service animals are considered by State and local emergency preparedness plans because there are people in this country, myself included, I have a dog Chloe that has a close relationship with my family, and I know people throughout this country have pets that are near and dear to their hearts. When you go to a rooftop, as we saw down in New Orleans as Mr. Shays and Mr. Lantos pointed out, people are unwilling to get aboard a boat or helicopter if they have to leave their beloved pet behind. Once again, this is so States and local emergency preparedness plans take into consideration situations that might occur if someone has to abandon their pets. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to be here to participate in this naming of the United States Post Office after John Hammerschmidt. It is a life that certainly is representative of a true American patriot and servant of the people. He was a member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, a member of the Air Force Reserves, a member of the District of Columbia Army Reserves, the first Republican Member to represent Arkansas since reconstruction, also a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airport. These are just a few of the roles in which Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt has served; and, as I said, it truly is a life of service to his country. First elected to the House of Representatives in 1966, John Paul Hammerschmidt was noted for his dedication and attention to constituent services. A native son of Harrison, Arkansas, Congressman Hammerschmidt went on to represent the region for 13 consecutive terms. In all of those elections, only two of Congressman Hammerschmidt's opponents were able to achieve more than one-third of the vote, and that included one candidate by the name of Bill Clinton. During his tenure in the House, Congressman Hammerschmidt was known for his expertise regarding infrastructure and veterans-related issues. As the ranking member of the Public Works Committee from 1986 to 1993, John was influential in many of the improvements that have taken place on our Nation's highways, airports and waterway systems. John was a true steward of our Nation's infrastructure; and users of roads, water systems and the airways will all long benefit from his efforts. Mr. Speaker, my father, Bud Shuster, had the pleasure of serving with Congressman Hammerschmidt both in the House and on the Public Works Committee for many years. I asked him to relate a few stories, reflections on John Paul Hammerschmidt, and he said he certainly was one of the experts on infrastructure in this country. And then he said quite simply, ``He is a gentleman's gentleman;'' and I think that is a very accurate assessment of Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the measure offered by my colleague, Mr. Boozman, to name the post office in Harrison, Arkansas, after Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.

Mr. SHUSTER

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 65th Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to be held June 17, 2006. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol; the U.S. Capitol Police; and the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out this traditional event in compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of the largest qualifying races in the country. This race takes place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, NW. Participants are residents of the Washington metropolitan area and range in age from 8 to 17. The winners of these races will represent the Washington metropolitan area at the national finals, held annually in Akron, Ohio. I support this concurrent resolution, which continues our custom of authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for this exciting event, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 349.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 349) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William Mock, who has been named Historian of the Year by the Bedford County Historical Society. Bill, a Vietnam veteran and retired biology teacher from Bedford County, will be honored with this distinguished award at the Bedford County Historical Society's annual banquet in April. Bedford County is an area rich with historical value and meaning, dating back to the revolutionary era. Bill has worked to promote it by proposing the establishment of a Bedford County historical center to exhibit historical records and artifacts from the area. As he often says of himself, Bill lives in the past. His love of history has propelled him to take on many meaningful, honorable activities to commemorate our Nation's heroes and ensure they are never forgotten. A member of the Bedford County Historical Society, the Gettysburg Blues and the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Gettysburg Camp No. 112, Bill takes immense pride in working with these organizations to preserve our Nation's history. He planned and executed the rededication of the Pennsylvania Monument in Andersonville National Cemetery for its 1OOth anniversary. To mark the occasion, Bill spent months researching and fundraising to reproduce the 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regimental flag, which he carried in the March of Honor to the monument. William Mock's dedication to the preservation of our local and national 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 those that came before us.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Concurrent Resolution 360 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service to be held on Monday, May 15, 2006. I am pleased to join the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for the second consecutive year in sponsoring the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service. The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary annually sponsor this event honoring some of America's bravest men and women. The memorial service will honor the 155 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities in 2005. I would also like to recognize the five peace officers killed in the line of duty in 2005 from my home State of Pennsylvania: Edward Schroeder, Jr., Jesse Sollman, Paris Williams, Sr., Brian Gregg, and Joseph Pokorny. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice. This will be the 25th time that this event has been held on the grounds of the Capitol. This memorial service is part of National Police Week, which was created by law in 1962 and runs this year from May 9 through May 15. Police Week draws officers, their families, and survivors of fallen officers from around the country, and includes such events as the Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral Church, a candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, and a 50-K relay race. The memorial service begins at noon on Monday. Following the ceremony on the Capitol Grounds, there will be a procession to the Law Enforcement Memorial and a wreath-laying ceremony. I encourage my colleagues to attend this much-deserved memorial service and honor those who protect our communities on the front lines. I would also like to recognize Jacob Joseph Chestnut and John Michael Gibson, the two Capitol Police officers killed in the line of duty in 1998. Both 18-year veterans of the Capitol Police, their sacrifice will never be forgotten. The authorization of the use of the Capitol Grounds is just one of the ways Members of Congress recognize the service of peace officers and memorialize those who have fallen in the line of duty. I was proud to be part of the First Annual Congressional Longest Yard Classic, a bipartisan fund-raiser to benefit the Capitol Police Memorial Fund, which assists the families of the fallen Capitol Police officers like Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, who bravely gave their lives defending the United States Capitol and many of us who work here. The idea of a football game fund-raiser was conceived by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi). It was a takeoff of the movie ``The Longest Yard'' with Members of Congress acting as the inmates and the Capitol Hill Police the guards. We were to battle it out on the gridiron. I thank Mr. Renzi for his help in organizing the fund-raiser and thank the 33 Members of Congress who participated. Some would say it was a wonderful experience despite the rain, but I would say it was a wonderful experience because of the rain. Those 33 Members of Congress, all of us washed-up athletes, were able to play the much-superior Capitol Police Force to a 12-12 tie. For us it was a great joy. But most importantly, we were able to raise nearly $60,000 for the Capitol Police Memorial Fund. I look forward to next year and for the match-up to continue to honor these brave men and women, and also for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, which will be held on Monday, May 15. I support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 360.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 360) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure and thank my colleague from New York for his tribute to those fallen officers and people who serve and protect us every day.