Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, On Wednesday, February 8, 2006 on the Motion to Instruct Conferees regarding the Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4297) I meant to vote ``No'' on the motion but inadvertently voted ``Yes.''

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding. First I want to start off by saying thank you to the city of Detroit for hosting the Super Bowl. I attended the Super Bowl with my 14-year- old son, and I can tell you it felt like we were in Pittsburgh. Not only were there Terrible Towels everywhere, but the weather felt like Pittsburgh weather, cold blustery weather. So I thank Detroit for making us feel so welcome and so at home, and thanks for ordering up that western Pennsylvania weather for us. But I rise today to congratulate the Pittsburgh Steelers on an incredible season, an exciting road through the playoffs and a fantastic Super Bowl victory. I want to applaud the hard work of everybody on the team. They deserve that applause and respect. I also want to congratulate the entire Rooney family. They are a great football family, and today they carry that tradition not just as one of the founding families of the National Football League, but as one of the leading families in western Pennsylvania who continue to give back to their community. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the hard work and dedication and achievement of one of the unsung heroes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that is Coach Dick Hoak. Dick Hoak's name is not a household name, but he is one of the keys to the success of the Steelers over the years. Dick Hoak is the longest-tenured coach in NFL history, I might add. For the last 35 years, he has been a fixture on the Steelers sidelines and on the practice fields. In 1992, Bill Cowher named him the running backs coach, and he was the only coach retained from the previous staff. Over his 13 seasons under Cowher, Hoak's backfield has been able to compile over 28,000 rushing yards, which is the most in the NFL, and puts the Steelers alone at the top again as the only team to surpass the 28,000 rushing yard threshold. Hoak's history with the Steelers started even earlier, though, growing up in the shadows of Pittsburgh in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. In 1961, he was the Steelers seventh-round draft pick as a Nittany Lion from Penn State. He went on to spend 10 seasons in Pittsburgh's backfield, earning a spot on the Pro-Bowl. Dick has been producing for the Steelers for over 45 years. This Super Bowl victory is a great accomplishment for all those involved, and we are proud of our Steelers. Western Pennsylvanians can be proud of their native son Dick Hoak. And I know of three little guys who are especially proud of Dick Hoak, and they are my nephews and Dick Hoak's grandsons, Michael, Jonathan, and Daniel Shuster. Now they can all look to their grandfather, and he can literally put five rings on that one hand and get ready for the sixth one next year, because Dick Hoak literally does have five Super Bowl rings and one for the thumb. So to the Steelers organization, congratulations. We are all very proud of everybody on that team and in the organization.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of J. William Stover, of Chambersburg, PA. Mr. Stover was a committed citizen to his community and his country. William spent the majority of his life serving the public--in the Army, as a member of the Town Council, as mayor of Chambersburg or as District Justice. Mr. Stover is remembered as taking his responsibilities as a public servant with the utmost seriousness and always weighing heavily the consequences of his actions. Well respected and admired by those he worked for and with, William's work will have a lasting impact. He will be sorely missed. J. William Stover, born April 27, 1925 to Andrew S. and Mary Cook Stover in Chambersburg, began his life of service in the Army Air Force during World War II as part of the Greatest Generation. Upon his return to civil life he began what would become a long and distinguished line of public service to Chambersburg residents. He started as a member of the Civil Service Commission, then moved on to become a member of the Town Council and was elected Mayor of Chambersburg in 1970. Ten years later William was appointed District Justice for the Borough of Chambersburg and Hamilton Township, a post which he held until 1994. In retirement he took on a substitute role as Senior District Justice. Truly a tremendous life dedicated to public service and the people of his community. William Stover was also an active member and former deacon of the Zion Reformed Church of Chambersburg. Mr. Stover took great pride in his service and he will always be remembered for the great impact he left on the community of Chambersburg during his nearly half-century of service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on Christmas Eve, Ann Eppard, long-time chief of staff to Congressman Bud Shuster, passed away from complications from Barrett's disease. The following tribute to her by Bud Shuster, M.C., ret., appeared in several papers throughout Pennsylvania: A Tribute to Ann Eppard (By Congressman Bud Shuster, Ret.) Once upon a shining time there was a team that had a 35- year winning streak. I was the coach and Ann Eppard was the captain of the team. Over the years we had all-star teammates who became lifelong friends. It all began when I instructed a manager at Datel Corp. to find me an executive assistant. After I nixed several who didn't quite fit, he said he located an outstanding gal at Computer Sciences Corporation who although only 26, was managing 28 people. ``She's smart, personable, energetic, knows computers and she's good-looking. I said I preferred a man, and the last thing we needed was a good-looking babe to distract the salesmen. Just interview her, he pleaded. Reluctantly, I agreed, and she was impressive. When I asked her to take a test she asked if I had taken it. When I said ``no'' she smiled, ``Then I'll take it after you do.'' ``You've got spunk. You'll do,'' I laughed. ``But I'd like to talk to your boss at Computer Sciences.'' After he confirmed her capabilities I asked if she had any weaknesses. ``Oh yes,'' he said, `` Overload her with work or she'll pester you.'' So I did. For nearly 35 years! When I announced for Congress, Ann volunteered along with some Sigma Chi brothers. She moved into an old converted smokehouse at the farm with my daughter, Peggy, and our team campaigned 24/7 for several months. My wife, Patty, and I went door-to-door with Ann, my daughter, Gia, and others advancing us. Ann's sister, Karen, and her mother did nightly polling to measure our progress. Ann helped design a superb computer system to mail thousands of personalized letters on the weekend before the election. Campaigning at the railroad shops, she wore a red miniskirt and white boots. The guys didn't pay any attention to me, and for years afterward when we went through the shops they would yell, ``Hey, Annie, where's your white boots?'' We surprised everyone by winning, and as they say, the rest is history. Ann loved political combat. Once when she was deeply involved in reapportionment, she had a Democratic legislator make a last-minute change to the map, putting an opponent's residence a few yards outside the district. The opponent insisted that a Republican had changed the map, for no Democrat would do that. He was wrong! Another time, when an opponent's petitions were being circulated at a Democratic hangout, they suddenly disappeared. On election night, a Democratic leader proudly produced the purloined petitions but Ann whisked him across the room to the bar before I saw them. Ann loved the people of the District. She had Pennelec relocate a light pole because an elderly lady couldn't sleep with the light shining in her window. The story behind creating the Loysburg bypass exemplified her dedication. Still in the minority, I worked for months to get District projects in a transportation bill, through the House, the Senate Conference. On the last day of the Conference she whispered that we should put in a project to build a Loysburg bypass. I said it was impossible, the Conference was ending. ``But the people need that dangerous hairpin curve eliminated,'' she pleaded. ``Get away,'' I ordered. ``What if I can get Chairman Howard and Senator Moynihan to agree?'' ``Don't you breathe my name to them,'' I hissed. ``I won't.'' She went over and whispered to Howard and Moynihan. A few minutes later, Howard said, ``If Senator Moynihan agrees, I'd like to add a project to replace a dangerous curve in Loysburg, Pennsylvania, with a bypass.'' Moynihan replied, ``Absolutely! I agree!'' When I'm on the bypass I think, this is really the Ann Eppard bypass. Ann may be the only person to ever hang-up on the President of the United States. One day she answered my private line and a voice said, ``This is Ronald Reagan. Could I please speak to Bud?'' ``Quit fooling around, Ralph,'' she slammed down the phone. It rang again and the White House operator said, ``President Reagan was trying to call the Congressman but got disconnected. Could you please put him on?'' When I was going through several operations at Bethesda Naval Hospital to repair my broken neck, she practically took over the ward, making sure I got my pain medicine on time. When she discovered a lost sailor hobbling through the hall pushing his I-V, searching for the X-ray lab, she chewed out the attendants and got him help. ``Harrisburg: Online'' recently wrote, ``She was the epitome of the self-made, tough-as-nails kid from Pennsylvania's hard coal region.'' Ann loved coming to our farm, pestering me to let her work. One spring when we were going to move the cattle into the barnyard, she showed up in her designer jeans and red cowgirl boots. I explained to everyone that we had to walk slowly behind the cattle, arms outstretched, pushing them toward the barn. If one cow broke away, they all would and we would have to start over. Finally we got them in. Losing her balance in the mucky barnyard, she cried, ``I fell in the mud!'' My farm manager replied, ``Miss Annie, that ain't mud.'' Few knew of Ann's many charities. Father Paulko in Hollidaysburg called her when a deserving family needed financial help. She quietly responded. When troubles came, as they sometimes do in her life, her grace under pressure epitomized class, as she ultimately prevailed. When she retired, the accolades poured in. The entire Pennsylvania delegation published a letter praising her as ``a straight shooter whose word was trusted and advice was much sought after . . . you also served as a pathfinder for the now increasing number of women assuming leadership positions on Capitol Hill. Your dedication . . . helped this delegation achieve legislative prodigies.'' A lecturer at the Library of Congress stated: ``Ann Eppard was the most effective Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill.'' Forming Ann Eppard Associates, she established a highly respected lobbying firm. Congressman Jim Oberstar publicly credited her efforts with helping pass the historic ``Truth in Budgeting Act,'' to unlock the Highway Trust Fund. But above all, she loved her family, especially her two darling granddaughters, Kelly and Shannon. They, need to know that their ``Annie'' was a larger-than-life super-lady: dedicated, smart, energetic and compassionate. Ann was devout and there is little doubt that she is in God's arms. She's probably telling St. Peter how to better organize the place. To paraphrase Shakespeare, she may have had the body of a tender woman, but she had the heart of a lion. And we might add, the soaring spirit of the indomitable American eagle.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CPT Michael Gonsman of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Captain Gonsman of Altoona, PA, served in Beiji, Iraq for 11 months. In addition to serving our country on the streets of Iraq, Captain Gonsman serves his home community as a member of the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department. Captain Gonsman has dedicated 19 years to the fire department, serving as a truck foreman and a line officer. His fellow firefighters were like family to him, and while it was difficult for him to leave them and his wife and three children, he courageously moved forward to serve his country. His fellow firefighters have said that he has always been dedicated to serving his country, and he has done just that. Captain Gonsman, who served as company commander, bravely led his soldiers to help the people of Iraq. He loved serving, and felt that the local people appreciated their presence. Mr. Speaker, Captain Gonsman's fire department chief regarded him as a person who worked to better himself while helping others, and was willing to do anything he can for people in need. Through his service in Iraq and on the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department, he has proven that he is still that way today. The citizens of Duncansville and I would like to thank Captain Gonsman for his service and dedication to his country and community.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Eric McGonigle of the United States Army. Specialist McGonigle was on active duty in Iraq for 3 years, serving in Kuwait, Camp Spearhead, and Operation Iraqi Freedom from April 2003 to April 2004. Not only has Specialist McGonigle served his country abroad, he has protected his community serving as a firefighter for the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department for the past 5 years. While serving in Iraq, Specialist McGonigle worked as a truck driver and ran convoys for the Army. He acknowledged the appreciation of the people of Iraq for our continued help. McGonigle continues to serve our country as a member of the Army Reserves in the E-4 332nd Engineering Company of Kittanning, PA. Now back home in Duncansville, PA, Specialist McGonigle is dedicated to his family and his community. He has been a truck engineer for the Duncansville Fire Department for the past 2 years. His fellow firefighters regard him as a community-oriented man, helping the people around him as much as possible. Prior to volunteering at the Duncansville Fire Department, Specialist McGonigle volunteered with the Cresson Fire Department. His current fire department chief, Dave Boland, remembers meeting him as a young member of the Cresson Fire Department and hearing what an asset he was to the department. Chief Boland was pleasantly surprised when he moved to Duncansville and began volunteering at the Duncansville Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, Specialist McGonigle has dedicated much of his life to serving his country and his community, and the citizens of Duncansville and I would like to thank him for his courage and devotion.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4568. This legislation will put in place a 1-year delay of a problematic cytology testing program and will allow HHS to review and revise the program in order to better reflect current medical practice. Numerous pathologists from my district in central and western Pennsylvania have expressed great concern over this testing program. I would like to share a portion of a letter I received from a well- respected pathologist from Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania, Dr. Bill Kirsch, regarding this issue. And I think it is extremely important to hear the words of a practicing pathologist and not just legislators on the floor of the House. Dr. Kirsch first contacted me in August of this year saying the following: ``Although I have not received the survey material at this time, it was apparent when I read the initial introduction of this new testing procedure that it had little merit and was only vaguely related to the actual practice of cytopathology. ``My contention is this supposed proficiency examination will do little or nothing to improve the quality of the cytopathology services and only add to hospital expenses through fee and the paid time for the cytology tech staff and the pathologist forced to participate. There are other proficiency tests that I have subscribed to for a number of years and have helped me to become a better cytopathologist. ``The current proficiency testing by MIME has, in my opinion, no merit and does not deserve to be continued. It does not have the support of pathology or cytopathologist professionals and should not have even been initiated.'' Mr. Speaker, I respect the wisdom and experience of many of the doctors and laboratory professionals that have contacted me asking that we please ask HHS to step back and review this testing program. A vote for the commonsense legislation is just what the doctor ordered.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4437. This legislation is long overdue, and I want to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner and Chairman King of New York for their great work in bringing this bill to the floor. My constituents are fed up with porous borders, lax enforcement, and excuses about why the Federal Government is unable or unwilling to ensure that immigrants entering our country are legal. This measure provides genuine solutions such as state-of-the-art surveillance technology, 8,000 new border agents, and widespread physical barriers. The citizens of Altoona, Pennsylvania, experienced the sobering realities of a poorly enforced immigration system when this last August an illegal alien with a prior criminal record of assault, reckless endangerment, and a weapons violation murdered three innocent people. Had the catch and release practice been eliminated and mandatory detention been in place, perhaps this painful tragedy could have been prevented. Mr. Chairman, this bill's time has come. We cannot continue to allow overwhelming numbers of illegal immigrants to flood our communities without any scrutiny. I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense approach that will combat illegal immigration and strengthen our Nation's security.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the F&M Trust Company serving both Franklin and Cumberland Counties in Pennsylvania. On February 5, 2006, the F&M Trust Company will celebrate its 100th anniversary. In America, numerous organizations have sprouted and grown upon the foundation of service to others in order to ensure a progressive society, creating communities committed to generosity and equality. In December 1905, a group of businessmen, lawyers, farmers, doctors, and merchants met in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to discuss the organization of a trust company. They wanted to form a corporation that would better serve the community by offering services such as personal guardianships, trusteeships, and title guarantees. One month later, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted the bank a charter under the name ``The Farmers and Merchants Trust Company of Chambersburg, PA.'' By February 5, 1906, the bank opened its doors for the first time. Throughout the years, banks have been challenged from the depths of the Great Depression through the ongoing consolidation of financial institutions. F&M Trust has met these challenges head on. As banks began to emerge from the depression, our communities witnessed great growth; along with it, the traditional way of banking was changing. The F&M Trust Company began to grow in existing markets and developed new markets by progressively integrating new with traditional products and services. By 1993, F&M Trust became the largest locally owned and managed community bank in Franklin County. The F&M Trust Company's growth and success can be attributed to many individuals throughout our company's history. While the men who formed the company established the foundation for success, the directors, management, and staff of F&M have been responsible for continuing their commitment to communities, customers, shareholders, and employees through the years. For its commitment to the citizens of Franklin and Cumberland Counties throughout the last one hundred years, I am extremely grateful to the F&M Trust Company. Happy Birthday F&M Trust Company, and best wishes for many more!

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Northern Cambria High School Girls Volleyball team on their PIAA Class A volleyball State championship. The Colts have demonstrated that strong dedication and teamwork will produce unexpected results. After narrowly missing the championship last year, the girls united behind their strong coach, Mike Hogan, and handily defeated their opponents in the State competition. Posting an undefeated season, the Colts also captured the Heritage Conference and District VI championships. This is Northern Cambria Girls Volleyball first State championship title in the school's history, which is a great testimony to the unique character of this team. They fought through obstacles and their unwillingness to quit led to their success. The teamwork and the leadership skills the team developed will enrich their lives and serve them well beyond their high school years. I congratulate the Northern Cambria Colts on their State championship and I look forward to hearing of their continued success in next year's season. Led by head coach Mike Hogan and assistant coach Jennifer Dumm, the 27 members of this championship team include Seniors Ashley Hogan (co- captain), Jaci Jones (co-captain), Sara Hoover, Jess Valeria, Jen Hassen, Shayna Butterworth, Christie Rocco; Juniors Becky Butterworth, Julie Paronish, Lexy Pawlowski, Jenny Eagler, Jacque Link, Carrie Shevock, Lisa McCombie, Tajia Stephens, Megan Long; Sophomores Briana Butterworth, Britteny Daisley, Stephanie Paronish, Courtney Zernick, Brittany Sedlock, Nikole Sherry, and Jennifer Valeria; and Freshmen Cassandra Kollar, Becky Petrisko, Samantha Rodgers, and Deanna Maurer. Congratulations one and all.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4324) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the predisaster mitigation program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4324) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the predisaster mitigation program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order for 5 minutes.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a special aspect of a subject that has been in our news a great deal lately, emergency preparedness. As a member of the Select Katrina Committee and as chairman of the subcommittee overseeing FEMA, I know that it is absolutely critical to prepare our Nation for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or any other catastrophe and the spread of disease that could come with it. When disasters strike, the most effective method of prevention depends, in part, on effective respiratory protection for millions who may be exposed. This protection is available through careful use of respirators, the masks, mostly disposable, that we see in pictures of first responders, emergency personnel and health care workers who are treating the sick. The World Health Organization, for example, specifies certain respirators for use in avian flu treatments. The United States has a number of companies that manufacture respirators that are in a number of States around this country. One, Mine Safety Appliances, is headquartered in Pennsylvania and manufactures respirators in the State. These are high quality products, recognized by industry, health care authorities and other experts as efficient, cost effective. More importantly, these products are 100 percent regulated by an agency of the U.S. Government, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and health, or NIOSH, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control in the Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH prescribes design standards for respirators, tests respirators in its own labs by its own professionals and monitors respirator manufacturers to ensure their products consistently meet the standards for which they are approved. It also approves the warning labels that go on respirators to indicate what uses are and are not appropriate to emphasize the need for users to be sure that these respirators fit well. It regulates the respirator manufacturers, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regulates employers and prescribes what level of approved respirators should be used to protect against a particular workplace hazard. Respirator manufacturers do not interact with respirator users. They make their products according to government standards for their uses approved by NIOSH and described on the label, but employers make the decision about whether to provide a respirator and which one to provide based on OSHA rules. Unfortunately, in our litigation-obsessed society that separation of responsibility has not protected our respirator manufacturers from being sued in literally thousands of cases. Workers allege that a respirator was defectively designed or contained an inadequate warning label, and they got sick, and that somehow it is partly the fault of the manufacturer. As absurd as this may sound, it is the premise for up to 30,000 individual claims brought against each major respirator manufacturer in the United States. There has been much controversy over many of these claims, since they involve workers who claim to be sick with asbestosis or silicosis. In one situation, a Federal judge in Texas, a former nurse, found that thousands of claims were essentially without any legal or medical merit. They were produced by collusion between plaintiffs lawyers, doctors paid by the claim, and the x-ray mills that produced the diagnosis that could not survive medical review. This corrupts the legal system and hurts most those few who are truly ill. It also threatens otherwise strong American industries like respirator manufacturing. Our American respirator manufacturers are faced with the cost of administering and processing tens of thousands of claims. Some of these will be thrown out and some will be settled for a few hundred dollars, but each one requires thousands of dollars of research and process. None of these cases has resulted in a trial and a judgment against a respirator manufacturer. It is the administrative cost of millions of dollars each year that are now about to exceed the net income of many companies from making respirators. In short, we are in danger of losing a vital American industry that we are going to need desperately if disaster strikes. Whether the spread of a virus or biological terrorist attack, we already need respirators for countless industrial applications and routine medical and other health-related needs. Respirators are already providing protection from the airborne hazards that are everywhere in the recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They also served thousands in the aftermath of September 11th. We cannot afford to have this vital industry torn down by inadequate claims with dollar signs at their hubs. That is why I am pleased to be the author, along with my original cosponsors, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Doyle) as well as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), of H.R. 2357, the Respirator Access Assurance Act of 2005. This is a very simple bill. It says that if a manufacturer has the NIOSH approval for the design and labeling of a respirator, a manufacturer cannot be sued on the basis of the detective design or failure to warn. It would apply to any case that has not gone to trial as of the enactment and to future cases. We need this legislation, and I am working with my colleagues and the House leadership to find an appropriate opportunity to bring it to the House floor for a vote soon. I hope my colleagues will share my concern over the need to ensure that this American industry continues to produce these vital products for emergency preparedness, and will approve this and make it the law of the land.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Paula DelGrosso of the Carmelite Community of the Word, Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the recipient of the 2005 John Riley Human Relations Award for community service. This award is presented each year to an individual who has performed outstanding and meritorious service to the community of Altoona through personal efforts by enhancing the dignity and worth of its citizens. This award is presented by the Blair County Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and is now in its sixteenth year of giving this award. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has served the citizens of Pennsylvania faithfully since 1955 fighting the practice or policy of discrimination against individuals or groups by reason of their race, color, familial status, creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin or disability. Sister DelGrosso is receiving this award in recognition for her lifelong commitment to the community of Altoona, but in particular for her special efforts over the past fourteen years as Director of the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen and Food for Families Food Bank in Altoona. Under Sister DelGrosso's guidance, the dining hall at St. Vincent DePaul's has been able to provide over 35,000 meals every year to needy people in the community. Thanks in large part to her steadfast leadership, the kitchen at St. Vincent DePaul's enjoys support from various segments of the community ranging from the religious to the financial and from the public to the private sector. These are people within the community of Altoona who share different philosophies, beliefs and opinions, yet Sister DelGrosso has been able to bring them together in support of a worthy cause. Sister Paula has led a life filled with compassion and dignity. Born in the town of Altoona, the daughter of Thomas and Mary DelGrosso, Sister Paula graduated from Altoona Area High School and Mt. Aloysius, before going on to graduate with a B.S. in Education from St. Francis University, and a Masters Degree and Supervision Certificate in Guidance and Counseling from Duquesne University. Her passion for education has imbued her life as she has served in the field of education for thirty-four years, with sixteen being spent as an elementary and secondary school teacher and eighteen years as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Altoona/Johnstown Diocese. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Sister Paula DelGrosso for her lifelong commitment to the community of Altoona and I am proud to call Sister Paula a constituent.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and distinguish one of America's finest--United States Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Butler of Altoona, PA. Butler, who dreamed of being a U.S. Marine since he was four years old, protected hundreds of his fellow comrades from suicide bombers mounting an attack with trucks, explosives and no regard for human life. Butler was stationed in Iraq along the Syrian border, and while guarding the base's perimeter from a lookout tower his post was attacked. Butler sprayed the first suicide bomber with 20 or 30 rounds causing him to veer off at the last moment to miss his target. The truck, filled with explosives and manned by a suicide-mission insurgent, crashed through the improvised barrier the Marines had built up along the edge of the base. After being knocked down by the blast, Lance Corporal Butler remained focused, alert and ready. Through the smoke of the blast, he saw a red, suicide-driven fire engine coming toward the base. Butler fired 100 rounds onto the vehicle. After the truck was hit by a grenade, launched by Pfc. Charles Young, its explosives were detonated outside of the base but within 50 yards of Butler. Debris from this blast sprayed the length of 4 football fields and knocked down soldiers as far as 200 yards away. But no Marines were seriously hurt, including Butler. Lance Corporal Butler's actions saved the lives of hundreds of his fellow Marines and marked a significant victory against the insurgents in Iraq. The suicide bombers mission was thwarted by Butler's courageous and timely reaction. An estimated 21 insurgents were killed that day while 15 were reported wounded. Lance Corporal Butler--You are a U.S. Marine and a hero, and across the country Americans are proud of your leadership. Thank you for serving when your nation called.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, a central Pennsylvanian who received the military's highest decoration--the Medal of Honor-- posthumously for his service in Mogadishu, Somalia. He is from Newville, Pennsylvania, and served as a Sniper Team Member under United States Army Special Operations Command. He was deployed with Task Force Ranger to Mogadishu and his heroic actions were highlighted in the movie ``Black Hawk Down.'' This bill will name a Newville post office after this American hero whose selfless duty cost him his life but saved another. During a combat mission, a helicopter was shot down leaving critically injured soldiers vulnerable. Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader, without hesitation, volunteered to be reinserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite knowing a growing number of combatants were closing in on the site. They were not granted permission, but knowing their fellow soldiers needed help, they continued to make the request. On their third attempt, they received permission for this volunteer operation and headed back into combat. Shughart and his team leader were inserted one hundred meters south of the crash site. Equipped with only a sniper rifle and a pistol, Shughart and his team leader fought their way through a dense urban neighborhood to reach the critically injured crew members. Shughart pulled the pilot and the other crew members from the aircraft and established a perimeter. However, they were in a very vulnerable position as the insurgents continued their assault on the site. Shughart used his long-range rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers to protect the downed crew. Randall Shughart continued his fire until he depleted his ammunition and was fatally wounded, but his actions saved the pilot's life. Shughart's extraordinary heroism, commitment to duty and devotion to his fellow soldiers is just one example of the amazing work of the U.S. military--naming a post office after this American hero is the least we can do. The men and women of our armed forces are fighting abroad today so we do not have to fight them here. It is only appropriate that we honor their services and sacrifices. And today, we are moving forward in naming a post office in Newville, Pennsylvania, after this defender of freedom who volunteered for a dangerous mission to save his fellow soldier's life. Not every town is privileged to have a Medal of Honor recipient--in fact it is rare. Now, the entire Newville community will have a reminder of Randall Shughart, a recipient of the military's highest honor and an American hero to everyone.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bedford Gazette, a daily newspaper serving Bedford County, Pennsylvania. On September 21, 2005, the Bedford Gazette will celebrate its 200th anniversary. A solid institution in Bedford, I grew up with the Gazette in our family's home. While there is no definitive list of the oldest newspapers in the United States that are still published under their original names, it is believed the Bedford Gazette is among the 30 oldest newspapers in the country. The motto of the paper: ``Published continuously since 1805. One of America's oldest newspapers'' stakes its historical claim. What began as a four page weekly containing mainly political reports and stories has grown to publish daily since 1950. As with so much of my district, Bedford, Pennsylvania has had a front seat to American history. The Bedford Gazette was there as eyewitness, recording the first steps of a new nation, and there are documented reports of Gazette editors as players in that history. One editor wrote of playing billiards with John Brown when he stayed in Bedford (under an assumed name) on his way to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, to carry out his infamous raid. Another Gazette editor announced to the country that Pennsylvanian James Buchanan would not seek re-election to the U.S. Presidency. The proximity of the famous Bedford Springs Hotel allowed the Gazette access to centuries of America's movers and shakers. Presidents James Polk, Zachary Taylor, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James Garfield, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan all spent time at the Hotel and the Gazette was there to record it. The Frear family of Bedford has a long history with the Gazette. In 1935 Hugo Frear became editor of the paper, and when he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, his wife Virginia stepped in and ran the paper herself. His son Ned would become editor, serving for 30 years and eventually his grandson Chris would take the reins for another 10. All in all, three generations of the Frear family were owners, publishers, and editors for almost 60 years. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the historical milestone of the Bedford Gazette, a newspaper found on all kitchen tables across the county, including my own. The Bedford Gazette is more than just a daily newspaper. It is an established tie connecting Bedford's rich history and promising future.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I include for the Record an exchange of letters between the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) regarding H.R. 3649. Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, September 6, 2005. Hon. Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Young: I am writing concerning H.R. 3649, the ``Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Amendments Act of 2005,'' which is scheduled for floor consideration under suspension of the rules on Wednesday, September 7, 2005. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Code. Title III of this bill amends the Internal Revenue Code by making technical and conforming corrections, and thus falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, in order to expedite this legislation for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action on this bill. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 3649, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Best regards, Bill Thomas, Chairman.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks, and include extraneous material on H.R. 3649.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3649) to ensure funding for sportfishing and boating safety programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund through the end of fiscal year 2005, and for other purposes.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3649, the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Amendments Act of 2005 makes several amendments to current law to ensure that funding is made available for States' recreational boating programs for the remainder of fiscal year 2005. The bill designates approximately $14 million in funding from the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund to support recreational boating safety programs for the current fiscal year. The bill also makes funding available for education, outreach and communications programs to promote safe and responsible boating and fishing practices nationwide. Recreational boating and fishing are some of the Nation's most popular pastimes and in many areas are critical components of our local economies, and that includes my own district in Central Pennsylvania, which is home to Raystown Lake, which is a key element to the economy of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary have taken the lead Federal role in promoting boating safety in conjunction with State and local authorities. As a result, recreational boating fatalities have declined by more than half over the past 30 years. The Federal and State recreational boating programs that are supported by the funding in this bill help educate the public on the proper use of boating, safety equipment and on the responsible use of our Nation's sportfishing resources. Lastly, the bill also makes several technical and clarifying corrections to the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2005. This Act created a simpler and more equitable formula for Federal sportfishing restoration and recreational boating safety funding. I thank my colleagues for their support on this important legislation and for their work to improve access and safety on our Nation's waterways. I would like to thank the sponsor of the legislation, the Chairman of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo), for his hard work on this legislation, and the House leadership for bringing this bill to the floor in an expedited manner. I would also like to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) and the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) for clearing the provisions in their jurisdiction of their committees so quickly. I am sure that recreational fishermen and boaters in California appreciate their efforts. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, H.R. 3649, the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2005. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. Con. Res. 26.