Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 26) honoring and memorializing the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewomen from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite.)

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join today to pass this legislation that will establish a permanent memorial here in the Capitol to honor those 40 American patriots who undoubtedly saved lives on 9/11 by sacrificing their own lives. As we vote today, let us remember the final words of Todd Beamer and that is: ``Let's roll.''

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, 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. On Sunday, we remembered one of the most tragic days in our Nation's history, a day in which we lost 3,000 of our relatives, neighbors, friends and countrymen. These people were lost because of the actions of 19 terrorists who sought to inflict pain on our country and bring us to our knees. They did not. Four of these terrorist found out firsthand that America and Americans are not to be taken lightly and that we are people of action. Though the story of Flight 93 is well known by all, it is a story that bears repeating. On that fateful day, the 40 passengers and crew of a hijacked airplane, made aware through phone calls of the fate of the three other hijacked airplanes, took action to protect lives on the ground. They acted in a way that I am confident the passengers and crew of the three other planes hijacked that day would surely have acted had they been aware of what was happening. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 acted in a way that should make us all proud. They knew the risks they were facing, yet acted anyway. It is a significant feat what these 40 patriots did, equal to the shot heard around the world in Lexington and Concord or the Alamo in Texas. The very place that Flight 93 went down, I believe, is providence, because it is in proximity to another major event in our history. It is a reminder to all Americans that freedom is not easy, and the event of which I speak of is the Whiskey Rebellion, which occurred in 1794, just the first year of George Washington's second term, when there was a rebellion in Pennsylvania. George Washington rode to Pennsylvania, to a town just 10 miles south of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to put down that rebellion and establish or continue to establish our democracy. It is important for us in America to remember that it was hard 210 years ago to establish democracy, and it is hard today. So we all need to remember that story of Berlin, Pennsylvania, the Whiskey Rebellion, just 10 miles south of Shanksville, where the first counterattack on the war on terrorism occurred in the skies over Somerset, Pennsylvania. And those passengers of Flight 93 are an example for all Americans to live up to today and into the future. This resolution authorizes the permanent memorial here in the Capitol to the passengers and crew of Flight 93, whose actions certainly saved lives on 9/11. Many, including the 9/11 Commission, believe they may have saved this very building and many of us who work here. It is my expectation that whatever memorial is established will complement, not compete with the memorial that will be constructed in Shanksville, where Flight 93 eventually crashed. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to bring this appropriate recognition of heroism and bravery to this hallowed building. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Louisiana for yielding this time. I join my colleagues today to convey to the people of the gulf coast a very simple message: you are not alone. Time and again, this Nation has banded together to overcome terrible challenges it has faced, and we will do so again to overcome the challenge that is Hurricane Katrina. I, like most all of my colleagues, have been inundated with phone calls from constituents offering their support and assistance to those in need during this terrible time; and at present, we are working through the gentleman from Louisiana's (Mr. Boustany) office to get those resources from Pennsylvania down to Louisiana and the gulf coast. The people of the gulf coast need to know also that we in Congress will do whatever it takes to help them overcome this difficult time; and more importantly, we will be there in the long run to help them recover. Recovery from this disaster will require not just the pumping of flood water and rebuilding of homes and businesses, the reconstruction of utilities, water and sewer, roads, levees and countless other activities. Recovery will also require the restoration of civic, educational, and social institutions. We will be with you during this process as well. We will spend whatever it takes, implement any changes that are needed, and maintain rigorous oversight to ensure the process works well. As the chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, I wanted to also urge my colleagues to show restraint in making judgments about the response until all of the facts can be gathered. All of the facts need to be gathered, not just what we hear as the sound bite on the TV today. This disaster is quite simply the largest humanitarian challenge the Nation has faced on its own shores. The hurricane devastated hundreds of miles of shoreline, disrupted power, water, energy sources in all of the gulf States, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. There are just no parallels in size, scope, or impact to what has happened. Now is the time for helping people get the food, water, and medical attention that they need. Now is the time to begin looking forward to how we will help the people of the gulf States recover and return to their homes and places of business. Now is not the time to point fingers or cast blame or, even worse, to call for the removal of key officials, especially since the response and relief effort is still ongoing. There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks and months to evaluate what happened in the days leading up to and during the storm, to meet with responsible officials, to go over who did what and when, and, if necessary, to make policy and legislative changes. It is both unseemly and inappropriate to try and do so now, while we do not have all the facts. I again want to express my sincere condolences to the families of those that have lost loved ones and pledge my support and the support of my constituents to do whatever is necessary to overcome this terrible challenge.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because America's immigration problem has grown to be even more alarming to me than it was just 2 weeks ago. Three men were killed in Altoona, Pennsylvania, by an illegal alien who should have been deported years ago. Miguel Padilla, the alleged killer, has been living in central Pennsylvania for 15 years. He has a driver's license, a registered car. He graduated from a Pennsylvania high school and has been arrested twice for assault with a knife and illegal possession of a gun, all after entering the U.S. illegally. Al Mignogna, a beloved local businessman; Fred Rickabaugh; and Stephen Heiss, a Marine veteran, were killed in cold blood by Padilla last week. It is terrible enough when a murder occurs, but to have it happen by someone who should not have been here adds to the despair. This is an example of what happens far too often in our country. When police had Padilla in custody during these arrests, they contacted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE did nothing and they have no answers to this day. Three murders could have been prevented. It is outrageous for Padilla to go unnoticed by ICE for so long, especially with prior arrests. It is hard enough to find illegal aliens, but when they are handed over to Federal authorities, action needs to be taken.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant Major Edward Brown, Jr., who has distinguished himself with extraordinarily meritorious service during his 30-year career in the United States Army, leading up to a commendable tenure at Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. A long-standing track record of superior and dedicated leadership proves that Sergeant Major Brown is the kind of leader that other soldiers try to emulate and that the Army recognizes as the exemplary soldier. Throughout his career, Sergeant Major Brown has been an exceptional, active, and inspiring leader. His positions of leadership include those of squad leader, platoon sergeant, battalion motor sergeant and maintenance non-commissioned officer in charge, multiple tours as company sergeant, and most recently Sergeant Major at Letterkenny Army Depot. In the past 10 years Sergeant Brown has served in extraordinary places, such as Germany, Bosnia, Ft. Campbell, Ft. Huachuca, and Letterkenny, and has made significant contributions to each. In each location he held positions of leadership, with a responsibility for the welfare of soldiers, units, installations, and civilian members of the defense workforce. Notable in Sergeant Major Brown's career is his tour of duty at Letterkenny Army Depot. He served 4 years there, and personally made tremendous and direct contributions and changes to the Depot. When Sergeant Major Brown arrived on July 1, 2001, the Depot was in a state of decline and malaise due to the fact that it had already undergone three rounds of the Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) process. Sergeant Major Brown was instrumental in the mission of turning the depot around, bringing renewed vigor and a sense of purpose into the workplace. Sergeant Major Brown began his tenure at Letterkenny at a most inauspicious time, just prior to the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. He immediately increased the Force Protection posture required by the attacks on the United States. Because of the open terrain and layout that characterize the Depot, the task of securing the mission and personnel at Letterkenny was made even more difficult. However, Sergeant Major Brown worked tirelessly with the organic guard assets of the Depot and with newly assigned troops from the National Guard and Reserve to ensure that Letterkenny remained secure until all immediate danger had passed. Sergeant Major Brown, working as part of the Command Team, inspired and moved the workforce forward through post-modernization and beautification programs, LEAN implementation, and proactive leadership. As a result of his guidance, Letterkenny improved so much that the Depot has been selected to grow in the next BRAC round, an accomplishment that may be traced directly to his personal efforts. During Sergeant Major Brown's career he has participated in Operation Desert Storm and Shield, Operation Joint Endeavor, and the global war on terrorism. Sergeant Major Brown has also been recognized by his peers for exceptional service and dedication, and has been awarded the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharp Medal; he is also a member of the Audie Murphy Club. Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Major Edward Brown, Jr. has played a crucial role in the defense of the United States and in the service of other citizens. It is because of this that I wish to acknowledge him today.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President Judge Thomas G. Peoples, Jr., who after 25 years of distinguished service is retiring from his prestigious responsibility as president judge. President Judge Peoples has had a very prestigious career with many achievements and recognitions. Completing a bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Dickinson School of Law, Judge Peoples was admitted to the Bar of Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1965. Since 1965, he has practiced before all appellate courts of Pennsylvania and before the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. President Judge Peoples had a private law practice from 1965 to 1980 and he was first district attorney in Blair County from 1974 to 1980. From 1980 to 2005, he was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County and during this same time he was the president of Blair County. He has been involved in many public service and community activities including coincorporator and member of the original Advisory Board of Blair County Legal Services Corporation. He has been the President of the Board of Trustees for Mercy Hospital, Altoona, PA, and Bon Secours- Holy Family Hospital, Altoona. Judge Peoples is an advocate for children and is presently a member of the Board and former president of Child Advocates of Blair County. He is also the co-founder and former Advisory Board member of the Blair County Domestic Abuse Project. He was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award--Penns Woods Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Saint George Award of Scouting. He resides in Altoona, PA, with his wife Maureen McManus Peoples. They have three children, Thomas G. Peoples III, Amy M. Dudukovich, and Jennifer A. Yourkavitch. Mr. Speaker, President Judge Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. has been very active in both professional and personal activities throughout Blair County, PA. President Judge Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. is a great citizen of Blair County and we are honored to recognize him for all of his work and accomplishments. I congratulate him and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5, the HEALTH Act. This country's health care system and its providers are currently faced with a crisis in regard to medical liability coverage. Skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums have taken an enormous toll on the physicians and hospitals in my district in Western and Central Pennsylvania. I have encountered many situations all over the communities that make up the 9th district where doctors have moved to lower-liability states, have reduced the scope of their practices, or have chosen to retire in the face of this growing malpractice crisis. This must not be allowed to continue. I strongly disagree with those that would say there is no problem. Currently, only 4 percent of physicians practicing in Pennsylvania are under the age of 35 and students graduating from our medical schools are choosing not to stay and practice in State. As our older doctors retire or limit their practices there is no one to continue their important work. This real and increasing threat to patients' access to quality care cannot be ignored. The medical liability system in this country is in desperate need of reform. We must act now to reverse a dangerous litigious trend that is eliminating doctors faster than we can replace them. I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of H.R. 5.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Bill Guinn, Commander of Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Colonel Guinn, hailing from San Bernardino, California has served for an unprecedented 3 years as Commander of the base. July 29th 2005, will complete his command duty, after which he will undoubtably enter into yet another endeavor that will highlight his talents as a true patriot and courageous defender of freedom. He has commanded the 123rd Main Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division in Bosnia, Croatia, and Germany, and has been honored with the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. During his tenure Colonel Guinn supported NATO missions in Bosnia of utmost importance for the Implementation Force and Stabilization Force. During his time in Bosnia, Colonel Guinn was given the task of supporting and protecting units and outposts spread across the terrain assigned to Task Force Eagle, of NATO. This would prove a perilous job, as much of the land was still active with mines. With unwavering courage and spirit, Colonel Guinn deployed his troops on numerous occasions through dangerous territory in order to defend and support others, all in the name of protecting freedom and liberty. After 26 months of tough command duty, Colonel Guinn was chosen to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He spent the year furthering his already vast knowledge and expertise in military service. This education would come in handy in June of 1999, when he assumed responsibility of coordinating the United States' support in the fledgling nation of East Timor. A daunting task, the region was strife with civil unrest and armed conflict due to its newly found independence. In addition to the civil aggregation, matters were made more complicated due to the fact that National Command Authority did not want the United States to lead the mission. However, due to Colonel Guinn's impeccable diplomatic ability and statesman attributes, he was able to plan and execute the first major deployment of contracted support to military forces. The mission was a success due to the Colonel's personal involvement from inception to conclusion, and helped to create a more stable region. In July of 2002, Colonel Guinn took command of Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. At the time of his entrance, Letterkenny was at a point of its lowest workload and staffing levels in history, due to his expertise, skill and command, Letterkenny's workload, efficiency and output as more than doubled. His superior military ability, strong patriotism, and unyielding sense of duty give me great pride in calling him one of my constituents. The citizens of Chambersburg would join me in giving him my proud congratulations on his vast accomplishments.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to voice my strong support for the President's Supreme Court nominee Judge John Roberts. His personal qualifications are exemplary and are more than befitting for a Supreme Court Justice. Judge Robert's educational record speaks for itself. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard in only 3 years and also received his law degree there with high honors. Additionally, he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. I believe that Judge Roberts will be fair and non-partisan and serve America's highest court well. According to The National Journal, ``John Roberts seems a good bet to be the kind of judge we should all want to have--all of us, that is, who are looking less for congenial ideologues than for professionals committed to the impartial application of the law.'' Likewise, his personal integrity is unquestionable. For example, in 1995, Judge Roberts argued the case of Barry v. Little in which he represented a class of the neediest welfare recipients free of charge before the DC Court of Appeals. Republicans and Democrats alike have also acknowledged Judge Roberts' outstanding character. Democratic lawyers Lloyd Cutler and Seth Waxman and former Republic White House Counsel C. Boyden Gray have cited his ``unquestioned integrity and fairmindedness.'' Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Judge Roberts offers everything we could ask for in a Supreme Court nominee. I therefore urge the Senate to hold fair and speedy hearings in order to fill this vacancy as soon as possible.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 525. This legislation is a prescription to provide quality, affordable health care to the Americans who need it most: 45 million people from working families across the country. By lowering costs and strengthening bargaining power, Association Health Plans, AHPs, would allow small businesses to band together through associations and purchase quality health care for workers and their families at a lower cost. Small businesses currently have little buying power and few affordable options--five or fewer insurers control at least three-quarters of the small group market in most States, according to a GAO report in 2002. By banding together through bona- fide trade associations, AHPs would level the playing field and give participating small employers the exact same advantages Fortune 500 companies and unions currently enjoy. It is important to note that this legislation does not make AHPs a mandatory program for employers. AHPs are about choice and healthy, competitive options for those seeking quality coverage. Each business would have the option of remaining with their current insurance provider, if they have one, or joining up with a legitimate, certified, and regulated association that is able to pool risk and offer small businesses a seat at the table when it comes to really being serious about providing health care for American workers. Contrary to opponent's claims, H.R. 525 provides safeguards against fraud and abuse with a strict, new certification process that must be adhered to before any association can offer health benefits to employers. Included are strong solvency protections that go beyond what is required of single employer and labor union plans under current law. The bill requires self-insured AHPs to maintain reserves that are sufficient for unearned contribution, benefit liabilities, expected administrative costs, and any other obligations. With the reserve levels required to be recommended by a certified actuary who is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, AHPs are designed to protect the employer from fraudulent abuse and those who would seek to take advantage of the system. Under this bill, regulated by the Department of Labor and current ERISA and HIPPA laws, AHPs would be prohibited from excluding high-risk individuals from their plans and AHPs would also be barred from charging higher rates for sicker individuals or groups within the plan. The lack of current competition in the health care market contributes to double-digit rate increases for many small businesses and a resulting rise in the number of small business employees who are uninsured. Too many small business owners and employers are forced to choose between offering health care benefits to their employees and hiring, expanding, or even maintaining their business. With the adoption of AHPs, the door of opportunity is opened to millions who do not currently have access to the kind of quality, affordable health care America's working families deserve. Mr. Speaker, I would strongly encourage my colleagues in joining me and voting in favor of H.R. 525.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Somerset County which has received the honorary title of ``America's County.'' This title, given to the county, recognizes its people whose hard work and determination made Somerset County the extraordinary place it is today. To many Americans, Somerset County is known as the site of the United Airlines Flight 93 crash during the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Despite these sorrowful events, the people of Somerset have been looking into the future with enduring hope and pride. It is their patriotic determination to achieve American greatness that we commemorate today. It is their heroic determination that made Somerset County the ``America's County,'' the source of inspiration and hope to millions of Americans. The people of this great county are viewed as having traditional values and a strong vision of the future. Because of their hard work, Somerset County is taking pride in its schools and its emergency providers; it is taking pride in its agriculture, in its recreation, and in its industry. Somerset County is a great place to live, work, and visit, not only because it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and breathtaking beauty, but most importantly because it is blessed with dedicated and courageous people. For decades now the people of Somerset County have been working together to accomplish common goals for the future, while respecting the history and heritage of the past. Always welcoming to visitors, always loyal to their friends, these people make Somerset County a shining example of American greatness. Today their hard work and determination are deservedly recognized, and I rise to honor Somerset County, as it will always be known as a little piece of Heaven on Earth, as the ``America's County.''

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the renewal of the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005 and strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important tool in the war on terror. It is vital that we continue to provide the resources and necessary tools that allow for our law enforcement agents in all communities to search out terrorists wherever they may hide among us. The continued success of the war on terrorism strongly depends upon our law enforcement and counter-terrorism officers being able to adapt and improve as our ever evolving enemies present new threats. Al Qaeda has shown that they will use various tactics to kill innocent civilians, we must be able to effectively prevent each attack regardless of what form it is to come in. In order to do that, we must have numerous tools to track suspects and gather detailed information about possible attacks. Additionally, we must be able to effectively use this information to bring would-be attackers to justice before they have a chance to strike. We must also remain diligent in dismantling the terrorist financial network. To date, many of the provisions of the PATRIOT Act have allowed our law enforcement agencies to designate 40 terrorist organizations, freeze $136 million in assets around the world, and charge more than 100 individuals in judicial districts throughout the country with terrorist financing-related crimes. Taking away their resources is an important method of decapitating and slowing the growth of many of these terror networks. To date, the PATRIOT Act has been an extremely effective weapon in the war on terror. We cannot allow the terrorists to find any safe havens in this nation. This will continue to be a long and hard fight to protect and defend our homeland against this ruthless and fanatical enemy, but with the necessary tools to root them out wherever they may hide, I am certain we will continue to be victorious. I would again strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the USA PATRIOT Act and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2864, the Water Resources Development Act of 2005. I want to begin by applauding Chairman Duncan for his continued effort to move this critical legislation forward. As a Member of the Water Resource Subcommittee, I have had the opportunity to see first hand his dedication to improving our Nation's infrastructure. I also want to express my thanks to Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, as well as our Leadership on the Committee, Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar. They have always led our Committee in a bipartisan manner which places our Nation's interest ahead of politics. Mr. Chairman, wastewater infrastructure is not the flashiest of issues, but it is absolutely fundamental to improving quality of life, protecting the environment and enhancing economic development. My staff frequently gives me a hard time as I like to point out that if you cannot turn on the spicket and get clean and flush toilets you do not have basic sewer infrastructure in place, you simply cannot have economic development. It may not be the prettiest of analogies, but I find it is one that rings very true. And Mr. Chairman, that is why the bill we have before is so important. To emphasize this point, I would point to a project that took place in my home district in Pennsylvania. When I was first elected to this body, community officials came to me seeking funding for a small infrastructure project. A local creek, which flows into the Juniata River and eventually into the Susquehanna, was being filled with sewage from nearby houses because of lack of proper sewer lines. The health concerns, as well as the harm to the environment terribly hampered the quality of life for the local residents and prevented business from settling there. For the last four years, I have worked with officials to equip the community with a proper sewer system. I am happy to report that now roughly over 200 homes located in Broadtop Township are now properly hooked up to sewer lines. That may not seem like a big deal to some, but to my rural Pennsylvania district it means a great deal. And it would not be possible if it were not for the bill before us today. In short Mr. Chairman, the quality of life of the citizens of Pennsylvania and indeed throughout this Nation has been improved by the critical projects that are funded under this bill. Again, my congratulations to Chairman Duncan and the staff which has worked so diligently on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support the measure.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Matthew Truesdale, from Altoona, Pennsylvania, as one of 20 national winners in a new award program called The Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award. The award is sponsored by a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization, The Alexander Hamilton Friends Association (AHFA) of Seattle, Washington. Fourteen States were represented and amongst the 20 winners, Pennsylvania had three, all whom happened to be from Altoona Area High School. Over 200 candidates were considered for the award and it is a remarkable achievement for these three students and the Altoona Area school district. The Alexander Hamilton Friends Association is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington. The AHFA's goal is to preserve Alexander Hamilton's legacy by recognizing and honoring young people who share Hamilton's strong sense of integrity, achievement, pragmatism, and service. For a student to win the award the student needs to exhibit a high degree of personal integrity and receive an outstanding rating in two of the five areas, which are: Community service, school-related extracurricular activity, entrepreneurial skill, scholastic record, and personal achievement. George Cox, president of AHFA said, ``The key question we asked ourselves was this: If a young Alexander Hamilton were placed in a situation like this student, would he have responded in a similar manner? In the case of our winners, we think the answer is yes.'' Mr. Matthew Truesdale is a sophomore at Altoona High School. Be started and completed a project to help the Blair County Wildlife Refuge of Blair County, Pennsylvania. This organization needed primate cages. Truesdale made and sold 38 food trays embellished with the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, solicited other donations, negotiated material discounts, and organized and supervised a constructor crew. Over $1,150 was raised, and today the Refuge has four new large primate cages. Truesdale is an eagle scout and mentors at scouting activities in his region. Mr. Speaker, we would like to congratulate Mr. Matthew Truesdale on his outstanding achievements in community service and we are proud to have him as one of our constituents.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miss Martha Harris, from Altoona, Pennsylvania, as one of twenty national winners in a new award program called The Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award. The award is sponsored by a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization, The Alexander Hamilton Friends Association, AHFA, of Seattle, Washington. Fourteen states were represented and amongst the twenty winners, Pennsylvania had three, all of whom happened to be from Altoona Area High School. Over 200 candidates were considered for the award and it is a remarkable achievement for these three students and the Altoona Area school district. The Alexander Hamilton Friends Association is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington. The AHFA's goal is to preserve Alexander Hamilton's legacy by recognizing and honoring young people who share Hamilton's strong sense of integrity, achievement, pragmatism, and service. For a student to win the award the student needs to exhibit a high degree of personal integrity and receive an outstanding rating in two of the five areas, which are: community service, school-related extracurricular activity, entrepreneurial skill, scholastic record, and personal achievement. George Cox, president of AHFA said, ``The key question we asked ourselves, was this: If a young Alexander Hamilton were placed in a situation like this student, would be have responded in a similar manner? In the case of our winners, we think the answer is yes.'' Miss Martha Harris is a junior at Altoona High school. She is a editor and serves on the staff of the school newspaper, yearbook, a literary magazine. As a copy editor of the yearbook, she supervises more than 25 students. Harris who is totally blind, frequently speaks to parents of blind children and the sighted public concerning the need for Braille texts and blindness awareness. She is active in Young Life and helps read scriptures for services at her church. Mr. Speaker, we would like to congratulate Miss Martha Harris on her outstanding achievements in community service and we are proud to have her as one of our constituents.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time, and I want to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her support and also encourage the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, when we go to conference, to restore the almost $1 billion we have taken out of the GSA fund, because it is vital to the government buildings and to the services that those Federal employees provide to our constituents. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This evening I intended to offer a bipartisan amendment with the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that would have reduced by $2 million the amount of money available to the administrator of the General Services and transferred that money elsewhere. People are wondering why am I standing up now and wanting to cut GSA funding. It is because my amendment is going to hold GSA's feet to the fire and be responsive to the Congress because, over the past several years, the GSA has not delivered documents, information to Congress that is needed to authorize new projects on a timely basis. Despite the fact these projects are included in the President's budget submission in February, there is actually no reason why GSA should take until May and sometimes even longer to forward detailed project information to Congress. From fiscal year 1996 until 2001, 5 out of 6 years, GSA submitted a complete program before March 31. Since that time, the trend has been just the opposite; 4 out of 5 years, the program has not been submitted until after March 31. This year, it was the latest it had ever been. In fact, we did not receive a complete program until June. In doing so, the GSA makes it difficult for the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, which I chair and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) serves as the ranking member, to do our jobs and authorize before the Committee on Appropriations is able to act. While there is no deadline in law for the submission of this information, practically speaking we have to get them by the end of March if we are to authorize these projects so that the Committee on Appropriations can do its work. When they became aware of our amendment, I received a call from the administrator, Steve Perry, who has assured me GSA would do better in the future. And in fact has committed to me he would have that information to Congress by February for the fiscal year 2007 capital investment program, a deadline I plan to hold GSA to without exception. I look forward to continuing working with the GSA and the subcommittee, as we have in the past, making sure we receive this information in a timely manner so that Congress may carry out its authorizing and appropriation functions as required by law. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time I have left.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I also rise in opposition to the gentleman from Indiana's amendment. I applaud his work on drug control issues, but if this amendment is enacted, once again, it will cause serious problems for Federal workers nationwide and what we are able to do in the Federal buildings. All day long, the GSA has come under attack. It is up to almost $1 billion we are trying to cut out of the GSA's budget, and I just want to remind my colleagues that when they go home and there are seniors and veterans and law enforcement workers and constituents that are going to these Federal buildings, when the air conditioning is not working, when different parts of the building are not up to standards, they are going to have to answer that question: Why is the air conditioning not working, or why are the ramps for access for the disabled folks not up to the standards? It is because tonight there has been an onslaught of cutting money from the GSA. So I strongly oppose this amendment and would urge my colleagues to once again look at what they are doing to the Federal buildings and the ability to provide services to our constituents.