Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula). (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. 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. 548 and H.R. 315, the measures just considered by the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flash Gordon Quarry for his 35 years of committed service to AMTRAN. His knowledge and experience have made the transportation organization the efficient machine that it is today. Flash began his journey through AMTRAN as an operator 35 years ago. He quickly proved himself as a capable worker and quietly earned recognition for his incomparable performance on the job. Mr. Quarry's distinguishing loyalty was acknowledged as he became a Director of Transportation in only 10 years. Working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of having to learn and master continually changing technology, Flash flourished in his position as Director and for his continually professional performance he was awarded the very first Superstar of Transportation award in 1999. Mr. Quarry's spirit and dedication to AMTRAN remains unparalleled. To the enjoyment of his family, friends, and coworkers, Flash has proven to be reliable and dependable time and time again. He willingly shoulders every major responsibility and handles the most difficult problems with patience and ease. Amongst all of his demands at work however, Flash always finds time to spend with his family, teaching his children and grandchildren to be exemplary citizens. In the 35 years that Mr. Quarry has had a significant hand in the operations, AMTRAN has become a more efficient organization, making a strong impact on the Altoona area. He has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the organization which he has served. For his incomparable generosity, service to AMTRAN, and unabated commitment to excellence, Flash Gordon Quarry deserves the highest recognition. He has built a legacy as an outstanding director, incorporating leadership skills, innovative solutions to problems, and an efficient work ethic. His uncompromising sense of duty to AMTRAN has been a source of inspiration, and the organization would definitely not be the same without the guidance, leadership, and expertise that Flash offers. As a pillar of strength within his community, Mr. Quarry is a role model and leader who is admired by many, and he will undoubtedly continue to surprise all who know him. His contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he works nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Quarry on his accomplishments, and I look forward to the future of AMTRAN under his guidance.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victor O. Woy for his 32 years of committed service to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. His presence with the Commission will be sorely missed. A lifelong resident of Everett, PA, Victor began his journey through the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as a clerk. After proving himself as a capable worker and quietly earning recognition for his incomparable performance on the job, Mr. Woy's distinguishing loyalty was acknowledged as he became a Construction Manager. Working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of having to learn and master continually changing technology, Victor flourished in this position, where he remained until December 9, 2004, and was awarded the Senior Inspector-in-Charge of the Year award in 1999. To the enjoyment of local citizens, Mr. Woy's spirit and dedication has translated into every aspect of his life. He remains actively involved with his church and various projects in and around Everett, as well as spending time with his wife, five children and five grandchildren. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which he lives has been a source of inspiration. In the 32 years that Mr. Woy has had a significant hand in the operations, the Turnpike Commission has become a more efficient organization, making a strong impact on the State. He has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the Commission which he has served. For his incomparable generosity, service to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and unabated commitment to excellence, Victor O. Woy deserves the highest recognition. He has left behind a legacy as an outstanding manager, incorporating leadership skills, innovative solutions to problems, and an efficient work ethic. As a pillar of strength within his community of Everett, Mr. Woy has been a role model and leader who is admired by many. His contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Woy on his accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I've been rather mystified over the reaction to the recent election by many Democrats. Since the November election, when a political opportunity arises, some on the other side of the aisle shout out words like ``fraud'' and ``sham.'' If they aren't doing that they demean what the people in the red states did on Election Day and call them insulting names. If this all seems to be the reaction of a shell-shocked party who has lost any vision and has moved to a vicious attack cycle--it is. The hard truth is that 58 million people voted for President Bush. And the even harder truth is that the majority of this country voted for President Bush, no matter how you try to confuse it. No proven allegations of fraud. No reports of widespread wrongdoing. It was, at the end of the day, an honest election. My concern with this protest, is its overtly partisan nature. I notice that my colleagues are quick to criticize the vote in Ohio, a state that the President carried. Yet we have heard little about potential problems with voting in states that Senator Kerry won. Rumors of voter problems have been reported in states other than Ohio, including my own state of Pennsylvania. But the focus today seems to only be on a state carried by President Bush; and that leads me to believe that today's protest is about the outcome not about the process. I believe a good deal of the reason for the last election is the failure of the left to produce a vision. And with an opportunity to regroup, take responsibility and work hard; they have walked away to the comforting shoulder of smear attacks. I say let's move on to do what we were elected to do, make positive change in this country. It's time we put partisan politics behind us.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Epworth Manor for its service to the community, and to congratulate all those involved with the facility on its celebration of 85 years in operation. Throughout this nation's history, taking care of the elderly has never been more critical to our progress than it is now. With so many citizens reaching the age of retirement while having the ability to live longer due to advances in medical science, the services that care centers provide have become vital to a community's subsistence. The legacy of consistent service that the Manor as built throughout the last 85 years has helped to earn people's trust, making them more willing to seek medical help when in need. Facilities like Epworth Manor allow a region to thrive because of the assurance that quality health care is available, and its impact has been invaluable. Established in 1919 when the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Church purchased the S.S. Blair Mansion, the facility, formerly known as the Methodist Home for the Aged, initially housed fourteen residents. After numerous expansions, extensive remodeling, and investment in new technology, Epworth Manor has expanded into a 144-bed comprehensive health care facility. Epworth Manor has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the public which it serves, and its employees have worked diligently throughout its tenure, instilling a sense of pride and comfort into the area's citizens. The center has not only enriched the lives of its residents, but of those in the surrounding communities who have undoubtedly benefitted from the outstanding service that they have repeatedly provided. For its incomparable generosity, service to the community, and unabated commitment to excellence, Epworth Manor deserves the highest recognition. The center continues to grow and maintain a high level of quality, providing an example that all businesses should follow. I congratulate Epworth Manor on its 85th anniversary and eagerly await its future progress.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Waynesboro Lions Club on its 75th anniversary and to recognize the club's invaluable service to the community. In America, unlike most countries throughout the world, the culture of charitable giving thrives. This is a nation in which freedom is our first priority, and with freedom comes empowerment and independence. As a result, individuals take care of each other to ensure a progressive society, creating a community committed to generosity and equality. It is out of this culture that numerous organizations have sprouted and grown upon the foundation of service to others. At its inception, the Waynesboro Lions Club adopted a commitment to service, which reflects the cornerstone upon which this Nation was built. Since 1929, the club has maintained this commitment by contributing to numerous community projects. Members of the club have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of those in need, especially the visually handicapped. By providing eye exams and glasses, as well as assisting in the training of seeing eye dogs, the club has made a positive impact on the area's visually impaired. Without the Waynesboro Lions Club, countless area projects would still be unfinished and many of those in need would still be without aid. The community of Waynesboro has been able to strengthen its cohesion as well as its culture because of the direct involvement of the Lions Club. The legacy of service that instills a unique pride in the hearts of every American citizen has penetrated the walls of the Waynesboro Lions Club and influenced the lives of scores of people. For its commitment to the citizens of Pennsylvania throughout the last 75 years, I am extremely grateful to the Waynesboro Lions Club.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R. Blackburn, Jr. upon his retirement from the Board of Directors of UPMC Bedford Memorial. His presence on the board, which has become a symbol of security and stability, will be sorely missed. As a life-long resident of Bedford County, Mr. Blackburn has connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since 1955, Mr. Blackburn has worked diligently to make positive changes throughout the hospital so that the area's health care would improve. In the nearly fifty years that Mr. Blackburn has had a significant hand in the hospital's operations, Bedford Memorial has become a driving force of health care in Bedford County. Mr. Blackburn has served this nation honorably, touching the lives of every American citizen through his service in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Having taken the reigns as a strong leader since his youth, he has been a pillar of strength within his community, and his ceaseless dedication to the health care system is unparalleled. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which he lives has been a source of inspiration, and the impact he has had is immeasurable. For his incomparable generosity, service to the Bedford Memorial Hospital, and unabated commitment to excellence, John Blackburn, Jr. deserves the highest recognition. He has demonstrated enthusiasm and care for the county which he has served, and his spirit and dedication have infiltrated his every action. The legacy he has created is one that every American should emulate, and his contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Blackburn on his many accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lament the loss of a great American hero and Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander Scott Zellem. The people of Indiana County and this country lost a dedicated and faithful sailor when a naval training mission turned tragic on August 10th. Scott was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery on September 7, 2004 with full military honors and after living a life of distinguished service to this great nation. Founded upon the ideals of liberty and democracy, America is a country unlike any other. As Americans, we cherish freedom and strive for progress with every opportunity. Our men and women of the United States Military are dedicated to this cause and are respected and honored for their service. Our troops stand resolved to protect our families and our children from danger and attack. To these American military heroes, it is understood that we must do everything possible to win the war against terrorism and keep Americans safe at home. Scott Zellem was one of the men to which we owe our safety and freedom. His life is one that will be remembered with great admiration and respect. Tonight, October 8, 2004, Scott's high school graduating class of 1987 will join with family, friends, and the community of Indiana County to pay tribute and thank Scott Zellem for his service. Scott answered the call to duty, and for his service, we are a grateful nation. His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of thousands who have fallen before him, will not be forgotten.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bruderhof Community in their recent efforts to spread peace. The ``community of brothers'' is pursuing its goal of acceptance through construction of the ``Peace Barn,'' a sanctuary for those who need silence and a gathering place for those who seek progress. In the wake of September 11, 2001, a shadow of grief was cast over America. Nearly every citizen felt the reins of instability tugging at the society we once thought to be impregnable. With the strength and ambition that typifies the character of Americans, however, the Bruderhof Community turned devastation into promise by contributing to the Flight 93 Memorial and building a ``Peace Barn.'' Just two days after the terrorist attacks, the Bruderhof Community mobilized to realize its goals. In an effort to contribute to the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the community children have produced hand-made benches with the names of those who lost their lives engraved into the backs upon the request of the families. To date, the group has produced 27 benches and has no plan to stop. Additionally, by merging its resources and gathering its members, the Bruderhof children have created a refuge for reflection and a hall for meetings out of an old, neglected, and weathered barn. Now, the Peace Barn functions as a place of encouragement, healing and sharing. Since its inception, the barn has welcomed scores of visitors seeking peace. Grieving families are comforted by the photograph-adorned walls that inspire memories of the lives that were lost on Flight 93. Holocaust survivors are heartened by the optimism and goodness that pervade the atmosphere in the barn. Curious travelers are impelled to spread the message of peace throughout their relative communities. In a world wrought with terror, the achievement of world peace is a formidable task. The Bruderhof Community has espoused the idea that the pursuit of peace needs to start small and diffuse gradually. With every welcoming hand that is extended to visitors and every memory that is triggered through the photos on the wall, hopefully the Bruderhof vision for the future will materialize. On September 11, 2001, our Nation lost the ability to take peace for granted. With the construction of the Peace Barn, the Bruderhof has initiated a trend that all of America should follow.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader for yielding me this time, and I want to make a correction for the record. The gentleman from Massachusetts was talking about the predating the same-sex marriage. Well, in fact, when same-sex marriage was approved in the Netherlands, the rate of births out of wedlock doubled. So that information was incorrect. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Marriage Protection Amendment. It is becoming increasingly common to see activist judges legislating from the bench on this important issue. Today, a handful of judges are poised to destroy the traditional marriage definition, which is the cornerstone of civilization itself. The institution of a husband and wife, of mother and father, have served our society well; and it is this foundation that makes our families and communities strong. Passage of this amendment today is overwhelmingly supported by the citizens of this country. Nearly three- fourths of Americans believe that marriage should be a union between one man and one woman. Today, 44 States have enacted laws that define marriage as between a man and a woman; and without action today, the will of the American people will be ignored with the strike of a gavel by a few activist judges. To ensure the will of the American people is done today, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

Mr. SHUSTER. 1989.

Mr. SHUSTER. That is what the facts show.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, this is a constitutional argument, and I rise today to express my support for the D.C. Personal Protection Act, which would restore the second amendment rights for the residents of Washington, D.C. This legislation will allow law-abiding citizens the right to own rifles, shotguns and handguns and permit the storage of these firearms in their homes. The District of Columbia, again, has been labeled the murder capital of America, and that is 14 of the past 15 years. And that is despite its current ban on guns. It is time we lift this ineffective law and bring back the constitutional rights of individuals who reside in our Nation's capital. Under the current law, even legal handgun owners cannot carry them into their own homes or use illegal firearms to protect their life or property. In 2002, while this gun ban had been in effect for 25 years, Washington's homicide rate was five times higher than the national average. It is obvious the ban is not working. The D.C. Personal Protection Act would eliminate criminal penalties for legal possession of firearms and repeal the ban on the possession of ammunition. If enacted, this legislation will simply afford residents the same self-defense as the rest of the country. It is easy for my friends on the other side of the aisle and the editorial board of the Washington Post who live in affluent or safe neighborhoods to take aim at the personal freedoms of law-abiding citizens here in Washington, D.C., and many of them living in the southwest live in neighborhoods that have become battlegrounds where criminals run the streets. So it is time to give them the right to defend their lives, their personal property. Congress must take action and give that second amendment right back to the law-abiding citizens of Washington, D.C.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 741, the Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act. This legislation contains provisions that will better the lives and ease some of the frustrations for the more than 7 million Americans that suffer from food allergies every day. I have had the unfortunate experience to learn more about the trials and tribulations of food allergen sufferers when one of the members of my staff, Christy Farmer, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease earlier this year. Celiac Disease is an immune-mediated disease that causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract and is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Gluten is the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, oats, and other related grains, which are found in many of the foods that people eat on a day to day basis. The only treatment for Celiac Disease is adherence to a strict life long gluten-free diet. In order to comply with this, individuals must carefully read all food labels--which can often be inaccurate and extremely confusing. Many times, food products may contain a derivative of a known food allergen, however the food label does not make that clear. This can lead to people unknowingly consuming exactly what they have been trying so hard to avoid. This painstaking process of carefully examining every food label and determining the exact ingredient of each product can be extremely frustrating and difficult for individuals. This legislation will help tremendously in taking some of the guesswork out of reading food labels. Manufacturers in the food industry must now include the commonly accepted names of the eight most common allergens--milk, eggs, fish, crustacea, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Food allergen sufferers will now be able to scan food labels with greater ease and many incidents of accidental ingestion can be avoided. Having a food allergy, especially to something that is found in so many different foods, can add a level of complication to a person's life that can be difficult to imagine. Christy was required to undergo a total lifestyle change due to her gluten sensitivity. Spontaneously stopping at a restaurant for dinner is no longer possible, traveling not knowing in advance what foods will be available is no longer an option, and giving up your favorite foods is not as easy as it sounds. I am pleased that this legislation will help ease some of the frustrations and make adhering to an allergy-free diet a little easier for the millions of Americans that suffer from food allergies. I strongly urge my colleagues in joining me to support S. 741.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 741, the Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act. This legislation contains provisions that will better the lives and ease some of the frustrations for the more than 7 million Americans that suffer from food allergies every day. I have had the unfortunate experience to learn more about the trials and tribulations of food allergen sufferers when one of the members of my staff, Christy Farmer, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease earlier this year. Celiac Disease is an immune-mediated disease that causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract and is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Gluten is the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, oats, and other related grains, which are found in many of the foods that people eat on a day-to-day basis. The only treatment for Celiac Disease is adherence to a strict lifelong, gluten-free diet. In order to comply with this, individuals must carefully read all food labels, which can often be inaccurate and extremely confusing. Many times, food products may contain a derivative of a known food allergen, however the food label does not make that clear. This can lead to people unknowingly consuming exactly what they have been trying so hard to avoid. This painstaking process of carefully examining every food label and determining the exact ingredient of each product can be extremely frustrating and difficult for individuals. This legislation will help tremendously in taking some of the guesswork out of reading food labels. Manufacturers in the food industry must now include the commonly accepted names of the eight most common allergens--milk, eggs, fish, crustacea, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Food allergen sufferers will now be able to scan food labels with greater ease and many incidents of accidental ingestion can be avoided. Having a food allergy, especially to something that is found in so many different foods, can add a level of complication to a person's life that can be difficult to imagine. Christy was required to undergo a total lifestyle change due to her gluten sensitivity. Spontaneously stopping at a restaurant for dinner is no longer possible, traveling not knowing in advance what foods will be available is no longer an option, and giving up your favorite foods is not as easy as it sounds. I am pleased that this legislation will help ease some of the frustrations and make adhering to an allergy-free diet a little easier for the millions of Americans that suffer from food allergies. I strongly urge my colleagues in joining me to support S. 741.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to join my colleagues in recognition of Penn State's 150 years of service to students in pursuit of higher education. Charted in 1854 in response to a request from Pennsylvania State Agriculture Society, Penn State was established as agriculture based school with the goal of applying scientific principles to farming. In time, its ability to draw intellectual talent and broaden its mission enabled it to grow into one of the premier educational institutions in the country. Over the past 150 years, Penn State has continued to expand its mission to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Today, the University consists of 11 academic schools and 20 campuses throughout the state, including two in my district, located in Altoona and Mont Alto. Additionally, the Penn State system holds a College of Medicine, the Dickinson School of Law and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. All together the combined enrollment in Penn State programs is more than 80,000 students. To give a sense of this school's impact over the years let me share some facts: one in every eight Pennsylvanians with a college degree is a Penn State graduate and one in 720 people in the U.S. is a Penn State graduate. On personal level, I have felt Penn State's impact in my own life, three of my siblings attended Penn State and numerous members of my staff over the years are Penn State alumni. So why is it that thousands of students from all walks of life come to Penn State in pursuit of a higher education? They come knowing that their time at Penn State will translate into a top-quality education. Penn State has been consistently recognized as one of the best technical schools in the country and U.S News and World Report's ``America's Best Graduate Schools 2004'' selected a number of Penn State programs among the nation's top ten. These strong credentials are proof of Penn State's high standards. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to congratulate Penn State on 150 years of excellence and to thank all of the professors, administrators, staff, students and alumni who dedicate themselves to making Penn State one of the most valuable educational institutions in our state and our nation.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Saxton, Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 150th Birthday. As the largest community in the Broad Top Mountain region of South Central Pennsylvania, the town's emphasis on energy production has made it an instrumental factor in securing the scientific success of America. In the last one hundred and fifty years industrialization has dictated the progression of this land. The vast opportunities for employment in coal mining, iron production, and railroad construction throughout the nineteenth century attracted an eclectic group of workers, who worked diligently to build the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad and the East Broad Top Mountain Railroad. Proving instrumental in transporting natural resources to keep the communities flourishing, the railroads served the area for one hundred years. Within the last fifty years, Saxton has displayed its versatility, making the transition from the old industries to a community reliant on tourism, logging and manufacturing. Throughout its history, Saxton has continually been a critical asset to Pennsylvania. It not only contributed to the industrial advances that became vital to the region, but as the home of the Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corp., the town pioneered many experiments from which the people of the United States have profited. Since its founding, the citizens of Saxton have remained loyal and committed to industry--the very roots upon which this community was founded. The rich history that has been told through the sweat and tears of Saxton's past inhabitants parallels the history of our nation. As you immerse yourselves in this celebration of Saxton's 150th Birthday, you are learning about the people and the events that formed the very foundation of the United States of America. Happy Birthday Saxton, and best wishes for many more.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute our steadily growing economy. Sometimes it is hard to remember how the intellectual fortunes of free enterprise have fallen under high taxes and government intrusion. Now that the Bush tax cuts have started to kick in and boost the economy, we see again that job growth has remained strong and in May we gained jobs. The American people are recognizing the positive leadership of George W. Bush and the Republican Congress. Let us look at the facts: job seekers in America are getting good news and, most importantly, jobs. There were 248,000 jobs created in May. That means more than 900,000 jobs created over the last 3 months alone. Today the unemployment rate is down to 5.6 percent, lower than the average unemployment rate of the last 3 decades. America's families are seeing the change in their kitchen-table finances. Homeownership has risen to the highest level ever and real disposable income is up to an annual average rate of 3.9 percent. Finally, our business owners are benefiting. Real business investment in equipment and software is up to an annual rate of 14 percent. This is an economics package that puts people first. The President and the Republicans in Congress will continue to knock down the barriers of high taxes and government red tape. By removing those barriers, we see the true entrepreneurial spirit of the American people and with that spirit so grows our economy.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert J. Ridenour on receiving the 2004 Citizen of the Year award from the Bedford Rotary Club of Bedford, Pennsylvania. His efforts to preserve the history and culture of my home town of Everett have positively impacted our community and well beyond. For most people, after a lifetime of working, the well deserved rest and relaxation that comes with retirement is usually cherished and savored. However, Robert Ridenour decided on a different path and instead chose to spend his retirement working to improve his community in any way possible. It has been said that wisdom comes with age, and in the case of Robert Ridenour this old cliche proves to be true. In recent years he has had the foresight to dedicate his energy to preserving history, which will ground and educate younger generations while guiding them towards future progress. His tireless efforts to promote Pennsylvania's history will benefit his community for countless years to come. Mr. Ridenour is the personification of the Bedford Rotary's motto of ``Service Above Self.'' He has demonstrated enthusiasm and care for the county which he has served, and his spirit and dedication have infiltrated his every action. The legacy he has made is one that every American should emulate. As a pillar of strength within his community of Bedford County, Mr. Ridenour has been a role model and leader who is admired by many. For his incomparable generosity and commitment to excellence, Robert Ridenour deserves the highest recognition.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, we rise today with solemn hearts for the loss of an American hero, a man with an optimistic vision of this country that was infectious. I stand as an individual who felt the energy of the Reagan era. As a 19-year-old in 1980, I attended my first Republican convention where Ronald Reagan accepted the GOP nomination for President. My first vote for President was for Ronald Reagan, and I spent the beginning of adulthood under the spirit of a man who defined the American dream. Today we stand in awe of a life of passion and accomplishment. Ronald Reagan crumbled walls of oppression in Europe and rebuilt the American spirit. He was forever the gentleman statesman, a man who thought that politics, no matter how tough the battle with your opponent, should never leave scars. In the end he bore no ill will to anyone, and in that mold he was the definition of a leader, a leader who inspired confidence in those around him and who led by example. He feared not an assassin's bullet or political setback because he always looked to tomorrow, always believed the best days of America were ahead beyond the horizon, and that he would chart the course to take us to a better tomorrow. We stand here as a testament to that simple, yet powerful, truth.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club on its 50th Anniversary and to recognize the club's unyielding service to the community. The selfless desire to help those in need is rare throughout the world, yet here in America the culture of charitable giving thrives. This is a nation that takes enormous pride in its legacy of generosity and equality. It is out of this legacy that numerous organizations have sprouted and grown upon the foundation of service to others. At its inception, the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club adopted the creed, ``we serve,'' which reflects the very cornerstone upon which this nation was built. Since 1954, the club has maintained its commitment to service by contributing to countless scholarship funds, school activities, and community projects. Members of the club have worked tirelessly to improve the community in any way possible and have dedicated much of their time to inspiring children to make their mark in society. Without the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club, numerous high school students would not have gone to college, countless public works projects would have remained incomplete, and many of those in need would still be without aid. Additionally, the festivities organized to celebrate holidays, the changing of seasons, and local milestones have provided an atmosphere in which the community has been able to strengthen its cohesion as well as its culture. The legacy of service that instills a unique pride in the hearts of every American citizen has penetrated the walls of the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club and influenced the lives of scores of people. For its commitment to the citizens of Pennsylvania throughout the last 50 years, I am extremely grateful to the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bedford Fire Department #1, Inc. on its 200th Anniversary and to extend my sincere gratitude for the selfless actions of so many firefighters over the years. The citizens of Bedford, Pennsylvania are undoubtedly grateful for all that they have done. The history of firefighting in Pennsylvania can be traced back to the early 1700's. Ben Franklin, a Philadelphia resident at the time, developed a fine-tuned system of volunteer firefighters that could handily combat the threat of fire within the city limits. When referring to how this cooperative technique worked, Franklin said, Soon after [a fire] is seen and cried out, the place is crowded by active men of different ages, professions and titles who, as of one mind and rank, apply themselves with all vigilance and resolution, according to their abilities, to the hard work of conquering the increasing fire. The Bedford Fire Department is one of the oldest fire departments in the United States, founded in 1804. For 200 years this entirely volunteer department, which now consists of 82 members, has successfully collaborated to provide safety and protection for over 11,000 people within an area of 210 square miles. These volunteer firefighters deserve the highest honors for constantly putting themselves in harm's way to protect and save fellow citizens. Their unselfish valor and relentless dedication to their community make them special, and certainly worthy of praise. The two stations built within the rural area provide the necessary resources for the firefighters to perform to the best of their ability and handle any variety of situations. The volunteers spend countless hours planning and implementing fundraising events to maintain adequate facilities, provide each firefighter with the proper equipment, and ensure the continued success of the department. I am tremendously appreciative of the vital duties that the Bedford Fire Department performs and for the time it spends contributing to the safety of the Bedford community. Congratulations on reaching the 200 year milestone! I am proud to have the distinguished honor to represent such a reputable group of volunteers.