Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

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

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

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

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of the conference report for the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act. Tomorrow, this body is poised to pass historic legislation that will provide millions of seniors access to a responsible and affordable prescription drug benefit. Almost 40 years ago, a promise was made to seniors, a promise that they could depend on Medicare for affordable, reliable, and quality health care. With passage of this conference report, we will achieve numerous goals that will strengthen the current Medicare program and will protect the most vulnerable seniors. Low-income seniors and those with extremely high prescription drug costs are given specific consideration. While at the same time bringing much-needed fiscal relief in the overall cost of prescription drugs to all seniors, by adding a voluntary prescription drug benefit and modernizing the program to give seniors more choice in their overall health plans, Congress has an opportunity to improve the quality of health care being provided in the Medicare program for millions of seniors. As a Member that represents a rural district, I am also very pleased with many of the rural provider provisions contained in this report. Under this legislation, unequal payments for equal work will no longer be status quo for rural America's health care providers. Hospitals are important to rural communities for three reasons. First and foremost, they provide health care services for the residents. Second, hospitals are an economic engine in rural communities, and in my district they are the first or second largest employer, providing good-paying jobs. Third, hospitals are an economic development tool. Without adequate access to health care, it is difficult for a community to retain and attract businesses. A strong health care system is vital to the strength and stability of any community. I am also pleased that this conference report also contains a provision to establish health savings accounts. This will help not only seniors but all Americans to better afford their health care. Health savings accounts will allow individuals to save, grow and spend their hard-earned dollars tax free for necessary out-of-pocket medical expenses. These accounts will go a long way in helping to make health care more affordable for families and individuals of all ages. Mr. Speaker, when I first ran for office 3 years ago, I committed myself to working toward adding a prescription drug benefit in Medicare. I am pleased to support this conference report which I believe will move Medicare into the 21st century, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Altoona Symphony Orchestra on its 75th Anniversary and to thank the organization for the high-quality music with which it has provided its community. The Gearhart String Ensemble was founded in the early years of the twentieth century upon the tradition of the early railroad bands and orchestras that were abundant throughout central Pennsylvania at that time. In 1928, the then strictly volunteer orchestra compiled of 24 musicians made its debut under the direction of Russell Gearhart. Since then, it has grown to employ more than 75 musicians and was renamed the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. Although 75 years have passed, the orchestra maintains its youthful fervor with its diverse repertoire and inspiring attitude. The constantly changing roster of nationally and internationally renowned guest artists renders a different sound for every concert, keeping the audience attentive and entertained. With this vast array of musical talent, the symphony orchestra provides an invaluable cultural experience to the communities of Central Pennsylvania through its mastery of classical music pieces. The orchestra continues to produce music that rivals the masterful and highly acclaimed sound of the Boston Pops, and is recognized as one of the outstanding Pennsylvania symphony orchestras. As a result of the dedicated, hard work of its Board of Trustees, the orchestra has progressed immensely, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so under its guidance and leadership. I congratulate the Altoona Symphony Orchestra on a wonderful 75 years and look forward to its sounds of tomorrow.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Huntingdon Lady Bearcats on their PIAA, Class AA volleyball State championship. The Bearcats overcame the odds against them and handily defeated their competition in the tournament. United behind their strong coach, Priscilla Gibboney, the high school girls got everyone involved in each match, allowing the underestimated team to hand out losses to taller, more experienced opponents. The Huntingdon Lady Bearcats have claimed two team State championship titles in the school's history, which is a great testimony to the unique character of this team. They fought through obstacles and kept their composure, and their unwillingness to quit led to their perseverance. I congratulate the Huntingdon Lady Bearcats on their State championship and I look forward to hearing of their continued success in next year's season. Led by head coach Priscilla Gibboney and assistant coach David Kemp, the 13 members of this championship team include Seniors Tara McMinn (Captain), Megan Goss, Laura Madden, Meredith Orr, Katie Criswell, Jordan Rackley, and Sara Kylor; Juniors Hadley Hammers, Bethany Kozak, and Jenna Sheffield; Sophomores Olivia Hallahan and Emily Kemp; and Freshman Greta Gibboney. Congratulations one and all.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mountain Lodge No. 281, F.&A.M. and the Juniata Lodge No. 282, F.&A.M. on their 150th Anniversary and to thank them for their service and dedication to their community. From its home town of Edinburgh, England, the Honorable Fraternity of Freemasonry came to Pennsylvania in 1730 on a mission to spread the Masonic vision of a ``Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God.'' Out of this need for brotherhood, the Mountain Lodge and Juniata Lodge were founded on December 8, 1853. Since that date these two lodges have consistently exhibited the qualities to which they are committed, sharing with their community a moral code based upon honesty, strength of character, and the highest standard of ethics. The Freemasons lead their communities by the example that they set in their own lives as they work to uphold the very pillars of the American society. Each Freemason is taught to be true, the crucial attribute that provides the basis for all virtues of man, and to maintain a devotion to spirituality and intellectual growth. Additionally, they bear a strong commitment to artistic and cultural excellence. While cultivating all of the above characteristics, a freemason's family values remain strong and devoted. These organizations have not only enriched the lives of their members, but of those in the surrounding communities who have undoubtedly benefitted from the charity, education and service that they have repeatedly provided. This nation was built by a group of men, bound by brotherhood under the direction of God, who believed in the natural rights of freedom and democracy. The members of these Masonic lodges have worked daily for 150 years to preserve that ``Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God,'' and the standard of excellence upon which it was founded. The growing and active memberships of these organizations are a symbol of the community's devotion to success and the promise that is to come. As a proud member of the Juniata Lodge, I congratulate these two Masonic lodges on their 150th Anniversary and thank them for all their hard work and service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Energy Policy Act of 2003. In recent years, U.S. policy, or lack of it, has encouraged consumption and discouraged production. In response, Congress and the President have developed a national energy policy to promote dependable, affordable and environmentally sound production and distribution of energy for the future. Most importantly, this bill will prevent the loss of jobs due to high energy prices and help create new ones. I am pleased with the provisions in this bill that affect rural America. Rural America has assisted the United States in its times of crisis and also in times of innovation. Our rural electric co-ops have been a huge part of that innovation. I am pleased that this bill protects our rural cooperatives from unnecessary Federal costs and obligations and recognizes the unique role they play in our Nation's electric system. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased that there are significant provisions to promote the use of coal. Both Houses of Congress have worked tirelessly toward a comprehensive national energy policy that promotes conservation, reduces our growing dependence on foreign oil, and improves our economy. It is time we passed this legislation for the good of this Nation.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to the National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. For the last 100 years this Association and its many members have contributed to our Nation's economy and have greatly improved the quality of life of all Americans. To put into perspective the vital role these elements play in each of our lives I would like to share some statistics with you. If we place usage on our population; incredibly each year, every man, woman and child would use about 10 tons of sand, stone and gravel. Many of us probably fail to realize that it takes 400 tons of crushed stone, sand and gravel to build the average home and 38,000 tons for each mile of interstate highway. Without these important elements our Nation would be without roads, streets, sidewalks and runways. Additionally, we often forget that pulverized minerals from rock touch our everyday lives in products such as plastics, paint, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, glass and chewing gum. The aggregate industry also has tremendous impact upon our Nation's economy. The industry directly employs more than 120,000 individuals. For every million dollars that this industry outputs 19.5 jobs are created. In 2001 the aggregate industry contributed just over 14.5 billion in direct output to our economy. If we were to take into consideration the indirect benefits combined with direct output, this industry contributes $37.6 billion to the GDP and supports over 284,000 jobs. That is an awfully impressive record. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the aggregate industry's impact upon each of our daily lives and our economy is immense. I wholeheartedly congratulate the National Sand, Stone and Gravel association and its members on a most impressive 100 years.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in great anticipation of a historic action we will be taking tomorrow in this House. Tomorrow we will vote on a conference report that will ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion. With the passage of this conference report, we will finally eradicate a brutal practice that is inflicted upon the most innocent of our society, the unborn. I am not going to outline the gory details of this practice, because others have done that; but I will say that medical experts have repeatedly testified that fetuses are fully able to feel pain after 20 weeks of development, the time at which most partial-birth abortions take place. Thus, these babies are fully able to feel the terrible pain that is being inflicted upon them. Opponents of this bill argue that it is unconstitutional because it does not provide an exemption for when the health of the mother is at risk. I would point out that health experts have testified time and time again that a partial-birth abortion is never needed to save the life of a mother. In fact, the American Medical Association has stated that this procedure often poses a serious health risk to the mother. Mr. Speaker, life is the most precious gift and opportunity we are given as human beings. Robbing children of that opportunity is wrong, wrong, wrong. Three times the House of Representatives has passed a ban on partial-birth abortions. President Clinton vetoed it twice, and last year the leadership in the other body refused to take up the bill. We finally are presented with an opportunity to take a giant step forward in banning this gruesome practice. President Bush has said he would sign a ban on partial-birth abortion, and I encourage all Members to vote for the conference report tomorrow, and finally we will put an end to a violent attack on our most innocent citizens. Almost 3 years ago when I started to run for office, I told the people of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania that it would be a great day in America when we passed a bill banning partial-birth abortion. Tomorrow it will be a great day in America. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) for putting this Special Order together, and God bless America.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. I think it was General Sanchez that said to us that the way for us to succeed, to win this, to finally win this, is not going to be militarily, it is going to be through the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, helping them to rebuild a country and giving them back their country. As you mentioned earlier, the thing we do not hear about in the media, they say that there is no plan. As you mentioned and showed, one of the plans as I recall, we met with General Sanchez who is the head of operations in the Iraqi theater. Then we met with four of the five division generals, commanders in Iraq. Every time we sat down for a briefing with any one of them, they gave us a similar plan. Even General Dempsey, who controls Baghdad, that is his area of control, he talked about when we were there at the end of August, they were already starting to make plans and starting to move toward taking our control, our base out of the center of Baghdad and moving it to the four corners of Baghdad. That was a month ago. I have not heard about that. I have not heard about it in the national media. I have heard about it in our briefings, that General Dempsey is starting to make those moves, so that we are looking into Baghdad, not looking out. They believe that that is going to be a better way for us to help the Iraqi people, so we are not sitting in the middle and the Iraqi people then can take control of the security of Baghdad. So there is a plan. We know that, and we have seen that. That is why it is so important tonight for us here and to go back to our districts and talk about these plans, to talk about what we saw. I would encourage every Member of the House of Representatives, all 435 Members, to get on a plane, go to Iraq, see what is over there, because I think as you have pointed out tonight, they come back and tell a different story, or a full story of what is going on in Iraq. I would encourage all of the Members of the House to travel there and see it firsthand.

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for putting this Special Order together. Tonight we need to shine light on the facts, on the truth of what is really happening in Iraq today. It is not the real story. It is not the whole story. We are getting bits and pieces, and we know that it is still a dangerous place, and they are killing American soldiers, and that is something that we ought to be concerned about. But, as we have talked about here tonight, there are positive things happening in Iraq. There are things moving forward. The Iraqi people are grateful that we have come to Iraq to liberate them. As May 1 came about and we ended major combat operations over there, I, as most Americans did, would listen to the nightly news and hear stories of death and chaos and mismanagement. And then every week we would come to Washington and get a briefing, and the story was different. So I decided in May that I had to go over there and see for myself what was occurring in Iraq and see with my own eyes because I was hearing the administration tell us what they said was happening, and then of course the national media would tell a different story. The good news is, as we have heard here tonight, when we traveled to Iraq, we did see positive things, and I was struck with three things. First, I wanted to go over and see what the situation with our troops was. I heard morale was low, the troops were unhappy. Much to my surprise when we arrived and had the lunches and dinners that the gentleman spoke about, which were a highlight of the trip and we were able to gain much information from them, I found out that the morale was good, it was high. When we think about the dangerous situation they were in, 130 degrees plus, living in tents, sand, dealing with all those elements, these young men and women had high morale. These young warriors talked about how they were proud to be over there liberating the Iraqi people and protecting America and our freedoms and freedom for people around the world. One of the things that I did when I came back, I was asked by several soldiers to call their families, and I did that. I can tell Members, as impressed as I was with the soldiers I met, it was inspirational to hear the parents and the wives when I called them, to hear them talk about how proud they were and how much support they were giving their son, daughter, husband or wife. It was really inspirational to me. They said not only were they supportive and proud of what they were doing, we were doing the right thing in Iraq. I think it is imperative for the American people to hear the whole story so we have that support for our troops, we have that support for the effort we are undertaking over there, and that our Commander in Chief has that support. Because, without that support, we will not succeed. We have to have the American people strongly behind this effort, and that is the only way we will see success, if the American people support this effort. The second thing that I saw while I was over there, and, as I mentioned, the national media would feed us a steady diet of death and destruction in Iraq and that picture was not the case as we talked here tonight about the many, many things that we saw in Iraq. For instance, the hospitals, they were not hospitals like we see here in America, but they were functioning hospitals. And many if not most of the major hospitals in Iraq are up and running today. The schools and universities are operating. Secondary schools are ready to take the kids on in the fall so they can begin that process, to continue to educate the young people of Iraq. We talked about the security, the 56,000 trained Iraqis that are out there and walking the streets of Baghdad and Mosul protecting the borders. That was something to behold. We traveled to the headquarters and the training for the Iraqi police force; and we met Ali Kazon, who is now the head of the Iraqi police force. He told us the story how in 1979 he was head of the police academy, and when Saddam Hussein took over, he spoke out against Saddam, and he was imprisoned and almost on a daily basis for a year he was tortured. And now 20 some years later, he is back and ready to take up his role to build a stable and democratic Iraq. We were told the story just 4 weeks before we arrived in Iraq there was an assassination attempt on a gentleman's life. He was shot in the leg. He was bandaged up, and 2 days later he was back on the streets going after the guys who tried to assassinate him. And just 2 weeks after we left Iraq, there was a bombing at police headquarters, and it was another attempt on Ali Kazon's life. We were told that this man is somebody that the Baathists, the terrorists, want to eliminate because he will be a force for good in a free and stable Iraq. He told us what he told his soldiers or his police as he recruited them. He talked about we do not know the Americans, they do not know us, but they came here and died to free us, so every day when we take to the streets of Iraq we need to honor the Americans for what they have done for us, giving us our freedom. Madam Speaker, it truly was inspirational to meet someone at the founding of a nation. As we talked about, most of the major cities and most towns and villages had elected municipal councils, and this occurred just 2 weeks after major combat had ended in Iraq. Today, as I said, every major city and most towns and villages are directing local matters themselves. Iraqis are doing that work. The third thing that we saw and something that surprised me, although I do not know that I should have been surprised, as someone who has studied history all my life, but we focus on Iraq, and it is all about the oil and they certainly have tremendous oil reserves, and that is going to provide the Iraqi people the wealth to rebuild their country and have a stable Iraq in the future. But, as the gentleman from Indiana talked about, the agriculture was surprising. I thought Iraq was a desert, but it is not. It is brown, and I think a lot of that is because of the heat, but they have vast wheat fields. Also, the water resources that Iraq has, not only do they have the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers, but they have miles of canals. They are able to irrigate much of the Iraqi countryside. In the south, with a pick and shovel, they can dig down 10-12 feet and hit water because the water table is very shallow. In the north, as we flew over vast wheat fields, they were literally digging water wells horizontally, going in at an angle down 20-40 feet before they would hit water. So Iraq has oil and the ability to feed itself and the Middle East, and they have tremendous water resources that any successful nation needs to feed its people and take care of its people. Finally, the Iraqi people themselves are a robust people; and proof of that is they have spent 30 years living under a Stalinist tyranny, living under terrible circumstances, but they have survived. Almost half the population is literate, so with the resources they have, with the personality of the people, what we are doing for them over there, giving them the opportunity to live free and to create a democracy, we are giving them hope. That is what any nation needs. Giving the people hope is going to take them off that path of strapping on a bomb to themselves and killing themselves. We need to make sure that we are putting enough money into this situation. We talked about the $87 billion. It is a lot of money when we look at it as $87 billion, but when we look at the losses that America suffered after 9/11 and the losses we could face in the future if we are not able to help build a stable and democratic Iraq, this is something we must do. We cannot fail in this endeavor. We need to move forward swiftly to make sure that the Iraqi people can build that stable, democratic country.

Mr. SHUSTER. Absolutely. That was one of the best stories that I have taken away from Iraq. Not only did we see firsthand the commitment and the bravery, the courage of our young men and women, but the decency of the American soldier. The story we were told was that when they found the mass grave site, the Iraqi people as they do to celebrate or in anger when they come together is they shoot their weapons off into the air. It is very dangerous because when you shoot a bullet up, it has to come down, and when you have several hundred people doing that, there were people being killed. The Marines told these folks that were going up to the mass grave site that they could not celebrate in that way. They were not allowed to shoot guns off into the air, so it was a very heated exchange. The Iraqis were angry because they could not do what they typically do. So they went to the mass grave site, they collected the remains of many of their family members, and as they came back into the village, they came face to face with a patrol of Marines. It was a tense moment. Without somebody from high up, some bureaucrat in Washington or some general in the Pentagon or some general in the field, a young sergeant decided the best thing to do was to order his men to stand aside, take their helmets off and bow their heads to pay respect to the families, to the people that had perished and to honor them as they passed. I truly look at that, when I think about the American soldier and we think of, as I said earlier, how courageous they are, truly, how compassionate they are. That is a demonstration of that. It is really a touching story. It makes me very, very proud to be an American, to know that we not only train fierce warriors, but compassionate soldiers, compassionate people.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Our efforts are on track in Iraq. We do have a plan. But something that is very disappointing to me and, actually, I am angry about is that is in regard to the participation or lack of participation of the world's largest peacekeeping organization. The United Nations is an organization that was founded on international cooperation and collective security, but it has failed to assist in efforts to remove a growing threat. The failure of this organization to support our efforts against a murderous and extreme dictator is unfortunate and, at times, unforgivable. What I have done is I have drafted a piece of legislation that I am going to introduce tonight that will take $200 million of our annual dues, which is about $330 million every year, and it directs the administration to take that money and put it towards the humanitarian situation and our troops in Iraq, to improve their environment, whether it is food or shelter or whatever the case may be. But I am to the point that I have watched for years the United Nations talk and not act. In this situation it is quite evident, the situation that occurred in Iraq, and it is quite evident that they need to be there helping us and, to this date, they have done nothing. So my legislation, as I said, would direct the administration to take $200 million of the $330 million, I believe it is, that we pay to the U.N. annually and send it over for our troops. So I would encourage my colleagues to sign on to this bill and support it as it moves forward. Just to let my colleagues know, there is a provision that if the United Nations decides to stand up and do what is right and support this effort, to go over and take their role in Iraq the way that they should participate, then there is a provision there that will let this legislation lapse. So I plan on introducing that tonight. Again, I would urge all of my colleagues to support this, to say to the U.N., stand up and be counted in this situation. Finally, I just want to thank my colleague from Indiana for setting up this hour this evening. I think it is important that we not only here on the floor of Congress in the House of Representatives tell the whole story, but that as we travel through our districts, making sure that the people that we represent hear firsthand and unfiltered what is happening there, and that there is a positive plan in place, and that we have young men and women who are committed to doing what is right against sometimes terrible situations, but they are doing what is right and they are doing an absolutely fabulous job. The American people need to support them and need to support this effort. So I thank the gentleman for putting this together tonight.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and highlight the heroic acts of one of my constituents who has taken a leading role in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Sabrina Monn, a 1998 graduate of James Buchanan High School in the Mercersburg area, was among the reserves called up to serve with the U.S. Army's 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Afghanistan. Sabrina made the most of her tour. Through e-mails to Mrs. Mary Stoner, a former teacher of hers at James Buchanan, Sabrina has brought to life what an amazing job our troops are doing in Afghanistan. Sabrina has also eloquently outlined to current students the hardships of what the citizens of Afghanistan endured while under the oppression of the Taliban. Equally as important, Sabrina has highlighted the amazing work she and other members of our reserves are doing in Afghanistan to rebuild their country and to return freedom to the people. In her correspondence, Sabrina rightly notes that the effort we are making in Afghanistan goes a long way in helping the country rebuild, not only with concrete and pavement, but with compassion and support. The students at Sabrina's old high school have responded remarkably. Recently, they took up Sabrina's call to action and collected well over $1,000 to send to the village where Sabrina was stationed. They did not stop there, they also have sent more than 50 boxes of school supplies, clothing and toys. The efforts of Sabrina and the community have truly made a difference. This is America at its best. The attacks of September 11th have shown to the world that the United States will act swiftly to rid the world of terrorism. But the attacks also rallied the American people to display compassion for others. Whether displayed through the incredible heroism exhibited by the firefighters and rescue workers in New York City, the Pentagon or a field in Somerset County, or the outpouring of donations from around the country for the impoverished people in Afghanistan, Americans have met the challenge. Mr. Speaker, Sabrina Monn is a classic example of America at its best. She embodies the spirit that will allow us to overcome the challenges represented by September 11th and propel us to a brighter future. I commend her for all of her efforts and encourage others to take her and James Buchanan High School's example in making America and the world a better place to live.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to John Czuczman upon his retirement from the Transportation Workers Union TWU. Before retiring, Mr. Czuczman served as International Vice President and Director of the Railroad Division for TWU representing employees throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Mr. Czuczman began his career in the rail industry in 1955 as an employee of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad and was a member of the TWU Local 1427. In 1968, he successfully ran for Local 1427 President and Grievance Chairman. He continued to serve the Local 1427 in those positions for the next 14 years. During his tenure as President, Mr. Czuczman was an active member of the union's Policy Making Board for railroad members. In 1980, TWU's late president William Lindner appointed Mr. Czuczman to the International Union's staff as an International Representative. While on the International's staff, Mr. Czuczman was involved in most of the Union's key negotiations and arbitrations. He served as TWU's representative on the task force that put Conrail together in the early 1980's. Additionally, he participated in the crucial TWU negotiations that led to the takeover of Conrail's commuter lines by SEPTA, Metro- North and the New Jersey Transit in 1982. Mr. Czuczman also served as Chairman of the Conrail Screening Committee and participated in a number of Conrail's contract negotiations. Since 1982, Mr. Czuczman has negotiated every contract with Amtrak involving the Joint Council of Carmen and the Amtrak Service Workers Council. A tireless fighter for the rights of rail workers, Mr. Czuczman has been a strong advocate for the protection and improvement of the benefits provided by the Railroad Retirement Board. He also served as a member of the Board of Governors for Amtrak's Red Block Program which offers assistance, education and rehabilitation to those with alcohol and substance abuse problems. Mr. Speaker, for almost 50 years John Czuczman has been a tireless advocate for the right of railroad workers. From negotiating contracts, to lobbying, to advocating for better benefits, to just simply being a friend to his fellow workers, John has served his fellow rail workers with dignity and class. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you will join me today in wishing John a long and happy retirement.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pennknoll Village located in Everett, Pennsylvania. On July 26, 2003 the retirement community will celebrate 25 years of service, and acknowledge the employees who have worked at Pennknoll Village since the inception of the institution. In the late 1970s, Diakon Lutheran Social Services, which serves nearly 60,000 people annually, revamped the program and, with the help of the county, built a new nursing facility. Pennknoll Village has grown to become a vital part of the community and now accommodates 133 residents, including those in need of short-term care. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor that I rise today to recognize Pennknoll Village and its 25 years of service. Central and western Pennsylvania are a better place because of workers like those employed by Pennknoll Village. I wish them continued success over the coming years.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Jaffa Shrine located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. From its beginnings, the Shrine has been a popular center for community life in Altoona, gaining 200 members between its first meeting in October 1902 and its founding charter in July 1903. Today, the Jaffa Shrine continues to grow and has expanded its mission to include members from nine counties, spanning from New York in the north, Maryland in the South, and stretching as far east as Lewistown and Blairsville in the west. With such a rapidly growing membership, the Shrine quickly outgrew its original temple. In September 1930, the Shriners current temple was completed. Its ornate, mid-eastern architecture stands as a testament to both their heritage and their importance to our area. The Shriners' mission of ``fostering self improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement'' serves as an example for what can be accomplished in every community across this country. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize the Jaffa Shriners and their 100th anniversary. Central and western Pennsylvania are a better place because of them and I wish them continued success in their mission over the next 100 years.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, the Reverend Dr. William H. Harter from the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Reverend Harter is a graduate of Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, and received his master's in education in the social sciences from Harvard University. In addition to his extensive graduate study, he received a Ph.D. in the New Testament from the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Dr. Harter ministered to the Catskill Mountains community in New York from 1967 to 1977, before becoming minister of the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg. In 1977, Dr. Harter and his wife Linda, herself an ordained Presbyterian minister, settled in Chambersburg and have been active members of the community. Not only is Dr. Harter committed to the religious development of his church, he has been active in many organizations, including those devoted to helping the homeless and troubled teenagers, and has been an elementary basketball coach. He is also the current president of the Chambersburg Area United Churches. In addition to his work in Chambersburg, Dr. Harter has participated in several organizations whose work is focused on Jewish-Christian relations and Middle Eastern affairs. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East, including 36 trips to Israel. Dr. Harter and his wife are the proud parents of five children and the grandparents of five grandsons. The Harters have been a part of the Chambersburg community for many years, and it is an honor for me to welcome him here to the House of Representatives, and I thank him for his continued dedication to his church, his community, and his country.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen G. ``Mack'' McCahan, Jr., an outstanding resident of Southcentral Pennsylvania who perfectly epitomizes the spirit of America. Mr. McCahan is a superb professional, an outstanding pharmacist, and a genuine expert in his field. On August 22, 2003, Mr. McCahan will reach a true landmark, 50 years of service in the pharmacy profession. In the course of his career, Mr. McCahan has demonstrated high quality work and has exceeded all ethical standards. He has touched thousands of patients and positively impacted each community that he has served. Mack McCahan started as a staff pharmacist in the United States Navy at Camp LeJuene, NC from 1953-1955. From there he moved to Bellfonte, PA to continue his pharmaceutical career and then to Waynesboro, PA where he worked at Minnick's Pharmacy. It was in 1963 that Mr. McCahan bought the Agnew Drug Store in Everett, PA and renamed it the Everett Pharmacy. In 1971, his brother Larry joined the business. In 1985, he further expanded his business by opening McCahan's pharmacy in Saxton, PA with his son Steve and his brother. During his time in Everett, Mr. McCahan has become a leader in the community. His friendliness and goodwill have made him recognized by all. To that end, Mack and his wife Jean have been friends of the Shuster family for over 30 years. Having grown up with his sons, Steve and Matt, I know his goodwill personally, in fact growing up I was a member of the family. It was only in 2001, that Mr. McCahan sold the business to his son and his brother. In that effort, he has helped to continue the legacy of a family pharmacy, to act in the best interest of the patient, and has passed that lesson to his son. Today, Mack McCahan still continues to work in the pharmacy, by filling in for his brother and son on their days off. In his free time, he can be found with his lovely wife. I salute Mack McCahan and congratulate him on 50 years of tremendous success in both his career and his leadership within the community.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and loss of John L. Grove, whose accomplishments have made an everlasting impact to Pennsylvania and the Nation. John Grove committed his life to the Franklin County community as a defining model for entrepreneurism and the American dream. Mr. Grove personally had a hand in the creation of numerous successful companies and contributed his expertise and advice to a whole host of other business ventures. John Grove was noted for his brilliance and huge innovations in the world of hydraulics. He was most notably, the ``father'' of the hydraulic telescoping crane boom. In addition to his prowess for business and ingenuity, he was also extremely generous to his community. Today his philanthropic endeavors, including the John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University and the John L. Grove Medical Center in Greencastle, stand as a reminder of his faith in those around him and his determination to provide a better life for others. John Grove and his brother formed Grove Manufacturing Company by building farm wagons out of a two car suburban garage. But brilliance would not be constrained by just farm wagons. In just three short years, he and his brother developed and built the industry's first industrial yard crane. Quickly the wagons were superceded by the demand for the cranes and the small business in a garage became an industrial giant. After a very successful run in this career, Mr. Grove and his brother sold the company in the 1960's and John Grove took a well-deserved vacation. But as most truly gifted people find out, the body may rest but the brain never pauses. It was in the course of his vacation travels across this great country of ours, that Mr. Grove realized the pitfalls of those who needed to work on platforms and scaffolding. To that end, he invented the self propelled work-basket vehicle and in an instant a second career was born. In implementing his new vision, Mr. Grove and a partner bought a small factory in McConnellsburg and began with only 15 employees. Soon, JLG Industries would grow to a internationally recognized company that would employ thousands from around the community. In 1993, Mr. Grove retired from a hugely successful career at JLG, but he continued to offer both his business experience and philanthropy to the area he so dearly loved. Few people have had such a tremendous impact on south central Pennsylvania. With the passing of John L. Grove, Pennsylvania and America have lost one of their greatest citizens.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition today to the substitute and in support of H.R. 660, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. Of the more than 41 million Americans that are uninsured, almost 60 percent of those individuals are from families that are employed by small businesses that cannot afford to pay health benefits. We can no longer stand by as health insurance premiums for small businesses are increasing at double digit rates. Their choices of plans and benefits continue to decrease. The passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act would be an important step in providing access to affordable health insurance for millions of workers and their family, helping to stop the growing numbers of uninsured Americans. As a former small business owner for 13 years, I struggled with the skyrocketing costs of health care benefits. Employers, small business owners must decide whether to scale back or cut coverage altogether. By allowing businesses to join together in associated health plans, they will have the same opportunities that large businesses and unions have. Hard working Americans employed by small businesses deserve access to quality and affordable health care too. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) for their outstanding leadership, and as a small business owner, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 660.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for what I consider an excellent bill. As my colleagues said, I think this amendment will improve the bill. The intent of our amendment is to strike the language that imposes cost sharing of EAS funds on a select few small communities, rural community airports. These communities today are struggling to meet their current financial situations brought about by a sluggish economy and an increased cost on homeland security. These air links for these communities are vital, vital for economic development, especially in rural America from which I hail. Some would say that there are significant costs savings; but if you look at this relative to the overall bill, we have a $59 billion bill over 4 years, and this language would only save $7.5 million. Here in Washington that is small change; but in rural America that is significant, significant to these small and rural communities. So I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young); the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica); the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for accepting this amendment and supporting it. Once again, I congratulate them on a tremendous bill, a strong bill that is going to help all of America.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for America as we are poised to pass H.R. 760, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban. This legislation would stop the gruesome procedure that kills a child just inches from birth. I will not go into the gory details of this particularly cruel procedure, but I will mention that numerous medical experts have testified that fetuses are able to fully feel pain after 20 weeks of development, at the time when most partial-birth abortion procedures occur. It is also important to note that health experts agree that partial- birth abortions are never needed to save the life of the mother. Even the AMA has stated that partial-birth abortions pose serious health risks to women, and indeed, are not accepted medical practice. Yet this gruesome and evil practice continues to take place. Today, we take a giant leap forward to end this practice. I look forward for the President to sign this bill into law. I urge passage of the rule and of the bill to protect the most innocent of our society.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, last week the House of Representatives passed the job package introduced by President Bush. This bill gives the economy an immediate shot in the arm by leaving working families with more of their hard-earned money through accelerated income tax relief. Right now too many workers feel a squeeze in their wallet because they are taxed too highly, but help is on the way. H.R. 2 will aid any American family looking to pay bills or put food on the dinner table by letting those families keep more of those hard- earned dollars. Just as importantly, H.R. 2 will help create more jobs for American workers by including provisions encouraging business investment. This bill breathes new life into every company struggling to survive by increasing tax-deductible investments. If we help businesses remain competitive and growing, we in turn can help them create new jobs. There is yet one more hurdle for H.R. 2 to make a difference in America. H.R. 2 must pass the other Chamber. I rise today to urge my friends on the other side of the Capitol to move forward and pass the legislation quickly. The American people are waiting.