Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. William E. Snell, Jr., of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania for being named Business Person of the Year by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. As the president and chief executive officer of F&M Trust in Chambersburg since 1995, he has demonstrated a willingness to support his local community through both financial giving as well as through giving of himself and his own time. Mr. Snell, in his role at the F&M Trust and as leader of several civic groups, has shown great vision and leadership in the area of community service. Through his service he has contributed greatly to the betterment of the community. In addition to running the largest locally owned bank in Chambersburg, Mr. Snell also serves on a number of boards in his community. Capitol Theatre Center Foundation, Chambersburg Hospital, Summit Health, and Chambersburg Area Development Corporation are just a few examples of boards and organizations on which he serves in a leadership capacity. By giving so generously of his time, he has helped to positively shape the vision and direction of the Chambersburg community. During Mr. Snell's tenure as president and CEO of the bank, F&M Trust has generously given approximately $80,000 to help fund several educational and artistic initiatives in the community. Donations such as these benefit everyone in the community, not just those that directly receive the funds. Mr. Snell is a wonderful example of a business person who not only cares deeply about his business but also about the community in which it is located. His continuous efforts and community service are a true testament to his affection and commitment to the people and organizations located in Chambersburg. I would like to congratulate Mr. Snell once again for this tremendous award he has received and thank him for all his contributions to the Chambersburg community. I wish him the very best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, our rural communities are at the very heart of our Nation and are an essential aspect of our economy. It is our small towns that define the values and identity of America. We, however, are at risk of losing our small towns. A struggling economy has caused many of our youth to flee from our rural communities. After all, one must go where the jobs are. We must reach out to rural communities to help once again stimulate the economy and ensure that our rural towns have first class schools and access to quality medical care. It is in this spirit that I have introduced the Rural Development Act of 2002. This legislation offers help to rural America and ensures that our Nation's heartland continues to experience vitality and growth. The Rural Development Act has three key components. First, this legislation offers tax incentives to businesses who move into rural areas in an effort to stimulate the economy and provide much needed jobs. Second, the bill focuses on improving the education of students in rural America by directing funds to schools to upgrade technology and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. Finally, we work to improve rural healthcare by offering education incentives to doctors and nurses who agree to serve in those areas. Our businesses and industries carry huge tax burdens and are bogged down by endless bureaucratic red tape, all of which stifles job growth. This bill works to offer some relief to companies by offering a tax credit of 50 percent, over a ten year period, to companies who move into rural areas and either occupy an existing facility or construct a new facility. This incentive will again draw businesses into rural America and bring much needed-jobs along with them. This not only benefits business by giving them a tax break, but also will provide them with a more cost efficient area in which to expand and grow. My legislation also recognizes the need for a well-trained and well- educated workforce. To this end the bill authorizes funds to provide rural schools with the tools necessary to ensure that all of our students receive a high quality education. My legislation calls on the Department of Education to offer grants to rural schools to enhance technology and teacher preparation programs as well as creating innovative enrichment programs for children at risk of failure with a particular emphasis on math, science, history and English. Rural schools face many unique challenges and often are forced to forgo federal funds because they do not have the financial resources or poverty data needed to qualify. This legislation recognizes those challenges and sets funds aside specifically for rural areas and help them continue to offer quality education to our Nation's youth. Finally, my bill focuses on enhancing rural healthcare. Rural residents have been especially hard hit by the nursing shortage that is plaguing America. Nearly one quarter of our nation's population lives in rural areas, yet almost all of the hospitals and healthcare facilities located in these communities are, to no fault of their own, chronically understaffed. To help combat this problem my bill offers education incentives to nurses and doctors to serve in rural areas. The legislation directs the Secretary of Education to create a scholarship program to pay 50 percent of the tuition of students who agree to serve in rural areas for a period of no less than four years. This is a win- win initiative for both students interested in the medical field and rural communities. It allows students who could not otherwise afford the tuition to attend nursing or medical schools and provides much needed doctors and nurses to rural America! Since these students will not be burdened with huge student loans at graduation they will not be forced to leave for better paying urban hospitals. Mr. Speaker, our rural communities define who we are. They are our Nation's heartland and throughout most of history these communities have been blessed with vitality and growth. In recent years, however, these communities have seen the flight of many of their youth due to a lack of jobs. If this flight continues, Mr. Speaker, we run the risk of finding our small towns vacant. My legislation works to change this trend. Good paying jobs are the cornerstone of any economy and by providing rural America with these jobs we will help ensure that our rural economies continue to thrive. With jobs, however, comes the need for a well-trained and well-educated workforce. My legislation answers this challenge by giving rural schools the funds they need to provide all of our students with the tools needed to succeed. Completing the circle, this legislation ensures that citizens of rural communities have access to first rate medical care they deserve as they move into their golden years. With good jobs, an education system that is second to none and access to high quality health care we can ensure our rural communities continue to flourish for years to come.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of the joint resolution to authorize the use of military force against Iraq. Mr. Speaker, we are a peaceful Nation, a Nation that wants and promotes peace and a Nation that uses force only as a last option. I believe that the President, my constituents, and the American people do not want to wage war against Iraq. Unfortunately, we face a very real and dangerous situation. The information the President presented to us confirms that Saddam Hussein has and continues to develop weapons of mass destruction. We have the cold, hard facts; and as a Nation we must now decide how we confront this serious threat. Do we proceed with our eyes wide open, or do we wait until Saddam has uses the weapons of mass destruction, killing thousands of innocent people? Many people are asking the question why now, why can't we wait? We must remember that Saddam Hussein has repeatedly violated obligations set forth by the United Nations Security Council, has ignored 16 U.N. Security Council resolutions and diverts money intended to buy food for his people to purchase lethal chemical and biological materials, missile technology and nuclear fission materials. Why does Saddam need biological and chemical weapons? While we can only guess his intentions, we must not let Saddam and his regime have the opportunity to use his weapons of mass destruction or sell these weapons to a terrorist group. Therefore, the purpose of this joint resolution is to give Saddam and his regime a clear choice: Allow complete and unfettered inspections or face the consequences of military action. It is that simple. If Saddam allows complete and unfettered inspections and we destroy his weapons of mass destruction, then he can avert military action. Soon a special independent commission will investigate our intelligence lapses that led to the tragic and horrible events of September 11. If we compare the intelligence information we had before September 11 to the volumes of known information we have today about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction capabilities, then the President's case against Iraq is clear and undisputable. Some still believe that we should take Saddam at his word. That is foolishness. Saddam cannot be trusted. Look at what he agreed to do and what he failed to do. He shoots at our planes, he murders and tortures his own people, and he develops weapons that can only do harm to innocent people. While I have voted on many important issues, this is the most important vote I will take. I believe the right vote is to support this joint resolution to disarm Iraq. We can no longer allow Saddam to thumb his nose at the U.N., the international community, and at the United States. His madness must end, and we must send a strong message that the world will not tolerate terrorism in any form. I close by telling you what Lieutenant Colonel Walt Piatt, a constituent of mine from Somerset, Pennsylvania, told me after I visited with him in Afghanistan. Colonel Piatt said the American military strength is not our smart bombs, our state-of-the-art aircraft, or our brave troops. Our support lies in the support and will of the American people. Let us reflect on Piatt's words, and let us send a message to Saddam that America stands united. We will act if necessary. Vote yes on this resolution and end Saddam's threat to the world and to the American people.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my thanks to Reverend William Hall Harter for his faithful and diligent service to his community. Reverend Harter became the minister to the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in 1977, and 25 years later, continues to be an exemplary spiritual leader. He began his career of service as a tutor and adjunct lecturer in the New Testament at the Union Theological Seminary, during which time he also served as the minister at the Margaretville and New Kingston United Presbyterian Churches in the Catskill Mountains of New York. After serving in New York for approximately 10 years, Reverend Harter, his wife Linda, and their children moved to the Chambersburg area where he continued to minister and give of his own time to contribute to the betterment of the local community. In addition to serving as minister to the Falling Spring congregation, Reverend Harter is very involved with numerous community projects and endeavors. Like so many spiritual leaders in communities around the country, Reverend Harter had known the value of faith-based community action programs long before they became a topic of national debate. President George W. Bush is also a great supporter of faith- based programs and has praised their effectiveness because he knows how beneficial they can be to people in all regions of the country. In his own community, Reverend Harter has been instrumental in establishing programs that make a marked improvement in the lives of community residents and provide an atmosphere that allows for their spiritual and personal growth. Some examples of these programs are: Franklin County for the Homeless, Committee for Annual Holocaust Memorial Service, Community Worship Committee, Committee for Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service, Building Our Pride in Chambersburg, Inc., Carlisle Presbytery Camps and Conference Committee, and the Chambersburg Ministerium. I would like to commend Reverend William Hall Harter again for his contributions and thank him for his first 25 years of service at the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. I wish him all the best as he continues to better his community through his ministry and involvement with so many worthy organizations.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4600, the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, and Timely Healthcare Act, and ask my colleagues to support this common sense measure. This legislation, modeled after California's 25 year old reforms, contains a tested package of reforms that will help lower medical liability premiums across the country is important for both physicians and patients. In my great state of Pennsylvania, five commercial carriers that insured more than half of the hospitals and health systems have left the market or are not renewing policies for this year. Pennsylvania hospitals and physicians continue to face skyrocketing premiums. The cost of primary coverage has increased as much as 450% for some hospitals, and on average by 70 percent for all hospitals. Further, the medical liability crisis is hindering the ability of our academic medical schools to recruit and retain students. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in ten obstetricians have already stopped delivering babies due to skyrocketing premiums. A shortage in radiologists willing to read mammograms has increased the wait time for screening mammograms at most major hospitals from two to three months. The current system is forcing our doctors to quit, encouraging them to seek other employment and jeopardizing the health care of our women. In rural Pennsylvania this issue hits home. Many doctors are relocating to big cities where they can be part of a larger practice, specifically because they can't afford the insurance premiums on their own. In rural areas we have to travel farther and farther for quality health care--this dramatically affects our quality of life. Who wants to move to an area where they can't get health care? It becomes more worrisome when it is an emergency. it is common knowledge that the sooner you get to the doctor the better chance you have in surviving a serious medical emergency. In rural areas, emergency medical personnel have to travel to the patient, diagnose the problem and then transport them to the nearest facility that can treat them. The further they have to travel the less likely they will survive. Mr. Speaker, by passing H.R. 4600, we will take significant steps toward stabilizing the medical liability system by both safeguarding patients' access to care while helping to address skyrocketing health care costs. Congress needs to work for the betterment of the whole nation and pass this common-sense well tested package of reforms.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4691, the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act. This legislation simply clarifies current law. In 1996, Congress passed and then President Clinton signed into law the existing nondiscrimination statute which protects ``health care entities'' from being forced by the government to perform abortions. The purpose of the legislation before us today is to clarify that ``health care entities'' includes all health care organizations, including hospitals. This bill, despite all the rhetoric we hear from the other side, will not prevent women from obtaining abortions. What this bill does do is say to our hospitals and healthcare personnel that the government will not force them to perform a procedure that is in conflict with their personal moral beliefs. I think it is important to note that most hospitals in this Nation will not even get involved in abortion. That is largely due to the fact the basic function of a hospital is to preserve life not to take it. I, like many across this Nation, believe that abortion is wrong. Life is a sacred gift from our Creator which should be protected. This, however, is not an abortion debate. This is a debate about allowing individuals to exercise their moral conscience. I cannot believe that there is a single person in this body who would say that we should force someone to perform a procedure that goes against every fiber of their moral and ethical being. It is in this vein, Mr. Chairman, that I urge passage of H.R. 4691.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Experience Works, a nonprofit organization that provides training, employment, and community service opportunities for mature workers. Experience Works provides a valuable service to seniors thru various programs designed to help them enter the workforce, secure a more challenging position, move into a new career, or supplement their income. These services are provided to more than 125,000 people each year thru their offices located in 44 states nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Experience Works programs are funded by more than 75 public and private sources, and are the largest grantee of the federal government's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Through their work, they provide seniors the tools to use their many talents to help others in various settings. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give special recognition to the 2002 Blair County Outstanding Older Worker, Romaine Fleming, and Martin's Food Store, the 2002 Blair County Outstanding Employer of Older Workers. Ms. Fleming was selected for her long-standing contributions to the community. Her most notable contribution is her 34 years of dedicated service to Child Advocates of Blair County, Inc. Ms. Fleming is an inspiration to all those she works with and those she helps in her day to day activities. I congratulate her on this well deserved recognition and thank her for her service to the community of Blair County. I would also like to extend my congratulations for their recognition and my thanks to Martin's Food Store for their outstanding contributions to the community as well. They are an organization that displays a strong respect for mature workers and recognizes all the benefits this workforce can bring to an institution and a community. Their desire to secure older workers demonstrates their belief that the experience and reliability of these workers can add incredible strength to any organization. I would like to again extend my thanks to Experience Works for all their hard work and contributions they provide the older workers in this country and congratulate Romaine Fleming and Martin's Food Store for their recognition as the 2002 Blair County Outstanding Older Worker and Outstanding Employer of Older Workers, respectively. I wish them all the best of luck as they continue to enrich the lives of others, as well as their own, through their many contributions.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you and all of my colleagues a poem written by Mr. Bruce Starr of Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania in remembrance of the tragic events of September 11. Mr. Starr's poem eloquently speaks of the spirit and the sense of unity that is America. I Am America (By: Bruce A. Starr, Warfordsburg, PA) I AM a most magnificent land of dreams with wondrous opportunity of fabulous wealth. I AM holding a vision for all of happiness and radiant health. I AM loving and caring for children of God everywhere, and my generous sharing is beyond compare. I AM bringing hope and courage to many for a really fresh, new start. I AM the joy of freedom that beats from my heart. I AM a powerful light of spirit which gloriously illumines the earth. To peace in the valley, I am graciously giving birth. I AM patiently awaiting everyone's communion, for our gentleness and strength abides in union. I AM the truth and beauty that sets souls free, and I AM guarding and protecting your God-given right to be! For after all, ``I AM America!''

Mr. SHUSTER

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I just want to close by thanking again the ranking member on the subcommittee for his support. As he stated, this is good bipartisan legislation, and I would urge all of my colleagues to vote today to pass the Dam Safety and Security Act. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the interest in the legislation my colleague from Oregon has shown, and we are prepared to accept the amendment. The amendment merely clarifies that the director may invite a representative of the national laboratories of the Department of Energy to participate in meetings or working groups of the board. This amendment makes no substantive change to existing law and, in fact, represents current practice of FEMA which is to include the national labs in many of their activities. I am pleased that we could come to a mutually agreed-upon resolution to this amendment, and I appreciate the gentleman from Oregon's (Mr. Wu) interest on this issue.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the remainder of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute be printed in the Record and open to amendment at any point.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Dam Safety and Security Act. This important legislation reauthorizes a program that has directly helped the States and protects the citizens of this country. This program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, provides vital assistance to States, and actually saves the government money by helping prevent dam accidents from happening, allowing FEMA to direct its emergency funds where they are needed most. Dams provide tremendous benefits, including water supply for drinking, irrigation and industrial uses, flood control, hydroelectric power, recreation, and navigation. At the same time, dams also represent one of the greatest risks to public safety. Historically, some of the largest disasters in U.S. history have resulted in dam failures. In 1928, the St. Francis Dam failure killed more than 500 Californians. During the 1970s, the Buffalo Creek Teton and Toccoa Creek Dam failures collectively cost 175 lives and over $1 billion in losses. In 1889, the collapse of the South Fork Dam decimated the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing more than 2,000 people. Despite the tragedies of the past, many dams are not maintained properly. Dams require ongoing maintenance, monitoring, safety inspections, and rehabilitation. In the past 2 years, more than 520 dam incidents, including 61 dam failures, were reported. While the Federal Government maintains many well known dams, like the Hoover Dam, more than 90 percent of the dams, over 100,000 dams, are regulated by the States. Additionally, the number of high hazard potential dams whose failures would cause loss of human life or severe property damage is increasing due to the development of downstream land. Today, there are almost 10,000 high hazard potential dams. Even more alarming, States presently report approximately 23,100 unsafe dams which have deficiencies that leave them highly susceptible to failure. Some States, Delaware, for example, have relatively few dams, while others like Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas have 4,000 dams each. Many States fully fund their dam safety program. Unfortunately, others do not. In Iowa, for example, a single staff person is responsible to devote one-third of his time to dam safety and yet be responsible for inspecting almost 11,000 State regulated dams. Clearly, more can be done. The combined effort of rapid downstream development and aging or non-compliant structures demands fully funded and staffed State dam safety programs, as well as substantial proactive funding for dam repairs. 1030 Not surprisingly, repairs to dams are expensive. Some estimates say as much as $7 billion across the United States. It is important to note that other Members of Congress are working on drafting separate legislation that would provide loans to dam owners to help cover the costs of repairs. I support the intent and look forward to reviewing the legislation. In an effort to ensure dam safety, Congress passed the National Dam Safety Program in 1996. Under that program State dam safety agencies received grants totaling $7 million to assist them with improving dam safety regulatory programs by procuring equipment, implementing new technology, and enabling more frequent inspections. The program also provides opportunities for continuing education to dam safety engineers and funding for research to advance the technology for investigations, construction, and the rehabilitation of dams. I am pleased to report this program was successful and deserves to be continued. It is important to note this model program sent the money directly to States, where it was used to educate, inform, and help protect the people. My State of Pennsylvania has been in the forefront of the Nation's dam safety efforts over the last two decades and our program has been cited as a role model for other States in developing new and expanded programs. Of the 3,200 dams in Pennsylvania, 950 are classified as high-hazard potential structures. This determination helps State dam officials identify which dams deserve regular inspection. In conversations with Pennsylvania State dam officials, they confirmed that they could not have done it without the National Dam Safety Program. This bill reauthorizes this successful program by updating and fine- tuning the underlying language and providing a modest boost to the funding for research and development. The total authorized funding is increased by $2.7 million per year, with $2 million being directed in State grants, $500,000 for research, and $200,000 for additional staff of FEMA to conduct training. Importantly, this legislation will also provide States the technical assistance necessary to maintain security for our Nation's dams. Specifically the program will develop cost-effective programs and procedures for hazard reduction; develop procedures to be used for dam site investigation, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and emergency preparedness; encourage the establishment of dam safety problems in each State; develop public awareness projects to increase acceptance and support of State dam safety programs; develop technical assistance materials for Federal and non-Federal dam safety programs; develop mechanisms to provide technical assistance to the non-Federal sector; and develop technical assistance and encourage appropriate security for our Nation's dams. Mr. Chairman, I would like to remind everybody how important dams are to this country. Dams provide hydroelectric power to almost every State in the Union, habitats for fish, birds and other animals, recreational activities from bird watching to water sports, flood control and are an important source of our drinking water. The positive impacts of dams may be influencing more people to build downstream from dams. This is not dangerous as long as dams are monitored and maintained. For these reasons and in memory of the thousands of lives lost to dam failures, I urge my colleagues to support this common sense legislation. Mr. Chairman, I would like to include in the Record three letters of support for this important legislation. The National Governors' Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials each sent a letter in support of the National Dam Safety and Security Act. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman, for his assistance and leadership on this bill; the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), subcommittee chairman, for his help and guidance. In addition, I appreciate the support of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), ranking member, and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) for their help in crafting this legislation. The letters referred to are as follows: National Governors Association, Washington, DC, September 3, 2002. To: All Members of the House of Representatives The National Governors Association supports legislation to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program Act, therefore, we urge you to support the ``Dam Safety and Security Act of 2002'' (H.R. 4727). From its $5.9 million annual authorization, the National Dam Safety Program provides $4 million per year in grants to states to help improve dam safety inspection, classification and regulatory programs, as well as $500,000 for training state dam safety inspectors. Dams are a critical component of state infrastructure, equal in importance to bridges, roads, or airports. They provide benefits such as water supply, flood control, power generation, navigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Dam failures can cause loss of life and significant financial impacts on downstream areas. The American Society of Civil Engineers, in their 2001 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, gave dams a grade of ``D,'' indicating a problem that deserves national attention. State governments have regulatory responsibility for 95 percent of the approximately 75,000 dams within the National Inventory of Dams. The bulk of the responsibility to ensure the safety of the nation's dams falls on the shoulders of the states, and concerns about homeland security have increased this burden. State dam safety programs vary in authority, but typically the program includes safety inspections of new and existing dams, review of plans and specifications for dam construction and repair, and review and approval of emergency action plans. H.R. 4727 makes only small changes in the existing National Dam Safety program but will continue a modest yet vital agenda for addressing America's dams. thank you for your consideration of our views. Sincerely, Governor Bob Wise, Chair, Committee on Natural Resources. Governor Bill Owens, Vice Chair, Committee on Natural Resources.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. SHUSTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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. 4727.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Burnham Fire Company for their 100th Anniversary and to thank them for their service and dedication to their community. The Burnham Fire Company was started in September 1902 due to an overwhelming need for fire protection in their community. Until this time, the community relied on nearby cities whose fire departments could not respond as rapidly as needed due to the distance they had to travel. The company in Burnham was assembled of volunteers, a hand pulled hose cart, and a motto that described with incredible foresight what personal sacrifices must be made to be fire fighters. That motto is ``Semper Puratus,'' which means ``Always Ready.'' Since the tragedy that befell this nation on September 11th, America has rediscovered her many heros. Heros come from all walks of life and display every day how they, like the Burnham Fire Company, follow the motto ``Semper Puratus.'' They are the men and women that are always ready to put themselves at risk for the greater good of others. Volunteers who are always ready to unselfishly give of their time to serve their communities. Individuals who are always ready to contribute to the success of the team rather than striving for personal glory. Burnham Fire Company still largely consists of a volunteer work force. These men and women are well trained and equipped, providing exceptional service to a community that is proud of thejob they have been doing for the past 100 years. I would like to again congratulate them on their 100th Anniversary and thank them for all their hard work and service.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4965, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002. This legislation would ban a gruesome procedure that kills a child who is just inches from birth. I will not go into the details of this cruel procedure. What I will mention, however, is that numerous medical experts have testified that fetuses are able to fully feel pain after 20 weeks of development, the time at which most partial birth abortion procedures occur. Some have questioned the constitutionality of partial-birth abortion bans. This legislation, however, clearly addresses questions that have surrounded previous bans in two key ways. First, H.R. 4965 narrowly defines what constitutes a partial-birth abortion. Second, this legislation deals with the question of health exemptions. H.R. 4965 presents extensive Congressional findings, based on the testimony of experts, that partial-birth abortions are never needed to save the life of the mother and that they often pose serious health risks to women. Mr. Speaker, the American Medical Association has concluded that partial-birth abortions are ``not an accepted medical practice.'' Yet, this cruel practice continues to take place. Congress has twice passed legislation to ban partial-birth abortions. Unfortunately, both times the legislation was vetoed by President Clinton. The time for Congress to act on this issue is here. President Bush has said that he would sign a ban on partial-birth abortions. Mr. Speaker, we finally have an opportunity to put in place a ban that protects the most innocent of our society--I urge passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3917, the Flight 93 National Memorial Act. This important measure would pay tribute to the passengers of Flight 93. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to protect their countrymen. It is only fitting that we establish a lasting memorial to these brave individuals. As we debate this measure, in this most revered of halls, I cannot help but contemplate the possibility that Flight 93 was headed to a target here in the Nation's Capitol--quite possibly right here to the Capitol itself. We will, however, never know for sure where that doomed flight was headed. We will never know, because men and women, put love of country ahead of self preservation. These were not super heros, but individuals just like you and me. Individuals with families and loved ones anxiously awaiting their return, who put aside their own desirers and stood up to combat terrorism and save countless lives. Mr. Speaker, shortly after the tragic events of September 11th, I had the opportunity to attend a memorial service for the passengers of Flight 93 in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was moved by the outpouring of support for the families of those who died. I knew immediately that this was indeed hallowed ground. Already thousands of visitors have flooded to Pennsylvania to pay their respects to these brave men and women and many more are expected to come. We must provide the American people with a proper place to both bring their grief as well as for them to pay honor and tribute to those who gave so much. The legislation before us today lays out a fair and balanced approach for construction of a memorial for these brave individuals. The legislation calls for the creation of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission which would be composed of representatives from the families of victims, the local community, the state of Pennsylvania and the United States Government. The Commission would then submit their recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. Mr. Speaker, we have all been inspired by the many heros who have emerged in the wake of September 11th. The passengers aboard Flight 93 are certainly heros. These brave men and women put the love of their country before themselves and are responsible for saving the lives of many. It is only proper that we construct a memorial where all Americans can come and honor these immensely courageous individuals. I urge passage of the Flight 93 Memorial Act.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Registers of Wills & Clerks of Orphans' Court (ROW/OC), comprising Pennsylvania's 67 counties, for their 75th Anniversary as a state association. This organization is a collective group of elected professionals who have come together to learn from one another and to work as one body. By doing this, they have succeeded in creating one set of standards, procedures, rules, and statutes that are used statewide. First organized in 1927, the ROW/OC Association of Pennsylvania, has strived to promote more effective government by concentrating on the priorities of information dissemination, education, and legislation. To best do this, they conduct an annual statewide conference for their members, which is an effective forum for education and the sharing of information. The result of this hard work, is the creation of a critical link between Pennsylvania's various departments, agencies, and the public who depend on these offices for a wide variety of purposes. I would like to once again congratulate the Register of Wills & Clerks of Orphans' Court Association of Pennsylvania on their 75th Anniversary as a state association and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4635. The safety of airplanes has been in the forefront of our committee's work for the past 10 months, and I would like to commend the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), as well as the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), the ranking members, for their dedication to making our skies safe. Since the tragedy of September 11, Congress has been dealing with the issue of security, and this Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act last year to revamp the entire transportation security system. Included in that security act was a provision allowing pilots to carry guns pending administration approval. Since the passage of the bill, the administration has been publicly conflicted on the issue and nothing has been done. If my colleagues examine the Aviation Security Act they will notice that 99 percent of the enhanced security provisions are passive, from new x-ray machines to protective cockpit doors. Training flight crews on self-defense and allowing pilots to be armed are the only provisions that involve active defense of the plane. The American public supports the arming of the cockpits, and additionally, over 40,000 pilots have signed a petition to the President asking him to allow them to carry guns. In my opinion, people realize that if a person cannot get into the cockpit they cannot take control of the plane. I also hope today that we can improve this bill by passing the Thune amendment, which will raise the cap of armed pilots from 2 percent to 10 percent which will give greater peace of mind to the traveling public. Today's debate should be about active defense versus strictly passive defense of a plane. I think it is time we allow the pilots to be the last line of defense of our planes rather than the current alternative, to shoot the plane out of the sky. H.R. 4635 is a positive step to protect our air transportation system. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Reverend Donald C. Nolder for his contributions to the community and congratulate him for receiving commendation from the Mayor and Town Council of the Borough of Chambersburg for his dedication and service to the community. Reverend Nolder was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania and after graduating from Lycoming College, he attended the seminary at Drew University. Once he completed his education, be was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church. Reverend Nolder was appointed the pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in July of 1992. Almost ten years later, he continues to serve his congregation and community faithfully and diligently. Like so many spiritual leaders in communities around the country, Reverend Nolder has known the value of Faith-Based Community Action Programs long before they became a topic of national debate. President George W. Bush is also a great supporter of faith-based programs and has praised their effectiveness because he knows how beneficial they can be to people in all regions of the country. In his own community, Reverend Nolder has been instrumental in establishing programs that make a marked improvement in the lives of community residents and provide an atmosphere that allows for their spiritual and personal growth. Some examples of these programs are: Summer Neighborhood Ministry for Children, English as a Second Language program, Thursday Evening Community Supper and Service, and a Support Group for Young Men with Addictive Behavior. I believe it is important that we allow the faith-based institutions in this country to become more involved in helping heal our communities from the damage caused by drugs, violence, and other social ills. Help should not only be available to the congregation, but the entire community, regardless of religious, cultural, or other differences. Reverend Nolder is an excellent example of doing just that--after a tragic fire he welcomed the St. Paul's United Methodist Church into his own, and for the past seven years he opened his doors to a Hispanic congregation. He welcomed both congregations with open arms and provided whatever help the church could. By ignoring cultural or religious lines of division, he increased access to help for people outside his immediate congregation and welcomed the addition of new friends. I would like to commend Reverend Donald C. Nolder again for his contributions, congratulate him on his successful programs, and thank him for his service at the First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg. I hope that he enjoys his retirement and I encourage him to continue his involvement in community activities.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the need for Congress to pass a comprehensive energy plan. Last August, with the support of President Bush, this body passed a responsible and balanced energy plan, a plan that frees us from the burden of dependence on foreign oil. It is time for this Congress to decide whether we are going to choose to be proactive or reactive. Are we going to wait until we are faced with an oil crisis similar to that of the 1970s? Should we simply sit by, or should we act on a plan put forth and passed by this House more than 9 months ago? H.R. 4 is a commonsense approach to our Nation's energy crisis. It is a plan that balances the need for production with conservation, as well as measures to protect the environment. H.R. 4 strengthens our Nation's energy infrastructure to ensure that energy gets to the consumers who need it. Further, H.R. 4 also will use tax incentives to encourage energy production, research efficiency, and conservation. All in all, H.R. 4 provides the energy for those who need it while at the same time making sure that it is cleaner, cheaper, and more dependable. Mr. Speaker, August will be the 1-year anniversary of H.R. 4 by this body. It is time for us to stop sitting idly by and enact the President's energy plan.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bonita and Kevin Schaeffer for their truly remarkable commitment to providing care to individuals with severe mental retardation, physical disabilities, and disease. On July 29th, 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer will be celebrating 20 years with Family Care Services, Inc. located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. During this time they have provided complete care to numerous individuals and continue to do so today. They currently care for five individuals that require assistance with almost all aspects of daily living. The story of the Schaeffers starts 20 years ago, before there were regulations to govern this type of care. They were the first family in the nation to obtain a C-1 license from the Department of Health for a private home. This license is the same one nursing homes are required to obtain. They continue to provide this high level of care with very little assistance from other direct care staff. This translates into long hours and limited time to themselves. However, Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have chosen this arrangement happily and without complaint demonstrating a level of commitment worthy of thanks and praise The Schaeffers are an excellent example of people who have chosen to live a life of service to others. They have opened their home and put the needs of others before their own for 20 years. Through personal sacrifice they are giving gifts of hope, strength, and love to those they care for. Although these gifts cannot cure the ailments of the body, they are a powerful medicine for the heart. I encourage others to follow the example the Schaeffers are setting by giving of themselves and helping others in any way they can. President George W. Bush, in his last State of the Union Address, challenged all of us to give two years or 4,000 hours of service over our lifetimes. I believe this is an important personal goal that we should all strive to reach. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have certainly accomplished this goal, yet they continue to inspire us all by continuing to go above and beyond the expected. I would like to again extend my congratulations to Bonita and Kevin for their 20th anniversary of service and extend my thanks for the contribution they are making to their community. I wish them all the very best in the years to come.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome our guest chaplain, Pastor Scott Custead, from Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Pastor Custead is a graduate of California State University and received his Master's in Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, California. He has been an ordained minister since 1981. He has also served at various churches throughout the State of Pennsylvania and has served this country from 1986 to 1992 as an Army Reserve chaplain. From 1984 through 1985, Pastor Custead served as campus minister at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. In 1986, Pastor Custead came to my home parish in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where I have had the privilege to come to know him and his family. As a parishioner of Pastor Custead's, I have seen firsthand his deep involvement within the community. Not only is Pastor Custead committed to the religious development of his church, he is also active in many civic organizations including the Hollidaysburg Children and Youth Service Board and is a member of various school and borough committees. Pastor Custead resides in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Carol, also a minister at our church; and they are the proud parents of two children, Linnea, who is heading off to college this fall at the University of Pittsburgh, and Ryan, who will begin his first year of high school at Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Custead, or as he is known to Zion members, Pastor Scott, and his family have been a valuable part of our community for many years. It is an honor for me today to welcome him to the House of Representatives, and I thank him for his continued dedication to his church, his community and his country.