Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3150. It is a superior piece of legislation. What we do is federalize the airport security system, which creates strict standards, control, and enforcement by the Federal Government, and it is based on proven systems. One thing I want to mention about H.R. 3150 is it specifically helps small and rural airports. First, it allows the AIP funds to be used to upgrade security, and waive rent for tenants, for those small businesses to get through this tough time. Additionally, the substitute bill has a two-tiered security approach, and H.R. 3150 does not have that. One of the things it allows for is the 30-foot distance you must stay away the terminal, to have the safeguards put in place sufficiently to protect the public. The problems with the substitute are many. One of the things I want to point out specifically are the $2.50 security fee emplanement charge. This is entirely unfair to rural travelers, for it doubles and sometimes triples their fees.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the success of an environmental organization from Huntingdon Area Middle School, a school in my district, that has shown determination to protect our precious natural resources. The students are members of Science Teams in Rural Environments for Aquatic Management Studies, or STREAMS. Members of the eleven year old organization, STREAMS, study watershed ecology and then apply their knowledge to resolving local environmental problems. The members of STREAMS share a common belief that we need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Three members under the leadership of STREAMS advisor Fred Wilson recently completed a stream assessment of Standing Stone Creek. I commend students Kaleigh Selisberto, Amy Slicker, and Margo Wilson for their hard work on this project. Let me share some of the accomplishments of STREAMS members over the last few years: Constructed a wetland--They helped design, pay for, construct, landscape and create partnerships to build the wetland completed in September 1996. Built a shallow ditch known as a swale--550 feet long by 35 feet wide with a two-feet depth to stabilize the streambanks with vegetation and prevent erosion, completed in September 1998. Created Riparian Buffer Projects--Planted vegetation along a stream to stabilize the 550 feet swale in March 1999, and a second project was completed along another 440 feet swale in October 1999. Planted Street Trees--Since 1995, students planted over 100 street trees, costing $4,100, in Huntingdon Borough. Completed Streambanks Restoration Projects--To encourage private property owners along Muddy Run stream to restore streambanks sections of the waterway, made a monetary contribution to help one homeowner place a 60 feet rip rap along an eroded high bank and donated large limestone rocks for a project on 24th Street. Established a Tree Honorarium Program--In 1998, established a Community Tree Honorarium Award for people who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life in Huntingdon. American veterans were the first recipients of this program. Education--Delivered a paper document that they created to over 400 residences in the Muddy Run Watershed explaining how land management practices could help prevent storm water runoff, April 1998. Started a School Recycling Program--The school district is now the largest recycler in the Huntingdon Borough. Through their participation in the STREAMS organization the students of Huntingdon Area Middle School have learned the value of citizenship and stewardship in their community. Mr. Speaker, I think each one of us has the right to enjoy the great outdoors either through camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking, biking, or any outdoor activity in which people choose to engage. Each one of us also has a larger responsibility to leave our environment cleaner than we received it so our children and grandchildren may enjoy the splendors of mother nature. The participants of STREAMS each deserve thanks for helping to improve our environment.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, my vote in favor of the Labor-HHS Education Appropriations bill was not recorded. I am here to make sure that I am on record as officially supporting this bipartisan bill. Chairman Regula and Ranking Member Obey crafted a fine bill, proven by the fact that 85 percent of this Chamber supported it. I congratulate the chairman and ranking member in their efforts and want to let them know that I too am supportive of their efforts.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring this great chamber's attention to a distinguished decorated military veteran recently elected state commander of the Department of Pennsylvania Disabled American Veterans (PADAV). Mr. Charles G. Ofiesh, a resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, located in the 9th Congressional District, served honorably during WWII and the Korean War. After his return from the Korean War, Mr. Ofiesh enlisted with the 341st Medical Company, Army Reserve, Altoona, and quickly rose to the rank of first sergeant-- a position to held for years. Mr. Ofiesh was then transferred to the 99th Army Command where he was soon promoted to command sergeant major where he served until his retirement in November 1984. During his distinguished military career, Mr. Ofiesh received over 24 awards and decorations, most notably the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Mr. Ofiesh is a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, has served as a member of the Altoona City Zoning Appeals Board for over 24 years and is very active in the Civil Air Patrol program. The tragic incident of September 11th reminds all of us to honor our military, both past and present. Mr. Ofiesh is a person who believes in America and fought admirably to protect our country. Mr. Ofiesh deserves the recognition from Congress and we should take notice and acknowledge all of heroes like Mr. Ofiesh. I look forward to working with him in his new role as state commander of PADAV and joining the fight to ensure that all veterans and their families receive the respect and benefits that they have earned. Mr. Speaker, I would like to place a copy of the article from the Altoona Mirror into the Record. [From the Altonna Mirror, Sept. 30, 2001] Local Man Elected To Head Pa. Disabled American Veterans (By Mark Leberfinger) Charles G. Ofiesh has worn many hats over the years: government official, parade marshal, businessman and decorated military veteran. Now he has a new hat to wear as state commander of the Department of Pennsylvania Disabled American Veterans. ``He's a guy whose feet never stop,'' department adjutant John W. Neeves said. ``He's always on the go. ``He has all the attributes a leader should possess.'' Ofiesh was elected to his new role during the Disabled American Veterans' Pennsylvania convention in June. DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932. It is the official voice of America's service-connected disabled veterans. Ofiesh said he joined the organization because he felt he could do more directly helping veterans than he could in other organizations. ``The DAV takes care of members of the Legion and VFW, everybody,'' he said. ``You don't have to be a DAV member to be served. ``I couldn't do near what I could do in the other organizations what I can do in the DAV,'' Ofiesh said. He has been working on several goals for the organization including improving the transportation system that takes veterans to area VA medical centers and doctor appointments and increasing membership in the nearly 53,000-member organization. ``The DAV is lobbying all the time for veterans,'' the new state commander said. ``We're trying to tell them `you made promises and you need to keep those promises'--to take care of the veterans for life after they came home.'' In addition, the state Disabled American Veterans is seeking more grant money from the Commonwealth to purchase more vans for the James E. VanZandt VA Medical Center and the seven other VA centers in the state. Before taking the reins of the state DAV, Ofiesh served as the organization's junior vice commander and senior vice commander. He already has represented the state organization at various statewide veterans meetings. ``There are so many organizations and they're all working toward one goal: to support the veterans,'' he said. Ofiesh served in the 24th Infantry Division during World War II and the Korean War. After his return from Korea, he enlisted with the 341st Medical Company, Army Reserve, Altoona. Ofiesh rose to the rank of first sergeant, a rank he held for 16 years. He was transferred to the 99th Army Command in Oakdale, where he was promoted to command sergeant major. He retired at that rank in November 1984. During his military career Ofiesh received many military awards including the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Ofiesh and his wife, Helen, have three children and three grandchildren. He is a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ofiesh has served as a member of the Altoona City Zoning Appeals Board for 42 years. He is also a member of the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. and Blair County Industrial Development Authority. Ofiesh has been grand marshal for parades in Altoona during the past 20 years. ``I would call the commander's honor the crowning glory, my final salute,'' he said, ``because all the other things I've done aren't of the magnitude of state commander of an organization like the DAV.''

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring this great chamber's attention to another sermon I recently heard. People across the United States of America are still trying to figure out why these men carried out their terrorist attacks on September 11th. I believe this sermon may help those people deal with this tragedy. I recommend everyone to take a moment and read the sermon below. Mr. Speaker, I would like to place a copy of this sermon into the Record. ``Paul's Advice'' (By Pastor Carol Custead, Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg, PA) I can't imagine a more well timed lesson for this week than this second lesson which was appointed for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy. Here we find scriptural affirmation of what I said last Sunday was Luther's understanding of the role of government in this world--``It is the God-given vocation of good government to maintain order, peace, and safety so that civilization can function.'' We also find here a scriptural calling, issued by St. Paul, to prayer for our governmental leaders--something that we have seen much of in these last twelve days. People all over our nation & all over the world, of varying religions, have been flocking into churches, synagogues and mosques to pray-- and especially to pray for God to guide the leaders of the nations in wisdom and discernment in this time of crisis following the terrorist attacks on September 11. So let's start this morning by having a look at this scriptural passage. Here in 1 Timothy, Paul commends intercessory prayers for everyone, but most especially for ``kings and all who are in high positions''. Why does he single them out? It is ``so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity,'' St. Paul explains. In his context, we might expect that Paul is trying, by using these words, to assure the civil authorities that the Christian movement does not subvert or cause trouble for civic stability. Roman officials worried about that, especially since it became clear that the Christian movement was no longer a sect within Judaism, and that some Christians were refusing to sign the annual loyalty oath affirming the divinity of the Roman Emperor. But there is more reassurance in these words of Paul-- reassurance which pertains to our world situation today. As biblical commentators have frequently attested, across the centuries, the Christian movement, except in its most radical fanatic fringe branches, values a stable political order where justice is enforced, and injustice is appropriately restrained--a political order where people can expect to lead a quiet and peaceful life. Moreover, when the stability of political order is threatened, Christians must participate in efforts to regain that stability. Otherwise we are left in a Darwinian jungle where the survival of the fittest is the rule, and that means sheer power with both the threat and practice of violence. Therefore, Paul's advice about intercessory prayer for those in authority is more than a formality. It is a persistent reminder in our liturgies and life of prayer that a just political order is a necessity if individual rights are to be secured and opportunities for fulfillment accessible to all. In a society that has been increasingly cynical about government, about all institutions and people in authority, where professional wrestlers or entertainers are excessively admired and voted into office because the are not politicians, it is especially important for churches and individual Christians to keep up a lively intercessory prayer life for those who hold political positions of authority. It will not only keep us a bit less tainted by that cynicism; it might also lead us into greater participation in public life. It is also the case that when we pray for everyone, especially those in authority, our lives become more quiet and peaceable not just because the effect of our prayer is that the state will be governed in greater justice, but also because we will be more quiet and peaceable in spirit if we have prayed truly. As we have so greatly seen these past twelve days, intercessory prayer has that effect. It calms us down. It delivers us from the agitation of not being able to control events. It enables us to live and act with the conviction that this is God's world, to be guided according to God's purpose, not according to our own purposes. To pray with all our might, and to trust--that is the good advice we have from Paul. We have seen all of this at work in recent days. Never before in recent history have those in high positions asked us to pray so straightforwardly. We have seen how prayer can also be a unifying force in our nation and world. It has united Christians in an unprecedented way. Last Sunday evening we hosted a community-wide Prayer Service here at Zion. Approximately 320 people were packed tightly into these pews--people from many different congregations. There were Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, United Church of Christ, Methodist, and of course, Lutherans. It was a feeling of great comfort to know that in such a time of crisis we can come together in unity of purpose in prayer, for it is the same God that we pray to. It is also an amazing feeling to know that people all over the world are praying for America in this time of great need--to see that also Jews and Muslims are praying the same prayers we are praying. While they do not pray in Jesus' name as we do, it is still the same God to whom they pray. These three great monotheistic religions have come together in unity of purpose in an unprecedented way. The terrorist actions of a fanatic fringe group of Muslims have been the shame of so many Muslims worldwide. We should remember that we also have been shamed in the past by our own fanatic fringe groups such as the incident in Waco, Texas and mass suicide of Jim Jones and his followers. Therefore we can treat our good Muslim brothers and sisters with grace and we can pray with them and for them. We can pray with them for deliverance from the threat of militant Muslims, that those who have used violence as a means to grasp control in places such as Afghanistan might amend their ways or be ousted from their tyranny and murderous fanaticism. When we pray we dare not do so with an attitude that God is on our side as the fanatics have done. How presumptuous! Rather, let us pray that we may be given the wisdom and strength and insight to discern God's way in all that lies before us so that we may properly be on God's side in His ongoing war on evil. And when we pray, ``God bless America'' we dare not do so with an attitude of superiority to other nations of this world. For we believe that God does bless America--indeed that is our annual theme in this Harvest Home celebration. But that does not mean that God does not bless other nations and peoples also. As we pray for God to bless America today in this crisis let us remember that good people all around the world join us in that prayer. When we pray we dare not forget Jesus' teaching to pray for our enemies. Perhaps that is most difficult in this crisis. But this prayer is so important because it helps us to keep our focus and perspective. As President Bush said in his speech Thursday night, our enemy is not Islam. Our enemy is not the Arabs. It is not even the majority of Afghan people. But our enemy is all those, wherever and whoever they are throughout this world, who would inflict terror and violence on innocent people. To pray for these enemies means neither to cover up the conflict we have with them nor to downplay it's enormous seriousness, but rather to endure the tension of our conflict with them without succumbing to their level of hatred--indeed without succumbing to hatred at all. We do not need to hate the person but only the terrible evil acts that they commit. To pray for one's enemy in this way means that despite our conflict with them we recognize this enemy as a creature of God who has had a right to live--but not the right to commit an unjust act! So we earnestly pray for them to turn from their evil ways for the sake of the whole civilized world. Our purpose, then, for bringing them to justice, is not for the sake of vengeance, but for the sake of restoring order to our world so that people everywhere may once again expect to live in peace, quiet, safety and dignity. Finally, when we pray for our President, our government leaders, our military personnel--and those of all the nations who join us in our cause in this time of crisis, we ask God to give them insight, wisdom, and guidance in all that lies before them--in each decision they will need to make-- especially the difficult ones where the lives of poor, innocent people may be at stake. While it is inevitable that in our efforts to root out terrorism from this world some innocent people will likely be harmed, let us pray that that number be minimal and that the actions we must take will be effective in meeting the overall strategic goal. In the words of President Bush, ``In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may God watch over [us].'' Amen.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring this great chamber's attention to a sermon I recently heard at Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. I fully believe that there is a message in the sermon for all of us to learn. There are many people across the United States of American who are continuing to deal with the effects of the recent deadly terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I believe this sermon may help those people deal with this tragedy. Things to Keep in Mind (By Pastor Carol Custead) The scene is etched in our minds. It entered over our television screens in the safety and comfort of our homes, schools, and places of work; and it left us feeling vulnerable and shaken. The scene seemed surreal: a beautiful blue September sky over Manhattan, those magnificent human- made towers of the World Trade Center gleaming in the sunshine, with a jet airliner in the background--and then, suddenly we realized that that airplane was headed right for the towers at full speed. It struck with explosive force which ultimately toppled the tower with its thousands of innocent people in a cloud of dust on the floor of lower Manhattan. At first it looked like Hollywood's special effects at work on our screens. But soon the reality of this horrific scene sunk deeply into the American collective consciousness--indeed into the world's: America was under attack! Those headlines Tuesday morning were so unbelievable. For those who lived through Pearl Harbor the headlines, and the feelings that accompanied them, brought back memories of December 7, 1941. For those younger who have never experienced an attack on our great and powerful nation, it left us feeling helpless, frightened and confused like never before. What do we make of these things? So much has been said and written these past few days in an attempt to answer that question. I add my preacher's words in these short minutes to suggest a few spiritual things to keep in mind in the aftermath, and as we bravely face an uncertain future together. First, God is still good. These terrible acts of terrorism are in no way a part of God's plan. They are not God's will. What we have seen in the acts is that radical evil exists. Let me quote a basic definition of evil, which I have found to be helpful. ``Evil is anything that twists, blurs or destroys the goodness of God in His creation''. I repeat: Evil is anything that twists, blurs or destroys the goodness of God in His creation. God is good, and God's good will is ultimately accomplished, but that does not mean that everything that happens in this world is God's will. Evil runs its course in opposition to God's will. We can illustrate this in this way. Picture a stream running its course down the mountain and into the ocean. Someone could try to stop that stream from coming down the mountain. They might take some large rocks and build a dam across the course of the stream. But we know what would happen. The water would simply be diverted and find another way down the mountain. It will get to the ocean one way or another. So it is with God's will. We human beings can obstruct God's plan, intentionally or unknowingly, but it will ultimately reach its goal. We saw the face of evil on Tuesday. There are evil people in this world. The hijackers were trained to be killer pilots and indoctrinated with fanaticism--with an extremely twisted understanding of God's will which made them embrace mass murder and suicide, believing it to be a part of God's plan. Make no mistake: this is not what traditional Islam teaches. The Islamic or Muslim faith does not condone violence or suicide. These Islamic extremists are very sick people who have twisted their religion--we should keep in mind that the strong majority of Muslims are good people who seek to do God's will within a moral code shared by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. Yes, we have seen radical evil at work this week, but goodness exists even more strongly. God is still good, and the goodness of God will ultimately prevail. Second, God is still in control. Part of what is so frightening in all this is that sense of helplessness, that sense that we have lost control. While evil seems to have struck a huge blow we need to keep in mind that God is at work healing and restoring goodness and order to our world. This can be seen through the many actions of good people following the attacks. Even though the scenes of horror have been etched into our minds, so have the countless scenes of heroism, bravery, mercy, kindness, compassion and goodness as the American people and people across the world have come to the aid of those directly affected. We must keep these scenes before us and remember them. We must dwell on the goodness and not on the evil so that evil will not win the day. Look at all the good things that God is still working even in the midst of this enormous tragedy. The world community is coming together in a common bond against the evil. The people of this huge nation are coming together like a close knit family to face the task of grieving and healing and getting on with our lives, knowing that if we stop living because this happened then we give the terrorists what they wanted. The words of encouragement from the people of Oklahoma City to the people of New York and Washington D.C. were well stated: ``Have hope. Life and goodness will return.'' Yes, God is still in control. Third, God is still our God. God is not some remote force out there that leaves us on our own in this desperate and broken world. He calls and gathers us into communities of faith where we can seek mutual comfort, assurance, and guidance. This week more than ever we can see why religion is not a private matter. We need these communities of faith. We need each other especially at times like this and God has not left us alone. We have the good resources of our faith--the faith that has been passed down by countless generations that have faced adversity. As the psalmist has written long ago, ``God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble . . . The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold.'' (Psalm 46) Finally, let me shift gears to answer a question that has been asked of both Pastor Scott and me this week. ``Would it be the Christian response to retaliate?'' While pacifistic Christians may answer ``no''; our answer is deeply steeped in the theology of Martin Luther--and St. Augustine and others before him. It is the God-given vocation of good government to maintain order, peace, and safety so that civilization can function. Civilized society is based upon the free movement and gathering of people for work, for school, and for the basic production and exchange of goods and services. Terrorism undermines the basic function of civilization--the free and safe movement and gathering of people for these purposes. The nations of this world do need to hold accountable and responsible those governments that allow these terrorists to function. A look back in history makes this clear. When the Roman Empire fell, and when the Empire was no longer able to provide for the safe movement and gathering of people; the economy, education, and culture collapsed. Then, what we now call the ``Dark Ages'' began--that period when Barbarians ruled the forests and no one was safe to leave their homes. Another example: What if some one was wandering the streets of this town and randomly shooting and killing innocent people? Would we not need the police to act to put an end to that so that we could safely leave our homes and go about our business again? The situation we face in our world today is much the same only on a much larger scale. More than ever, today we exist in a global community or a global society. This means that all governments must participate in fulfilling the basic function of government--that is to maintain the peace and order needed for civilization to function for the common good of all people. That is their God-given calling. The nations of this world will need to come together to take action as best we can against this new illusive enemy of terrorism that has attacked not only America but all of the civilized world. We must act not for the sake of vengeance or retribution, but for the sake of restoring safety, order and peace to our world. The very core of civilization has been threatened this week. The Christian response is not one of vengeance and retribution but one that will best restore order to our world--and that may only be possible in this broken world through military action. It is time for us to band together to pray earnestly for clarity in this matter by our nation's leaders, by all responsible and civilized national leaders of this world, and by the military. God help us! Amen.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 355 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the cowardly act of war set upon our country. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the citizens of this great country. As each one of us attempts to come to terms with this dastardly deed, the use of innocent civilians as a means to carry out this act was appalling. Unfortunately for our perpetrators, our resolve has been strengthened. This horrendous act has brought our Nation closer together, not farther apart, as I am sure was the intention. America now has a stronger will than any cowardly act like this can break. I guess you can say that the terrorists have woken the sleeping tiger. Now America is wide awake to the realities of the situation and angry. We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice one way or another. Congress is united in its desire to do whatever it takes to assist the President in this effort. I also strongly support holding those who harbor these terrorists as equally responsible. In my view, there is no separation. The full weight of the United States military should be brought down on all those responsible for the murder of our fellow Americans. God bless America.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1140, the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act. This landmark legislation will reform an antiquated retirement system, improve benefits for railroad retirees, increase benefits for approximately 50,000 railroad retiree widows, and reduce taxes on railroad employees. Opponents of H.R. 1140 say the bill will have a first year cost of $15 billion and will reduce funds available for other important programs. The truth is, truth in budgeting, and this bill should never have been scored the way it was. We restore truth in budgeting through this bill. H.R. 1140 has the support of both labor and industry management and deserves the overwhelming support of this House. This legislation is good for railroad families, it is good for America, and I urge the strong support for this legislation.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania very much for the introduction. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand here today as the newest Representative from the Ninth District from Pennsylvania. I want to thank the voters of central Pennsylvania for this incredible privilege. The faith and trust the people of Pennsylvania have placed in me is indeed an awesome responsibility. Over the past 4\1/2\ months, I have traveled throughout the 11 counties that make up the ninth district, from DuBois to Chambersburg. I have listened closely to the concerns of the people: teachers, factory workers, senior citizens, business owners, young people and farmers. And I come here today ready to represent their values and bring their voices and concerns to Washington. Job creation, tax relief for our families and businesses, strengthening and securing Social Security and Medicare for this generation and the next are among my top priorities. I am particularly honored to be sworn in today and cast my first vote for H.R. 1, the President's education plan. As the father of two young children in public schools and the husband of a schoolteacher, I can tell my colleagues that reforming and improving our education system is one of the most important areas that Congress can act on. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the days and months ahead working with my colleagues, and especially those in the Pennsylvania delegation, in accomplishing the people's business. Finally, I want to thank my family and friends, many of whom have traveled down here to be with me today. Without their continued love and support, I would not be here. I would especially like to thank my mother, Pat; and my father, Bud; my wife, Becky; and my two children, Ali and Garrett. Again, none of this would be possible without their love and support.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize a man from my home State of Pennsylvania who has dedicated 32 years of his life to enhancing the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians by working to improve the safety and reliability of the Nation's surface transportation network. Henry L. (Hank) Heck, Jr. has been with the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors since 1969 and has been executive vice president of the association since 1980. Over these past many years, both Hank and I have worked toward similar goals and fought similar battles--myself in the U.S. Congress and Hank on behalf of his association's members throughout the Keystone State. Anyone who knows Hank holds a great respect and admiration for his distinguished career--spanning more than three decades. Now that his well-earned retirement is upon us, Hank will be remembered as both a leader and friend by the many individuals throughout Pennsylvania's transportation construction industry who have had the privilege of working with him. Although Hank has spent most of his career with the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, his leadership has benefited several other organizations as well. As past chairman of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association's (ARTBA) Council of State Executives, Hank led the association's State chapter affiliates in supporting ARTBA's pursuit to increase federal investment in our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Hank's accomplishments also include service as past president of the Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives, the American Society of Highway Engineers (Harrisburg Chapter), and the Harrisburg Trade Association Executives. He also currently serves as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association. A man does not simply lead by his title alone, and Hank has exemplified what it means to be a true leader and a strong advocate for transportation infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have considered Hank to be both a trusted friend and a knowledgeable advisor. Although many will most certainly miss Hank's everyday presence, his impact on the construction industry will be felt for many years to come. I would like to thank Hank for his commitment and service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania over the past 32 years and I respectfully request that the House join me in wishing Hank the very best as he begins his retirement with his wife, Jody, and their family at his side.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, at the end of this month, I am retiring from Congress after being fortunate enough to represent the 9th District of Pennsylvania for 28 years, most recently as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I am proudest of my efforts to improve the nation's transportation system, especially highways, transit, and airports. In 1998, I introduced the Transportation, Equity Act for the 21st Century, which guaranteed that revenue from highway users will be used to fund transportation improvements. This landmark legislation, TEA-21, will result in a $219 billion investment in highway and transit systems by 2003. And last April, President Clinton signed into law my Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21), which will unlock revenue from taxes on airline tickets to enhance aviation safety and improve infrastructure by providing more money for terminals, gates, taxiways and other improvements. Overall funding for Federal Aviation Administration programs will increase from about $10 billion in fiscal 2000 to more than $13 billion annually over the next three years. However, I believe this bipartisan measure should be regarded as only a first step. The FAA still lacks funding to modernize the air traffic control system, and we remain woefully short of airport capacity to serve the 660 million passengers who fly each year, a number that has more than doubled since 1978. In recent months, there has been considerable discussion about how consolidation in the airline industry will affect the future of air travel, particularly in the wake of proposed mergers between United Airlines and US Airways, initiated last May, and the American Airlines takeover of TWA, announced this month. In my opinion, much of the concern about these developments is misplaced. The United-US Airways merger, for example, will create more than 500 new airport-to-airport routes, including 64 new domestic nonstop flights. But more importantly, it will preserve and expand access by US Airways passengers to a convenient, seamless, national and international airline network--the kind of air travel that is essential for companies doing business in today's global economy. Without this merger, US Airways is almost certain to fade away, costing tens of thousands of jobs and reducing air service--especially for smaller cities on less-profitable routes that usually are the first to lose flights and the last to get them back. Many of the same benefits apply to the American Airlines purchase of TWA, which has lost money for a decade and is now in its third visit to bankruptcy court. American gains a strong hub in St. Louis, allowing it to increase competition by adding capacity. But more significantly, the deal will preserve access to a competitive, comprehensive airline network for the cities now served by TWA. Certainly, these mergers raise some issues, which are being handled by the Justice Department. United has proposed to increase competitiveness by operating the Boston-New York-Washington shuttle with American. DC Air, the spin-off airline created by the merger, will preserve service from Reagan National Airport to the 43 cities now served by US Airways. In addition, American is buying 49 percent of DC Air (thus giving the new airline access to American's planes, capital and operating expertise), and has agreed to maintain nonstop service on five key hug-to-hub flights where both United and US Airways currently operate for at least 10 years to ensure competition. I believe Justice is quite capable of ensuring that these mergers will benefit the traveling public. But I think it would be a mistake to re-regulate the airlines, as suggested by some well-meaning lawmakers. The airline industry does not need federally mandated competition ``guidelines''--it needs the gates, terminals, runways and traffic control systems that will allow it to grow. Even though many carriers have come and gone in the 20-plus years since airlines were deregulated, average fares have dropped 40 percent in constant dollars--proof of healthy competition in the skies. Half a century ago, the president and Congress launched what became the world's greatest road network, America's Interstate highway system. I am proud that we have taken steps to preserve that network. And I hope that the new Administration and Congress will make the same effort to enhance our nation's system of air travel.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, twenty-eight years ago it was my great privilege to win my first nomination to the United States Congress from the 9th District of Pennsylvania. Since that memorable moment, it has been an even greater privilege to receive both the Republican and Democratic nominations nine times, a record never before achieved in Pennsylvania's history. For that opportunity to serve my country and the people of our region, I shall be forever grateful. In recent months, both my wife, Patty, and I have been in hospitals with different health scares. While we remain optimistic, these experiences have caused me to re-evaluate my priorities and responsibilities. On April 6th, when the President signed my AIR-21 aviation act for the 21st century, I realized I had reached the pinnacle of my Congressional career. That landmark legislation, coupled with my TEA-21 highway, transit and safety Act, which became law the previous year, is the realization of my long and sometimes lonely battle to unlock America's major transportation trust funds so we could re-build the nation's transportation systems for the 21st century. And last month we finally got our Water Resources bill signed into law, including the Everglades, the largest environmental restoration project in the world. Having achieved these goals, after meeting with my family, we have decided now is the time for me to retire from Congress, as my Chairmanship of the largest and most productive committee in Congress comes to a close. While the scars of a hundred battles have taken a toll on both my family and me, in perspective, they are insignificant compared to the opportunities to do good things for people, or the broken neck I sustained in the course of my Congressional duties. All things considered, we decided now is the time to smell the roses while we still can. Like my boyhood baseball idol, Lou Gehrig, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth--to have realized my dream of becoming a U.S. Congressman. The opportunities to help thousands of people, to author major legislation to re-build America, to serve as the Chairman of the largest Committee in the history of Congress, and to have served as the Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee during our historic victory in the Cold War, all have exceeded my fondest expectations. Having decided to retire, it is neither in the best interests of my constituents, nor in my nature, for me to linger on as a ``lame duck''. By retiring at the end of this month, effective January 31st, the Governor can call a special election to quickly elect my successor for the new Congress. During the interim, our Congressional offices will continue to be staffed by the current employees to serve our District. To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, now is the time for me to return to that higher station in life--that of a private citizen. My prayer is that God may bless America and the wonderful people who have supported me and my family through these many years.