Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, today Congress can finally do something positive when it comes to energy, the energy situation in this country, and that is to pass this landmark legislation, The Passenger Rail Investment Improvement Act of 2008.

With gas prices today at $4 a gallon, we, on both sides of the aisle, can join together and move to improve passenger rail in this country. And it is, as I said, something that will be a positive for the energy situation.

When you look at the airlines, they consume 20 percent more energy per passenger mile than Amtrak does to move a passenger. Passenger cars consume over 27 percent more energy per passenger mile than Amtrak. Amtrak is the most efficient way to move large numbers of people in our country today. So this is going to help with the energy situation. It's a positive step in the right direction. We still need to do much more but this is a positive step.

The other situation that we're facing in this country is a growing population. It took, we just recently crossed over the 300 million threshold in population in our country. It took us 65 years to go from 200 million to 300 million. It'll take us just 35 years to go from 300 million to 400 million.

And if you look around the country, and what I have is a chart that shows these corridors throughout the country. This is where the population density is going to get even thicker and more dense throughout this country. And this is where we're talking about down the road expanding high-speed rail across the country to help move passengers, to get people out of their

cars, to move them efficiently, to get them into our major urban areas and get them out again and get them between major urban areas.

So, as I said, as the population grows, Amtrak can be there with intercity travel helping us to move people. And people are desperate to get out of their cars, I believe, especially when you're traveling to and from. I know in Pennsylvania we've had a fantastic partnership between the State and Amtrak to establish the Keystone line. It travels over 100 miles an hour, and gets you from Harrisburg, the State Capitol to downtown Philadelphia in about an hour and 35 minutes, an hour and 40 minutes; no messing with traffic, no congestion.

Once again, the American people, I think, will get out of their cars and get on this intercity travel if we establish a system that works, a system that moves people fast and conveniently.

Three provisions in this legislation that I'm very pleased to see we've put in here. First, a private partnership with Amtrak, the Department of Transportation, identifying two of the worst performing lines in the country and putting them out for bid, allowing the private sector to come in and take those lines over and have a hand at trying to make them more efficient, trying their hand at finding ways to improve rail traffic, to decrease costs. So I'm very pleased that that's in here.

Second, a private partnership that we're looking at is, as my colleague from Florida stated, to re-establish a line that has been abandoned by Amtrak, that's no longer in service, to have the private sector come in and around the country see where one of those lines are and to re-establish that.

And third, as the gentleman from Florida talked about the Northeast Corridor, putting a request for a proposal in to have private industry come in in a partnership to look at how much it's going to cost us to take the Northeast Corridor and truly make it a high-speed rail corridor from New York City to Washington, D.C., traveling in 2 hours or less, which is something that, once again, I believe that the American people will embrace.

So for my colleagues that we've debated on this floor, I've watched debates for the last 20 years on this floor. There's always been an argument; can the private sector do it better. No, the government has to do it. Well here we're going to have some tests. We're going to have I believe some positive results in a public/private partnership that we'll be able to look to be able to expand passenger rail in this country. So I'm very pleased with that.

One thing I do want to point out in this that I've heard a lot of talk, that this legislation does not change Davis-Bacon law. There are people running around town here saying that this does change Davis- Bacon law. It does not change Davis-Bacon law. So for any of my colleagues that wish to have a discussion with me on that, I'm happy to do that. But I want to make sure that that's been pointed out here.

And finally, I want to say thank you to the chairman for his goodwill and his allowing me to put some of my ideas in this legislation. Also Chairwoman Brown and our partnership on the subcommittee. I appreciate her leadership. I thank you both very much.

And also to Mr. Mica for giving me the opportunity to be the ranking member and also including me deeply in all the discussions as we were able to craft this legislation.

So I would encourage all my colleagues to support this today. This is something positive we can do for America, a positive step we can take to help with our energy situation. And I think it's just a win/win for everybody in America today as we move forward to establish some high- speed rail corridors around this country.

I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

I appreciate the gentlewoman from Ohio bringing this issue to the forefront. We had discussed this in committee while putting this legislation together, but it is not addressed in the underlying legislation, and I certainly believe it's an important issue that needs to be resolved; and I will be pleased to work with you and other members of the committee to try to address this situation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise in support of this amendment. And I am not going to run down through. The chairman did a good job of going over all the provisions in this manager's amendment. But we have reached a bipartisan agreement between Mr. Oberstar and Ms. Brown, Mr. Mica and myself, so we support the amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

At this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), the ranking member.

Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, if the gentleman is through.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to close by talking directly to my colleagues who have over the years been on the floor arguing against Amtrak, arguing to cut Amtrak. I think that this agreement we have here today, there are two important reasons to support this.

First, because of the energy situation in our country. Amtrak does provide a positive alternative to get people out of their cars and to travel, inter-city travel around this country. So that is the first point.

Energy, it is a positive thing we can do for America for energy, and we haven't done anything positive in the last 18 months. Here is something positive we can do on that front.

Second, my colleagues who argue against Amtrak talk about the private sector and how they can do things. Well, this bill has three provisions in it that allow for pilot projects for the private sector to come in to take over underperforming lines, to reestablish lines that are no longer in operation by Amtrak and reestablish them, and to demonstrate what the private sector can do in passenger rail service.

After these lines are taken over, we will have concrete evidence as to what the private sector can do. I feel confident they will be able to perform very well and we will no longer be on the floor theoretically debating. We will say, look what the private sector has done on this line. Look what they have done on the other line. We will have that evidence and have real world facts before us, and that is a positive thing.

So those are two things that my colleagues that have been down here opposing Amtrak today can come to the floor for. I urge them to support the manager's amendment and I urge them to support the underlying legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

I just want to say that the gentleman from Washington has a commonsense amendment. I think encouraging collaboration between Amtrak and commuter rail systems is a positive thing. I urge all Members to accept and support this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

I just wanted to say that we accept the amendment. Anything to do with improving technology on trains we certainly support.

I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

I just wanted to say that the situation highlighting the situation is certainly important, and I understand why the gentleman is highlighting it.

It would have been covered, it is covered in the underlying bill I believe. But as I said, I understand why the gentleman wants to highlight the situation. And this report to determine the cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance is extremely important, and we need to tend to that. This Northeast Corridor is extremely important and, as I said, I do not oppose the amendment, and would accept it.

I yield back my time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time. I yielded back prematurely.

Mr. Chairman, I was hoping to get this train running on time, excuse the pun, so if somebody needs me to yield time to them, I will make it available.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the chairman.

(Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes of our time to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition although I do not oppose the amendment.

We support it, accept the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I will yield to the gentleman.

(Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and I want to start today by saying that it's a shame that this Congress and that the majority party, for 18 months, has failed to do anything to alleviate our energy problems in this country. We've had ample opportunity to pass legislation that will deal with this rising cost of energy this country, and as I've said, we've done nothing. The American people are crying out for us to do something.

And what we can do, it's obvious, in the short-term it's supply. It's look for new sources of oil, explore in different parts of this country, offshore. That's the answer in the short-term.

The long term-we have other technologies, clean coal technology, nuclear energy. We have to start doing something here. The American people, as I said, are crying out.

Gas in my district is $4 a gallon. In my 7 years in Congress, I've been approached by people to tell me they disagree with me on this issue or that issue. But I've never had people come up to me and at the gas pump and yell at me publicly about this Congress doing absolutely nothing.

The time is now. We have to act. We've already, 7, 15 years ago we should have been acting. But we have to move today. As I said, it's just a shame that we haven't done anything sooner.

That being said, I think that this bill that we have before us today, The Passenger Rail Investment Improvement Act, does something positive when it comes to energy in this country. It's a small step. It's a positive step, but it's a step I think it's important for us to take today.

The last time that we authorized Amtrak was 1997. Gas was $1.27 a gallon, and today, as I said, in Central Pennsylvania it's hovering around $4 a gallon.

We also have, in this country, in 2005, we passed the 300 million mark in population. It took us 65 years to go from 200 million to 300 million. It's only going to take us 35 years to go from 300 million to 400 million. And that population isn't all going to move out into the West and to the middle of the country. That population will move around some, but those corridors around the country that are densely populated, the Northeast Corridor, Chicago, the west coast, throughout Texas, Florida, up and down the east coast, those corridors are going to become even more, the population is going to become denser.

So it's important that we do things to encourage people to use other forms of transportation, and passenger rail is one of those modes of transportation. It is one of the, if not the most efficient modes of transportation to move people, move large quantities of people. And I think that that's an extremely important reason for us to move forward.

As we watch fuel prices escalate, as we watch the population continue to grow, and as I said, the American people are desperate to escape gas prices, long commutes that define their work days, and I think this is a way for us to move forward.

Now, in the bill there are some important provisions, and one of the reasons that myself and the Ranking Member Mica signed on to it, and there are some private sector initiatives. First, we authorize in this bill for Amtrak, the IG and the Department of Transportation to identify the least of the underperforming, significantly underperforming lines in this country; identify at least two of them. That we then turn to the private sector and allow them to bid to take those lines over, and to allow them to run them and see if we can't turn them into efficient operations.

The second privatization initiative is to take a line in this country that Amtrak has stopped using, has abandoned because of high cost or whatever reason, and allow the private sector to take it over, re- establish it and run it efficiently and profitably, we hope.

And third is the Northeast Corridor. It is the most used corridor in the country. We need to establish high speed rail in this country, and the Northeast Corridor is where we need to do it, from Washington to New York; to get private sector companies to come to the table to give real bids on how much it's going to cost to establish high speed rail in this country. Not pie in the sky, not throwing darts, as we've done over the years, but to have real numbers, if it's $10 billion, $20 billion, $60 billion, how much is it going to cost us to have true high speed which we need in this country, because of the population growth, because of energy costs that we have in this country.

High speed rail is extremely important in this authorization. And for the past 20 years we've had a theoretical debate on this floor about can the private sector run a railroad, can the public, is it the public responsibility, and can the public do it better than the private sector?

Well, I believe that the private sector can run a passenger rail system. And I just have to look back to history. From 1850 to 1950 the private sector ran a profitable passenger rail system.

For 100 years the private sector operated passenger rail profitably. But what happened to it wasn't mismanagement, it was aviation, the airplane that came about. It was the interstate highway system that we built in this country. So people got off the trains and got into their cars and into airplanes. That's what happened to passenger rail.

And for the last 30 some years, as the government's tried to run it, it's not done it efficiently. So this is an opportunity for us to have some real successes, some private sector successes, and we can end this debate.

Is the private sector able to run a railroad, a passenger rail system? I believe they are, and I believe that these initiatives are extremely important for us to have some successes to point to as we move down the road and give the American people something they need, a passenger rail system that is profitable, that is successful.

And I want to end as I started. We need to do something on energy. This is one small step in the right direction. We can do more to solve our energy problems in this country. We should do more, and we must do more. The American people deserve that.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of Todd ``Parney'' Parnell. Mr. Parnell will be recognized for his service by the Penn's Woods Council Boy Scouts of America as their Distinguished Citizen at the 2008 Blair County Friends of Scouting Luncheon on June 11, 2008.

From the time Mr. Parnell graduated from Messiah College in 1988 with a degree in physical education, he has constantly worked to increase the value of the community in which he has lived. Mr. Parnell began his minor league baseball career in 1990 when he joined the Eastern League's Reading Phillies as the club's Director of Sales and Marketing. His vivacity for the business and sports world made him a considered candidate for Assistant General Manager. His dedication and hard work has not gone unnoticed, recently he was elected as the League's Representative to the Baseball Chapel. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Parnell served as Vice President and General Manager of the Single- A Kannapolis Intimidators in the South Atlantic League. His tenacity to lead a team to success resulted in his recognition as the 1999 South Atlantic League General Manager of the Year.

Today, Mr. Parnell has served the Altoona Curve as their General Manager for seven seasons. His eternal optimism makes him a joy to work with even in the most serious moments of business. Mr. Parnell has been a key factor in helping the Curve set multiple single-game and season attendance marks at the Blair County Ballpark. His outgoing personality has continued to move the team to shatter sponsorship and corporate sales records. Under the steadfast leadership of Mr. Parnell, the Curve has been honored as Minor League Baseball's top franchise and winner of the John H. Johnson President's Trophy. In 2004, Mr. Parnell was awarded the Eastern League Executive of the Year Award, as well as the Larry MacPhail Trophy for promotional excellence. His demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm to the Altoona Curve has allowed the team to soar to new heights and has made them one of the most respected minor league baseball teams.

As he reflects upon his work as General Manager and his lifetime of achievements, Mr. Parnell can certainly be proud of his life of service to his team and his community, in which he has found great success. I look forward to celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of such a dedicated individual. His involvement has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Mr. Todd ``Parney'' Parnell the best in his future endeavors as he continues to serve the Altoona Curve as General Manager and a true leader. I thank him for his far-reaching commitment and service as he continues to add greatness to his community.

Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I am placing this statement in the Congressional Record.

Requesting Member: Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-9).

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Project Name: Army Reserve Center, Letterkenny Army Depot.

Account: MILCON, ARMY RESERVE.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot.

Address of Requesting Entity: Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:

Provide an authorization of $17.9 million for Army Reserve Center, Letterkenny Army Depot.

It is my understanding that funding for this project would consolidate three area Army Reserve facilities at the Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The project will provide a 300 member training facility with administrative areas, classrooms, assembly hall, arms vault, kitchen, equipment storage areas, physical training rooms, and maintenance facilities. LEAD has set aside 7.5 acres of secure federal land for construction of the Reserve Center. The Center will be constructed behind the Letterkenny fence and adjacent to 600 aces of federal land which are used for Reserve training. This facility will also meet all projected force protection and anti-terrorism standards. This project is in including the President's FY 2009 budget and the US Army Reserve Fiscal Year 2009

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial celebration of the town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1808, Liverpool is a beautiful town which resides along the Susquehanna River and possesses a rich and colorful history.

In 1808, Mr. John Staily warranted the plot of land upon which the foundation of Liverpool was originally set. The land was later deeded to John Huggins, who surveyed, plotted and extended Liverpool over time. On May 4, 1832 through acts of legislature, Liverpool became incorporated, and soon flourished into a bustling, vibrant town. An 1894 Liverpool Business Directory, supplied by the Liverpool Historians, holds a description of a town of thirty-seven businesses which supplied the bustling towns along the canal route. Liverpool continued to thrive over the past hundred years and continues to be an important place of commerce and community for the people of western and central Pennsylvania.

A celebration in honor of the town's history will be held between May 16, 2008 through May 18, 2008. The events will begin with a banquet at the Liverpool Legion Banquet Hall. Saturday morning the lively history of Liverpool will be retold by historic reenactors. There will be a multitude of arts and crafts, along with a presentation given by the 47th Regiment Band. It is a celebration which is certain to bring the strong community of Liverpool together. Led by dedicated elected officials, including President Walter S. Teats III, Vice President Stephen Drew, and Mayor John Mark, and the Liverpool Historians, adults and children who have made their homes in Liverpool are eager to celebrate the birth of the community which has supported and uplifted them throughout their lives. It is a town which is always willing to offer as much as they can to their community and whose community in turn gives back.

The town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania has provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has worked to help generations of men, women, and children throughout its history. I look forward to celebrating the 200th anniversary of such a wonderful town, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the state of Pennsylvania. I would like to wish all residents of Liverpool all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 183, 184, and 185 I was not present because I was returning from a field hearing. Had I been present I would have voted: ``yes'' on rollcall 183--H. Res. 886, ``yes'' on rollcall 184--H. Res. 994, and ``yes'' on rollcall 185--H.R. 3548.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Crawford, who has been named Historian of the Year by the Bedford County Historical Society. Paul, who is the founder of the Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society in Bedford County, will he honored with this distinguished award at the Bedford County Historical Society's annual history banquet in April.

As founder of the Cumberland Valley Township Historical Society, Paul has dedicated much of his life to researching and preserving the history of his community. He serves as a true leader in the community and the Society, directing many of the projects and events of the organization. Paul is a constant presence in the Cumberland Valley region, active in various community events and projects that support and promote the region.

Paul's role as a historian cannot be denied. He is consistently found pouring over historical documents and photographs, researching, documenting, and cataloging the history of the Cumberland Valley Township so that others can learn and remember the stories of those that came before them. Paul is a great leader in the community, and Bedford County is lucky to have such a dedicated individual working for the benefit of the entire community.

Paul Crawford's dedication to the preservation of his community's history is admirable, and we can hope that others will follow in his footsteps and view our history with the same pride and honor as he has so clearly done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the current President of the Department of Pennsylvania's Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mrs. Kathy Jo McMillion Reinsmith. Mrs. Reinsmith will be recognized for her service at the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Testimonial Dinner on April 12.

Over the past decade Kathy Reinsmith has worked consistently to increase the value of the community in which she has lived. Not only has Mrs. Reinsmith served four terms as President, four terms as Sr. Vice President, and one term as Jr. Vice President of her Auxiliary, she is now serving her second year as Trustee. As President of the Department of Pennsylvania's Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mrs. Reinsmith has made it her mission to travel throughout the State of Pennsylvania and the United States, inspecting auxiliaries and attending a variety of functions in order to reach out to those around her. She has dedicated her time and energy not only to helping veterans in need, but also to students at Chambersburg High School where she has constantly served as a teacher. Currently, Mrs. Reinsmith serves as a Life Member for both the Durff-Kuhn VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Scotland School for Veterans Children and the VFW National Home for Children. Her commitment to her community has been exhibited through her involvement with several organizations, many of which she has chaired, including the Voice of Democracy, Buddy Poppy Jr. Girls, and the Patriots Pen Program.

Through these prominent positions Mrs. Reinsmith has volunteered much of her time to fundraising for the local community. One of her most memorable accomplishments is her dedication to the Food Stand at the Shippensburg Community Fair. She spent a multitude of hours working with those in the community to make the Fair a positive experience for all. Mrs. Reinsmith's passion and hard work have not gone unnoticed. During her first term as District 18 President in 1999, she received the Outstanding District President Medallion. While serving her second term as President of District 18, she received the Nation ``Remembrance'' Plate for the Legislative Program as well as the Outstanding Department Chairman Medallion. Mrs. Reinsmith was also recognized for her service to the community and was given the National ``Everyone Achieves Magic'' Plate.

As she reflects upon her work as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs. Reinsmith can be proud of her life of service with which she has found a great amount of success. I look forward to celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of such a dedicated individual. Her involvement has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Mrs. Kathy Jo Reinsmith all the best in her future endeavors as she continues to serve the Chambersburg County School District as a devoted teacher. I am sure she will continue to do great things for the community and I thank her for her dedication and service.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to extend congratulations to the members and leadership of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1758 in Waynesboro on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.

One-hundred years ago, citizens of Waynesboro organized Aerie #1758 with a simple objective, to ``make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope.'' They have succeeded!

Over the last 100 years, the Eagles have been an integral part of the Waynesboro community--providing civic leadership, raising funds for children, the elderly, and medical research, and improving the borough in ways great and small. The Eagles have made Waynesboro an immeasurably better place to live, work, and raise families.

I would like to thank the Waynesboro Fraternal Order of Eagles for all they have done for Waynesboro, the state, and the country. Congratulations to the members and leadership of Aerie #1758 and to Eagles who have assembled from across the country to be in Waynesboro on this occasion. Best wishes to them for the next 100 years and beyond!

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of Family Services Incorporated, a non-profit organization located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Family Services Incorporated has worked to provide vital services to the community.

Known at its founding as the Blair County Children's Aid Society, the organization was created to aid in the care and eventual adoption of abused and neglected children. A community-wide evaluation found that there was a need for a nonprofit agency to offer capable social work services aimed toward resolving individual, marital and family problems in 1967 and 1968. The United Way agency provided funding for Family and Children's Service of Blair County so it could provide programming and services to meet those needs. Throughout the 1970s, the agency established a residential program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Throughout the 1980s the agency served victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and runaway and homeless children. In 1997 the agency officially became Family Services Incorporated.

Led by a dedicated board of directors and management team, Family Services Incorporated is always willing to adjust programming for adults and children who seek its services. It has constantly endeavored to build healthier relationships within the community. Dedicated staff provide services through the Domestic Abuse Project, Crime Victim Support Services, Street Wise Outreach and Opportunity Program, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, Emergency Shelter for Men, Men helping Men, Developmental Disabilities Program, Protection from Abuse Office, Women Aware and Counseling.

Family Services Incorporated has provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has worked to help a multitude of men, women, and children throughout its history. I look forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of such a wonderful organization, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community. I would like to wish Family Services Incorporated all the best in its future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Indiana County, Pennsylvania, for being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in America by America's Promise Alliance. Indiana was one of only two communities in Pennsylvania to receive this award. It is a great honor and achievement by the government of Indiana County and, most importantly, its community. I am proud of their hard work and dedication to our youth.

The objective of the 100 Best Communities competition is to recognize outstanding community-wide efforts that improve the well-being of youth. Indiana County has achieved this through the creation of a Children's Advisory Commission to assess the needs of the children and youth of the county and create positive after school activities. The annual Family Fun Fest was also noticed for its ability to connect parents and youth in a way that strengthens the family bond and promotes positive behavior.

I congratulate the people of Indiana County and their government for creating an environment where young people can thrive in a nurturing environment. It is truly a great place to call home, a wonderful place where our youth can grow and thrive. The county has illustrated great initiative in creating an environment that encourages young people to get involved work together, and help others in their community. I am proud of the work Indiana County has done to encourage positive youth development, and I hope they continue to be recognized for their efforts.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 1155, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3985, the Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act, I was not present. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor G. Warren Elliott and Cheryl S. Plummer, who are retiring as members of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners after 12 years of leadership. Both were honored yesterday for their longtime service to the community at a retirement ceremony in Franklin County, PA.

Both Cheryl and Warren have dedicated much of their lives to bettering the region, both as commissioners and advocates of the community. They have served Franklin County honorably, bringing about key changes to operations and programs within the county, increasing efficiency and creating and revitalizing key community initiatives. With their leadership, Franklin County has become the best economy in Pennsylvania and number 5 overall in the entire northeastern region. Their service and leadership has been fundamental

to the success of the county and the quality of life of its residents. Commissioner Elliott and Commissioner Plummer jointly received the Outstanding County Commissioner of 2007 Award.

G. Warren Elliott has served as the chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for 12 years, leading one of the most successful and efficient boards in Franklin County history. Elliott has also served on numerous boards of directors, including the Franklin County Area Development Corporation and the Franklin County Conservation District. He has received multiple civic awards, including the Penn State Centennial Fellow Award and the Commissioner of the Year for Conservation Award. He also gives back to his alma mater, Shippensburg University, by serving as an adjunct faculty member. Commissioner Elliott's accomplishments are vast, and his work for the community irreplaceable. His presence will be sorely missed as he retires from his post as chairman of the board of commissioners.

Cheryl Plummer also served as a member of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for 12 years. She has dedicated much of her career to improving human services in the county, serving as chair of the Human Services Committee in the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. In addition to performing her duties as a county commissioner, Plummer led multiple community organizations, dedicating time and effort to the United Way, Chambersburg Area School District, and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. She has been recognized often for her efforts, and her dedication and leadership will be missed by her colleagues and community members.

Commissioner Elliott and Commissioner Plummer deserve great thanks, as they have brought about lasting changes and improvements to Franklin County and have vastly bettered the quality of life of the entire community. While their presence will be missed, I wish them both a happy retirement, and I am sure they will continue to volunteer and inspire others to follow in their footsteps to become leaders within society.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Woodruff, an Olympic Gold Medalist who passed away last week at the age of 92. Woodruff, a native of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, was one of the most remarkable athletes in the world and will always be remembered for his astonishing come-from-behind victory in the 800 meter run at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

John Woodruff is also remembered as one of the great American rags- to-riches success stories. Born into a struggling family with 11 siblings, John overcame numerous obstacles on his way to becoming an American hero. He dropped out of high school to work in order to help support his family, but was denied a job. He returned to school, joined the track team and earned a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, becoming the first member of his family to attend college.

It was the summer of his freshman year that Woodruff qualified for the Olympic Games, outrunning the best American distance runners in the field to make it to Berlin. It was there, during the 800 meter final, that Woodruff pulled one of the riskiest moves in the history of the Olympic Games. Finding himself boxed in by several professional runners, Woodruff stopped in the middle of the race and let everyone pass him. He then ran around the other runners to take the lead, becoming the first American in 24 years to win the race.

Woodruff returned home a hero, and continued his college and track career, during which time he won numerous championships and set the American record in the 800 meter run, which lasted 12 years. He graduated from Pitt and served in World War II and Korea, after which he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He passed away on October 30th in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

John Woodruff was a true American hero who proved that with determination and hard work, any feat can be overcome. Our thoughts are with his family as they mourn their loss, and may they be comforted in knowing that John will be remembered as a leader who dedicated his life to serving his country as both an Olympian and a soldier. His legacy will live on in Connellsville, as his community honors and remembers their hero at a memorial service on Sunday.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 1056, the Motion to Recommit with Instructions on H.R. 3685, I was not present. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''