Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Berlin Fife and Drum Corps on reaching its 225th year of service. The Berlin Fife and Drum Corps is the oldest continuous Fife and Drum Corps in the nation.

Better known to veterans as ``The Frosty Suns of Thunder,'' the Corps is a band from Berlin, Pennsylvania that performs for military support groups and participates in various parades. They play traditional martial music dating back to the Revolutionary War, and more recently have added military medleys to their performances.

The Berlin Fife and Drum Corps was founded by George Johnson, who joined the Revolutionary Army in 1777 and served as a fifer for 3 years, and later returned to Berlin, afterwards forming the Corps. The Berlin Fife and Drum Corps were expert musicians who invigorated their audiences and were often greeted with enthusiastic cries of ``Here comes Berlin!''

In addition to performing in parades, the Corps decorated American flags and placed them on the graves of war veterans in the Allegheny region. In 1887 they began the tradition of playing at memorial services at the Mount Lebanon Cemetery and the Berlin I.O.O.F. Cemetery. This tradition is carried on today.

Membership in the Berlin Fife and Drum Corps is a long and celebrated tradition in Berlin. Several members have proudly served for over 40 years. The Berlin Fife and Drum Corps is a striking example of patriotism and is a source of pride for the Allegheny region. I, along with members of the Berlin community, would like to thank the Corps for their service and enthusiasm, and congratulate them on continuing this tradition for 225 years.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, I want to express the regrets of the subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Graves from Missouri, who was unable to be here and has asked me to explain the bill.

H.R. 3246, as amended, authorizes two existing economic development commissions, the Delta Regional Commission and the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission. The bill also creates three new economic development commissions, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission.

The Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act authorizes these five regional economic development commissions for 5 years, and provides a structure for economic development, decision-making and planning. The bill outlines conditions for financial assistance, authorizes grants to

local development districts. In addition, the bill establishes an Inspector General for the commission.

Additionally, H.R. 3246 provides a framework for administration and management. The framework is modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission structure, including membership, voting structure and staffing of the commission. Through the use of this common framework, this bill provides a consistency in distribution of economic development funds.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

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

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor CWO Sheldon D. Schultz, a fallen Vietnam veteran whose remains have finally been returned home to Altoona, PA. Schultz was killed in Vietnam in January 1968, when his helicopter was struck by artillery fire. For 39 years, Sheldon Schultz and his crew were unaccounted for.

Sheldon was only 18 years old at the time of his death, but those that knew him described him as a role model, one who looked

out for the neighborhood kids and was excited to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army immediately following high school, graduating from helicopter pilot school and arriving in Vietnam in 1967. While he only served a little over a year before his death, Schultz earned many honors, including a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Wings, and an Expert Marksmanship Badge. In addition, Schultz's name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sheldon Schultz's return home brings comfort and relief to his family, who went years without much information about his death. Madam Speaker, Sheldon Schultz dedicated his life to serving his country. His homecoming is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices our soldiers make in service to our Nation. Our thoughts are with his family, his fellow Vietnam veterans and members of his community. Another soldier has been brought home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor COL Robert Swenson, who is retiring from his post as Commander at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in August. Colonel Swenson has spent two years at Letterkenny, managing the multi-million dollar facility and overseeing the maintenance and base operation missions of the depot.

Prior to acting as Commander of Letterkenny Army Depot, Colonel Swenson served in the Army as a platoon leader in Germany, a COSCOM Ammunition Officer during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and commanded the 498th Corps Support Battalion in Seoul, South Korea. He was later assigned to be Army Secretary for Joint and Defense Affairs in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. He then worked as the Special Assistant to the Commanding General Army Materiel Command prior to taking the post of Commander at Letterkenny. Colonel Swenson has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, just to name a few.

During his tenure at Letterkenny, Colonel Swenson demonstrated his leadership through the undertaking of numerous projects, by which he made important improvements to depot operations and efficiency. Colonel Swenson restructured the LEAN team and implemented his LEAN Manufacturing program, which was instrumental in Letterkenny's receipt of Army Environmental Award.

Colonel Swenson's accomplishments identify him as an Army officer of the highest caliber and reflect great credit upon himself, the Letterkenny Army Depot, and the U.S. Army. I, along with the employees at Letterkenny, would like to thank COL Robert Swenson for all of his leadership and dedication as Commander.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule for the Department of Transportation, HUD and related agencies appropriations.

The ranking member of the Transportation Committee, Mr. Mica, has made compelling and passionate remarks regarding the objections shared by many members of the committee on both sides of the aisle. Numerous provisions in the underlying bill constitute

legislating on an appropriations bill and fall within the jurisdiction of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

As the ranking member of the Railroad Subcommittee, pipelines and hazardous materials, I would like to voice my opposition waiving points of order under clause 2, rule XXI, which is the rule against authorizing on appropriations bills.

In House Resolution 558, I'm especially concerned about the language that places all Amtrak contracts and leases that make them subject to the Washington, D.C., law. This language should be removed from the bill because it is authorizing on an appropriations bill.

This provision was apparently intended to help resolve a pending Amtrak negotiation with the State of Maryland. That negotiation involved a dispute of a disputed clause in the MARC commuter railroad operating agreement. Amtrak wants all disputes handled under D.C. law, but Maryland State requires that it's handled under their jurisdiction, which is appropriate.

Instead of a narrowly tailored provision, this provision is unlimited in scope and states that all leases and contracts entered into by Amtrak shall be governed by D.C. law. This could be construed to include all D.C. laws, including building codes, environmental permits and security deposits, et cetera, et cetera.

In addition, Amtrak trackage agreements with computer railroads such as the New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, Virginia Railway Express and freight carriers would ultimately be placed under D.C. law. This could lead to many unintended consequences such as changing the law on all rail leases, contracts and perhaps rail labor contracts.

Again, I voice my opposition for House Resolution 558 and the waiver of the point of order based on clause 2 of rule XXI.

Since the Democratic majority has taken over the House, we've seen a chipping away of the authority and the jurisdiction of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. So I would urge the chairmen of the committee to join together in a bipartisan fashion to oppose this rule which continues to erode the jurisdiction of the Transportation Committee and thus, I believe, sets a precedent for all committees in the House, all authorizing committees, to continue to see their authorities and their jurisdictions to erode and given away to the Appropriations Committee.

So again, I rise in opposition to this rule and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand for the continuing erosion of our authorities and our jurisdictions to these committees that were given historically to these committees.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the reopening of the Bedford Springs Resort, a historic landmark in Bedford, PA. Founded in 1796 by Dr. John Anderson, the Bedford Springs served the Nation as a place of peace, tranquility and healing until its doors closed in 1990. The resort has been completely restored and will host its grand opening in August.

In its prime, the Bedford Springs Resort served many of our Nation's leading citizens, including U.S. Presidents, heads of state, and celebrities. President James Buchanan was a frequent guest of the resort, using it as a summer White House during his presidency. In 1858, President Buchanan received the first Trans-Atlantic cable from Queen Victoria in the resort's lobby. The Bedford Springs Resort is also the only place outside of Washington, DC, that all of the Supreme Court members stayed together. During their visit in 1855 the Justices discussed the Dred Scott case. In addition to its service to national figures, the resort was also utilized by the United States military. During WorId War II, Bedford Springs served as a Naval Communications Training Center, hosting over 7,000 Navy personnel. It was designated a national Historic Landmark in 1984 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The resort's rich history is matched only by its grandeur, newly restored after a multimillion dollar renovation.

The Bedford Springs restoration began in 2005, when developers began combining history with luxury, adding modem day amenities to its original features. The springs will no doubt draw thousands of visitors to the Bedford area, showcasing Pennsylvania's beauty and serenity. The Bedford Springs Resort will provide a soothing atmosphere in which visitors may relax and enjoy the majestic scenery of the countryside and the Allegheny Mountains. I look forward to the grand opening of the Bedford Springs Resort, as it will bring a greater appreciation to our area and will surely be an asset to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the ``Flight 93 Ambassadors,'' a community organization that has dedicated countless hours to the Flight 93 memorial site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This organization, created by members of the Somerset community after the tragic events of September 11th, serves both the country and the memory of those aboard Flight 93 by protecting the site and recounting the heroic story of the passengers' brave intervention against the terrorists to the memorial's visitors.

The Flight 93 Ambassadors will be honored for their service on July 26th at the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce's Third Annual Summer Barbeque. Somerset County has been trademarked ``America's County'' after two major national events took place there. For the past three years the Chamber of Commerce has used this distinction to recognize American heroes. Previously the Chamber paid tribute to the nine miners who were rescued from the Quecreek Mine accident. This year's recognition of the Flight 93 Ambassadors by ``America's County'' is fitting and appropriate as these volunteers are responsible for maintaining one of the most distinguished symbols of American courage and unity.

The Flight 93 Ambassadors contribute much of their time to the preservation of the Flight 93 memorial and serve as a link to the families of the Flight 93 victims. These selfless volunteers plan events and work tirelessly to maintain the integrity of this important site and in doing so, ensure that the heroism of the passengers of Flight 93 is never forgotten. The ambassadors are the epitome of American unity and strength in the wake of tragedy, and their initiative and persistent work with the Flight 93 site is greatly appreciated by the community.

I am sure that every American, in addition to the members of the Shanksville community, would join me in thanking the Flight 93 Ambassadors for their selfless dedication and leadership in immortalizing the memory of September 11th and all of the heroes of Flight 93.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I spent the Fourth of July recess traveling to Pakistan and to Iraq.

I came away with a couple of observations. First in Pakistan, our allies in the war on terror, the Pakistanis, have great concern about an early withdrawal from Iraq, because they saw first hand, after the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, when America left that region, left Afghanistan to uncertainty and chaos, what happened was the rise of the Taliban, an extremist group, that then gave basis to al Qaeda to be able to plan and plot the 9/11 attacks on America.

So the Pakistanis are extremely concerned about an early withdrawal. Our allies around the world are concerned. The word of America is at risk. Our allies are watching what we do here in the United States Congress and what America does.

Second, traveling to Iraq, I came away with some positive reports, not only from our commanders, but listening to the Iraqi general, who is in charge of the national police. He said that the Shia, the Sunni and the Kurds have come together as Iraqis, standing up a national police force that's fighting to throw out the negative elements that are in Iraq today. They are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, the Shia, Sunni and Kurds. Our folks also told us that they need more time to train the police, the security of the Iraqis.

Talking to our soldiers was the most powerful information I came away with. One of the sergeants in our Special Forces told us something very significant. Right about now, he is saddling up, he is getting ready to go out on a dangerous mission in Iraq tonight to either kill al Qaeda to take down a production facility for IEDs. He said to me, he said to the group of us that was there, we cannot leave Iraq prematurely because chaos will ensue, and what we will find is that the terrorists will be in the streets of America.

So listening to that powerful statement from somebody who is putting his life on the line, every single night, that's powerful information. Those are powerful words.

We have to allow this surge, not just to last for 3 weeks, but to go for 3 months. Let it go. Let us vote down this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate an establishment that has provided excellent service to the community of Roaring Spring for a century. Built during the early 20th century, the Eldon Inn embodied the visions of industrial pioneers D.M. Bare, A.L. Garver, William Eldon, and Edwin Bobb. Now serving the community as a public library, the Eldon Inn maintains its distinguished reputation as a center of the community.

In 1907, the paper industry of Roaring Spring began to thrive and a few businessmen began the construction of a modem hotel aimed at accommodating people from all walks of life, needing a place to stay in the budding community. Shortly thereafter the Inn established itself as a provider of safe and comfortable lodgings for everyone from the traveling businessmen and overnight guests, to long-term tenants awaiting opportunities as permanent residents.

The Eldon Inn possessed a unique quality that infused the building into the hearts of the community. The Inn's spacious interior was well suited for Rotary Club gatherings, sales meetings, Scout troops, wedding receptions, school reunions, and even as the town social and business center.

For 59 years, the Eldon Inn upheld its fine reputation as a first- rate establishment. In 1966, the Inn served the community in a new way as the Roaring Spring Public Library. The Public Library sought to expand its holdings and felt that the Eldon Inn would be an ideal location to further its mission of providing centers for learning to the community.

I would like to take this moment to recognize The Eldon Inn for its 100 years of service to the community, its renowned reputation, and future achievements to come. May the community of Roaring Spring always have such a force of good in its backyard.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Hinchey-Wolf amendment. My constituents need electricity in their homes, their businesses and their communities. This amendment will deprive my constituents and the people of Pennsylvania of low-cost energy.

In 2005, the Republican-led Congress passed the bipartisan Energy Policy Act, 275-156. In section 1221 of the Energy Policy Act, the Department of Energy was required to identify and report a National Transmission Congestion and Constraint Study.

The study identified two areas as inadequate: the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses my district, and the southwest-southern California region. With no coincidence, in 2002 these same areas were identified as problem areas. They were identified in two separate studies, 5 years apart, because there is an overwhelming need to build the infrastructure to supply the increasing demand for energy. The lack of necessary infrastructure in these areas imposes billions of dollars on consumers annually and leaves the citizens of the country vulnerable to rolling blackouts.

On April 26, 2007, the Department of Energy issued two draft versions for transmission corridors, one traversing my home State and its neighboring regions and the other in southern California. The public comment period remains open for written submissions until July 6. In addition, the Energy Policy Act requires studies every 3 years.

This amendment would require a needless, burdensome study, which in effect, would study two previous and congruent studies. At best, with this amendment, we are questioning whether or not to repeal sections of a successful, bipartisan bill, extensively debated and enacted less than 2 years ago, when the process so clearly works, the need is clearly there and the effects of inaction are so clearly dire. Let's allow the process to work. Let us have faith in our positive work in the Energy Policy Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Robert ``Red'' Pensinger, former mayor of Greencastle, PA. Mayor Pensinger passed away in his home on Saturday, June 16. Born in Marion, PA, on February 22, 1933, Mayor Pensinger spent his life in the Greencastle area as a civic leader and successful businessman.

``Red,'' as he was lovingly called, brought great enthusiasm and esteem not only to his office as mayor, but to his many other activities within the community as well. Robert dedicated his life to the betterment of his community, giving his time and energy to various organizations. He influenced and mentored hundreds of young people through his participation in the Boy Scouts of America, of which he was a Scout master, and Kauffman's Little League team, which he managed. Members of the community also looked up to ``Red,'' recognizing and appreciating his devotion to the town, his positive outlook and pleasant demeanor.

The former mayor was also a leader in business, establishing a State Farm Insurance Agency in Greencastle in 1965 and leading it to become the largest agency in Pennsylvania and the fifth largest in the Nation. He served in the State Farm President's Club and was a six-time Legion of Honor winner. In addition to operating his insurance agency, Robert served as vice-chairman of the board of directors for Tower Bancorp Inc. and the First National Bank of Greencastle. He served on the Chamber of Commerce, which awarded him with the 1997 James P. Oliver Award for his leadership and community involvement.

While I could go on listing the countless organizations and people to whom ``Red'' gave his time and energy, it is safe to say that his contributions to the Greencastle community are endless. Robert touched the lives of thousands and impacted each one of them tremendously. Mayor Pensinger served as a role model for many, and it is my hope that those who were lucky enough to know him will continue his legacy and enthusiasm for bettering the community and the lives of others.

Robert's wife, Nancy, and his family and friends are certainly proud and honored by his remarkable work and devotion to improving the lives of others. His community service and achievements are remarkable, and his presence will be sorely missed. Robert Pensinger was a celebrated leader in business and the community, and words cannot express his value to the people of Greencastle or their love and devotion to their late mayor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Goss, owner of Structural Fiberglass in Bedford, PA, who has been named the 2007 Citizen of the Year by the Bedford Rotary Club. The Club annually recognizes a local individual who epitomizes the Rotary Motto of ``Service Above Self.''

Gary has been a dedicated leader in the Bedford community, giving his time to various community organizations. He has served as president of the Bedford Rotary Club and the Bedford County Development Association and currently chairs the local Adopt-a-Highway organization, as well as the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Project. Gary has served as an assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America for 11 years, in addition to contributing to many other community organizations, non- profits and his church. The Rotary International has previously recognized Gary as a Paul Harris Fellow.

While I could go on listing the countless organizations to which Gary has given his time and energy, it is reasonable to say that his contributions to the Bedford community are endless. There is no doubt that Gary has touched the lives of thousands, surely impacting each one of them in a tremendous and beneficial way. Gary serves as a role model for many, and it is my hope that those that have the opportunity to meet and work with Gary will take away some of his enthusiasm for bettering the community and the lives of those around him.

Gary's wife Peggy, to whom he has been married for 30 years, and his two children, Michael and Nicole, are certainly proud and honored by his remarkable work and devotion to improving the lives of others. The thousands of people who know Gary Goss--and who have benefited from his hard work and dedication--would join me in thanking Gary for his contributions to the Bedford community, as well as for serving as a great inspiration, demonstrating that selflessness and hard work go far in enhancing not only their own lives, but the lives of many.

Offered By: Mr. Shuster

Amendment No. 100: Page 24, line 17, strike the period and

insert the following: ``Provided further, That $1,000,000 may

not be obligated for transportation security support until

the Secretary submits to the Committees on Appropriations of

the Senate and the House of Representatives a report studying

the feasibility of a program to check passenger manifests of

international flights that over-fly the territory of the

United States against terrorist watch lists.''.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, I could not be present for rollcall votes 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, and 439 because I was attending my daughter's high school graduation.

Had I been present, I would have cast the following votes:

``No'' on rollcall 431, H. Res. 435--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 2446, Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act;

``Yes'' on rollcall 432, H.R. 1716--Green Energy Education Act;

``Yes'' on rollcall 433, H.R. 632--To authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish monetary prizes for achievements in overcoming scientific and technical barriers associated with hydrogen energy;

``No'' on rollcall 434, H.R. 964--Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act;

``Yes'' on rollcall 435, H.R. 2446--Kirk Amendment;

``No'' on rollcall 436, H.R. 2446--Kucinich Amendment;

``Yes'' on rollcall 437, H.R. 2446--Motion to Recommit with Instructions Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act;

``Yes'' on rollcall 438, H.R. 2446--Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act;

``No'' on rollcall 439, H.R. 2560--Human Cloning Prohibition Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Burger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Helsel Lumber, who has been named the Small Business Association's Regional Exporter of the Year. Jim was presented with this award at the SBA's annual awards luncheon on May 25th in Pittsburgh, PA, and will also be recognized at the St. Francis University Small Business Development Center's annual luncheon on June 12th.

The SBA Exporter of the Year is chosen from companies in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. This award recognizes exceptional business professionals whose business has seen an increase in sales and profits as well as growth in the number of employees as a result of exporting. Jim was nominated by the St. Francis University Small Business Development Center.

Mr. Burger began his career with Helsel Lumber, an exporting company in Duncansville, PA, at the age of 16 as an after-school job, returning to the mill full time after graduating from Penn State University and working his way up to vice president and co-owner of the facility in 2001. As vice president, Jim has worked tirelessly to lead the business to become an active and successful exporting company. His efforts have paid off, as Helsel Lumber has grown to include export sales to Europe and Asia and has recently done significant work in China. Helsel Lumber received an Export Achievement Award from the U.S. Commercial Service in 2006.

Jim has made a significant contribution not only to the betterment of Helsel Lumber, but to the region's economic growth and success as well. Our small business leaders are key to the continued economic vitality and success of our communities. The company and the community are lucky to have such a devoted leader, and the members of our community who have benefited from the efforts of Helsel Lumber and Jim Burger would certainly join me in thanking him for his contributions to the community and economy.