[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H2285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  READY TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF THE NINTH DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

  (Mr. SHUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  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.

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