J.C. WATTS, JR.--A BUILDER -- HON. BUD SHUSTER (Extensions of Remarks - July 15, 1999)

[Page: E1553]
---

HON. BUD SHUSTER OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1999

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed emotions that I submit this statement for the RECORD. On one hand, I am always eager to express my great appreciation for the significant impact my friend and colleague, the Honorable J.C. WATTS, Jr., has had on the direction and legislation developed during his tenure on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. On the other hand, I regret that I must announce a temporary leave of absence for Mr. WATTS from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the remainder of the 106th Congress.

As a member of the Committee J.C. provided critical support to legislation that impacted his congressional district, the state of Oklahoma, and the nation. Nearly 50 years ago, President Eisenhower recognized the need for a massive effort to build the infrastructure system of this great nation. He recognized that a robust infrastructure is vital to the economic health of America. In the same spirit of enterprise, J.C. WATTS demonstrated his commitment to the nation by ensuring the committee continue its work in building America's infrastructure.

J.C. WATTS was a member of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee during the 105th Congress when the subcommittee developed landmark legislation, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), creating a firewall around the Highway Trust Fund, enabling America to build its infrastructure at a level unprecedented in history. His leadership was also instrumental during the first session of the 106th Congress as J.C. served on the Aviation Subcommittee. In the same way, the Aviation Subcommittee was successful in sponsoring watershed legislation for the aviation community, the Aviation Improvement and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21), that took the aviation trust fund off budget and released unparalleled funding for the building of our nation's aviation infrastructure.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to have J.C. represent Oklahoma and the rest of the Nation on a committee so vital to the heart of our economic stability and growth. While always focused on ensuring the nation's benefit was considered foremost, J.C. fought for and succeeded in ensuring an equitable distribution of funding for the state of Oklahoma.

I am also pleased with the relationship I have developed with J.C. over the past four and one-half years. I have assured my friend that, although he may have accepted a leave of absence from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he will continue to play a significant role on legislation impacting infrastructure issues as we continue to strive to build the heart of America.
END