Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-09) Biography

2009 marks the beginning of the 111th Congress and Congressman Bill Shuster's fifth term in the House of Representatives. Throughout his career in the House, Congressman Shuster has proven himself to be a leader on local and national issues, and an outspoken advocate for the people of the 9th district in Washington, DC.

Congressman Shuster is committed to bringing greater opportunity and a better standard of living to the people of the 9th district through his focus on economic development and transportation infrastructure. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Shuster was able to secure important funding for roadway projects in the 9th district as well as infrastructure improvements throughout Western Pennsylvania.

In Congress, Shuster's commitment to representing his constituents has provided him with a unique opportunity to serve in leadership positions in the House and the Republican Party. For the 111th Congress, Congressman Shuster will resume his position as a Deputy Republican Whip. In this capacity, Shuster will assist the Republican leadership in crafting its legislative agenda on the House floor.

Congressman Shuster also returns as the Ranking Republican Member on the Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Material making him the highest ranking Republican on that subcommittee. This subcommittee is one of the most important transportation subcommittees due to its jurisdiction over everything involving rail transportation, from Amtrak to cargo, employee contracts, and rail security. This position will allow Shuster to continue to promote and expand the 9th district's already historic involvement in railroading.

Congressman Shuster will also return to the House Committee on Natural Resources, where he will serve on the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Shuster's participation on this committee will enable him to bring greater attention and investment into Western Pennsylvania's rich coal and timber resources.

Congressman Shuster continues to be an active voice in national security matters. His position on the House Armed Services Committee provides him valuable insight into the Global War on Terror and how our military should transform to meet emerging threats, especially the threat of Islamic fundamentalism.

In addition to gaining experience in agriculture by working on his family's farm in Bedford County, Shuster earned valuable marketing and management experience with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Corporation as well as with Bandag Incorporated where he served as District Manager. He is also an experienced small business owner. Prior to his arrival in the House of Representatives, Shuster owned and operated his own small business, an automobile dealership, in East Freedom, Pennsylvania.

Bill Shuster was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1961. After graduating from Everett High School he attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Shortly thereafter he went on to earn a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from American University in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Shuster resides in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Committee Assignments for the 111th Congress:

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:

• Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials (Ranking Member)
• Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency
• Management (Former Chairman)

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

House Armed Services Committee * on leave through December 2010

• Subcommittee on Readiness
• Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee

House Committee on Natural Resources:

• Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

Press Kit

• Click here to download the Shuster Press Kit [PDF]

 

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