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Shuster calls capital climate ‘very refreshing’

Issues facing Congress featured at Blair Chamber Breakfast Club

Despite what may appear to be a chaotic situation, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-9th District, calls the climate in the nation’s capital “very refreshing” with Republicans in control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.

“This is very refreshing versus the last eight years; they were very frustrating to be in Congress. We will be able to get some good things done for America,” Shuster said Thursday at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club at The Casino at Lakemont Park.

Shuster shared the podium with Ben Taylor, executive director of the U.S. Chamber’s Great Lakes Regional Office, in addressing chamber members.

Taylor leads the U.S. Chamber’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with members of Congress through member businesses, associations and local and state chambers of commerce across the region.

Shuster said the No. 1 issue facing Congress is repealing the Affordable Care Act.

“Obamacare is No. 1 on the agenda, but it will take several months. We do have a plan. It is going to work, and it is going to be positive,” Shuster said.

“We need to make the repair piece something that will work,” Taylor said.

Tax reform and infrastructure are other key issues.

“On infrastructure, the president is very committed to it,” said Shuster, head of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Tax reform could also offer a way to help pay for infrastructure,” Taylor said.

Shuster also praised President Donald Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court.

“The president picked an outstanding jurist to serve on the Supreme Court. He exceeds all of the qualifications. Democrats have said they will slow the process down. I don’t think they will fight it until the bitter end,” Shuster said.

Shuster also thanked the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its efforts.

“The chamber has been at the table working hard. They are making sure the business community is being heard on all of these matters,” Shuster said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.

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