Rep. Shuster to Retire from Congress

January 4, 2001 10:32 AM, EST

Pennsylvania Congressman Bud Shuster announced Thursday that he will be retiring on Jan. 31. The 14-term Republican lawmaker chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for 6 years.

	TT file photo
	Rep. Bud Shuster

"In recent months, both my wife, Patty, and I have been in hospitals with different health scares. While we remain optimistic, these experiences have caused me to re-evaluate my priorities and responsibilities," the 68-year-old Shuster said in a statement. He did not specify what those problems were.

Shuster’s seat representing the heavily Republican 9th District will be filled by a special election, but no date had been set.

During his tenure, Shuster gained high respect from transportation lobbyists, according to Congressional Quarterly. The publication noted that he helped increase spending for highway improvements. He also helped eliminate of tolls on part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Shuster was reprimanded by the House Ethics Committee in October for accepting improper gifts and favoring a lobbyist. The congressman admitted no wrongdoing and dismissed the committee's action as "overkill."

In his retirement letter, Shuster said the pinnacle of his career was helping pass the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).