Bud Shuster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bud Shuster
Chair of the House Transportation Committee
In office January 4, 1995 – January 3, 2001
Speaker	Newt Gingrich Dennis Hastert
Preceded by	Norman Mineta
Succeeded by	Don Young
Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee
In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1981
Leader	John Jacob Rhodes
Preceded by	Del M. Clawson
Succeeded by	Dick Cheney
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 9th district
In office January 3, 1973 – February 3, 2001
Preceded by	John H. Ware III
Succeeded by	Bill Shuster
Personal details
Born	Elmer Greinert Shuster (1932-01-23)January 23, 1932 Glassport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	April 19, 2023(2023-04-19) (aged 91) Everett, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	H. Patricia Rommel
Signature

Elmer Greinert "Bud" Shuster (SHOO-stər; January 23, 1932 – April 19, 2023) was an American politician. He represented Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He served as a Republican from 1973 to 2001. Shuster was well-known for supporting big transportation projects. One famous project was Interstate 99.

Bud Shuster's Early Life and Education

Bud Shuster was born in Glassport, Pennsylvania. This town is near Pittsburgh. His parents were Grace and Prather Leroy Shuster.

He went to the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree there in 1954. Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Duquesne University in 1960. He also received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from American University in 1967.

Shuster served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. After his studies and military service, he worked in business. He became a vice president at RCA. He also started his own computer business.

Bud Shuster's Time in Congress

In 1972, Bud Shuster decided to enter politics. He ran for Congress in Pennsylvania's 9th District. He won the Republican primary election. This district was known for usually voting Republican. He easily won the general election that November.

Shuster was elected during a time of big political changes. He won a second term in 1974. This was even when many other politicians faced challenges.

In Congress, Shuster was against airbags in cars. He also ran for a leadership position in 1980. He became the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He held this important role from 1995 to 2001.

Shuster usually won his re-election campaigns easily. His toughest challenge came in 1984. Actress Nancy Kulp ran against him. She was famous for playing Miss Jane Hathaway on The Beverly Hillbillies. Kulp was from Pennsylvania and had support from Hollywood. Shuster won this election with two-thirds of the votes. After this, he faced very little opposition.

Shuster is remembered for fighting for transportation money. He worked to make sure taxes on fuel and air travel went to special funds. These funds were meant for transportation projects. He won these battles, even against his own party leaders. He also went against President Bill Clinton.

Because of his efforts, many transportation projects got funding. One example is Interstate 99. This highway was even named the "Bud Shuster Highway." It was named by Governor Robert Casey. His colleagues sometimes joked about his transportation bill. They called it the "Bud E. Shuster Transportation for All Eternity Act." This was because it funded so many projects.

Retirement from Politics

Bud Shuster left Congress on February 3, 2001. He had just started his 15th term. He said he was leaving due to health reasons. Also, Republican rules meant he had to step down as committee chairman. His son, Bill Shuster, was elected to take his place.

Life After Congress

After retiring, Shuster taught political science. He was a visiting professor at Saint Francis University. He also received an honorary degree from the university.

Bud Shuster passed away on April 19, 2023. He was 91 years old. He died at his farm in Everett, Pennsylvania.