Christopher Shays: “Mr. Speaker, S. 1399, introduced by the esteemed gentleman from Iowa, Senator Harkin, redesignates the facility of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 1399, introduced by the esteemed gentleman from Iowa, Senator Harkin, redesignates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 South Vine Street in Glenwood, Iowa, as the William J. Scherle Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Bill Scherle of Iowa has lived a life that is worthy of commemoration by this House. He served four terms as a representative of the people of Iowa in this body, from 1967 to 1975, and prior to that he was a member of the Iowa State legislature for 6 years. One of Congressman Scherle's most remarkable contributions in office was his determined work in freeing the crew of the USS Pueblo, which was captured by North Korea in January 1968. The North Koreans imprisoned and brutally tortured the members of the crew, and Congressman Scherle was the most outspoken leader in Congress on the crisis. Eventually, due largely to his leadership, all but one member of the crew, Richard Benden, was released and returned safely home. In addition, Congressman Scherle took particular interest in rural issues, which were most important to his district's constituents.”