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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SHIMKUS
______
speech of
HON. ADAM KINZINGER
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition
of my good friend and mentor, Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois'
15th District.
For 23 years, John has served here in the House of Representatives,
leading our delegation and making his mark on the House Energy and
Commerce Committee. Before his service in Congress, John served our
country in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve,
retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
For his district and his country, John has served with great honor,
integrity, and conviction. He has changed the game with his work on our
nation's energy portfolio and chemical safety measures, especially with
the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which
became law in June 2016 and formally outlined how we use and dispose of
chemicals.
This was a major undertaking and the success of this legislative
achievement is one of many you'll find throughout John's career.
In Congress, he was a champion for finding safe nuclear waste
repository solutions and reducing greenhouse gases and sulfur
emissions.
He introduced legislation that would streamline permits to enable
efficient broadband infrastructure, recognizing the needs of
underserved communities.
He also championed the 1999 legislation that officially designated 9-
1-1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the U.S.
Yes, that's right--John Shimkus made 9-1-1 the official emergency
number and we should ALL be grateful. His effort to create and
establish this comprehensive emergency communications infrastructure
has undoubtedly saved countless lives.
During his time in the House, John's legislative accomplishments ran
the gamut--from the 9-1-1 legislation and his impressive (and
expansive) energy policy portfolio, to improving child safety measures
through Anton's Law and others, securing funding for rare cancer
research, protecting veterans and our communities, and leading
countless biofuel and telecommunication provisions.
The bills he championed have been signed into law by three different
presidents, showcasing the prowess John has in legislating and working
across the aisle to get things done for the American people.
It's this ability to find common ground and work together with his
colleagues to get the job done that has made John so successful as a
Congressman and so well-respected as a colleague.
His leadership has been critical over the years, and I know without
question that this institution is better because of his service and
that I am a better Member of Congress because of his guidance.
John Shimkus is more than a colleague, he's a true friend and a
patriot. His impact on Members like me has been incredibly profound and
I know his legacy of servant leadership will continue to serve as a
model for incoming Members of Congress for years to come.
Madam Speaker, the hometown hero of Collinsville, Illinois has served
this chamber well and is most deserving of this recognition here today.
We are going to miss our good friend John Shimkus in the People's
House, but we wish him all the best in his retirement.
____________________
