[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 30, 2020)]
[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.

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