September 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5043 God bless you, JOHN. Thank you. As KEVIN said, JOHN went to West strength, for wisdom, for guidance, as Mr. SCALISE. As you can see, Point. He is an Army guy, so he was we all do, that whenever you leave—we Madam Speaker, these are tough jobs, the drill sergeant in the town house. all leave this job; hopefully, you leave these are tough times, but when you And when JOHN says something, you on your own terms—if you look back, come up to Congress, you don’t just back your brother’s play. you can say that you left your mark, come up here to fight for the things In fact, the second day I was in the you made this a better country. you believe in. That is clearly why you town house, JOHN said: Steve, tomor- JOHN SHIMKUS, you left your mark. run. We all have a deep love for this row you have got to get up at 6 in the You get to leave on your own terms. country. We all have a deep set of be- morning, and we are going out to play You get to go home with Karen and liefs that we come to try to advocate baseball. enjoy your life in southern Illinois. for. But we all know, in a job like this, I didn’t know about the tradition be- You have earned this opportunity to you can’t do it alone. You need to work tween the Democrats and Republicans. have a new chapter in your life because with other people. You need to find al- I guess I have JOHN to blame. you can look back and say, for 24 lies, people who want to help join you JOHN said: You have got to come out years, you served here in this great in that cause to advance the things you for the baseball team. body and made this a better institution believe in. And along that way, Madam I hadn’t played baseball in over 25 and made this a better country because Speaker, you truly do make deep years. I didn’t even have a glove, and of your service. friendships. yet, next thing you know, the next Thank you, JOHN, for this oppor- I remember, I was a new Member in a morning I am up playing baseball. And, tunity to get to know you so well. special election. I came in towards the boy, what a start of, again, an ability Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- tail end of a Congress in 2008 with only to generate even more friendships, to ance of my time. 6 months left in the term. I didn’t real- forge friendships with people on both Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, al- ly know anybody here. I was trying to sides of the aisle, some that you work though I was unable to join in person tonight, find my way, in fact, trying to find a with on a regular basis, some that you I want to lend my voice to the chorus of col- place to live. I was living with one of are not always working with, but peo- leagues assembling to honor JOHN SHIMKUS’ my college roommates who works up ple you get to form a deep friendship service in Congress. I thank JOHN for his here in D.C. They had a baby on the with. friendship, and commitment to public service. way, and I was staying in the baby’s And that is really what makes Con- I wish him nothing but health and happiness room, so I knew I had a few weeks left gress work. It is not the things that for himself and his family during his upcoming before I had to find another place to you see on the nightly news, the big retirement from Congress. live. fights that go on between the parties JOHN came to Washington one term before So I asked my colleague right over and sometimes within the parties, but I did. We had offices next to each other on the there, I asked Jim McCrery, the Con- it is the day-to-day grind where people fifth floor of the Cannon Building. As most gressman from Louisiana, I said: Jim, I do come together and find common members and staff know, most of the ele- am looking for a place. What do you do ground to advance the things that they vators in Cannon do not go to the fifth floor, making those offices not the most desirable to find a place around here? believe in to make this a greater na- He said: Well, you know, JOHN SHIM- real estate. But JOHN and I not only stayed tion. And JOHN SHIMKUS has done that there as Freshman members, but we stayed a KUS has an opening at his town house. on so many fronts. I got to see it. I said: Who is JOHN SHIMKUS? Yes, he is the first one up. He is read- few terms, enjoying the larger offices and the I didn’t know JOHN. And he literally somewhat quieter halls. JOHN and I, as well as ing his Bible. He is writing down pointed, and JOHN was right there in our staff, got along well, especially Cathy verses. But when it is time to leave, he the well of the House during a vote se- Hurwit, my long time Chief of Staff and Craig starts to whistle. And you don’t need ries. So all the Members of Congress Roberts, JOHN’s then and current Chief. an alarm clock. When JOHN starts to were joined together, and he points Though there were issues on which JOHN whistle, that means it is time to go to JOHN out. and I disagreed, we had the opportunity to I walked down, and I introduced my- work. work closely together on issues affecting our And, again, he is just a person who self to JOHN. I said: I heard you have an state. The Illinois Delegation had a tradition of opening at your town house. I just wakes up and goes to work for the peo- monthly bipartisan lunches. The agendas fo- came here, and I am looking for a place ple of southern Illinois and the United cused on issues specific to Illinois. Often we to stay. States of America, just like he served would agree to support legislation, funding or He said: Why don’t you come by later our country in the military. For 24 projects that could help all our constituents tonight. years, he served this great Nation. and benefit our state. Illinois was one of the We are a better nation because JOHN And that, Madam Speaker, started an few delegations that was able to work so SHIMKUS has been a Member of this incredible friendship. smoothly together, and JOHN was a leader in wonderful body, the people’s House. That next day, I called my wife, Jen- that effort. nifer, that night and I said: I think I This is really where people come to- JOHN and I both earned positions on the found a place to live.’’ gether. prestigious Energy and Commerce Committee. I started this morning in Philadel- That next day I moved in. I didn’t I saw up close how passionately JOHN fought really know KEVIN BRADY, and next phia. I had some meetings there, and I for his beliefs and constituents. His tone was thing you know, I am rooming with actually, on my way out, passed by always positive, even as he disagreed with these gentlemen and getting to know Independence Hall. You never can see other members. I have enjoyed serving with people who became dear friends. that enough. I got to see the Liberty him on the Committee all these years. And again, in a job like this, you Bell this morning. I got to go see the JOHN SHIMKUS is well liked on both sides of work really hard advocating for the chamber where George Washington sat the aisle. Why? Because JOHN SHIMKUS is a things that you ran on back home. You as they signed the Declaration of Inde- kind man, a smart man, and a gentleman. We are fighting for the people in your dis- pendence, where they wrote the Con- have been able to debate without spite, col- trict. I am honored to represent south- stitution of the United States, right laborate, and sometimes find common ground. east Louisiana. But you are also work- next door, the chamber where Congress This is how collegiality and compromise work, ing with some incredible people, and met for 10 years when they were build- and I wish we could bottle it and send it you get to meet incredible people along ing this beautiful building, where they around the halls of Congress. the way. JOHN SHIMKUS is truly, as actually passed the Bill of Rights. JOHN will be missed here. I hope he enjoys KEVIN said, one of those true, genuine We are all honored to be a part of every extra moment he’s earned with Karen, people, somebody you can entrust the this special place where people of all David, Joshua, and Daniel. things that you want to share with walks of life come together. And you f only a few people. meet people of different backgrounds, Close friendships do form up here. you work with people of different back- TRIBUTE TO JOHN SHIMKUS You don’t hear about that a lot, yet we grounds, and you work to make this a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under were able to form such a deep friend- better country. And you just hope, you the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ship, somebody you can trust. just pray, as you are praying to God for uary 3, 2019, the Chair recognizes the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.121 H29SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H5044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2020 gentleman from Illinois (Mr. RODNEY His district and this Chamber are los- leader for your district, and making DAVIS) for the remainder of the hour as ing a great Representative, and Yucca the Federal Government work for the the designee of the minority leader. Mountain is losing a frequent visitor. people that you represent. JOHN has Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. JOHN, I congratulate you on your re- been in Congress for all the right rea- Madam Speaker, at this point, I will go tirement. I wish you and Karen the sons and, as has been articulated by over to the other side of the aisle to very best as you go forward. You have my colleagues, shown how much he yield to my friend, the gentleman from displayed to me tremendous qualities cares for his family, his faith, and the New York (Mr. TONKO) to offer his com- of character when you speak of your constituents he represents in southern ments. family, the love you have for them. It Illinois. Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I thank is just apparent in your face when you JOHN, you are going to leave an indel- the gentleman for yielding. talk about them. You are so proud of ible mark here in the Congress on the JOHN, it is an honor and pleasure to that partnership you have with Karen work you did on the House Energy and be here with our colleagues to salute and of the children, the offspring that Commerce Committee and in the peo- you and thank you for the tremendous you have created. ple’s House here. Illinois and this coun- service that you have provided not It is also very evident that you have try owe you a sincere thanks for your only to people of your congressional enjoyed service to this country, not selfless service, not only to Congress, district, but the people of this Nation. only in this House, but as a member of but to the Army. It is very obvious that you are much the New York delegation, I am proud loved and appreciated and respected by to say that we adopt you as a West b 2115 your colleagues in this House. It is also Point cadet and that you have shown We will miss you in the Illinois dele- humbling to know that you have your strength and your valor and your gation, but we know that Karen and brought a good name to politics, and courage to be a strong element that your three sons will be happy to have you have reminded us by your very ac- you have contributed to this country. you home. tions and your deeply rooted beliefs in I thank you for your integrity. I Madam Speaker, I also want to men- the various issues that you tackle that thank you for your deeply rooted faith tion, putting Congressman DAVIS aside, it is not only okay, but it is essential that has made a lot of our partnership JOHN has hired very good staff in his to have differences in this House; and work. You are guided with that humble time in Congress, and I mean that. If it is to share those differences in a re- spirit to serve your Creator through you look at the people that have spectable way, which you have always the gifts you have been endowed. worked for JOHN SHIMKUS that have done so as to build the best product. Thank you for being such a great come through his organization, they So I think this evening we salute friend, thank you for being such a are people that have gone on to do your integrity and your humility, great work partner, and thank you for great things back in Illinois and here which oftentimes is what I think drives the success that we have achieved to- in Washington, D.C., and that is an- your personality to be able to achieve gether, and I hope there is more to other testament to JOHN SHIMKUS and and to have this driving force to ac- come in the ensuing days and weeks his team. complish on behalf of the people. I ap- that you will be here. Madam Speaker, I have to give a preciate the opportunity to participate So, congratulations, my friend. Know shout out to Craig Roberts, his long- this evening, and I will try not to un- that you made your mark and that you time staffer. He and JOHN have done a dermine JOHN SHIMKUS’ sterling con- have earned many stars after your remarkable job leading this delegation servative credentials by joining in this name. and doing so much for their district discussion this evening. God bless. For 6 years, I have served as the Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. and the people of Illinois. So, JOHN, I want to congratulate you ranking member to Mr. SHIMKUS’ sub- Thank you, Mr. TONKO, for your com- on a well-earned retirement and thank committee chair. In the past 2 years, ments. I felt a little JOHN SHIMKUS-y you for everything you have done for we have switched roles. But during all here. I was getting a little impatient. I me and our country, and Congress is a of that time, we have disagreed on thought we were running out of time. better place because of your service. many occasions. In fact, we are dis- So I am going ask my colleagues to Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. agreeing right now, but that doesn’t please try to limit your comments to a Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman stop me from coming here this evening maximum of 2 minutes. to just share my respect with others Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- LAHOOD for his comments. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- for you and the tremendous perform- tleman from Illinois (Mr. LAHOOD), my ance you have put forth on behalf of good friend and fellow Illinoisan. tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST), my the Republic. Mr. LAHOOD. Thank you, Congress- colleague, who has known JOHN SHIM- But as I have found, you have been man DAVIS, for yielding. KUS since before he was even elected. tremendously accessible, very open- It is a pleasure to be here tonight Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I thank minded and fair, always looking for a with my colleagues to honor JOHN Mr. DAVIS for yielding. way for us to achieve and to build that SHIMKUS. I obviously echo the remarks You know, that is true, I have known compromise. It has been a great part- of everyone who spoke before me. JOHN SHIMKUS since he was actually a nership, even if we didn’t see eye to eye We have heard about JOHN’s service, treasurer in Madison County, where he on everything. obviously his service at West Point and was the one that held the spot after it I will always appreciate that we his service to the Army, 28 years serv- had been 10 years since a Republican would work together to try to find ing us in the military, retiring as a had held the spot, and he took that. common ground on issues where we lieutenant colonel. But as the newest I was a State legislator, and I kept thought we could agree. I am proud of member of the Republican delegation, hearing about this guy, JOHN SHIMKUS our bipartisan work on brownfields, coming in 5 years ago, I just want to from Madison County. I actually came where we reauthorized and improved comment on what JOHN SHIMKUS has to know him as I ran for State rep- that program. Certainly, the drinking meant to me as a new Member coming resentative. And then all of a sudden, water infrastructure efforts that we in on a special election in September of they said he is going to run for Con- made is essential for our communities. 2015. gress, and I thought, what a wonderful We made some great improvements to JOHN is the head of our delegation, thing. both of those programs, and it would was there for me, as he has been for so You know, each one of us in our dis- not have been possible without your many of us here in the Congress. tricts when we see that and as we are leadership, JOHN. JOHN’s friendship, his mentorship, his local elected officials, we think, oh, And while we have had some different example that he has set for us has been that is going to be good, but we didn’t perspectives on TSCA, I believe it is invaluable. He really has set the gold realize how great it would be. fair to say that Representative SHIM- standard for being a legislator, and my At this time, when we would like to KUS has done some undeniably monu- colleagues have talked about that. joke with JOHN because we love him, mental work on chemical safety for He showed the importance of good the reality is he has served his district this country. constituent service, being a cheer- well. He hasn’t just served his district

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:00 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.123 H29SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5045 well. He has served the State well, he Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. many lives you have touched and the has served the Nation well, and he has Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. hundreds of thousands of jobs that made differences in the world. KRISHNAMOORTHI for his comments to- through your legislation you have I would like to harass him about the night. helped create in America. I think we fact that he is an Army guy, as a Ma- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- all owe you a debt of gratitude for rine, but the reality is that he served tleman from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN), a that. well in the Army as well. good friend of Congressman SHIMKUS So thank you for being a friend, He is a man of integrity. He is a man and all of us. thank you for being a great American. of faith. He loves his family. And, real- Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I Thank you, Karen, for sharing him ly, that is what our Nation is about. thank Congressman DAVIS for yielding. with us. He is going to be missed terribly in To Karen Shimkus and the family, It has been an honor to work with this body. thank you for sharing JOHN with all of you, and I wish you the best in the We want to joke about the fact that us for so many years. Thank you for years to come. he is quitting. But you know what? He your warmth and friendship as well. God bless you. didn’t quit. He stood up. He stood up in I am told that JOHN is a big fan of the Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. tough times. He stood up in good movie ‘‘Tombstone.’’ As the former Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. MCKINLEY times. But the people of this Nation chairman of the committee, now rank- for his comments tonight. are better because this man has served ing member of the committee, there Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- in Congress. are a couple of great quotes out of tleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS), an- He is a close friend. You can hear ‘‘Tombstone’’ that I think sum up for other leader on the Energy and Com- that with the people that are talking many of us who have the pleasure to merce Committee. here. serve with him and see his passion for Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I He is a father who loves his children. his district, see his passion for his com- thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank JOHN for his service to the He is a husband that loves his wife. He munity, see his passion for good policy. Congress, his service to the country. is a man that loves his God. Who could One of them would be when Kurt Rus- And JOHN’s life has been all about serv- ask for anything more? sell said: ‘‘Tell him the law is coming. JOHN, thank you. ice from West Point, to the U.S. Army, You tell ’em I’m coming and hell’s Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. U.S. Army Reserves. coming with me.’’ Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- For 15 years, it has been my high When you want somebody at your tleman from Illinois (Mr. privilege to serve with JOHN on the En- side fighting for a cause, that sums up KRISHNAMOORTHI), my colleague. ergy and Commerce Committee. You JOHN SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, if it takes us up, can tell by the number of members of Russell also said: ‘‘You called down you know, I am going to start actually the Energy and Commerce Committee thunder. Well, now you’ve got it.’’ asking for time. who are here tonight just the impact As we have tackled these issues and Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam he has had on that committee. we have watched JOHN stand up for the Speaker, I thank Congressman DAVIS I will tell you, JOHN, one of my for yielding. people that sent him here, we know fondest memories is in March 2011 after Madam Speaker, I rise today to that he is by their side. And he not Harry Reid had shut down the project only brings the passion, but he brings thank JOHN SHIMKUS and wish him the that was to be long-term nuclear stor- very best in his retirement. the intellect and he brings deep prin- age out at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. I Now, JOHN, you may not remember ciple to every fight. still have a piece of rock that the So, JOHN, we wish you and Karen and this, but 4 years ago when I joined this Yucca mucker kicked up and the the family well. Congress, I said I would like to come tailings when we walked into that God speed in your next endeavor, my and meet you, so you invited me to enormous man-made cavern out there. your office. You could not pronounce friend. But your passion for that issue has my name. Few people can. I said, Just Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. not dimmed over the years, and I will call me RAJA. My last name allows me Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. WALDEN just promise you that we will take it to get on a first-name basis with every- for his comments. up and carry on in the Congresses to Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- body in this place. come. From that point forward, we devel- tleman from West Virginia (Mr. MCKIN- I thank you very much for the privi- oped a relationship, a friendship, to the LEY), sticking with the Energy and lege of having known you. point where very recently, I came to Commerce Committee that Mr. SHIM- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. him and asked him to cosponsor a piece KUS has served on since he got to Con- Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. BURGESS of legislation, and he just said, ‘‘Put gress in 1996. for his comments. me on it,’’ without even asking me Mr. MCKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- what I was asking him to cosponsor. thank Mr. DAVIS for yielding. tlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. BROOKS), It was moving to me, because he I rise tonight to honor my friend, another Energy and Commerce mem- trusted me, and it was based on a JOHN SHIMKUS. Ten years ago, JOHN ber. friendship rooted on shared values. took me under his wing and was my Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Even though we may not be in the mentor to get started in this, and I Speaker, I thank the gentleman for same party, we are all Americans, and can’t tell you how much I have learned yielding. that is something that I deeply cherish from being around JOHN. I rise today to honor my good friend about our relationship. Now, in Scotland, ‘‘McKinley’’ means and fellow midwesterner, our col- Now, as a wise man once said, we can ‘‘stubborn’’ in Gaelic. league, Congressman JOHN SHIMKUS. find common ground only by moving to I have wondered, what does ‘‘Shim- I had the absolute honor of serving a higher ground, only by moving to a kus’’ mean in Lithuanian? Now, I have with him also on the Energy and Com- higher ground. got to think, the only thing I can think merce Committee. Working with JOHN proved to me of, trying to shake this out, is it must His 24 years of serving this body has that we can ascend to higher heights, mean ‘‘persistence,’’ because I have had a tremendous impact on our coun- but only if we try. never met a person as persistent as try, as we have heard, but personally, JOHN SHIMKUS represents the epitome JOHN SHIMKUS. He personifies the trait. his role on the steering committee had of a legislator who tries to ascend to Think about what he has done in his a critical impact on my own career, higher ground every day. 24 years here in Congress. Just most re- from which I am retiring from Con- Madam Speaker, I thank JOHN and cently, his relentless focus in leading gress this year as well. his excellent staff, including his long- on the Brownfields legislation, or the I thank him for fighting for me, be- time chief, Craig Roberts, for their in- fly ash legislation, or his love of TSCA. cause for the first time ever, two Hoo- credible devoted service to their fam- So, JOHN, you have made a difference. siers made it to the Energy and Com- ily, to their community, and to their You have impacted many of us in our merce Committee, which was unprece- country. careers. You will never know how dented, in myself and Dr. BUCSHON.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.124 H29SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H5046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2020 So the reputation of the E&C, he has get into this: those who want to be a of the preopening nights of the Bible led the way in working both sides of politician and those who want to be a Museum, and I remember being with the aisle, as we have seen, to create bi- public servant.’’ And this is how he de- him when he saw Martin Luther’s Bible partisan legislation that he crafted to fined it: A politician sees how much that is there. He just looked at it. I help all Americans. He was instru- they can take from the people they could see him just speechless because mental in designating 911 as the uni- represent for their own benefit, while of, the great Lutheran that he is, his versal emergency number. I am a public servants see how much they can love of the Word of God and the love of former teacher and the mom of a give back to the people they represent. his God. teacher; he ensured that schools have So all I can say is we are going to It shows a common theme tonight. the appropriate lifesaving equipment miss you. You have been a great leader JOHN is passionate about his country, to keep students safe. on committee, you have been a great through West Point and his service to As a proud Lithuanian descendant— leader in this House. the Army and the NATO committee, and I might say, he is a rock star in I wish all the best to you and your and passionate about his family. Lithuania, and I was there once with family, because I know we talked It is just unmistakable. It is just he and Karen in Lithuania—his support through the years about how our fami- there. It is in his face. His face shows for our staunch ally has been critical lies are doing, but I can’t thank you everything he is thinking. When he to our two countries’ really important enough for your service to this country talks about his wife, you can certainly relationship. and to this House. see it. There are just so many things to Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. When I was standing there with him, mention. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. LATTA for he was passionate about his God. Duty, This body is going to miss him and his comments. honor, country is learned at West his patriotic passion dearly, but I wish Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Point, but country, family, and God, JOHN and Karen really an incredible re- tleman from Kentucky (Mr. GUTHRIE), that is so important. tirement of love and a lot of music. another E&C member. Thank you, JOHN, for your service. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I We are going to miss you. Madam Speaker, I thank Mrs. BROOKS thank the gentleman very much for Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. for her comments tonight. yielding. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- I am here tonight to honor Mr. SHIM- tleman from Virginia (Mr. GRIFFITH), tleman from Ohio (Mr. LATTA), another KUS. I call him Mr. SHIMKUS because another E&C member. E&C member. that is how a junior West Point cadet Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, we Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank refers to a senior West Point cadet. have heard a lot of great comments the gentleman so much. I appreciate One of the most insulting things I get about JOHN. I was not officially a my friend for yielding. here in Washington, people ask me mentee, but when I first got to the En- JOHN, we are going to miss you. often: ‘‘Were you at West Point with ergy and Commerce Committee, he im- You probably don’t remember this, JOHN SHIMKUS?’’ mediately started giving me pointers because you talk to a lot of folks, but I always say: ‘‘Do I look like I could and guidance. We would talk about even before I got here, one of the first have been at West Point when JOHN issues, and we would talk about how persons I talked with was you in your SHIMKUS was there?’’ you do things and how sometimes it is office. I can still remember. One of the frustrating around here, as we all b 2130 things I was talking about was, How do know. I get on E&C? I hadn’t even gotten We are not that far apart, the Class I appreciate very much all the help elected yet. But you were very gracious of ’80 and the Class ’87. But he is pas- that you gave me and the guidance to talk with me that afternoon, and I sionate about his country. that you gave me through the years. I will never forget it. I serve on the NATO committee with am going to miss you deeply on the One of the things I know about you is him. I am going to tell one quick story. committee. I appreciate all of your this: you have got your priorities right It is really more about passion for his service. in life, and it is the way you build family. I could talk about all the things that things. It is your God, your family, and One year, we were visiting our allies. all the other people have, but I am your country. You always, always show We were visiting in Holland, and JOHN going to point something out that I re- that to the rest of us. It was something went on a mission to find some kind of alized as I was sitting here. you believed in. horn. I forget the name of the horn, but Every Member of Congress, by na- Again, we all have such great respect it is a Dutch horn. He went to a village. ture, is a political junkie, and, unfortu- for you. He went to somebody’s home. This nately, the time to celebrate your serv- Also, serving on committee with you thing wasn’t easy to find, but he said: ice overlaps with a Presidential debate. and when you were chairing the Envi- I have to find it because my wife wants So it will get higher ratings in the re- ronment and Climate Change Sub- it. My wife always wants a unique mu- runs than it will get in the prime time, committee, one of the things you were sical instrument from some country first edition. passionate about is making sure things that I visit. But when you stop to think about it, got done. It wasn’t like, ‘‘I have to get this for think about all the Members of Con- And TSCA, when we were talking my wife.’’ He was passionate about get- gress who stayed here, who wanted to about getting things done, no one ting it. This thing was as big as half of say something positive about you, thought it was going to get done. You this table, and he had to carry it back. about your service, your commitment got it done. When he started telling people why to your family, to your God, and to The other thing you were working on he was doing it, you could just see the your country, we are all here missing that we have still got to get done is passion in his face. He goes: My wife— that big event because we love JOHN when we talk about Yucca Mountain. I who is here with us tonight—my wife, SHIMKUS. will never forget when you took a she teaches music, and when she teach- So, God bless you. Godspeed on the group of us out there to Yucca. Again, es this kind of music, this history, she work that you have to do further. it is something that you believed in, gets these instruments out that I col- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. but it is something that we have to do. lect. She goes through them, and she Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- So that is your legacy. teaches the history of the country tleman from Texas (Mr. ARRINGTON) for For all your years of service now where this music is from. brief remarks. here in the House, but also to your So it is combined. You could see Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I country in the Army, I think it really JOHN’s passion for history, his wife’s rise to honor my colleague, my friend, comes back to something my dad passion for music, and his passion for and fellow pitcher on the Congressional taught me. Dad was in public service his family. Baseball Team. for 36 years. He said: ‘‘Always remem- Then, finally, he may not remember In fact, in 2018, after watching my ber, there are two types of people that this, but I was standing with him one colleague JOHN SHIMKUS pitch for an

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.125 H29SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5047 inning, I followed him on to the have him closer to home, and our loss I didn’t want tonight to go by with- mound. After watching him for an en- is their gain. out at least saying something to you tire inning, I still, Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, this entire body will about how I appreciate you and enjoy cannot throw the ball straight. miss JOHN, and I am sure his constitu- you. You take on really difficult issues. But in all seriousness, it is a privi- ency is thankful for his years of serv- The education you have helped pro- lege to serve with a man with such ice. I know I am. vide me and other Members on the sit- great character and commitment to That is the conclusion of my official uation down at Yucca Mountain is ap- service. remarks, but I want to talk off the cuff preciated, the battle on that, because In fact, JOHN, you are the epitome of for a couple of minutes. that is extremely important to get a a servant leader. I imagine this is how I just want to thank you for your handle on how we deal with that issue you were when you were a soldier, faithful leadership, your Bible verses around the country, which hadn’t been when you were a teacher, a local lead- that you give to me every day, and the handled very well. You are a true lead- er. That is certainly who you are in roommates. That means a lot to me. er on that, and I thank you for that. this Chamber, and it has made all the I want to thank you for mentoring Many, many blessings in your next difference. me these past couple of years. I endeavor. As a friend, I am glad to be I am reminded of the scripture in couldn’t have had a better mentor. here tonight with you. Philippians that says: Do nothing out Congressman SHIMKUS, you are a Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. of selfish ambition or vain conceit. leader that we all look up to. Thank Madam Speaker, I can’t tell you how Rather, in humility, value others above you. privileged I am to be here tonight, to yourself. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. be able to stand at this podium and That is who you are, JOHN, and that Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentle- recognize my fellow colleagues on both is the value and the trait that has woman from Washington (Mrs. ROD- sides of the aisle to recognize some- made this country what it is today. I GERS), another member of the Energy body who I worked for, for 16 years. pray that we will have more leaders and Commerce Committee. I was talking to my wife, Shannon, follow you in your ilk. Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. about what I wanted to say about JOHN It is an honor to be your friend. I am Madam Speaker, I thank the gen- tonight because I really couldn’t think grateful for your friendship, and I wish tleman for bringing us all together to of anything really nice to say, after 16 you blessings and Godspeed in all your honor and celebrate a senior member of years. She reminded me that I wouldn’t be here without his mentorship. I future endeavors. the House Energy and Commerce Com- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. mittee, my friend and colleague who wouldn’t be able to have this privilege Madam Speaker, I can attest, some- has led in so many different ways. to serve in this institution with you, times the gentleman cannot throw the I am privileged to have had the op- Madam Speaker, and with everybody pitch straight. My shin feels that. But portunity to serve with the Congress- who crowded the floor tonight to honor I thank the gentleman for his kind man from Illinois now for 10 years on our friend, Mr. SHIMKUS. She reminded me, you probably—his words. the House Energy and Commerce Com- wife, Karen, who I am not supposed to Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- mittee. When I think about JOHN, I recognize in the gallery, so I am not. I tleman from Minnesota (Mr. STAUBER), think about someone who is a true leg- don’t want to be chastised later. the newest member of the SHIMKUS islator. He is the one who digs in and But his wife, Karen, probably doesn’t slumlord era at his townhouse. does the tough job of legislating, know- know this, but I am probably their Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I ing the issues, being prepared, and fig- fourth son. This is somebody who rise today to thank my good friend, uring out how to actually solve big taught me to be a good worker, taught roommate, and colleague, Congressman problems. me that being on time matters, taught JOHN SHIMKUS, for his 24 years of dedi- So you think about the fact that he me that helping others is a privilege. cated service in the United States led in modernizing the Toxic Substance I can’t say thank you enough to this House of Representatives. Control Act. He has led on lowering man because I would not be serving in JOHN began his life of commitment to fuel costs for hardworking families all this great institution without you and our country when he enrolled at the across this country. It was JOHN SHIM- your mentorship, your friendship, and prestigious West Point Academy. Fol- KUS who led in bringing the 911 emer- your leadership. It wasn’t without lowing graduation from West Point, gency system into the 21st century. some hiccups, let me tell you. I am JOHN served 5 years in the Army and Time and time again, it has been sure he wanted to fire me a few times, then entered the Army Reserves. Congressman JOHN SHIMKUS who is and I think he told me that a few Much like his time in the military, leading to get big things done in order times. JOHN’s service in Congress has been de- to improve people’s lives and secure But I prevailed. You know why? Be- fined by his steadfast approach to lead- our future as Americans. cause we had a great team. And a great ership and integrity. I want to say, more than anything, team is built with the leadership of When I was elected to Congress al- we are going to miss you. We are going somebody who gives people opportuni- most 2 years ago, I was grateful to to miss your leadership. We are going ties to not just survive in a workplace have JOHN, not only as my guide but to miss your example as a true legis- but to excel. also as a roommate and friend. It has lator. I can remember that I hadn’t thought been a great privilege to live in the leg- For the people of Illinois, for my col- about running for Congress in a very endary Shimkus townhouse, where leagues on the House Energy and Com- long time when I got a call in 2012 one there were only two requirements: that merce Committee, and for the people’s day when there was an opportunity to I had to pay the rent on time and that House, know that you have made a dif- put my name into the mix to run for I had to make sure the freezer was ference. I want to say thanks for your this office. In typical JOHN SHIMKUS stocked with Dairy Queen Dilly Bars. leadership. fashion—and his wife Karen could prob- I will always be thankful for the I want to wish you all the best, and ably attest to this—JOHN called me and many late-night conversations after a I just want to say thanks to everyone said: Hey, have you ever thought about hard day’s work, where he and I had for pulling us together tonight. running for Congress? the chance to discuss not only policy Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. And I said: Well, I guess maybe be- and legislation but also about our lives Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- cause I really enjoy watching you. and families. tleman from California (Mr. LAMALFA). He said: Well, if there is ever a time Serving in Congress often means Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, Mr. to think about it, now is the time. spending a lot of time away from fam- SHIMKUS is always one of the guys I en- Okay. In typical JOHN SHIMKUS fash- ily and loved ones, so I want to thank joyed the most around here. We didn’t ion, he is like: All right, I have to go. JOHN’s wife, Karen, and his three sons, get to hang out a lot or share any of Call Craig—Craig Roberts, his chief of David, Joshua, and Daniel, for allowing the same committees, but he is always staff, the godfather of my three kids. their father, JOHN, to serve for 24 long an upbeat and friendly fellow to get What a team. What a team. The en- years. I know they will be happy to along with around here. tire Shimkus team, including my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:35 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.127 H29SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H5048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2020 chief of staff since I got here who understand their legacy and we don’t Godspeed to you, Mr. SHIMKUS, in worked with me on the Shimkus cam- understand the history that they your retirement. Godspeed to Karen. I paign, in the Shimkus office, and is brought to all of us and to our Nation love you both. now my staff director on the com- to make sure that lives are saved, then Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- mittee that I am blessed to run, the we will never know their true impact. ance of my time. House Administration Committee. I personally know JOHN SHIMKUS’ What a legacy this guy leaves in this true impact because he impacted my f institution. life greatly. He has known me since be- People will not understand the im- fore I became a parent of now a 23 year LEAVE OF ABSENCE portance of JOHN SHIMKUS serving as a old and two 20 year olds. These chil- By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Member of the House of Representa- dren look to him as somebody who sence was granted to: tives until they look back in history mentored their dad. Mr. ADERHOLT (at the request of Mr. and realize some of the things that our JOHN SHIMKUS. I know I don’t have a MCCARTHY) for today on account of colleagues actually talked about to- lot of time left tonight, and I have got personal reasons. night. probably a couple of months left to If you were in an emergency any- harass him a little bit in other speech- f where in this great Nation, and you es. But coming here to the U.S. House have a cell phone that is a lot more of Representatives and being able to ADJOURNMENT ubiquitous today than it ever was when get to know my friend’s roommates, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this guy came to Congress in the dark his friends and now colleagues, it ant to section 4(b) of House Resolution ages of 1996, you can dial 911 and know would not have happened without the 967, the House stands adjourned until 9 that it is going to get routed to your gentleman. He has made me not just a a.m. tomorrow for morning-hour de- local emergency services center. Member of this privileged institution, bate and 11 a.m. for legislative busi- b 2145 he has made me a better person, he has ness. But before JOHN SHIMKUS got to Con- made me a better dad, he has made me Thereupon (at 9 o’clock and 46 min- gress, that didn’t happen. The things a better husband, and he has made this utes p.m.), under its previous order, the that we take for granted today were institution in the United States of House adjourned until tomorrow, started by people who served in this in- America a better place for every single Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 9 stitution years before us. If we don’t citizen in this country. a.m. for morning-hour debate.

EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for Official Foreign Travel during the first and sec- ond quarters of 2020, pursuant to Public Law 95–384, are as follows:

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 1 AND MAR. 31, 2020

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Travel to Colombia, Peru, El Salvador, Hon- duras—January 17–24, 2020 Katy Quinn ...... 1/17 1/18 El Salvador ...... 207.45 ...... 207.45 1/18 1/20 Honduras ...... 548.00 ...... 548.00 1/20 1/22 Peru ...... 711.00 ...... 711.00 1/22 1/24 Colombia ...... 646.82 ...... 646.82 Commercial airfare ...... 3,410.93 ...... 3,410.93 Mark Morehouse ...... 1 /17 1 /18 El Salvador ...... 207.45 ...... 207.45 1/18 1/20 Honduras ...... 548.00 ...... 548.00 1/20 1/22 Peru ...... 711.00 ...... 711.00 1/22 1/24 Colombia ...... 646.82 ...... 646.82 Commercial airfare ...... 3,410.93 ...... 3,410.93 Brian Garrett ...... 1/17 1/18 El Salvador ...... 207.45 ...... 207.45 1/18 1/20 Honduras ...... 548.00 ...... 548.00 1/20 1/22 Peru ...... 711.00 ...... 711.00 1/22 1/24 Colombia ...... 646.82 ...... 646.82 Commercial airfare ...... 3,410.93 ...... 3,410.93 Chidi Blyden ...... 1 /17 1 /18 El Salvador ...... 207.45 ...... 207.45 1/18 1/20 Honduras ...... 548.00 ...... 548.00 1/20 1/22 Peru ...... 711.00 ...... 711.00 1/22 1/24 Colombia ...... 646.82 ...... 646.82 Commercial airfare ...... 3,410.93 ...... 3,410.93 Travel to Germany, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia with STAFFDEL Leggieri—January 19–25, 2020 Jessica Carroll ...... 1/20 1/22 Djibouti ...... 762.00 ...... 762.00 1/22 1/23 Kenya ...... 299.00 ...... 299.00 1/23 1/24 Ethiopia ...... 533.81 ...... 533.81 Commercial airfare ...... 10,623.82 ...... 10,623.82 Travel to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malay- sia—January 17–25, 2020 Hon. Seth Moulton ...... 1/17 1/21 Vietnam ...... 706.00 ...... 706.00 1/21 1/22 Cambodia ...... 236.00 ...... 236.00 1/22 1/24 Thailand ...... 461.47 ...... 461/47 Commercial airfare ...... 13,270.35 ...... 13,270.35 Hon. Jim Banks ...... 1/19 1/21 Vietnam ...... 320.00 ...... 320.00 1/21 1/22 Cambodia ...... 236.00 ...... 236.00 1/22 1/24 Thailand ...... 461.47 ...... 461.47 Commercial airfare ...... 13,406.15 ...... 13,406.15 Laura Rauch ...... 1/17 1/21 Vietnam ...... 706.00 ...... 706.00 1/21 1/22 Cambodia ...... 236.00 ...... 236.00 1/22 1/24 Thailand ...... 461.47 ...... 461.47 Commercial airfare ...... 13,666.95 ...... 13,666.95 Eric Snelgrove ...... 1 /19 1 /21 Vietnam ...... 320.00 ...... 320.00 1/21 1/22 Cambodia ...... 236.00 ...... 236.00 1/22 1/24 Thailand ...... 461.47 ...... 461.47 Commercial airfare ...... 13,532.95 ...... 13,532.95 Travel to Indonesia, Singapore—January 18–24, 2020 Shannon Green ...... 1/19 1/22 Indonesia ...... 1,065.00 ...... 1,065.00 1/22 1/24 Singapore ...... 814.00 ...... 814.00 Craig Greene ...... 1/19 1/22 Indonesia ...... 1,065.00 ...... 1,065.00 1/22 1/24 Singapore ...... 814.00 ...... 814.00 Jason Schmid ...... 1 /19 1 /22 Indonesia ...... 1,065.00 ...... 1,065.00 1/22 1/24 Singapore ...... 814.00 ...... 814.00 Bess Dopkeen ...... 1 /19 1 /22 Indonesia ...... 1,065.00 ...... 1,065.00 1/22 1/24 Singapore ...... 814.00 ...... 814.00

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