WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) made the following statement on the retirement of Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL). Rep. Shimkus serves as the Republican Leader of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee and as a member of the Communications and Technology and Health subcommittees.
“John Shimkus has served our country for nearly a half-century: first, as a cadet at West Point, then as an officer in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, and since 1997 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“John is one of the most genuine people you will meet in the halls of Congress. His respect for everyone, from the staff to the members, has made him a friend and partner to many on both sides of the aisle, no doubt contributing to his long list of bipartisan accomplishments like the reauthorization of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
“I know John will continue the mission for the next 16 months. And, we all know he will not stop pushing for a permanent storage solution for spent nuclear fuel. But, beyond the legislative and political debates, John is truly an officer and gentleman, and he will be missed by all of us in the House and at the Energy and Commerce Committee.
“We wish you, Karen, and your three sons well," said Walden.
