Janice Schakowsky: “Although I was unable to join in person tonight, I want to lend my voice to the chorus of colleagues assembling to honor…”

“Although I was unable to join in person tonight, I want to lend my voice to the chorus of colleagues assembling to honor John Shimkus' service in Congress. I thank John for his friendship, and commitment to public service. I wish him nothing but health and happiness for himself and his family during his upcoming retirement from Congress. John came to Washington one term before I did. We had offices next to each other on the fifth floor of the Cannon Building. As most members and staff know, most of the elevators in Cannon do not go to the fifth floor, making those offices not the most desirable real estate. But John and I not only stayed there as Freshman members, but we stayed a few terms, enjoying the larger offices and the somewhat quieter halls. John and I, as well as our staff, got along well, especially Cathy Hurwit, my long time Chief of Staff and Craig Roberts, John's then and current Chief. Though there were issues on which John and I disagreed, we had the opportunity to work closely together on issues affecting our state. The Illinois Delegation had a tradition of monthly bipartisan lunches. The agendas focused on issues specific to Illinois. Often we would agree to support legislation, funding or projects that could help all our constituents and benefit our state. Illinois was one of the few delegations that was able to work so smoothly together, and John was a leader in that effort.…”