John M. Shimkus
R-Illinois, Army
Bio: John M. Shimkus has served in the Army, as a high school teacher, a county treasurer, and now as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for the 15th District of Illinois.
Among his duties in Congress, John is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of its Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy. He also serves on the Energy and Power; Health; and Communications and Technology Subcommittees.
John married Karen Muth in 1987. They have three sons: David, Joshua and Daniel. The Shimkus family maintains their residence in John’s hometown of Collinsville, Illinois where they are active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School.
After leaving active duty, John earned his teaching certificate from Christ College Irvine, California (now Concordia University Irvine). He returned home to teach at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.
In 1989 John won his first election, becoming a Collinsville Township trustee. He left his teaching job the following year to campaign full-time and was elected Madison County (Illinois) Treasurer. John began studies for his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) while county treasurer and graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1997.
In 1996 John won his first term as a United States Representative from what was then Illinois’ 20th District. From 2003-2013 he represented the 19th District and now he represents the 15th District, 33 counties that stretch from his hometown near St. Louis to the Indiana border and from Hoopeston south to Metropolis. Danville is the largest city in the 15th District.
Military Bio: John received his Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1980. He served over five years active duty in the Army, then entered the Army Reserves. John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on June 1, 2008, concluding 28 years of military service.
Legislation:
- R.3262 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)
To provide for the conveyance of land of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Danville, Illinois.
Sponsor: Rep. Shimkus, John [R-IL-15] (Introduced 07/28/2015) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs | Senate – Veterans’ Affairs
Latest Action: 02/29/2016 Became Public Law No: 114-129. (TXT | PDF) (All Actions)
- R.3990 — 107th Congress (2001-2002)
Captain Jack Punches Memorial Act
Sponsor: Rep. Shimkus, John [R-IL-20] (Introduced 03/18/2002) Cosponsors: (18)
Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs
Latest Action: 03/22/2002 Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits. (All Actions)