Today, as the U.S. House of Representatives adjourned for the 114th Congress, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) touted a number of his recent legislative accomplishments. “There is this media-driven myth that nothing good ever gets done on Capitol Hill anymore,” said Shimkus. “But if you look past the partisan bickering and hyped-up controversies that grab headlines, I think most Americans would be surprised at what the 114thCongress actually accomplished.” During the two-year session, Shimkus introduced eight bills that were signed into law. Enacting Chemical Safety Reform “My top legislative achievement this Congress was undoubtedly bringing the Toxic Substances Control Act into the 21st Century,” said Shimkus. “Virtually every manufactured good we come into contact with each day – from carpets to car seats to cleaning solutions – is touched by a law that had not been updated in 40 years. The bipartisan legislation I authored and negotiated will give consumers confidence that the products they buy are safe for their intended use, and will give industry the certainty they need to grow and create jobs.” Shimkus’s chemical safety legislation, which was signed into law last June, had broad support from industry and environmental groups alike – including a number of chemical manufacturers and distributers with ties to southern Illinois. Making Improvements to FDA Reviews “In the coming days, policy ideas from six healthcare bills I authored will also be signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures legislation,” Shimkus said. “My provisions included in that bill seek to speed up FDA’s review and approval processes for medical devices, as well as allow for more review exemptions for devices needed to treat some of the rarest diseases. Along with another provision aimed at treating drug-resistant infections, these improvements to our healthcare system will help maintain American leadership in medical innovation.” A summary of Shimkus-sponsored provisions included in the Cures bill can be found[shimkus.house.gov/sites/shimkus.house.gov/files/SHIMKUS%20PROVISIONS%20IN%2021ST%20CENTURY%20CURES%20ACT.pdf]HERE. Keeping the Promise to Veterans In the 114th Congress, Shimkus also supported more than a half–dozen bills aimed at improving care and benefits for our nation’s veterans. Those that have been signed into law include the Hire More Heroes Act, authored by Congressman Rodney Davis (R, Illinois-13), and the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, which Shimkus cosponsored. Constituents and veterans in Vermilion County will also benefit from legislation Shimkus worked to have signed into law this year. That bill, now law, allows for a mutually beneficial land transfer between Danville Area Community College and VA Illiana Health Care System. | |
