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U.S. Rep. John Shimkus: Change Could Come for State of the Union Address

People

Southern Illinois Congressman John Shimkus says it may be time to re-think how the State of the Union is delivered to Congress.

The Collinsville Republican says the address has become a 'made for TV, Prime Time' event, and isn't what the founders had in mind. He points to Tuesday night's speech, which he says included some immature behavior on both sides of the aisle.

"I mean, there are times when I think the President could've been more mature - like not shaking the Speaker's hand. But you have to remember, the House of Representatives and the Democrats just impeached him. And obviously, her ripping up the speech was not that mature, either. So there's immaturity showing on both sides."

Shimkus was a teacher, and hopes to get back to the classroom in retirement. He says originally, the State of the Union was a written report. He thinks the current setup gives the executive branch too much power over the legislative branch.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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