Nicole (Nikki) Budzinski

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Gao from Champaign-Urbana on being selected as one of five National Student Poets. The National Student Poet Program is one of our Nation's highest honors for youth poets presenting original work. It is an incredible accomplishment that reflects Robert's talent, artistry, and the power of his work to inspire others. Robert says that his writing is influenced by his family and exploring his identity. He described that he fell in love with poetry because it allowed him to put his soul onto paper in a way that nonfiction writing couldn't. Previously, Robert has been recognized by The New York Times, the National Young Artist Foundation, and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. We are all so proud of Robert and cannot wait to see him continue to grow as an author and an artist.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding class of interns who supported my office during the Fall 2024 term. Whether they were working in the bustling U.S. Capitol or amongst the cornfields of Illinois, their contributions to Illinois' 13th Congressional District have made a significant impact. In my Washington Office, I was honored to work alongside Daryl Salinas, Wedad Osman, Stella Linn, and Sophia Hinich. These four interns have worked tirelessly to support my staff, skillfully navigating the complexities of working on Capitol Hill. They have been instrumental in managing direct correspondence with our constituents, drafting numerous memos and letters, and assisting with in-depth policy research. I am especially grateful for their work in preparing my office to transition to the 119th Congress. Back in Illinois, I was honored to work with Avery Martin in my Champaign Office. Her commitment to constituent service by assisting my casework team has been tremendous, and I applaud her for the dedication she showed to the people of Central and Southern Illinois while also being a full-time student at the University of Illinois. The impact that these five individuals left in my office will be felt for years to come as we transition to the 119th Congress, and we will be very sad to say farewell to this spectacular group of interns. I thank Daryl, Wedad, Stella, Sophia, and Avery for their service. I wish them all the best as they continue their professional and academic journeys.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two State champion football teams in my district, the East St. Louis Flyers and the Belleville Althoff Crusaders. Under Coach Darren Sunkett's leadership, the Flyers went 13-1 this season, winning their 11th State championship on November 28 with a 48- 28 victory over Geneva. I also congratulate the Crusaders football team for winning the 2024 1A Illinois State championship and running back Dierre Hill, Jr., on being named the 2024 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year. What an incredible accomplishment. I know that each and every player, coach, and staffer put in hours of practice and preparation to help the Flyers and the Crusaders achieve their goals on and off the field this season. Your dedication to the game of football and our local community is an inspiration.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the East St. Louis Flyers football team for winning the 2024 Illinois State championship. Under Coach Darren Sunkett's leadership, the Flyers went 13-1 this season, averaging an astonishing 43 points per game while giving up an average of just 7 points per game. On November 28, the team finished their season with a 48-28 victory over Geneva, marking East St. Louis' 11th State championship and Coach Sunkett's fifth State title with the Flyers. I want to personally congratulate each and every player, coach, and staffer who helped the Flyers achieve their goals on and off the field this season. I know that behind each win were hours of practice and preparation. Mr. Speaker, their dedication to the game of football and our local community is an inspiration. Go Flyers.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. I rise today to celebrate National Rural Health Month and bring attention to rural healthcare challenges. In the communities that I am so proud to represent in central and southern Illinois, independent pharmacies are a lifeline. However, for too long, predatory drug middlemen, called PBMs, have squeezed independent pharmacies out of business through their unfair, anticompetitive practices. I recently hosted a roundtable, where I heard from several independent pharmacists throughout my district, including Michelle Dyer, the owner of Michelle's Pharmacy in Carlinville, Illinois. In 2022, as PBM s consolidated, she was forced to close multiple locations of her business, leaving three rural towns in Macoupin County without access to a reliable pharmacy. Our conversation made clear that we must take action to rein in PBMs, who have gone unchecked for far too long. We must pass the Pharmacists Fight Back Act to provide transparency, accountability, and guardrails. We need to protect independent pharmacists and support the health of our rural communities.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my Democratic colleague for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. Right now, millions of Americans who have paid into Social Security are being cut short in their benefits. Police officers, firefighters, and educators, working people who have devoted their professional lives to public service, are being unfairly punished by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset. Mr. Speaker, the Social Security Fairness Act is a bipartisan bill to fix this, restoring benefits that our public servants have paid into throughout the years and ensuring that every American receives the Social Security benefits that they have earned and deserve. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to come together this evening to support this legislation so that we can give these working people the retirement security that they have worked for and earned.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of Blackburn College president, Dr. Greg Meyer, and to congratulate him on his retirement. Dr. Meyer began his time at Blackburn College in 1981 as the college's first full-time chaplain. During his 43 years at Blackburn, Dr. Meyer served as interim dean of students, a college counselor, director of church relations, chair of the philosophy and religion department, and college president. His long and diverse tenure reflects his tireless dedication to bettering the lives of his students. Beyond teaching, Dr. Meyer led a student music group called The Joyful Noise and participated in Blackburn's Midwinter Folk Festival. From hosting an annual Christmas vacation board game night to marrying approximately 100 couples on campus in Clegg Chapel, Dr. Meyer was always finding ways to bring our community together, and I am so grateful to call him a friend. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Meyer for all that he has done to inspire and shape the next generation of thoughtful, passionate leaders, and I congratulate him on his retirement.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Eric Leroy Rinehart, an incredible public servant from Olney, Illinois. Eric was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 19, 1953. After graduating from Flora High School, Eric chose to attend the University of Illinois, where he received his degree in mathematics. After college, Eric dedicated his career to his community and worked for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. After retiring in 2005, Eric became dedicated to gardening, establishing gardens around the Springfield region. If you used to call the Illinois Extension Office about which vegetables grow the best in Central Illinois' climate, you'd be transferred to Eric. Eric's passions extended beyond gardening; he especially loved spending time with his family, Manchester City Football Club, Star Trek, and Science News Magazine. As a computer programmer in the 1970s and an early adopter of the internet, he was constantly learning about and fascinated by the latest developments in the tech world. He enjoyed discussing science, engineering, physics, technology, and statistics with anyone. Eric's greatest accomplishment, however, was his incredible family. Eric married his wife, Penny, in 1977 after meeting her at the University of Illinois. Penny and Eric had two sons, Jonathan and William, and two granddaughters Claudette and Camille. I will be keeping them in my prayers during this very difficult time. Eric's incredible life has left a lasting mark on his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all of those who call Central Illinois home.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of a local hero, Juliana Turchetti, who lost her life fighting the Horse Gulch wildfire in Montana. Many central Illinoisans know Juliana as the owner of Aviatori Coffee House in Springfield and will remember her for her warm smile, but she was also a skilled and passionate pilot and an admired figure in our aviation community. With over 6,000 flight hours, she has been flying airplanes for 17 years, from agricultural dusting planes to her favorite, the Fire Boss. A few months ago when she took the next step to become a full-time aerial firefighter, Juliana said that it was a dream job and that she was proud to be part of a mission. She answered the call to service, stepping up to help protect communities and save lives. Juliana will be remembered for her bravery and passion, her devotion to her son, and her love of good coffee. Mr. Speaker, as we mourn her loss, let us send our thoughts and prayers to her loved ones and everyone who has been touched and inspired by her life.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 4136, to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, as the ``U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic''. Congressman Sam Johnson was a combat veteran of both the Korean war and the Vietnam war, a fighter pilot, and a nearly 28-year Representative from Texas. He flew 62 missions during the Korean war. During his 25th mission in Vietnam, his F-4 Phantom fighter bomber was shot down on April 16, 1966. His injuries included a broken arm, a broken back, and a dislocated shoulder, none of which were properly treated during his nearly 7-year imprisonment in Hanoi's Hoa Lo, commonly referred to by many former POWs as the ``Hanoi Hilton.'' For the last 18 months of his captivity, Johnson shared a cell with future Senator John McCain. Mr. Johnson weighed 120 pounds when he was released February 12, 1973. His right hand was permanently disabled, and he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Congressman Johnson graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in 1951 as a member of the Air Force ROTC. Following his service in Vietnam, he received a master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University in 1974. He retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1979. Congressman Johnson's political career followed shortly after. He was elected to the Texas State legislature in 1984 and won his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1991. He served the Texas Third District for nearly 28 years before retiring in 2019. Congressman Johnson passed away in May of 2020, but he will be remembered for his courage and lifetime of public service. It is only fitting that the Plano, Texas, clinic be named in his honor. A dedicated public servant in war and in peace, Congressman Johnson is certainly deserving of this Nation's gratitude. Despite this bill not meeting all of our committee's rules for naming VA facilities, Republican leadership has chosen to bring it to the floor. I am supporting this bill, and I trust that Republican leadership will grant the same consideration to Representative Crockett's bill which honors our former colleague, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who served as the chief psychiatric nurse of the Dallas VA Medical Center for 16 years before her time in Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Crockett).

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 4136, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Madam Speaker, on July 6, Sonya Massey dialed 911 seeking safety, but instead of receiving help, she met with fatal gunfire from an officer of the law. Like everyone who has seen the body camera footage of her final moments, I am shocked, horrified, and heartbroken. This was an appalling act of senseless violence that strikes at the core of our humanity. I stand here today echoing the voices of my constituents in Springfield and Americans nationwide demanding justice and accountability. We must confront and end the use of excessive force against unarmed people of color in this country. My heart goes out to Sonya's children, her family, and all who loved her. They deserve answers and they deserve to see an end to this systemic issue. Sonya Massey should be alive today. We owe it to her memory to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 based in Decatur, Illinois. John C. Ellis lodge, a part of Prince Hall Freemasonry, is the oldest active fraternal organization in the State of Illinois. Since Decatur Lodge No. 17 was founded on July 18, 1874 they have worked to promote service to their community and mankind. In 1966, Decatur Lodge No. 17 voted to change its name to John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 after Dr. John C. Ellis, who was a member and one of the longest serving Grand Masters in Illinois history. Dr. Ellis was also the first African American medical doctor in Decatur, Illinois and dedicated his life to serving his community in Central Illinois. A century and a half after its founding, John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 is still dedicated to perpetual improvement in their community. They work together to reach the principles of brotherly love, fellowship, and service. I want to thank the generations of Decatur-area residents who have made up John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 for their dedication to serving Central Illinois and their commitment to bettering their community.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest thanks to the dedication and service of the EPA coordinator for Cahokia Heights, Beth Murphy. Back in October, I asked EPA Administrator Michael Regan to appoint a member of his team to assist our response to the environmental, health, and safety crisis in Cahokia Heights. He delivered. As the area's first dedicated Federal coordinator, Beth has helped bring new urgency to alleviating the flooding and sewage crisis in Cahokia Heights and surrounding communities. Her efforts to streamline collaboration between stakeholders across Metro East will help ensure that Federal, State, and local government resources can finally be used collaboratively. Beth's hard work has helped us to put a spotlight on the needs of a community that has been overlooked for far too long. I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation for everything she has done for our community. As Beth moves to her next assignment, we are excited to welcome our new coordinator, Betsy Nightingale. I look forward to working together with Betsy to build on the progress we have made and to finally solve these problems once and for all.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for their dedication to the principles of sisterhood, academic excellence, and public service. For over 116 years, AKA has been a beacon of empowerment for women and a force for positive change in our communities. I would like to acknowledge the Central Director Kiahna Davis, State Social Action & Connection Chair Sherri Hale, my friend Erica Austin, the Illinois State Co-Coordinator, and Illinois General Assembly Liaison Erika Weaver. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has exemplified leadership and a commitment to uplifting young women from across the country. The sorority's dedication to academic excellence, social justice, and community service has served as an inspiration to countless people across the country. I want to sincerely thank members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc for their enduring contributions to society. I also want to wish them the best as they visit the Illinois State Capitol, located in Springfield, for their annual day of advocacy. I look forward to seeing what they are able to accomplish in the coming years.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commend and honor the outstanding work of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization that has long been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social justice in our communities. Since its inception, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. has stood firmly at the forefront of the fight for fairness and equity, tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of all people. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha, particularly Midwestern Regional Vice President Frank Stacy Jr., Illinois State Director Dr. Leonard McKinnis II, and Michael Gaines and Robert Dixon, the Directors of Illinois Day at the Capitol. Their commitment to community empowerment and activism serves as an inspiration to us all. Together, these individuals and organizations embody the spirit of service and selflessness, working tirelessly to provide communities with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to amplify their voices and effect positive change. They remind us that true empowerment begins with collective action and a commitment to social justice. I wish them all the best as they visit the Illinois State Capitol, located in my district, for their annual advocacy day.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Workers Memorial Day 2024 and the workers who have both lost their lives or risk their lives in unsafe working conditions on a daily basis. Too many people across the country, even today in 2024, are still forced to choose between a paycheck and having a safe and healthy workplace. This is unacceptable, and on Workers Memorial Day we remember all the workers who have been injured or have lost their lives on the job. As a Member of Congress, I am dedicated to working to ensure that Congress and the federal government both strengthen protections for workers in the workplace and defend the rights of workers to organize and create strong unions. For this reason, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the PRO Act and will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to push Congress to take up and pass pro-worker legislation. As someone who got their start in the labor movement, I will never stop advocating on behalf of the working men and women who serve as the backbone of this country. On this Workers Memorial Day, I am proud to take this opportunity to honor them and the sacrifices they have made over the years to fight for their right to be treated with dignity.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the class of interns who supported my office during the 2024 spring semester. Their incredible dedication to public service and commitment to learning has been truly inspirational, and the contributions they have made to Illinois' 13th Congressional District have had a significant impact. In my Washington office, I was honored to work alongside Joshua Diamond, Will Daugherty, and Alexander Goldstein. These three interns have worked tirelessly to support my staff and have done an excellent job navigating the turbulent nature of Congress. From preparing for the State of the Union to helping my office work through appropriations requests, the policy experience and knowledge that these three individuals gained is truly impressive. Back in Illinois, I was proud to work with Megan McCarthy in my Springfield office and Aidan Joyce in my Champaign office. Their commitment to constituent service by assisting my casework team has been amazing, and I am so proud of the work they have accomplished serving the people of Illinois' 13th Congressional District. The impact that these individuals have had on my office will be felt for years to come, and we will be very sad to say farewell to this group of interns. I thank Joshua, William, Alexander, Megan, and Aidan, for their service. I wish them all the best as they continue their professional and academic journeys.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and celebrate the life of someone who served as a pillar of his community and beacon of light to the students of the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, Dr. William Patterson. Dr. Patterson was a professor and community mentor who was dedicated to bettering the lives of the young people around him. During his time as an associate professor at the University of Illinois School of Music, Dr. Patterson worked with the Moyer Boys and Girls Club and created new initiatives for Black middle school, high school, and college students, like the Hip Hop Xpress Urban STEM Lab. Dr. Patterson's impact on our community cannot be overstated. He was known for always being fully present until the work was done. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate Dr. Patterson and his work, work that we must honor by continuing to follow his example of leadership and excellence. May his legacy live on to empower and inspire young people to blossom into bright, civic-minded leaders for generations to come.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Springfield native Brad Booker on the incredible achievement of winning an Oscar for his short film ``War is Over''. This incredible achievement is even more impressive given that Brad was a first time Academy Award nominee. Booker started his journey towards this incredible achievement in Springfield where he attended Glenwood High School and later Lincoln Land Community College. Prior to his work on this short film, he worked as an animator at Warner Brothers Studios on films such as Iron Giant, Stuart Little, Spider Man, and Lord of the Rings. I am honored to congratulate Brad, who still lives with his family in Chatham, on this incredible achievement. His dedication serves as inspiration to me and all of those who call the Springfield region home. Congratulations to him, his family, and his colleagues on this remarkable achievement. I am looking forward to his next project.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Bunker Hill basketball Coach Jim Hlafka, who passed away last month at 90 years old. The love and respect Coach Hlafka had for his players and the game was truly immeasurable. Under his leadership from 1959 to 2002, Bunker Hill teams had a record of 754-347. During that time, he not only coached the Minutemen to six regional championship wins, but he also made lifelong impressions on countless young people. Coach was known for his brilliant coaching and humility. He was always proud to talk about his players' accomplishments more than his own. Jim Hlafka's unwavering dedication to the game of basketball and his leadership will never be forgotten throughout the Bunker Hill community. May his leadership, passion, and wisdom live on for generations of athletes to come.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a tireless champion for working people, a mentor, a dear friend, and a wonderful human being, Ed Smith, a native of southern Illinois and a lifelong supporter of workers. Ed Smith made a difference and inspired so many, including myself. When I needed a place to stay during the Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004, Ed and his wife, Betty, took me in. I will always remember Ed waiting up most evenings to have a beer and talk about the latest happenings on the campaign trail. He loved politics, and he had the best instincts of anyone I have met. I have leaned on him for advice in every step of my career since. When I got to Congress and before deciding to run, Ed was one of the very first people to be on board. You never forget the people that believe in you, especially when you have your own doubts. Ed was special to so many people because he himself was a special person--always generous, smart, kind, dedicated, and full of wisdom. Ed was like a father to me, and I will miss him so much. Rest in power, my dear friend.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. John Caupert, the outgoing Director of NCERC (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center) at SIUE. John's 17-year journey has been marked by extraordinary achievements for SIUE and the agricultural research field. John has presided over several significant accomplishments and advances during his 17 years at NCERC. Some of the most notable achievements include transitioning NCERC into a self-sustained center funded by research grants, serving as a pathway for more than 80 technologies, which have generated billions of dollars in revenue, and helping to lead the fight against COVID-19 by producing the first WHO sanitizer from corn-based ethanol. All of these accomplishments, along with many that NCERC has produced during his tenure, are a testament to John's dedication to his work. I want to thank John for all of his contributions to the field of agricultural research. I wish John and his family all the best as he finds new ways to contribute to the field of agriculture research and communities across Central and Southern Illinois.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound gratitude and appreciation for the incredible dedication and hard work of the interns who have supported our office during the 2023 fall semester. I have been honored to work with Madison Barr, Rochelle Williams, Thomas Greco, Jameel Muhammad, and Colin Bellows in my Washington office and Cameron Shivley in my Belleville office. Each of these special and talented individuals has brought new perspectives and an incredible work ethic to our office. I am inspired by their dedication to service and helping the people of Central and Southern Illinois. I thank Madison, Rochelle, Thomas, Jameel, Colin, and Cameron for their service. I wish them all the best as they continue their professional and academic journeys.