Nicole (Nikki) Budzinski

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Urbana councilwoman, proud dog mom to Riley and now to Bronzely, and my good friend, Chaundra Bishop. For 7 years, Chaundra served Urbana with determination and heart, fighting tirelessly for reforms to local policing systems, helping get folks in the community connected to good jobs, and working to strengthen public safety in the community. All the while, Chaundra was fighting a long and difficult battle with cancer. At 29 years old, Chaundra was diagnosed with stage IV intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer that effects fewer than 6 in 100,000 people each year. When standard treatments were no longer enough, she refused to give up and enrolled in clinical trials in search of hope, not only for herself but for the others facing the very same fight. In the process, she became a powerful advocate and an expert. When the Biden White House convened a forum on the importance of clinical trials, Chaundra shared her story, helping others understand what the research funding means for patients and families across the country. While the Trump administration moved to cut clinical trial funding at NIH, Chaundra and I worked together to speak out about the devastating consequences those cuts could have for Americans still searching for answers. Madam Speaker, my thoughts are with Chaundra as she continues her fight.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, as amended. As a lead Democrat on this bill, I have been proud to work with Congressman Adrian Smith on this issue. We both understand, like many other Members, that year-round E15 is bigger than politics. This is about American farmers. It is about American consumers, and it is about American energy. E15 is truly one of those rare issues where everyone wins. Here is why: American farmers win because it creates strong and stable markets for homegrown corn. American consumers win because E15 helps to lower prices at the pump. Our economy wins because E15 supports jobs and investment in rural America. I represent one of the leading corn producing regions in the United States. I have sat down with growers, producers, and small business owners across central and southern Illinois who all understand the same thing: Year-round E15 works. Yet despite years of support, years of advocacy, and years of evidence proving its benefits, we are still relying on temporary waivers and short-term fixes to keep E15 available during the summer months. Those waivers may get us through another season, but they do not provide certainty that our farmers need and deserve. Farmers cannot plan their future around temporary decisions. Producers cannot invest with confidence when policy changes year to year. Consumers should not lose access to a cheaper fuel option simply because Washington refuses to finish the job. We have been close before. In fact, it feels like every year we get right to the goal line, and every year politics, delay, or dysfunction gets in our way. Today we are here to say: Enough. Enough excuses. Enough kicking the can down the road. The time for bipartisan, permanent, nationwide, and year-round E15 is now. Family farmers are heading toward a crisis, facing rising costs, shrinking margins, and growing unpredictability not because they are failing, but because the system is failing them. While our producers are struggling, American families are being squeezed, and that is especially at the gas pump. Right now, the average price of gas nationwide is around $4.50 per gallon. Families need relief, and year-round E15 is the solution. That is why today I am calling on my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, to come together and let's finally pass this bill. Let's deliver certainty for our growers, lower costs for consumers, and let's strengthen American energy independence.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Barbara Flynn Currie. Barbara was nothing short of extraordinary, a true trailblazer in every sense. She made history as the first woman to serve in the Illinois House as Illinois House majority leader and became the longest serving woman in the general assembly. Her leadership didn't just break barriers. It reshaped what leadership could look like. As a founding mother of the Illinois Women in Leadership, also known as IWIL, Barbara inspired me and countless others to pursue a career in public service. She was a force who opened doors for generations of women in Illinois politics. She led with integrity, always putting people before politics, and proving that government can work effectively when guided by principle and purpose. That is the kind of leadership we need now more than ever. Mr. Speaker, Barbara will be deeply missed, but her example will continue to guide and inspire us for years to come.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this legislation. This bill, deceptively named the Tipped Employee Protection Act, would change Federal wage law to allow employers to treat almost any worker as a tipped employee, even if they receive small or occasional tips. This means lower wages for everyday Americans who are struggling daily with higher costs. Mr. Speaker, think of a restaurant worker who both waits tables and covers with some back-of-the-house shifts. This legislation would allow her employer to average her tipped wage from waiting tables with the standard minimum wage she earned during her back-of-the-house hours. By doing this, the employer could justify paying her a subminimum wage for all hours worked. If this bill were to become law, the employer could classify her as a tipped employee and could legally pay her as little as $2.13 an hour. In a time of rising costs and an uncertain economy and working families all across my district struggling to make ends meet, this bill to reduce take-home pay for workers is tone-deaf, at best. At worst, it is a handout to corporations at a time when workers can least afford it. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to the committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would attach the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act to this bill, which would establish new and increased penalties for violations of overtime and minimum wage requirements, a real commonsense solution for working people. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of lowering costs for working families in my district who deserve better than to be ripped off by big corporations. Last month, the Guardian exposed dollar stores for quietly overcharging customers. The report found evidence of a systematic scam where companies like Dollar General and Family Dollar leave the wrong price tags on products and hope that customers don't notice when it rings up higher at the register. That is just wrong, especially when dollar stores are sometimes the only nearby option for everyday items. States have tried to crack down on this practice, but often the penalties aren't enough to deter the practice. That is why I led 29 Members of Congress in a letter to Dollar General and Family Dollar to hold them accountable. Because when inflation is crushing families, we won't let big corporations squeeze people who are just trying to get by.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the wonderful class of interns who served in my office during the fall 2025 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 left a significant impact. In my Washington Office, I was honored to work alongside Henry Scriven-Young, Carter Wood, Maurice Mueller, Ally Denton, and Ethan J.S.H. Reed. These five interns have worked tirelessly to support my staff and have done an excellent job navigating the turbulent nature of Congress. Especially during a government shutdown, when their time with my office was cut short, these five individuals have shown an immense desire to learn and serve others, regardless of the circumstance. Back in Illinois, I was proud to work with Keziah Gragg in my Springfield Office and Addison Merritt and Ryan Miller in my Champaign Office. Especially following a turbulent government shutdown, these three interns played an integral role in supporting constituents from Central and Southern Illinois to obtain much needed assistance from the federal government. Their commitment to constituent service by assisting my casework team has been amazing to see, and I am so proud of the work they have accomplished serving the people of Illinois' 13th Congressional District. The impact that these individuals had on my office will be felt for years to come, and we will be very sad to say farewell to this amazing group of interns. I thank Henry, Carter, Maurice, Ally, Ethan, Keziah, Addison, and Ryan, for their service. I wish them all the best as they continue their professional and academic journeys.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of and express my deep gratitude for my Veterans Affairs Policy Fellow, Laura Falender, and her outstanding service to my office over the past year. Since joining my team from the Department of Veterans Affairs earlier this year, Laura became an integral member of my policy staff and helped spearhead my work on Veterans Affairs issues--especially as I have taken on the role of Ranking Member of the Technology and Modernization Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. During her time in my office, Laura proved invaluable to both me and my staff, while also serving as a strong voice for veterans across my district and throughout the country. Upon joining our office, Laura also led several legislative initiatives. These include, but are certainly not limited to, the VA Mental Health Engagement Act, the Improving Veterans' Experience Act of 2025, and the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act, which unanimously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. Laura's dedication to improving access to benefits for our Nation's more than 18 million veterans played a significant role in her ability to expertly introduce and advance legislation in support of those who have served. Beyond her policy contributions, Laura has been a key member of our team, helping to foster a culture of collaboration, camaraderie, and hard work. While I am saddened to see Laura's time in my office come to an end, I am encouraged that she will continue her public service by returning to the Veterans Experience Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she will build on her important work on behalf of our Nation's veterans. I want to once again thank Laura Falender for her service to my office, our Nation's veterans, and my constituents. While she will be missed, I am confident she has a bright future ahead in public service.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 48 million family caregivers in Illinois and across the country. One in six adults in Illinois are family caregivers. They are a critical part of our healthcare system, yet they often go unpaid and unacknowledged. Although caregiving is a full-time responsibility, more than 60 percent of family caregivers also hold jobs outside of the home. On top of time, caregivers spend on average 26 percent of their income on out- of-pocket care expenses. From that financial strain to the emotional burden that caregivers take on, we need to pass policies that improve the care economy for all. I especially acknowledge members of the sandwich generation, folks who take care of both their aging parents and their own children. Please know that we see you, and we appreciate you. Although National Family Caregivers Month was in November, let's recognize these everyday heroes every month of the year.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of and express my deep gratitude for my agriculture policy advisor, Aleksi Knepp, for her outstanding service to my office over the past 2\1/2\ years. Since joining my team in 2023 as legislative assistant, Aleksi has been entrusted with a wide portfolio of issues, but her leadership on agriculture and education policy has made a lasting mark on my office and Illinois' 13th district. In these roles, she has not only proved invaluable to me and my staff but has also served as a direct voice for my constituents in Illinois' 13th district. Aleksi has been at the center of some of the most important legislative and district activities I have undertaken. She has guided my office through farm bill negotiations and markups, ensured that our team was well-prepared for the annual Farm Progress Show, and represented my office with diligence and skill at countless other hearings, briefings, and stakeholder meetings. Regardless of what policy issue she was tasked with solving, Aleksi approached every task with a sense of dedication, professionalism, and passion for public service. As the daughter of central Illinois farmers, Aleksi brings to her role not only technical expertise but also lived experience. She understands first-hand the challenges faced by family farmers and rural communities across Illinois. She has carried that perspective into this role, always keeping in mind the voices of those who are too often left out of debates in Washington. Outside of her incredible policy contributions, Aleksi has been an integral member of our team, helping to build a culture of collaboration, camaraderie, and hard work. While I am saddened to see Aleksi depart from my staff, I am so proud that she will be continuing her service to the public on the House Committee on Agriculture, where she will have the opportunity to work on behalf of growers and producers from across the Nation. I want to once again thank Aleksi Knepp for her service to my office and my constituents. While she will be missed in my office, I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role, and I know that she has a bright future ahead of her in public service.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Kaptur for cohosting this Special Order hour alongside me today. I rise today for my district, for our economy, for our workers, and for our clean energy future. Last year, my district in central and southern Illinois had investments through the Inflation Reduction Act that would have been transformational. Take the $32 million investment awarded to the Kraft Heinz facility in Champaign. This was the single largest award among the 10 sites approved under the Kraft Heinz $170 million grant from the Department of Energy. These funds would have reduced emissions from this plant by 99 percent. Yet this administration chose to cancel this project, along with countless others, simply because it did not fit their political agenda. This story isn't unique. Today, you will hear from other Members whose districts received the same frustrating news. It is not just canceling funds to help companies modernize and decarbonize. It is canceling tax credits to help union workers find jobs and to help working people keep the lights on. The President's so-called big, beautiful bill isn't beautiful. It is a big, ugly joke. The only thing this bill does is hand out tax breaks to billionaires while making it harder for working people to get by. As we know, the bill canceled tax credits designed to lower people's energy bills, transform our Nation's clean energy economy, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs. The administration called these investments wasteful spending. I am here to tell you that they are wrong. Good-paying union jobs are not a waste. Building the clean energy infrastructure of tomorrow right here in America is not a waste. Across the country, there were thousands of clean energy projects planned, underway, or just finished that would have benefited from the IRA incentives tied to good labor standards. To get the full tax credit, these projects needed to meet wage and apprenticeship requirements. This was a huge chance to raise pay and improve job quality for clean energy workers nationwide. Estimates show that without these tax credits, $522 billion in planned clean energy investments are now at risk. More than $263 billion of this is wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, while $110 billion of announced clean energy manufacturing is at risk. This will have direct implications for Illinois. For our State, eliminating these tax credits means losing 21,000 potential jobs by 2030. These tax credits are more than just financial incentives. They are lifelines for working families and for working-class communities. Without these tax credits, families' energy bills will go up around $110 next year and over $400 per year in the next 5 years. Yet, this administration has prioritized tax cuts for billionaires over support for everyday Americans, leaving families struggling to make ends meet in an increasingly difficult economy. This is not just unfair. It is wrong. If this administration truly cares about working people, now is the time to act. Now is the time to invest in families, create jobs, and invest in a clean energy future.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a mentor and a true public servant, but most of all, he was a dear friend. As a graduate of the University of Illinois' Edgar Fellows Program, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Governor Edgar brought people together. He had a rare gift for bridging divides, encouraging voices from all perspectives, and helping us discover common ground on even the most difficult issues. Governor Edgar led Illinois with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of our State. Governor Edgar was a voice of reason, a champion of civility, and an unwavering advocate for collaboration. In today's era of division and political turmoil, his example of steady leadership and his voice of wisdom will be profoundly missed. His passing is a loss felt across the political spectrum and throughout Illinois. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts are with his wonderful family, especially Brenda, Brad, and Elizabeth, along with our entire State, as we mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act. With the start of the new school year, the time is now to pass this bipartisan legislation that will help student veterans who are training for high-demand STEM fields. I thank my colleague on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Congressman Hamadeh, for his collaboration and partnership on this bill. I also thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Madam Speaker, this bill removes barriers for student veterans seeking a STEM education by modifying eligibility requirements for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. This scholarship has proven crucial to getting more veterans involved in STEM fields, but feedback from veterans in a 2022 GAO report has shown that current eligibility requirements are barriers for many of our student veterans. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act would address these barriers by lowering the minimum number of credit hours required. It would also allow student veterans to apply for the scholarship before their post-9/11 GI Bill benefits run out. This would allow for a smooth transition of funding for their education. They have so greatly served us. It is time for us to serve them. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation because it strips away critical resources from projects that directly benefit my district. One example is the investment of $32 million awarded to the Kraft Heinz facility in Champaign, Illinois. This was the single largest award among the 10 sites approved under Kraft Heinz's grant of $170 million from the Department of Energy. These funds were not wasteful. They would have been transformative, reducing emissions for this plant by 99 percent. That isn't just about energy policies. It is about protecting community health, and it is about growing good-paying union jobs. Yet this administration chose to cancel this project, along with countless others, simply because it did not fit their political agenda. That raises a fundamental question: What are their priorities? Instead of investing in cleaner facilities, healthier communities, and good-paying jobs, they are pulling resources away from businesses making real commitments to reinvest locally and, ultimately, from the American people. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an amendment to reverse the Department of Energy's canceled awards and prohibit the department from canceling future awards based on their so-called priorities. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment. Ms. Budzinski moves to recommit the bill H.R. 4553 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment: At the appropriate place in title V, insert the following: Sec. __. (a) No agency or entity funded in this Act may terminate a Federal award for no longer effectuating the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations. (b) Any Federal award that was terminated by any of the agencies or entities funded in this Act after September 30, 2024, for no longer effectuating the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be reinstated by such agency or entity under its previous terms and conditions.

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Perry.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Jones, the chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who is stepping down to take on a new role as president of the University of Washington. I also congratulate Dr. Charles Lee Isbell, Jr., who has been appointed as the new chancellor. As a proud alumna of the University of Illinois, I have sincerely enjoyed working with Chancellor Jones during my time in Congress. A crop physiologist by trade, Chancellor Jones made history in 2016 when he became UIUC's first Black chancellor. Throughout his tenure, Chancellor Jones helped launch a new program to provide free tuition to low-income students, oversaw the start of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and grew the university's profile as one of America's top research institutions. He has partnered with the JJK Foundation in east St. Louis on their new Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chancellor Jones for his dedicated leadership. I wish him all the best.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Tyrone Echols of Venice, Illinois, and to congratulate him on his retirement after more than 40 years in office. As a graduate of Madison High School and Southern Illinois University, Mayor Echols is a true son of downstate Illinois. He has dedicated his career to serving our community. Before he was elected mayor, Mayor Echols worked as a city alderman, a union steward for the International Union of Operating Engineers, and a legislative aide to the State Representative Jim McPike. He also proudly led as president of the Illinois chapter of the National Conference of Black Mayors. As mayor, he prioritized bringing new business opportunities to Venice and making sure that his door was always open to constituents. His dedication to public service is truly an inspiration, and I am honored to call him my friend. I thank Mayor Echols for all he has done for our community and congratulate him on his retirement.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I was speaking in committee to celebrate the bipartisanship of this important legislation and the urgent need to pass it out of the House. Today, we are one step closer to making that a reality. First, I thank Representative Young Kim for her leadership and collaboration on this bill, and I thank our veterans for their service and bravery. This bill is needed for so many of those veterans who have endured sexual trauma while in service. When these veterans go to file military sexual trauma claims, navigating the VA system should never add to the pain they have already endured. That is why I introduced this bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA's claims process supports rather than retraumatizes survivors of MST. Right now, contracted disability compensation examiners are only required to complete outdated online sensitivity training before handling these deeply sensitive claims. This insufficient preparation can make the claims process retraumatizing for those who have already suffered. MST affects veterans of all genders. While it is more common among women, many male veterans are also impacted. We must ensure that all of our survivors are treated with dignity and care. The Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act would modernize and strengthen the training required for VA staff and contractors who work on MST claims and help cut through the red tape that too often delays justice and support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific car crash that occurred in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday afternoon: Alma Buhnerkempe, Kathryn Corley, Ainsley Johnson, and Rylee Britton. As we mourn the four children killed in this unthinkable tragedy, it is hard to find the words to describe the magnitude of our grief. It is a loss that no parent, no family should ever have to endure. Please join me in praying for them and for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I am grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene and for the school staff, faith leaders, and volunteers who have stepped up to assist our community in the aftermath. As we struggle to come to terms with this loss in the days and weeks ahead, I pray that our community can continue to lean on each other and begin to heal.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, bipartisan legislation that would simplify the Department of Veterans Affairs' correspondence for our Nation's heroes. I am proud to lead this bill with Chairman Tom Barrett, who I serve with on the House Veterans' Affairs Technology Modernization Subcommittee. Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to get the benefits that they earned because of overcomplicated documents and bureaucratic red tape. Correspondence from the VA regarding benefits decisions, often called notice letters, usually contain complex legal jargon, which can be confusing, frustrating, and stressful for veterans and their families. The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act is a commonsense solution to this problem. This legislation would require the VA to study and provide recommendations for simplifying VA notice letters. The goal is to make these letters shorter, easier to understand, and more comprehensive so veterans have the information they need for the next step in their claims process. Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our Nation, and we must do more to improve access to the critical services they need and deserve. Right now, our veterans are facing great uncertainty and anxiety. This bill would make a real change in their lives. We owe it to them now more than ever before. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of Glyn Ramage and to congratulate him on his retirement. A resident of Millstadt, Illinois, and a lifelong labor champion, Glyn has inspired so many, including myself. For 25 years, Glyn served as business manager for the Downstate Illinois Laborers' District Council. During that time he fought to secure better benefits and higher wages for more than 10,000 union families. As a member of the Illinois Capital Development Board, Glyn brought workers' voices to the table that oversees State construction projects. He also chairs the Illinois Laborers' and Contractors' Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program to help build the next generation of construction workers. I thank Glyn for all he has done for Illinois' workers, the labor movement and our community. I congratulate Glyn on his retirement.

Ms. BUDZINSKI

Ms. BUDZINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life of Penny Etson Rinehart of Olney, who passed away earlier this year. Born in Utica, New York, in 1953, Penny later attended the University of Illinois, where she double-majored in psychology and social work. After graduating, she dedicated her career to helping others, first as a probation officer and then as a drug and alcohol counselor. While in college, Penny met Eric Reinhart, whom she married in Olney, Illinois, in 1977. Their marriage was a testament to love and partnership, filled with cherished adventures, including memorable beach trips to Florida. Above all, Penny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She and Eric raised two sons, Jonathan and William, and were blessed with two granddaughters, Claudette and Camille. During this difficult time, I hold Penny's family in my thoughts and prayers. Penny's love, humor, and kindness touched the lives of many. Her impact will be deeply felt by those who knew her and by the Springfield community she called home. Penny will be greatly missed, but her legacy of compassion and warmth will endure.