Nikki Budzinski

VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act

introduced

Veteran DATA Act

in committee

PREDICT Act

in committee

“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. ____________________”

2025-12-19 · Government Reform

“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. ____________________”

2025-12-18 · Veterans