Nikki 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.

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.

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.