WASHINGTON — Today, agriculture and veteran stakeholders applauded Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s appointments to the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the 118th Congress. On these committees, Budzinski will have the opportunity to shape federal policy as it relates to family farmers and veterans in Central and Southern Illinois. 

Here’s what stakeholders are saying about Congresswoman Budzinski’s appointment to the House Agriculture Committee:

“I am proud to welcome Nikki Budzinski as a new Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Congresswoman Budzinski has made clear her commitment to strengthening our food and agriculture systems, with a particular emphasis on passing a farm bill that supports family farmers, critical nutrition programs, and invests in conservation. Her perspective will be a valuable addition to the 2023 Farm Bill process.” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott.

“Illinois Farm Bureau congratulates Rep. Nikki Budzinski on her appointment to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. The connecting tissue in Rep. Budzinski’s central Illinois district is agriculture and outstanding farm families who are blessed with some of the most productive soil on earth. Farm Bureau looks forward to starting our work with Rep. Budzinski and the House ag committee to identify policy priorities for her district and our state with the goal of enacting a farm bill this year,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr.

“The IL Corn Growers Association looks forward to working with new House Ag Committee member Rep. Nikki Budzinski on the upcoming issues that are going to significantly impact the farmers in Illinois’s 13th Congressional District and all of the corn farmers in Illinois. She recognizes the importance of agriculture to the Illinois economy and to her central Illinois district, and has responded by seeking out a seat on the House Ag Committee, just as we begin discussing a new farm bill. Together, we will put in the time to represent farmers in Illinois.” said Matt Rush, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. 

“The Illinois Soybean Association is excited and encouraged to see Representative Budzinski join the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. This appointment means that the legacy of strong leadership from Central and Southern Illinois will continue on the Agriculture Committee in a year we expect to see a farm bill debated. The 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois who lead the nation in production know that Representative Budzinski will be a devoted voice for agriculture and Illinois farmers,” said Brad Daugherty, IL Soybean Association Government Relations Committee Chairman. 

“The Illinois Pork Producers Association was thrilled with U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski’s optimism and willingness to learn more about the pork industry during her campaign. The IPPA looks forward to working together with her more on the important issues related to the pork and the entire agricultural industry and we are excited for the upcoming opportunity to meet with her and her staff in Washington DC in late March. We know that our partnership with US Representative Budzinski will bring positive changes to the pork industry as well as the entire agricultural industry in our district and in the great state of Illinois,” said Jennifer Tirey, Executive Director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. 

Here’s what stakeholders are saying about Congresswoman Budzinski’s appointment to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs:

“I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Budzinski to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Her experience helping firefighters, grocery workers, and meatpackers receive better training, wages, and workplace safety provisions will directly translate to helping strengthen the 400,000 hardworking individuals that make up VA’s workforce. I look forward to working with her to help improve access to benefits for veterans in rural communities across Illinois,” said House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano.

“On behalf of the 700,000 government workers AFGE represents, including 291,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees, we are ecstatic to have a labor champion like Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski fighting on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for our nation’s veterans and the federal workers who deliver world class care at the VA. Her record as a tenacious advocate for working people will be an important and welcome addition as we continue to advocate for better staffing, fair pay, and equal opportunities at the VA, which will ensure our nation’s largest integrated health care system continues to earn its reputation as veterans’ preferred health care provider,” said American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President Everett Kelley. 

“The veterans we serve in Springfield and throughout central Illinois deserve a strong voice in government.  Spring Street Veterans Renaissance and Veterans Family Renaissance are so pleased that Congresswoman Budzinski will have an important seat at the table on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. We look forward to working with the Congresswoman to make sure that every veteran in our community receives the benefits they’ve earned serving our country,” said Penny Powell, Executive Director of Fifth Street Renaissance.

“I’m excited to hear that Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski will be serving on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. I had the opportunity to meet with Nikki to discuss the issues veteran’s face and I know she understands the sacrifices our military members make both in peacetime and war. Nikki is committed to ensuring these sacrifices are rewarded, she will work tirelessly to ensure support is provided and the needs of our veterans are never forgotten,” said Dr. Victoria Davis, retired Illinois National Guard Lt Colonel.