U.S. Representative for IL-13. Proud to serve the people of Central & Southern IL. New Democrat Coalition's Vice Chair for Policy.https://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.govhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvl2sysdw227Today is National Voter Registration Day! There's no better time to make sure you're ready to vote. Your vote is your voice and your voice matters. Check your registration status today and make sure everyone you know is ready to make their voice heard in November. 🗳️ vote.gov/register https://vote.gov/register15 Sep 2026 16:39 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvl2sysdw227https://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvkuyyedzc2yToday marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, where we celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and countless contributions of Latino Americans who have helped shape this country into what it is today. This month and every month, we honor and uplift our Latino community.15 Sep 2026 14:55 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvkuyyedzc2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvighqimxc2sSeptember is Hunger Action Month. In Central Illinois, food insecurity is rising — food pantries are seeing demand they've never experienced before, and 5 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits since the Big, Ugly Law passed. https://www.wandtv.com/2026/09/11/something-that-we-can-remember-uis-packages-meals-central-il-community/14 Sep 2026 15:29 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvighqimxc2shttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvgeh3vqek2pThe Enjoy Illinois 300 is one of the best events we host right here in the district — and it never disappoints! Great to see so many fans come out and celebrating. 🏁13 Sep 2026 19:48 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvgeh3vqek2phttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvdk3s2fhk2iI met with my agriculture advisory council in Champaign yesterday to talk about the challenges they’re facing — an understaffed FSA, collapsed Canada trade deals, biofuel policy uncertainty, and another Farm Bill expiration in three weeks.12 Sep 2026 16:51 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvdk3s2fhk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvb7rwuy222aSpringfield just launched the BEACON Project. — a smarter, more compassionate approach to mental health and substance use crises. Last year, Springfield first responders went on nearly 1,800 mental health calls. https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/09/09/new-beacon-project-launch-by-city-of-springfield-fire-department/91611396007/11 Sep 2026 18:41 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvb7rwuy222ahttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvb3jqqers2uRemoving reasonable accommodations from disabled VA employees — many of them veterans with service-connected disabilities — isn't reform. It's discrimination. I joined @repmarktakano.bsky.social and colleagues in demanding answers from Secretary Collins. https://democrats-veterans.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-takano-and-democratic-colleagues-demand-va-provide-reasonable-accommodations-for-disabled-employees11 Sep 2026 17:25 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvb3jqqers2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvazphhjss2lThe families burying their loved ones at Arlington National Cemetery deserve silence and dignity — not tourists on an observation deck looking down at their grief. The Trump administration's planned arch is unauthorized, unfunded by Congress, and opposed by veterans and Gold Star families alike. https://wapo.st/4iUikJW11 Sep 2026 16:53 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvazphhjss2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvavts6mv222Yesterday, I spoke at the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations annual meeting today in Champaign.11 Sep 2026 15:43 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvavts6mv222https://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mvamodrjlk2iToday is a solemn day for our nation. 25 years later, we continue to honor the memory of the 2,977 Americans who were killed in this horrific act of terrorism and thank the brave first responders who sacrificed so much to save lives that day. #NeverForget11 Sep 2026 12:59 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvamodrjlk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv6r2p27tc27When we invest in local food infrastructure, everybody wins — farmers reach new markets, communities get access to fresh locally grown food, and rural economies get stronger. Illinois just committed $3.5 million to 61 organizations across 35 counties to do exactly that. https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/these-61-organizations-will-receive-3-5m-in-illinois-local-food-grants/10 Sep 2026 19:12 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv6r2p27tc27https://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv6gobga3s2rA Montana farmer said it best: "It's just sad that food has to be a bargaining chip." Farmers are already dealing with record diesel prices, high fertilizer costs, and uncertain commodity markets. We need a trade agreement that works for farmers, not a trade war that makes everything harder. https://www.npr.org/2026/09/08/nx-s1-5947161/farmers-fear-more-damage-from-u-s-canada-trade-fight10 Sep 2026 16:07 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv6gobga3s2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv6ertwljc2pRepublicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House. Gas is at a record high. Groceries keep climbing. Medicaid is being cut. https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/09/politics/trumpapalooza-rnc-midterm-convention-takeaways-5000-payments-dividend10 Sep 2026 15:33 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv6ertwljc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv4gba53zs2kIllinois hospitals stand to lose $4 billion in Medicaid funding cuts in the Big, Ugly Law — and the hospitals most at risk are the ones serving rural communities and the most vulnerable patients. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/ccb-illinois-hospitals-medicaid-cuts-20260903/#09 Sep 2026 20:54 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv4gba53zs2khttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv46bxalp22kGas prices hit a record high with a national average above $4 a gallon in August. We have to be direct about what’s causing this — the war in Iran is driving up gas and utility costs at a time when families in Central and Southern Illinois are already stretched to the limit. It’s time for relief. https://gasprices.aaa.com/09 Sep 2026 18:31 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv46bxalp22khttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv44tc3ilc2mI’m proud to be among the Democrats leading the way in bringing federal dollars back home to our district. These investments are strengthening water infrastructure, improving public safety, supporting community health, and keeping our communities competitive.09 Sep 2026 18:05 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv44tc3ilc2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mv3xlwqij22mBethalto residents have been without reliable clean water for over a year. I've requested $805,000 in federal funds to replace aging water mains — and I'm going to keep pushing until Bethalto residents get the investment and the answers they deserve. https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2026-09-08/bethalto-water-issues-residents-problems-persist09 Sep 2026 16:31 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv3xlwqij22mhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muzqxgtpl22jI joined Postmaster General Steiner, Chairman Pete Sessions, and Congressman Wesley Bell for a tour of the St. Louis postal processing facility. It was a valuable look at the operations that keep mail moving across Central and Southern Illinois every single day.08 Sep 2026 19:27 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muzqxgtpl22jhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muzqxa5k2k2jCanada's retaliatory tariffs are in effect today — targeting U.S. steel, dairy, and agricultural equipment. Illinois farmers and workers are caught in the middle of a trade war that didn't have to happen. We need stable trade relationships with our neighbors. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/business/canada-tariffs-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1._lA.HSVG.AHYauKG5znTr&smid=url-share08 Sep 2026 19:27 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muzqxa5k2k2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muzilplz3c2zGas hit a record high for Labor Day weekend — $4.14 a gallon, nearly a dollar more than last year. The war in Iran is driving all of it, and the administration has no clear answer for when it ends. Working families can't afford to keep waiting. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fuel-prices-record-labor-day-high-us-due-iran-war-refinery-issues-rcna596430?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma&taid=6a9e8b2a6f262700017bb42a&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter08 Sep 2026 16:58 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muzilplz3c2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muzf5oc2ss2cChildcare is already unaffordable for working families. The answer isn't to redirect money based on family structure — it's to invest more. This proposal takes funds from single working parents and gives them to married couples with a stay-at-home spouse. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/05/us/politics/stay-at-home-parents-subsidies.html?unlocked_article_code=1._lA.CMoG.yxzDEOkW4MT3&smid=url-share08 Sep 2026 15:56 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muzf5oc2ss2chttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muyxrlyzsc2pI had a great meeting with Decatur Superintendent Dr. Nicole Nash Moody to talk about what's happening in our public schools and how we can better support students and educators across the district.08 Sep 2026 11:57 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muyxrlyzsc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muwrjvjf6s2pHappy Labor Day, IL-13! To every firefighter, teacher, nurse, steelworker, electrician, and truck driver who shows up, clocks in, and keeps this country running — thank you. Working people built this country by organizing, showing up, and demanding better.07 Sep 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muwrjvjf6s2phttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muutfva4522aSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month. By checking in on one another, talking openly about mental health, and making sure people can access the care they need, we can help prevent suicide and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone.06 Sep 2026 20:28 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muutfva4522ahttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muud62vrb22vCooling centers are open across the district. The Salvation Army, local libraries, shelters, and more are opening their doors to anyone who needs relief from the heat. Please check on your neighbors, especially seniors and those without air conditioning. Stay cool and stay safe. https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-news/cooling-centers-open-to-help-central-illinois-residents-beat-the-heat/06 Sep 2026 15:37 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muud62vrb22vhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3musiu5bsxk2eICYMI: At this week's @HVAC hearing, I asked leadership to answer for an Oracle contract that has grown to over $27 billion — with no clear end in sight.05 Sep 2026 22:14 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3musiu5bsxk2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mupwhzf2js2pDiesel just hit an all-time record high at $5.85 a gallon. Illinois farmers are paying more to harvest their crops. Truckers are paying more to move goods, and families are paying more in the grocery store — all driven by six months of war with no clear end in sight. https://apnews.com/article/gas-diesel-prices-us-iran-war-ebd01b9773365ee40550dcfd7d3ebf8704 Sep 2026 21:39 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mupwhzf2js2phttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3mups7tivrs2rSeptember is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize the strength of people in recovery and the families and communities who support them. Recovery is possible, and we must continue expanding access to affordable, quality treatment and support services.04 Sep 2026 20:23 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3mups7tivrs2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muppkichrs2rI'm running to chair the @newdems.bsky.social. As chair, my focus is to make sure our members can deliver real results back home, hold Republicans accountable and prove to the American people that Democrats get things done. https://www.notus.org/democrats/nikki-budzinski-new-democrat-coalition-chair04 Sep 2026 19:36 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muppkichrs2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/budzinski.house.gov/post/3muplbpngjc2tFood pantries cannot replace SNAP. Nearly 140,000 people in the River Bend Food Bank's service area are food insecure, including 43,000 children. People who lost SNAP benefits are showing up at pantries to fill the gap because people didn't stop being hungry when they lost their benefits. https://www.kwqc.com/2026/09/01/snap-enrollment-drop-strains-local-food-pantries/04 Sep 2026 18:19 +0000at://did:plc:7yfellkekfmlvsalyywflulq/app.bsky.feed.post/3muplbpngjc2t