Meet Representative Nikki Budzinski

As a freshman Member of Congress, Representative Nikki Budzinski has plunged headfirst into her work on the House Agriculture Committee. “As the Representative for some of our nation’s most productive farmland, I’ve been focused on ensuring that our family farmers have a strong seat at the table in Washington -- particularly as we work toward the next Farm Bill,” Budzinski says. “Every day, folks in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District are leading the nation in the production of soybeans and corn, and leading the way in agriculture technology, research and development that will keep farming profitable for generations to come.” For Budzinski, the future of farming is front of mind. As the average age of an American family farmer approaches 60 years old, Budzinski has introduced two legislative measures aimed at bringing the next generation into agriculture. Her bipartisan Young Farmer Success Act would make farm and ranch workers eligible for public service student loan forgiveness, and her bipartisan Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act would address barriers to accessing land, markets and capital. “With agriculture as the No. 1 economic driver in the state of Illinois, the success of our rural communities will depend on the next generation.”

But a focus on the future hasn’t distracted Budzinski from the challenges facing Illinois farmers every day. During her second month in office, she established a bipartisan group of stakeholders to serve on her Agriculture Advisory Council -- a group that has been critical in helping her identify priorities for her work on the Ag Committee. “I’m proud to have input from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, particularly as I advocate for our priorities in the next Farm Bill.” These conversations, Budzinski says, have guided her to lead her colleagues in efforts to support increased use of biofuels and improve flexibility on farm operations. The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023, which she co-sponsors, would take 1q significant steps to support the future of homegrown biofuels.

“We know that higher blends of biofuels help to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for our family farmers,” said Budzinski. “That’s why I’m pushing for things like year-round E15, strong conservation programs, flexibility with inputs and rulemaking that supports things like biogas and sustainable aviation fuels.”

On the prospects of the next Farm Bill, Budzinski remains optimistic despite setbacks in the House. “It’s been frustrating that partisan political games keep taking up all the oxygen in the room when we really need to be moving forward with a bipartisan Farm Bill.” Although she says she hasn’t seen text released yet, she’s hopeful progress can be made between now and September.