Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]
Democrat · IL · 16 bills sponsored
Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act
# Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act (HR 7241) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to protect veterans from identity theft and financial fraud. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't available in the summary provided, the title suggests it would address theft targeting veterans—a vulnerable population that may face heightened risks due to their personal information being collected during military service. The bill would likely establish new protections, requirements for reporting breaches, or penalties for criminals who target veterans. **Who It Affects** The legislation directly affects veterans and potentially the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies that maintain veteran records. It could also impact private companies that handle veteran data. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7241 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13). For more details about the specific protections and requirements the bill would establish, you would need to review the full text of the legislation.
More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026
# More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026 (HR 7324) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to increase the number of mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals available to patients. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on expanding the mental health workforce through measures like reducing training requirements, expanding loan forgiveness programs, increasing funding for mental health education, or allowing more types of professionals (such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners) to provide behavioral health services. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect patients seeking mental health and addiction treatment services, healthcare providers in the behavioral health field, and potentially educational institutions that train mental health professionals. Expanding the provider workforce could improve access to care, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas where mental health professionals are scarce. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7324 is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate House committee for review and discussion but has not yet been brought to a full House vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) in the 119th Congress. Further details about specific provisions would become clearer if the bill advances or if the full text is made publicly available.
Veteran DATA Act
# Veteran DATA Act Summary The Veteran DATA Act (HR 7280) is a proposed law currently being reviewed in a House committee. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't provided in the available information, the title suggests it focuses on data-related issues affecting veterans. The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress. To get a complete picture of what this bill would actually do—such as what data it addresses, how it would be collected or used, which veterans would be affected, and what specific changes it would make—you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov or the House committee's official documents. Since it remains in committee, it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025
# Improving Veterans' Experience Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would create a new "Veterans Experience Office" within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to focus on improving how well the VA serves veterans and their families. The office would gather feedback from veterans about their satisfaction with VA benefits and services, collect data to identify problems, and work with other VA departments to improve customer service. It would also review VA websites and information to make sure they're easy to understand and helpful. **Who It Affects & Key Details:** The bill primarily affects veterans and their beneficiaries who use VA services, as well as VA staff and departments. The new office would require various VA departments to regularly report on how well they're serving customers and share plans for improvement. This is a temporary measure—the office would automatically shut down on September 30, 2028, unless Congress extends it. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House yet. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act
# Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, formally titled the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act (HR 5841), aims to increase Social Security payments for seniors. Specifically, it would boost both regular Social Security benefits and Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)—the annual increases meant to keep benefits in line with inflation. While specific legislative details aren't provided in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would raise baseline benefit amounts and potentially improve how benefits adjust yearly to account for rising costs. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect current and future Social Security recipients, particularly seniors and retirees who depend on these benefits. It could also have broader implications for the Social Security system's long-term finances, which would affect workers paying into the system and policymakers overseeing the program's solvency. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. It was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and would require committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward for consideration by the full House.
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act
# Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act Summary **What It Does** This bill makes it easier for military veterans to access additional scholarship funding for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and healthcare degrees. Currently, veterans can receive up to nine months of extra educational benefits (worth up to $30,000) through the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship if they meet certain requirements. The bill removes one major restriction: veterans no longer need to have almost exhausted their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to qualify. It also reduces the number of college credits veterans must have already completed before applying—cutting the requirement by 25%—making the scholarship accessible earlier in their education. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This change primarily affects veterans pursuing STEM or healthcare degrees who use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a major education benefit for service members. The bill has already passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The legislation aims to encourage more veterans to pursue fields in high demand while making the application process less restrictive.
VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act
# VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act (HR 3863) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to improve mental health services for veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct outreach and engagement activities. The legislation focuses on making sure veterans, particularly those who may be underserved or harder to reach, learn about and can access available mental health support and treatment programs through the VA system. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects veterans seeking mental health care and the VA system that serves them. It appears to address gaps in how the VA communicates with veterans about mental health resources, with an emphasis on reaching populations that may face barriers to accessing care. The bill also includes provisions for government studies and investigations, suggesting it may require the VA to examine current outreach practices and report findings to Congress. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3863 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois).
To require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations requiring that optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces wear be made in America, and for other purposes.
# HR 4159 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the Department of Defense to create regulations stating that combat boots offered as optional choices to military members must be manufactured in the United States. Currently, the military provides standard-issue boots, but service members can sometimes purchase alternative boots on their own. This bill would ensure any approved optional boots come from American manufacturers rather than foreign ones. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects active-duty military members, veterans, and U.S. military equipment manufacturers. It could benefit American boot-making companies by guaranteeing a military market for their products, while potentially limiting options for manufacturers based outside the U.S. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No further action has been taken at this time.
SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025
# SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary This bill would establish a new Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration to help reduce falls among veterans—a significant health and safety concern for aging veterans. The office would oversee education campaigns targeted at veterans, their families, and VA healthcare providers to increase awareness about fall prevention and available VA services designed to reduce falls. The bill also requires the VA to update its internal policies and directives related to falls prevention and aging care. Beyond internal VA changes, the bill expands the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities to include the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing the VA to participate in broader federal discussions about aging and community safety. This affects primarily older veterans and those at risk of falls, as well as VA healthcare staff who would implement the new prevention programs. Currently, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
New Producer Economic Security Act
# New Producer Economic Security Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would create a new federal program to help new and struggling farmers, ranchers, and forest owners get started or stay in business. The Farm Service Agency would distribute grants and financial support through local organizations like state governments, nonprofits, and universities. This money could help eligible farmers buy land, clear up ownership issues on inherited property, and improve their operations. **Who It Affects:** The program targets "new" farmers and ranchers (those with 10 years or less of experience) and economically disadvantaged agricultural operators. Funding would go through intermediary organizations rather than directly to individual farmers. The bill explicitly prevents foreign-owned corporations from receiving assistance. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. No action has been taken at this stage.
Rural Wellness Act
# Rural Wellness Act Summary **What the bill does:** The Rural Wellness Act would make mental health and substance abuse treatment services a priority under several Department of Agriculture rural development programs. Specifically, it would expand funding and support for building mental health facilities in rural areas and enable telehealth services so rural residents can access mental health care remotely. The bill would reauthorize these programs through 2029. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets rural communities, which often have fewer mental health providers and treatment facilities than urban areas. It would help rural residents, healthcare providers, and communities seeking to expand behavioral health services. **Key provisions:** The bill prioritizes grants and loans for developing mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities in rural areas, allows funding to be used for telehealth infrastructure, and extends authorization for existing rural health programs through fiscal year 2029. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House.
Tools Tax Deduction Act
# Tools Tax Deduction Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Tools Tax Deduction Act would allow workers to deduct the cost of tools they purchase for their jobs from their federal income taxes. Currently, most employees cannot deduct work-related tool expenses unless they qualify for certain limited deductions. If passed, this bill would make it easier for tradespeople, construction workers, mechanics, and other professionals who buy their own tools to reduce their taxable income based on those purchases. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily benefits workers who must purchase or maintain their own tools as part of their job—including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, and similar skilled tradespeople. It could also affect self-employed individuals and small business owners who buy tools for business use. The bill would reduce federal tax revenue, affecting the government's budget. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No additional details about specific provisions are currently available.
Protect Postal Performance Act
# Protect Postal Performance Act (HR 2103) Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Protect Postal Performance Act is a proposed law aimed at maintaining service standards for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on ensuring the USPS meets delivery timeframes and maintains service quality for mail delivery across the country. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact the USPS, which serves all Americans who rely on mail delivery for bills, prescriptions, packages, and correspondence. It could also affect postal workers and potentially influence how the postal service operates and manages its operations. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 2103 remains in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full House vote. The bill was sponsored by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL). For more detailed information about specific provisions, you would need to consult Congress.gov or official legislative resources.
LEAP Act
# LEAP Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of HR 1662 (the LEAP Act) from the 119th Congress to provide you with accurate information about its provisions, who it affects, and what it would do. While I can see it's a bill sponsored by Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) currently in committee, I cannot reliably summarize its contents without verified source material. **To get accurate information about this bill, I recommend:** - Visiting Congress.gov and searching for "HR 1662" - Checking the bill's official text and summary - Looking at nonpartisan sources like the Congressional Research Service This ensures you get factual, current details rather than information I might misremember or inaccurately reconstruct. Would you like help finding these resources, or do you have the bill text you'd like me to help analyze?
Presidential Legacy Act
# Presidential Legacy Act Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would officially rename the federal holiday currently called "Washington's Birthday" to "Presidents' Day." The change is primarily symbolic—it wouldn't alter when the holiday is celebrated (still the third Monday in February) or create any new requirements. However, it would formally recognize the day as honoring all U.S. presidents rather than just George Washington. **Who It Affects and Key Details:** The change would affect federal employees, schools, and government offices that observe the holiday, as well as how the day is officially referenced in government documents and communications. Many states and private businesses already call the holiday "Presidents' Day" informally, so this bill would standardize the official federal name. There are no major financial or operational impacts associated with the name change. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for the approval of an abbreviated new drug application submitted by a subsequent applicant in the case of a failure by a first applicant to commence commercial marketing within a certain period, and for other purposes.
# HR 1051 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change how the FDA approves generic drugs when the first company to file an application delays bringing their drug to market. Currently, the FDA gives the first filer 180 days of market exclusivity once they start selling the drug. This bill would allow the FDA to approve a competing generic drug application earlier if the first filer hasn't brought their drug to market within about 33 months and shows no signs of doing so soon. The second applicant would need to certify they're ready to start selling the drug within 75 days of approval. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects pharmaceutical companies that develop generic drugs and consumers who use them. The bill is designed to prevent situations where a company files first but then sits on the approval, blocking competitors from entering the market and potentially delaying lower-cost generic options from reaching patients. **Current Status:** HR 1051 was introduced by Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.