[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3027-H3028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1600
                    REMEMBERING BARBARA FLYNN CURRIE

  (Ms. BUDZINSKI asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. BUDZINSKI. 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

[[Page H3028]]

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.

                          ____________________