Service Members and Defense
One of my highest honors in Congress is representing our service members and veterans in Central and Northwestern Illinois. From the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria to the Rock Island Arsenal, our members of the armed forces have always played a key role in strengthening national defense and uplifting our communities.
That’s why I’m committed in Congress to making sure those serving are taken care of and receive the pay and benefits they’ve rightfully earned.
It’s also important to me that our region continues to lead in developing military technologies and supporting readiness, which is why I work to be an advocate for the military operations across the 17th District.
More on Service Members and Defense
ROCK ISLAND, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) met with employees and labor representatives connected to the Rock Island Arsenal for a roundtable discussion on April 3, 2026, focused on workforce concerns and the future of jobs at the Arsenal.
The conversation provided an opportunity for Congressman Sorensen to hear directly from workers about the challenges facing the Arsenal and the potential impact of recent Army decisions on employees, their families, and the broader Quad Cities community.
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Eric Sorensen released the following statement in response to the Army’s attempt to move jobs away from Rock Island Arsenal:
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement expressing his support for the Iran War Powers Resolution:
“I will be voting yes on the Iran War Powers Resolution to limit Trump’s reckless military operations in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to strike Iran:
“I am deeply worried about the President’s decision to strike Iran, circumventing Congress.
“Without an articulated plan to protect our national security and the safety of our allies, this action puts our servicemembers at great risk. Iranian retaliation could destabilize the Middle East and draw much of the world into a full-blown, drawn-out war.”
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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) testified in front of the House Armed Services Committee this week to advocate for resources for Rock Island Arsenal, including expansions of public-private partnerships, investment in 3D printing technologies, and support for the Arsenal's workforce.
WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce that he secured over $200 million in federal funding to support several initiatives at Rock Island Arsenal that will protect jobs, support servicemembers, and expand the Arsenal’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced his nominations for outstanding students from Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies as members of the Class of 2030. Service academy nominations are among a Member of Congress’s most honorable responsibilities, opening the door for students to attend institutions that develop future leaders for the U.S. Armed Forces.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce major victories for the Rock Island Arsenal and communities across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District in this year’s national defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped secure more than $9 million in new federal funding to invest in the critical work at the Rock Island Arsenal that will ensure our military remains prepared to protect our national security.