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
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped secure $8 million in federal funding to build a new readiness center for the Illinois Army National Guard in Peoria.
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter pushing the four Senate and House leaders of the Armed Services Committee to include provisions that support the Rock Island Arsenal in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It comes as the four leaders of the Armed Services Committees are currently engaged in negotiations over the final text of the legislation.
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement after Republicans let the government shutdown after refusing to work with Democrats on a bipartisan government funding bill that would lower health care costs for millions of Americans.
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is putting his support behind a pair of bipartisan bills that will expand healthcare for military families and make federal student loan relief accessible for National Guard members and reservists.
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement regarding his vote to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the House floor.
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, and other senior military and elected leaders to tour the Rock Island Arsenal amid concerns that hundreds of jobs may be cut. During the visit, Congressman Sorensen highlighted the work of the men and women at the Arsenal who do critical jobs to safeguard our national security.
Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) confronted U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll about the proposed job cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Congressman Sorensen expressed concerns that cuts at the Arsenal would damage our nation’s military readiness and demanded answers from Secretary Driscoll on the impact cuts would have on our national security.