Sorensen Visits Collins Aerospace in Rockford, Highlights Work to Strengthen Aerospace Industry

ROCKFORD, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), top-ranking Democrat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee, joined company officials on a tour of Collins Aerospace in Rockford to highlight his work to support the aerospace industry and create good-paying manufacturing jobs in Northern Illinois.

“As a Rockford-native and son of an aerospace engineer, I was excited to visit Collins Aerospace and see how workers are supporting our national defense by advancing manufacturing and innovation,” said Sorensen. “I remain committed to using my seat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee in Congress to ensure businesses like Collins have what they need to expand our nation’s aerospace presence and create good-paying, sustainable jobs for middle-class families.” 

“In order for America to maintain its longstanding leadership in commercial aviation, we in industry need to make strategic investments in our business that can be used in cooperation with federal R&D programs to develop advanced technologies,” said Steve Kotso, executive director, Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace. “Today, we showed Rep. Sorensen an example of one of these investments—our new $50 million advanced electric power systems lab, The Grid. We want to thank Rep. Sorensen for his leadership as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, which has oversight of FAA and NASA programs, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to push the boundaries of sustainable flight and human space exploration.” 

During the visit, Sorensen and company officials toured facilities at Collins Aerospace in Rockford and discussed Sorensen’s work to grow the aerospace industry and create new jobs in Northern Illinois. 

This visit comes after Sorensen welcomed a representative from Collins Aerospace to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee last March. Sorensen and representatives from Collins discussed ways to remain competitive in the aerospace industry.  

Just this past week, The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)passed the House of Representatives with Sorensen’s support. The NDAA called for additional production of F-35 fighter jets, which Collins builds parts for. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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