Press Releases

Sorensen Stands Up for Illinois Families as Republicans Push to Slash SNAP in House Agriculture Committee

May 13, 2025

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is preparing to defend access to food for working families, children, seniors, and veterans as the House Agriculture Committee meets to consider a Republican proposal to cut over $300 billion from critical programs. These cuts are expected to fall almost entirely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps more than 42 million Americans—including over 16 million children—afford groceries.

Issues:AgricultureSeniors

Military soldier saluting an American flag

Congressman Sorensen Leads Bipartisan Bill to Increase Resources for Disabled Veterans

May 9, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, which will provide veterans with additional federal funding to make accessibility improvements to their homes.

Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced similar companion legislation in the Senate.

“The last thing a veteran should worry about is red tape that prevents them from liv

Issues:Veterans

Sorensen Leads Push to Expand Rural Broadband Access with Two Bills

May 5, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced the reintroduction of two bipartisan bills — the Rural Broadband Assistance Act and the ReConnecting Rural America Act — to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet in rural communities across Illinois and the country.

"Every hometown in Illinois deserves the necessary tools to stay connected and grow," said Congressman Eric Sorensen.

Issues:Jobs, Small Business, and the EconomyTransportation and Infrastructure

Congressional Art Competition Winner's Painting

Sorensen Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

May 2, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced today that Sara Jorgensen, a senior at Peoria Notre Dame High School, is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 17th District. Sara’s piece, Humility & Acceptance, will be displayed in the U.S.

Issues:Education

Congressman Sorensen in House Armed Services Committee

ICYMI: Congressman Sorensen Demands the Department of Defense Protect Critical National Security Jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal

April 30, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) fiercely advocated for protecting essential jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing amidst news reports suggesting the Department of Defense is planning a significant reduction in force at the Arsenal.

The Arsenal plays a critical role in maintaining our country’s military readiness to combat threats around the globe and any potential layoffs threaten to hurt our national security.

“Our mission here at the Arsenal is essential,” said Congressm

Issues:Service Members and Defense

Statement from Congressman Eric Sorensen on President Trump’s First 100 Days

April 29, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s first 100 Days in office:

“President Trump promised to lower costs for working families—but after 100 days, he’s done the opposite. Prices are up, and families are feeling the squeeze. Instead of focusing on solutions, the President has been busy starting disastrous trade wars, launching massive funding cuts, and making life harder for local people,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen.

Congressman Sorensen Helps Reintroduce Equality Act

April 29, 2025

Press Release

Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped reintroduce the Equality Act, which would codify protections for members of the LGBTQ+ against discrimination in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federal funded programs, and jury service.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress elected from Illinois and to have the opportunity to use my voice to fight against violence and discrimination,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen.

Sorensen Announces Nearly $1 Million for Monmouth College to Grow STEM Workforce Pipeline

April 28, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the recent announcement of a $999,764 federal grant awarded to Monmouth College to fund scholarships for low-income students interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree. The funding will help prepare students for careers in high-paying STEM jobs.

Issues:Education

Sorensen Helps Reintroduce Bipartisan Youth Lead Act to Support FFA, 4-H, and Scouts

April 28, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Youth Lead Act, a bill aimed at helping youth organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and the Scouts continue to grow and thrive. The legislation highlights the importance of building leadership and life skills in young people across the country.

Issues:AgricultureJobs, Small Business, and the EconomyEducation

News report of Rep. Sorensen introducing the Invest to Protect Act

Congressman Sorensen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Local Law Enforcement Across the Country

April 21, 2025

Press Release

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped introduce the bipartisan Invest to Protect to support small and midsize police departments with increased federal funding to recruit, train, and retain law enforcement officers.

“We need to make sure our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to serve our communities have the support they need to do their jobs,” said Congressman Sorensen. “This bipartisan legislation will give local police departments across the country a significant boost in funding to re

Issues:Public Safety