On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) will host a town hall with residents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to discuss issues of importance to Illinois families. To meet the needs of constituents in all the district’s 14 counties, the town hall will be hosted via phone and a recording of the event will be made available afterward.   The town hall will feature special guest, Luis Rivas, Jr., President of the Illinois States Association of Letter Carriers, who will join to discuss the impact of a possible government shutdown on federal employees in... Read More

Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) along with Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced The Pride in Mental Health Act to improve mental health supports for at-risk LGBTQI+ youth.     “There is a mental health crisis among LGBTQI+ youth across the United States and we need to do a better job supporting this vulnerable community,” said Sorensen. “I am proud to help introduce The Pride in Mental Health Act, which ensures that LGBTQI+ youth get the mental health care and resources they need so we can save lives.”    Specifically, the... Read More

Saw a pre-teen boy today in the grocery store wearing an Alex Morgan U.S. women’s soccer team jersey today. Told him I thought it was cool. He looked surprised that a.) I would recognize the jersey, and b.) that I would tell him it’s cool. His mom said “Thanks, usually nobody knows who it is, and if they do they give him a hard time about wearing a girl’s jersey.” But why would I? Alex Morgan is a freaking phenomenal player, and the team U.S.A. jerseys are pretty cool. Plus, I’ve seen plenty of girls wearing Lionel Messi and Ronaldo jerseys. And, let’s... Read More

Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, which will help disabled veterans make accessibility improvements to their homes.   “Making sure our veterans can live comfortably after serving is one of the ways we can show our gratitude for their sacrifices,” said Sorensen. “This bill helps veterans who need this critical support transition smoothly from their time bravely serving our nation.”  “Over the last few years during the Democratic majority, the House Committee on Veterans’... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (Il-17) introduced amendments that would better secure the southern border and prevent the spread of fentanyl to an immigration bill the House of Representatives considered this past week.   “We need to secure the border and work together on bipartisan solutions that fix our broken immigration system,” said Sorensen. “That’s why I took the initiative to make our points of entry stronger and communities safer from the spread of deadly synthetic drugs. I’m urging my colleagues to come together to strengthen our nation’s border security.”   Sorensen’s... Read More

It’s important to have the vision to see the potential of someone or something, and not just the sight to see what they are now. In early 1977, George Lucas screened an early cut of “Star Wars” for a number of filmmakers and studio executives. It was before all the special effects were finished on the film, and there were still some cuts that needed to be made. ALMOST every single person there hated it. The executives walked out, at the afterparty filmmaker Brian DePalma infamously tore it to shreds with his critique, and Lucas was understandably depressed. Only ONE person... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced $416,363 for Augustana College to conduct a study to expand therapy for those with disorders related to language and communication.  “Northwestern Illinois once again shows itself to be a leader in the area of expanding access to care for those who need it most,” said Sorensen. “I applaud Augustana College and their cutting-edge team of researchers for securing this critical funding to support care for those living with communicative disorders.”   “Augustana’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic is one of the oldest... Read More

ROCK ISLAND, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen announced the launch of his first Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.   “One of the responsibilities I look forward to the most is recognizing our many talented neighbors in Central and Northwestern Illinois,” said Sorensen. “I look forward to acknowledging the gifted young artists across our District and honoring one talented student’s work in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.”  Submissions must be made by... Read More

MOLINE, IL – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) marked 100 days serving Central and Northwestern Illinois in Congress.  “During the past 100 days, we’ve made significant progress toward making our communities sustainable, safe, and healthy,” said Sorensen. “It has been an honor to serve Central and Northwestern Illinois in the House of Representatives so far and I look forward to continuing being their trusted neighbor and voice in Congress.”   Sorensen highlighted the following accomplishments during his first 100 days in office:   Helping bring $32,617,709 in grant... Read More

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced $3,741,866 in federal grant funding for Early Head Start education programs in Northwestern Illinois. This grant was awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to SAL Family and Community Services in Moline to provide education to infants and toddlers under the age of three, and pregnant women.   “We’ve seen the impact early childhood education has on lifelong success,” said Congressman Sorensen. “This funding will benefit our communities in the long-term by supporting children and families... Read More