Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are announcing $146,749 for Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb to help rural and small businesses and agriculture producers secure grants that will lower energy costs and strengthen energy resilience.    “I applaud Western Illinois University for securing this critical funding to help farmers and business owners in our rural communities implement sustainable energy technologies that will leave a brighter future for the next generation of Illinoisans,” said Sorensen. “At a time when so many are dealing with... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to select Illinois as part of a Midwest hydrogen energy hub that will support energy needs and create good-paying jobs.   “I was proud to stand alongside my Illinois colleagues to help make this historic clean energy initiative a reality so we can lower energy costs for families, strengthen domestic energy supply, and connect Heartland workers to good-paying jobs,” said Sorensen. “I will continue advocating for Illinois workers by pushing for initiatives that help us meet energy needs while leaving... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined a United Auto Workers (UAW) picket line with workers from UAW Local 1268 at the Belvidere Assembly Plant outside Rockford.  “It was inspiring to be in Belvidere today and stand in solidarity with Local 1268 in their fight for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplace conditions,” said Sorensen. “I will continue to have their backs, and the backs of the more than 10,000 UAW workers across Central and Northwestern Illinois, who are simply asking for their fair share at a time when big corporations and CEOs are reaping record profits.”   You... Read More

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

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) visited Williamsfield Schools to highlight recently-announced federal investments for energy upgrades that will lower utility costs, improve air quality, and create healthier learning environments.   “We need to work together at the federal and local levels to provide the best possible environments for our kids to learn and grow, creating a better world for future generations,” said Sorensen. “I applaud Williamsfield Schools for being awarded this critical funding to showcase how investments in renewable energy and clean transportation can have... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement on the administration’s $40 billion supplemental funding request, which includes resources to secure our border and address the flow of illicit fentanyl into the country.   “Central and Northwestern Illinoisians know that we need to secure our southern border and stop the flow of illegal drugs that have hurt families across our region,” said Sorensen. “That is why I have proposed solutions to address these key issues, including increasing the number of Customs and Border Protection officers at legal points of entry... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Mayor Rod Davies, and other local officials toured Monmouth neighborhoods to inspect where lead water service lines will be replaced, highlighting Sorensen’s efforts to bring back nearly $1 million for the community’s drinking water infrastructure.  “By investing in the infrastructure needed to provide clean and safe drinking water, the City of Monmouth is working to improve the lives of families and build a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Sorensen. “One of my most important jobs as a representative is to work with leaders... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is now accepting applications from high school students in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District seeking nominations to a U.S. Service Academy for the fall 2024 term. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST.   “As the proud representative of many talented young people in Central and Northwestern Illinois, it is my honor to nominate select high school students to our nation’s military academies,” said Sorensen. “Those who attend these exceptional institutions bring honor to themselves, their community, and... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the inclusion of $3.2 million for clean drinking water and road infrastructure projects in two FY2024 House Appropriations bills. Sorensen requested funding for the projects in April. “To create healthier neighborhoods, safety and access to clean drinking water need to be top priorities,” said Sorensen. “I’m pleased to see this funding included in this critical legislation and am urging swift passage of these bills so we can get to work on modernizing Northwestern Illinois’ infrastructure.” Sorensen requested funding for... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) secured the inclusion of $12.5 million in the FY2024 House Defense Appropriations Bill to support manufacturing jobs and develop new technologies in the Quad Cities area. “Service members and civilian workers in Northwestern Illinois continue to be a source of pride for our region, supporting our nation’s national defense and leading in science and innovation,” said Sorensen. “This funding is critical to sustaining good-paying manufacturing jobs in the Quad Cities area and I urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill.” “Thanks to Congressman... Read More