Our veterans never stopped showing up for us, and we must do the same for them. That’s why I’m proud to support the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025! This bill boosts disability and survivor benefits so they keep up with cost-of-living increases.

Breaking News from the U.S. Capitol:

Mustafa Abdall was one of a kind. I am shocked to learn of his sudden passing and send love and healing to his family and neighbors. I will miss seeing his smile, but I will remember him for that.

If Republicans don’t work with Democrats over the holidays to find a fix for the high cost of health care, we run the risk of another shutdown in January. Here are my thoughts:

Inspired by the work happening at Think Big! in Rockford. Thank you to Dr. Sheila Hill for the tour of the business school and for showing how entrepreneurs are being empowered to grow their ideas and strengthen the entire Rock River Valley.

I am happy to report that our neighbors will start receiving their full SNAP today despite President Trump’s best efforts to avoid feeding thousands of us in #IL17.

Small businesses are feeling the impact of Trump’s tariffs. I met with leaders of Smith Filter in Moline who rely on imported aluminum to make their innovative HVAC filters. If we want “Made in America,” we need policy that safeguards jobs.

If there’s anything we need more of us in the world, it’s kindness and compassion. Some people in this world (and definitely some people on this social media site) can be cruel and mean. Don’t let that stop you from being kind to others. Happy World Kindness Day!

Congratulations to the newest member of Congress, Adelita Grijalva! I am so proud of her tenacity through the past 50 days. Arizona’s 7th District will be so well served with her in Congress.

Tariffs are crushing farmers in #IL17. Farmers don’t want bailouts, they want good policy. I talk to farmers every day who wish the President would pay attention to them first, not Argentina. Watch:

Thank you Illinois Valley Fuller Center for allowing me to recognize and honor veterans who are continuing to serve in the Peoria Police Department. And a special surprise recognition for Debbie Gaught with the Fuller Center for the incredible work she’s doing to support veterans!

Hero Street in Silvis sent more men to fight in World War II and the Korean War than any other street in the United States. It was an honor to speak on Veterans Day about its importance.

Happy Veterans Day! Many thanks to the at Hy-Vee in Milan for putting together such a meaningful breakfast for our veterans.

Far from Washington, Illinois soybean farmers, like Opey in Tazewell County, are unfairly bearing the burden of a trade war that is crushing their farms. Enough with the handouts to Argentina, it’s time to put Illinois farmers first.

BIG NEWS: New investments and jobs are coming to Peoria next year! Starting in 2026, Viridis Chemical will be moving their headquarters to Peoria to begin producing bio-based, low carbon chemicals that are used in everyday products.

It was an honor to welcome our local veterans to Washington D.C. One of the best parts of this job is serving those who serve in our military with my seat on the Armed Services Committee, but also saying thanks to our vets every chance I get. 🇺🇸

Can you believe it? The Trump Administration is asking the Supreme Court to stop the court order to help feed Americans who are hungry. Instead of fighting the courts, Donald Trump should do what’s right and legal, and fund SNAP. Needlessly causing people to go without food is wrong.

1/2 As someone who travels back and forth between Illinois and DC, I always thank our TSA agents who keep us safe. Even if it’s just lunch from Hungry Hobo, I am thankful for my time today with the folks at the Quad Cities Int’l who are working to keep us safe.

Enough of the delays. The Trump Administration needs to follow the law, obey the courts, and feed hungry families.

Thank you Mayor Duane for your decades of public service to the Village of Milan. Your retirement is so well deserved after a lifetime of service to your community.

I’m calling on the USDA to fund SNAP during the government shutdown. Families shouldn’t be suffering because politicians are playing games in Washington. I’m ready to work with anyone to reopen the government with a plan to lower your costs and end the needless suffering.

1/2 The courts have affirmed what we knew all along. The Trump Administration is illegally preventing the payment of SNAP benefits for the month of November.

1/2 President Trump’s reckless trade war with China has done nothing but raise prices on American consumers and crush the ag economy.

Great meeting with Ashay the owner of the new City Center Market in downtown Rockford this week. This store brings fresh food and local jobs to our community and accepts SNAP, which so many families rely on. That’s exactly why I’m urging Secretary Rollins to make sure SNAP is fully funded.

1/3 As the Trump Administration forces tens of millions of Americans off of food assistance, we will need to do more neighbor by neighbor.

My response to the guilty verdict in the Sean Grayson murder trial:

Did you know Rockford’s Excel Center is the first free, accredited high school for adults in Illinois? This school is giving adults a real second chance by offering actual diplomas, not GEDs, along with childcare, career pathways, and life-changing support.

So many families in Central and Northwestern Illinois depend on SNAP to put food on their tables. Because of them, I am urging Ag Secretary Rollins to release the SNAP funds from the USDA. Holding back funds to score a political score is wrong. Read the full letter here:

Grateful to visit Milestone Inc. in Rockford this week. Their dedication to supporting adults with disabilities makes a real difference in our community. I’ll keep fighting to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP so organizations like Milestone can continue their vital work.

Doesn’t matter if it’s two hours before sunrise, I will be there for local veterans! I hope all our vets and volunteers on their Quad Cities Honor flight enjoy the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. today. 🇺🇸

Amidst the government shutdown, I want to thank Warden Brian Lammer for his years leading the dedicated correctional staff at FCI Thomson, many of whom are continuing to keep our communities safe by working without pay.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is our time to come together in support, remembrance, and hope. We honor the survivors, remember the loved ones we’ve lost, and stand with everyone currently fighting the disease. Their strength and courage inspire us all.

An incredible night coming together for Galesburg NAACP’s Freedom Fund Gala over the weekend! So good to see old friends and make new friends, as well as an electrifying keynote from Rev. Dr. Dwight Ford. We have so much work to do. We must find the ways we will move forward neighbor by neighbor.

Amazing news coming to the Rockford Region! Soon, we will have 3,000 new good-paying union jobs that will help drive America forward. Congressman Bill Foster and I have been working so hard with state and local leaders to keep this plant-opening on track and I am so excited for this next step!

Just in Illinois-17 alone, $54,000,000 in energy projects KILLED by President Trump. All the while, your electric and gas bills go through the roof. These projects were fully funded and ready to create jobs, lower your costs, and grow our local economy.

In addition to our servicemembers and TSA agents, I’m thinking of forecasters at the NOAA and the NWS who continue working without pay to keep us safe from severe weather. Watch:

Thank you, Chief! Chuck Collins is set to retire from a half-century career in Broadcast Meteorologist. Watch my special report from the House TV studio!

I never thought I’d agree with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, but here we are! Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. They should end the shutdown and protect Americans from exploding health care costs. I’m here in DC ready to negotiate!

1/2 Thank you to the 15,000 people who took the time to join my 7th town hall of the year! While I’m fighting to reopen the government and lower your health care costs, I am grateful to have the opportunity to listen and learn from you.

For the first time in years, people across the World hold their breath for peace in the Middle East. That Israeli hostages return home and aid gets to families suffering in Gaza. This is more than a ceasefire, it’s the beginning of a process that will bring safety and security to both sides.

I’m not afraid to say the truth: the GOP would rather shut down the government than work to lower health care costs. They control the House, Senate, and White House. They can end this shutdown whenever they’re ready to negotiate a bipartisan agreement. Watch:

Come on in! We’re open! My team is continuing to help constituents access benefits, provide outreach, and serve veterans, even in a shutdown. If you need assistance get in touch with us in Washington, Quad Cities, Rockford, or Peoria.

HAPPENING TOMORROW: I’m hosting an online and telephone town hall Wednesday, October 6! Bring your questions and your voice! If you'd like to receive a call to join the town hall, please RSVP by filling out the form linked below. You can also join on Facebook.

I want to hear from YOU. If you’re being affected by the government shutdown please share your story with me. We’re still open and here to assist while I continue to fight for lower healthcare costs. VISIT: sorensen.house.gov/share-your-s...

1/3 It’s been two years since the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history. Earlier this year, I visited the Nova music site where 378 people were massacred on that day.

Important to host local Latino leaders in Rockford, along with Rep. Dave Vella, for an important roundtable during Hispanic Heritage Month. We discussed recent ICE activity as well as supporting our neighbors and community.

Always good to be back on morning news in the Quad Cities. On KWQC, we discussed the shutdown and what I am doing to fight for the people at home. Watch! www.kwqc.com/video/2025/1...

The GOP controls the House, Senate, and White House. They don’t want to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from skyrocketing next year. I’m ready to negotiate on a bipartisan solution that reopens the government and keeps health care affordable.