Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with law enforcement leaders at the Northwest Illinois Law Enforcement Executives Association (NILEEA) meeting in Freeport. Meetings like these are incredibly important, because hearing directly from the men and women who put their lives on the line every day helps me understand what they need to keep our communities safe. Despite the ongoing push by some to undermine law enforcement, I remain committed to standing with our officers and supporting policies that strengthen public safety.
Federal Government Reopens After Record-Breaking Shutdown
After weeks of uncertainty and disruption, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has finally come to an end. Our own Congressman for the 17th Congressional District, Eric Sorensen, voted to keep the government shut down, choosing partisan politics over what is best for American citizens.
Following the vote, I issued the following press statement:
“Tonight, Eric Sorensen, the Democrat representing Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, spat in the face of northwestern Illinoisans. With his vote to attempt to keep the government shutdown alive, he once again showed how out of touch he is with the people he’s supposed to represent.
“By siding with his party’s far-left leadership, Sorensen voted to keep our soldiers from getting paid and abandoned the hungry families of Illinois. He cared more about scoring political points than helping the people of this state who are struggling to survive.
“Instead of standing up for the men and women who keep this country running, Sorensen has thrown in with Democratic elites who look down on working Americans and treat them as expendable. It’s disgraceful and dangerous, and it’s hurting the very communities he claims to care about.
“I want to thank Congressman Darin LaHood for stepping up, helping to reopen the government, and working to restore stability and normalcy for Illinois families who should never have been put in this position.
“What Sorensen and his Democrat allies are doing is a direct attack on Illinois families already struggling with higher costs and uncertainty. Their actions threaten food security, travel, and paychecks for thousands across our state.
“Families in Rockford, Freeport, and across northwest Illinois are paying the price for his loyalty to party leaders in Washington instead of the people he was elected to serve.
“The people of northwest Illinois deserve better, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they get it.”
Washington Democrats triggered the shutdown on October 1, after rejecting a bipartisan plan that would have kept the government open. The stalemate dragged on for 43 days before a handful of Congressional Democrats joined Republicans in their efforts to approve a funding bill that allowed federal agencies and services to begin returning to normal operations. President Trump signed the bill just hours after it passed in the U.S. House.
The newly approved funding bill reopens the federal government and keeps it operating through January 30, 2026.
Pet Adoption Fair Scheduled for December 13 in Freeport
I have a Pet Adoption Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for this popular annual event. As has been done in the past, I will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connecting people with new pets from the shelter.
Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.
