Congressman Sorensen Defends Rock Island Arsenal Workforce, Opposes Amendment to Cut 200,000 Defense Jobs

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke on the House floor in opposition to Amendment #316 to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), warning that it could lead to the loss of 200,000 Department of Defense civilian jobs, including at places like the Rock Island Arsenal.

"Cutting 200,000 defense civilian jobs doesn't make America stronger-it weakens our military, hurts communities like Rock Island, and puts our troops at risk," said Congressman Sorensen. "We should be supporting the people who keep our military ready, not showing them the door."

During his remarks, Sorensen called on both Republicans and Democrats to reject the amendment, arguing that protecting America's defense workforce is essential to supporting the troops and maintaining the nation's military readiness.

Congressman Sorensen is a strong champion for the Department of Defense's civilian employees that work at the Rock Island Arsenal. He questioned Secretary Hegseth and Army leadership about their moves to cut jobs at Rock Island. He also led efforts this year to end the hiring freeze for Arsenal workers, require the Army to answer for their workforce realignment efforts, and limit funding for President Trump's collective bargaining ban.

Watch Congressman Sorensen's remarks on the House floor here.