On Anniversary of 9/11, Congressman Sorensen Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Servicemembers

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is putting his support behind a pair of bipartisan bills that will expand healthcare for military families and make federal student loan relief accessible for National Guard members and reservists.

"America's servicemembers, like the rest of the country, are dealing with the same high costs my neighbors tell me is their number one issue," said Congressman Sorensen. "My biggest priority is bringing down the cost of living for all Americans and these bipartisan bills will help put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of our servicemembers who shouldn't be burdened with financial stress on top of their already challenging jobs. I'm proud to use my new position on the House Armed Services Committee to help advance legislation that supports the brave men and women who serve our country at home and abroad."

Congressman Sorensen is co-sponsoring the bipartisan National Guard & Reserve Student Loan Fairness Act,which would make those serving in the National or the reserve components eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) program. Specifically, part-time National Guard members and reservists would be eligible to make up to 12 qualifying PSLF payments per year, in proportion to their total days of service that year.

He is also co-sponsoring the bipartisan Health Care Fairness for Military Familiesto allow children of TRICARE beneficiaries to stay on their parents' health insurance until they are 26, just as children can on private insurance plans. Right now, TRICARE dependents may only remain on their parents' policy until they are 21 years old. This would be expected to save military families up to $8,724 per year.

As a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Sorensen has been taking advantage of his new position to advocate for the Rock Island Arsenal and the 182nd Airlift Wing at the Peoria Air National Guard Base in Illinois' 17th district. He is also co-chair of the bipartisan House Military Depot Caucus, which advocates for military arsenals across the country, including the Rock Island Arsenal. Earlier this year, he hosted U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscollat the Rock Island Arsenal to make the case directly to the Secretary on the importance of the Arsenal to our national security. He also secured major winsfor the Arsenal and the 182nd Airlift Wing in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed on the House floor.