Sorensen files bill that would put a moratorium on Social Security office closures

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Congressman Eric Sorensen has filed a bill designed to prevent the closure of any Social Security field offices until after President Donald Trump’s term in the White House ends.

Sorensen proposal, called the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, would impose a moratorium on field and hearing office closures until Jan. 21, 2029, with the exception of emergency closures. Sorensen, a Rockford native representing the 17th Congressional District, filed the bill in response to DOGE cost-cutting plans, which includes closing the Rockford Social Security Office at 502 E. Jefferson St.

The closure is among 750 federal leases the Department of Government Efficiency plans to terminate in order to save a combined $468 million. The Rockford office has an annual lease cost of $36,768 and would result in total savings of $61,280, according to the DOGE website.

“For so many people in my district, Social Security isn’t just a check — it’s the difference between putting food on the table or going hungry, affording medication or risking their health. It’s a lifeline thousands of people depend on every day,” Sorensen said Tuesday in a news release. “Closing field offices would place unnecessary hardships on the very people who rely on these services the most — our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and hardworking families. I proudly stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation to make sure everyone has access to the benefits they’ve earned, because no one should have to struggle or travel miles out their way to get the help they deserve.”

The bill also requires the commissioner of Social Security to provide a detailed report to Congress outlining a process for office closure before the moratorium can be lifted. That report would include the criteria used for closing an office, how much taxpayer money would be saved and a cost-benefit analysis.

Sorensen, as well as Mayor Tom McNamara, have pushed back against the closure plans after they arrived on DOGE’s cost-cutting list last week.

“I am strongly opposed to the proposed closure of our local Social Security Administration facility. Shutting down the Rockford office is an unacceptable decision and would create unnecessary barriers —especially transportation challenges— for thousands of residents, seniors, people with disabilities and working families who rely on these critical services the most,” McNamara said. “We must ensure that our most vulnerable residents have access to the support they need, not make it harder for them. Our residents have worked hard and paid into the system for decades; they deserve accessible and reliable support. We must stand together as community leaders, elected officials and residents to demand the Rockford Social Security office remain open.”

It’s unclear what the process would be for closing the Rockford Social Security Office or other federal buildings will be. No closure date or additional information on the plan has been released since the property was placed on the DOGE list.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas