Congressman Eric Sorensen of Illinois pressed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on proposed job cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Sorensen voiced concern that reducing the Arsenal’s workforce could threaten national security by undermining military readiness. He emphasized the importance of transparent discussions around any decisions impacting the facility, noting its critical role in supporting defense operations. Secretary Driscoll acknowledged the Arsenal as a key asset for the nation. Sorensen, a member of the committee, has already introduced legislation to protect jobs and keep the Arsenal competitive, aiming to safeguard both military strength and the local economy.
“I’m proud to stand up in Washington D.C. for the hardworking men and women at the Rock Island Arsenal who help to protect our national security and ensure our military’s readiness across the globe,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I took my concerns about job cuts at the Arsenal straight to the Army Secretary so we can get a clear picture of the impact this will have on my neighbors. Any decisions about the future of the Arsenal needs to be transparently discussed and well thought out because the work there is too important for our country.”
During the hearing, Secretary Driscoll also acknowledged to Congressman Sorensen that the Rock Island Arsenal is the “gem in the assets and the tools that we have.”