Congressman Eric Sorensen is touting major advancements for Illinois’ 17th District under the National Defense Authorization Act. Key provisions safeguard jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal, require more transparency from the Army on planned changes, and ban funding for any restructuring without detailed public plans. The legislation also boosts local research at Bradley University and maintains the critical C-130 aircraft fleet at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria. Military families benefit from a 3.8% pay raise, improved housing, and waived dental copays for National Guard members. The House Armed Services Committee approved the bill 55-2, moving it to the full House for consideration.
“These investments reflect our values—supporting those who serve, building strong communities, and creating opportunities right here at home,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “We’re strengthening the Rock Island Arsenal, supporting our National Guard and military families, and ensuring our local institutions like Bradley University continue to lead in innovation.”
Key wins for IL-17 and the Rock Island Arsenal include:
- Congressman Sorensen’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which incentivizes private industry to partner with arsenals by giving preference to public-private partnerships in Army contracting, creating a more predictable, sustained workload to protect and create jobs.
- The bill bans the Army’s funding to restructure the Rock Island Arsenal’s Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), until they provide a plan that includes a timeline and information about any job cuts and the impact to our readiness.
- The Army will be required to provide more information about upcoming changes tied to its Army Transformation Initiative—ensuring communities like those around the Rock Island Arsenal are informed and prepared.
- The bill authorizes funding for ongoing projects at Rock Island Arsenal and Bradley University, modernizing this vital defense facility and supporting research opportunities.
- It blocks funding from being used to enforce President Trump’s ban on collective bargaining for DOD workers, directly supporting the rights of our union workers at the Rock Island Arsenal.
- The Department of Defense is directed to explore public-private partnerships at arsenals and other key military industrial sites, opening the door to local innovation and economic growth.
- The bill ensures the Air Force maintains at least 271 C-130 aircraft, preserving critical operations tied to the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria.
Big wins that benefit our servicemembers and communities include:
- 3.8% pay raises for all military personnel
- Authorizes funding for new and improved barracks, dormitories, child development centers, and family housing
- All National Guard members will have fees and copays waived under the TRICARE Dental Program—making it easier and more affordable for them to get the care they need.
- Stronger alliances and partnerships to keep our country safe and promote peace
