Sorensen Secures Investments in the Peoria National Guard in the National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), member of the House Armed Services Committee, fought for and secured several provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to invest in the Peoria Air National Guard and ensure that Illinois Guard members and their families have the resources they need to continue serving. Next, the full House of Representatives will have to vote on the NDAA.  

“The Peoria Air National Guard is critical to the security of Illinois and our entire nation. That’s why I fought hard to secure funding and equipment for the 182nd wing and its Contingency Response Group. Additionally, I was proud to lower the cost of dental care and expand financial support that will provide certainty and stability for National Guard families in Peoria and across the state,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen.

The FY27 NDAA:

• Ensures the Air Force maintains at least 271 C-130 aircrafts across all components of the Air Force and bans the Air Force from reducing the number of C-130s in the Air National Guard, maintaining the C-130 fleet that is essential to the 182nd Wing in Peoria
   
• Requires the Air Force to provide a plan for the 182nd Wing’s Contingency Response Group unit conversion, which currently lacks the necessary funding and equipment 
   
• Authorizes $8 million for the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Peoria, which Rep. Sorensen secured appropriations for in the FY26 military construction funding bill  
   
• Waives fees and copays on the TRICARE Dental Program for junior enlisted members of the National Guard 
   
• Secures an implementation plan to consolidate the 29 reserve component duty statuses into four duty status categories, supporting proper and timely pay and benefits for our Guard members 
   
• Requires the Department of Defense to evaluate equipment modernization efforts with the National Guard 
   
• Designates the National Guard Relief Society to allow Guard members access to financial support and other aid in times of need regardless of their state or federal status 
   

• Authorizes $5 million for the establishment of the Center of Study of the National Guard 

   

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