Sorensen Works to Protect Air National Guard Jobs in Peoria
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) introduced two bipartisan amendments with Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure continued support for the hardworking men and women at the 182nd Airlift Wing stationed at the Peoria Air National Guard base.
"Central Illinois' military presence has always played a key role in supporting middle-class jobs and protecting our national security," said Sorensen. "I am committed to strengthening the Peoria Air National Guard base and will take action to ensure Peoria service members and their families have their voices heard in Washington."
“The 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria is one of the nation’s premier C130 units, providing critical military support and job opportunities to central Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “It’s vital for our greater Peoria community to maintain and bolster the Air National Guard’s presence, which is why I am proud to continue the bipartisan support for Peoria service members, their families, and the mission of the 182nd.”
The 182nd Airlift Wing is set to lose its Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) - teams tasked with carrying out special operations for the United States Air Force. The 182nd Airlift Wing has been promised a new Contingency Response Group (CRG) unit as a replacement, but that CRG has not yet been assigned.
Sorensen and LaHood’s amendment to the FY2024 Defense Policy Bill will halt further closures of TACP units until the CRG is awarded to the 182nd Airlift Wing. Halting closure of TACPs would ensure jobs at Peoria Air National Guard base are not eliminated.
The pair also introduced a second amendment to commission a study on the cost of decommissioning TACP units throughout the country.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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