Congressman Eric Sorensen Secures Major Wins for Rock Island Arsenal and IL-17 in National Defense Bill

WATCH: Sorensen remarks on Rock Island Arsenal during House Armed Services Committee 

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is proud to announce major victories for the Rock Island Arsenal and communities across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District in this year’s national defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These wins will protect local jobs, expand benefits for servicemembers, and invest in key infrastructure and research in Central and Northwestern Illinois.

“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

 Congressman Sorensen also introduced an amendment to codify the current exemptions to the hiring freeze to ensure the Rock Island Arsenal can hire new workers, but it was blocked by Republicans.

The House Armed Services Committee approved the bill with a vote of 55-2. The bill now heads to the House floor where it will be considered in the coming weeks.