Congressman Sorensen Delivers $8 Million for New Readiness Center Facility for the Illinois Army National Guard in Peoria

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped secure $8 million in federal funding to build a new readiness center for the Illinois Army National Guard in Peoria.

“The Illinois Army National Guard is there for our neighbors when they need help, but they’re working out of aging facilities that make their jobs harder and put at risk the mission readiness we rely on when the next disaster strikes,” said Congressman Sorensen. “A new readiness center in Peoria will replace 50-year-old buildings that have roofs giving way, sides crumbling, and outdated heating systems. It will ensure the Guard is ready to quickly deploy anywhere in the state to an emergency.”

The funding was secured through the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that was passed as part of the broader funding package last week that reopened the government.

While the Congressman voted against the underlying funding package because it failed to address rising health care costs for his neighbors, he strongly supports this investment and worked closely with the Illinois Congressional delegation to ensure it was included.

Congressman Eric Sorensen is proud to be a member of the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus and uses his seat on the House Armed Services Committee to back legislation championing the National Guard and its members. In the House-passed FY26 NDAA, Congressman Sorensen secured premium-free TRICARE dental coverage for all Guard members. He also supports legislation to ensure Guard members have the benefits and resources they earned.