WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), along with Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), had a briefing with Acting Army Materiel Commander Lieutenant General (LTC) Christopher Mohan to learn more about the impacts the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) could have on Rock Island Arsenal and the Quad Cities region. The initiative calls for calls for a sweeping set of changes for Army operations that include downsizing, consolidating or closing redundant headquarters.

The members pushed for answers on how the ATI would impact the Arsenal’s workforce and mission, as well as on the ATI’s implementation timeline. They secured a commitment from the LTG to share documentation of the Army’s analysis of impacts.

“There are clear economic and national security reasons for ensuring the work at Rock Island Arsenal continues. It plays a vital role in our national defense, and it’s a key driver for the Quad Cities’ economy. I appreciated hearing more details from the Army about its plans and how the Arsenal will retain its significance in supporting our warfighters. As those plans move forward, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Army to support the Arsenal, its important work and the jobs it sustains in the region,” Grassley said.

“The Rock Island Arsenal is an economic engine for the entire Quad Cities region and plays an important role in our national security. I am deeply committed to the Army and its future—I support Army modernization, but we must balance modernization with readiness. I’ll keep working with my colleagues on the federal level to protect operations and ensure that the Arsenal has the support it needs to succeed for years to come,” Duckworth said.

“Rock Island Arsenal is critical to both our national security and the economy of the Quad Cities region. The men and women at the Arsenal manufacture top-of-the-line equipment that contribute to our nation’s military readiness. I will continue to work, on a bipartisan basis, with both my colleagues in Congress and military leaders to ensure security for the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal,” Durbin said.

“The men and women of the Rock Island Arsenal do essential work that strengthens our military, protects our national security, and keeps Americans safe. I’m glad to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in getting to the bottom of the Army’s plans for the Rock Island Arsenal, and I’m proud to advocate for my neighbors on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure the Arsenal’s essential work is sustainable for the future,” Sorensen said.

Background:

Grassley has long been a champion for Rock Island Arsenal, including through his legislation to expand manufacturing opportunities for Army arsenals. He also helped secure provisions in appropriations legislation and the annual defense authorization bill to help ensure the long-term viability of the Rock Island Arsenal. Along with his colleagues, he introduced the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act in March to boost workload at Army arsenals, including Rock Island Arsenal.

In June, Grassley, Duckworth, Durbin and Sorensen, along with Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), sent a letter to U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll reemphasizing their request for a briefing to discuss any potential command and personnel changes at the Arsenal. Members had first requested a dedicated briefing in April.

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