River Bend Times

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17), and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) have introduced the bipartisan Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, aimed at establishing a fifty percent minimum workload requirement at Army arsenals nationwide.

Miller-Meeks emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “The Rock Island Arsenal is a staple of our community in the Quad Cities. Ensuring that they receive a consistent and sustainable workload enhances our national security through supporting our military and supports thousands of high-quality jobs for hard-working men and women around the Quad Cities. I’m proud to team with members of the Iowa and Illinois delegations to introduce this important piece of legislation.”

Grassley echoed Miller-Meeks' sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the Rock Island Arsenal for both the Quad Cities and national security. He stated, “The economic and national security reasons for encouraging investments in our industrial base are many. I’m glad to be teaming up with the bistate congressional delegation on this effort to benefit our constituencies.”

Sorensen highlighted the impact of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act on the Rock Island Arsenal, noting, “The Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act will ensure that the Rock Island Arsenal has the tools it needs to attract more work, create more jobs, and help our regional economy grow. I am grateful to Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for working with me on this important issue that helps our working families and keeps our communities sustainable for generations to come.”

Durbin emphasized the importance of supporting the organic industrial base and the nation's arsenals, stating, “Rock Island Arsenal is a crucial asset for both our national security and the economy of the Quad Cities region, outfitted to manufacture the defense articles needed to ensure military preparedness. That’s why I’m introducing the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act with Congressman Sorensen today.”

The Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act would require a 50 percent workload threshold for government-owned and government-operated Army factories and arsenals, aiming to provide a more predictable and sustained workload throughout the year. Additionally, the bill would establish a preference for public-private partnerships in Army contracting, with a focus on leveraging the capabilities of Army arsenals in manufacturing defense products.

The bipartisan effort aims to benefit the Rock Island Arsenal by helping maintain existing union jobs, attracting new projects and workers, and keeping costs low, ultimately supporting national security and the economy of the Quad Cities region.