Hawkeye Reporter

Sens. Chuck Grassley, Tammy Duckworth, and Dick Durbin, together with Rep. Eric Sorensen, recently met with Acting Army Materiel Commander Lieutenant General Christopher Mohan to discuss the potential effects of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) on Rock Island Arsenal and the surrounding Quad Cities area. The ATI includes proposals for reducing, consolidating, or closing redundant Army headquarters.

During the briefing, the lawmakers sought information about how these changes could affect both the workforce and mission at Rock Island Arsenal, as well as details about when any changes might occur. They received a commitment from Lieutenant General Mohan to provide documentation outlining the Army’s analysis of these impacts.

Senator Grassley emphasized the importance of Rock Island Arsenal by stating: “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.”

Senator Duckworth highlighted both modernization and readiness: “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.”

Senator Durbin pointed out: “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.”

Rep. Sorensen added: “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.”

Senator Grassley has consistently supported Rock Island Arsenal through legislative efforts aimed at expanding manufacturing opportunities at Army arsenals. He has also contributed provisions in appropriations bills and annual defense authorization legislation designed to secure long-term stability for Rock Island Arsenal.

In March, Grassley introduced legislation known as the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act along with his colleagues; this bill aims to increase workload across Army arsenals such as Rock Island.

Earlier this year, Grassley joined Duckworth, Durbin, Sorensen, and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in requesting briefings from U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll regarding possible command or personnel changes affecting Rock Island Arsenal—a request they initially made in April before following up again in June.