Bustos-Duckworth-Loebsack Rock Island Arsenal-Strengthening Provisions Included In New Defense Budget

Press Release

FY2017 National Defense Authorization Passes House Armed Services Committee with Bustos-Duckworth-Loebsack language to support jobs at Rock Island Arsenal.

The Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House Armed Services Committee early this morning includes bipartisan provisions of the Army Arsenal Revitalization Act and the Make It At Home Act authored by Reps. Tammy Duckworth (IL-08), Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02). The provisions of these bills included in the committee-passed NDAA will help ensure the long-term success of the Rock Island Arsenal and the more than 6,000 hard working men and women who work on Arsenal Island.

"Keeping our country safe and promoting manufacturing and job growth should be among our top priorities in Congress, and I'm proud to work with Representatives Bustos and Loebsack to do so," said Congresswoman Duckworth. "American workers have the talent, skill and capability to produce high-quality goods at facilities like the Rock Island Arsenal. I'm pleased my amendment passed the Armed Services Committee, inserting our bipartisan language to increase production at our nation's arsenals and depots, reduce our over-reliance on foreign goods in sensitive weapons systems and enhance our nation's readiness in this year's NDAA."

"Today is a great day for the more than 6,000 hard working men and women who have made the Rock Island Arsenal an economic engine for our community and a vital national security asset for thousands of brave Americans serving in our Armed Forces," said Congresswoman Bustos. "I'd like to thank Congressman Loebsack for his steadfast partnership in working to strengthen the Quad-Cities community and Congresswoman Duckworth for her work on the Armed Services Committee to include our legislation in this year's national defense authorization. By cutting through red tape to make the Rock Island Arsenal more competitive, we're helping ensure a brighter future for families in the Quad-Cities community."

"The Rock Island Arsenal not only supports the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, but is a critical piece of the Quad Cities economy. As a former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I remain committed to ensuring the Arsenal has the resources it needs to remain strong," said Congressman Loebsack. "The Arsenal is vital to the Quad Cities economy and we must continue to work together to secure and strengthen its future. I am proud to have worked with Congresswomen Bustos and Duckworth on this legislation. The legislation plays a critical role in equipping our troops and spurring economic development in the Quad Cities region and I will continue to advocate for the Arsenal and its workforce."

Language for the amendment came from the bipartisan Army Arsenal Revitalization Act and the Make It At Home Act. The specific amendments passed yesterday would:

Give the Arsenal more flexibility in the rates it charges customers. Army arsenals need the tools to keep themselves viable and competitive. The amendment creates a 2-year pilot program in which arsenals will be able to adjust their labor rates throughout the year based upon their workloads and other factors instead of charging a fixed rate, which is often non-competitive.
Require the Department of Defense to identify critical defense items currently being manufactured in foreign countries and develop a plan for bringing that work back to U.S. arsenals and depots to help meet critical skill requirements.

"Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth fought hard for the civilian employees at Rock Island Arsenal during consideration of the NDAA," said J. David Cox Sr., National President of the American Federation for Government Employees."We are so grateful for her successful advocacy on behalf of federal employees in the Quad Cities area and across the state of Illinois. Her efforts directly impact the current and future viability of Rock Island Arsenal and we are grateful for her partnership."

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