Durbin: Defense Appropriations Bill Invests in Groundbreaking Research & Protects Illinois Priorities

Statement

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Defense Appropriations Bill -- which provides $574.6 billion in funding for the military and intelligence community, our national security requirements and the daily needs of over two million active duty and reserve servicemembers -- funds Illinois defense installations and protects important Illinois priorities. The legislation was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and must now be considered by the full Senate.

"Illinois has long taken a leadership role in our nation's defense. Not only does our state claim three of our country's most important and dynamic defense installations -- Rock Island Arsenal, Scott Air Force Base, and Naval Station Great Lakes -- we are also home to 13,000 National Guardsmen who serve throughout Illinois," Durbin said.

"As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I have worked with my colleagues to maintain our state's leadership and to ensure that Illinois servicemembers, their families, and our military and civilian workforce have the support they need and deserve."

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