SENATE PASSES DUCKWORTH PROVISION TO SAFEGUARD 182ND AIRLIFT WING'S MISSION & PROTECT MORE THAN 1,500 PEORIA-AREA JOBS
Statement
Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), as part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today with a bipartisan vote of 88-11, secured a provision that will establish a minimum inventory for the Air Force's C-130 fleet, ensuring that the Air Force has sufficient C-130 capacity to carry out critical missions domestically as well as overseas. This provision will also safeguard the mission of Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing, protecting the jobs of 1,250 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees. The provision is now expected to be signed into law by President Biden.
"C-130s are so essential to the National Guard in carrying out work both at home and abroad," Duckworth said. "They bring Americans into combat, provide humanitarian relief around the globe and support domestic responses throughout the nation--and have done so reliably for more than 50 years," Duckworth said. "I'm proud to have successfully included a provision in this year's NDAA to maintain a minimum total aircraft inventory of C-130s and ensure the 182nd's mission--as well as the hundreds of good-paying jobs it supports--remains for years to come while helping National Guard units across the country, and right here in Peoria, maintain the ability to respond to new emergencies and domestic missions."
"Senator Tammy Duckworth has proven herself to be a preeminent voice for our troops in Congress, and I'm pleased to see the Senate pass her provision to secure minimum aircraft inventories for the Air Force," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "I've been a vocal advocate of protecting the fleet to support the emergency response capabilities of the Illinois National Guard, whose Peoria-based 182nd Airlift Wing has been a critical part of the Guard's emergency response at home and abroad, including delivering PPE, supporting California's wildfire response, and protecting the U.S. Capitol. This provision is a demonstration of readiness and a recognition of the Guard's countless sacrifices."
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