Congressman Sorensen Delivers More Than $9 Million in Federal Funding to Support the Rock Island Arsenal

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) helped secure more than $9 million in new federal funding to invest in the critical work at the Rock Island Arsenal that will ensure our military remains prepared to protect our national security.

“The Rock Island Arsenal needs investments to continue modernizing and sustaining its important mission of defending our country’s national security,” said Congressman Sorensen. “This new federal funding will help the Arsenal remain competitive and ready to tackle the newest challenges confronting our military with the latest state-of-the-art technology.”

These Minor Construction funds will be used for facilities at the Rock Island Arsenal’s Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. $5 million will go towards a forging equipment annex and $4.25 million will go towards a new weapons quality assurance/calibration facility. These facilities will support jobs on the Arsenal and allow workers to keep making cutting edge advancements that bolster our national security.

The funding was secured through the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that was passed as part of the broader funding package last week that reopened the government.

While the Congressman voted against the underlying funding package because it failed to address rising health care costs for his neighbors, he strongly supports this investment and worked closely with the Illinois Congressional delegation to ensure it was included.

In his first year on the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce and reliable advocate for the Arsenal. He secured major wins for the Arsenal in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He has led bipartisan efforts with members of the Illinois and Iowa delegations to protect critical jobs. He also hosted Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, at the Arsenal to highlight the men and women there who help safeguard our national security.