Bustos Welcomes U.S. Secretary Of The Army To Rock Island Arsenal

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) welcomed U.S. Army Secretary John McHugh to the region. At the invitation of Bustos and Senator Dick Durbin (IL), Secretary McHugh visited the Rock Island Arsenal where he toured the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center and met with local mayors and community leaders to discuss the importance of investing in the Arsenal's future.

"The Rock Island Arsenal and its workers not only manufacture equipment that arms and protects our troops, but it is also the engine that drives our region's economy," Bustos said. "Secretary McHugh's visit was a clear indicator of how critical the Arsenal is to U.S. Army readiness, and today we got to showcase firsthand not only the Arsenal's capabilities, but the high-quality workmanship of our region's workers. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary McHugh and Senator Durbin to ensure the Arsenal remains strong into the future."

"The Rock Island Arsenal is a crucial asset for both our national security and the economy of the Quad Cities region. That's why I've included provisions in the Defense Appropriations Bill that will boost the Arsenal's competitiveness with the private sector and maintain a steady and reliable workload," Durbin said. "Illinois has long taken a leadership role in our nation's defense and I'm glad Secretary McHugh was able to see firsthand the great work that happens here at Rock Island. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary McHugh to assure that the workload at the Arsenal and its Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center remain strong."

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