WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both the Democratic and Republican congressmen in this area say they’re working together to make sure the 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria is taken care of.
Congressmen Eric Sorensen (D-East Moline) and Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) say they’re offering an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that will halt the closure of Tactical Air Control Parties including the one in Peoria, until the 182nd gets a Contingency Response Group promised in exchange.
The National Guard says the Defense Department doesn’t need as many TACP’s anymore, but Sorensen and LaHood say they’re going to offer another amendment that will study the cost of decommissioning the units, while highlighting the potential consequences of doing so.
Part of the problem, the Congressmen say, is that while the 182nd has been promised a CRG, none have been assigned.
“The 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria is one of the nation’s premier C130 units, providing critical military support and job opportunities to central Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood, in news releases issued by the two Congressmen. “It’s vital for our greater Peoria community to maintain and bolster the Air National Guard’s presence, which is why I am proud to continue the bipartisan support for Peoria service members, their families, and the mission of the 182nd.”
“Central Illinois’ military presence has always played a key role in supporting middle-class jobs and protecting our national security,” said Rep. Sorensen, in the news releases. “I am committed to strengthening the Peoria Air National Guard base and will take action to ensure Peoria service members and their families have their voices heard in Washington.”
Sorensen and LaHood haven’t had much of a chance yet to work together since Sorensen took office in January, but the two also support rural broadband internet access expansion, among other things.
