Miller-Meeks Secures Four Amendments in Defense Bill to Strengthen Iowa's Military Readiness and Protect Rock Island Arsenal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a 24-year Army veteran, today voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that strengthens America's military readiness, supports our servicemembers, and protects Iowa's defense workforce. The bill includes four amendments authored by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, along with language she led to protect the historic Rock Island Arsenal Museum.

"As a 24-year Army veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "This defense bill strengthens our national security, supports our servicemembers, and protects the Iowa defense workforce and installations that keep our military the most capable and lethal force in the world. From safeguarding our artillery production to preserving our military history, I'm proud to deliver real results for Iowa and for our national defense."

Miller-Meeks Provisions Included in the FY27 NDAA:

• Backing Domestic Artillery Production: Expresses the sense of Congress on the importance of maintaining robust domestic production of M795 155mm artillery projectiles, the kind of munitions work that sustains defense jobs at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and Rock Island Arsenal.
• Strengthening Artillery Readiness: Requires the Secretary of the Army to report to the Committees on Armed Services on the status of efforts to produce 155mm artillery ammunition, supporting the critical role Iowa's defense facilities play in replenishing America's munitions supply.
• Supporting the Arsenal Workforce: Expresses the sense of Congress encouraging the Army to prioritize the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance's request for a Child Care Development Center, supporting the readiness and stability of the Arsenal workforce.
• Lowering Energy Costs at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant: Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct a study, using existing funds, on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of converting the energy fuel sources at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant to natural gas.

The NDAA also includes language led by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks to protect the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, blocking any funding from being used to close one of the oldest military museums in the country and preserving a vital part of America's military heritage.

Background:

Rock Island Arsenal is a critical economic and strategic asset, supporting more than 15,000 jobs and contributing $1.2 billion annually to the Quad Cities economy. Roughly half of its employees are Iowans, many of them veterans continuing their service in civilian roles. 

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant near Burlington is one of the nation's largest load, assemble, and pack facilities, playing a vital role in America's munitions supply chain and southeast Iowa's economy.

Drawing on her 24 years of Army service, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has consistently fought to protect Iowa's defense installations, safeguard the Arsenal's workforce, and strengthen America's munitions production.

How the FY27 NDAA Strengthens Our Military:

The Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA authorizes approximately $1.14 trillion for national defense, a significant investment in America's security at a time of rising global threats. Key provisions include:

• A pay raise for our troops: Authorizes a targeted pay raise of 5 to 7 percent for servicemembers, with the largest increases going to junior enlisted personnel who need it most, building on recent efforts to improve quality of life for our men and women in uniform.
• Strengthening military readiness: Increases investment in military personnel, operations, and maintenance to ensure our servicemembers have the training, tools, and technology they need to defend our country against every threat.
• Modernizing the force: Prioritizes next-generation capabilities, strengthens the defense industrial base, and accelerates the domestic production of critical munitions like 155mm artillery, ensuring America can replenish its stockpiles and out-produce our adversaries.
• Supporting military families: Invests in housing, childcare, and health care for servicemembers and their families, recognizing that a ready force depends on strong support at home.

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