Miller-Meeks Urges Army Secretary to Protect Rock Island Arsenal

Davenport – Amid reports of a potential reduction in force at the Rock Island Arsenal, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks today urged U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to protect the military site. A member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Miller-Meeks is a proud 24-year Army veteran advocating for those who served our nation.

According to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, the Rock Island Arsenal supports upwards of 54,000 active & reserve components, retired military, civilian employees, and family members within a 150-mile radius. It impacts over 15,000 jobs and has a $1.2 billion impact on the local economy.

A full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Driscoll:

I write to you today to express my strong support for the continued investment in Rock Island Arsenal and have serious concerns with proposed changes to the workforce. Rock Island Arsenal is a key component in our national defense and is a key pillar of the Quad Cities region. It has recently come to my attention that RIA Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and the Army Sustainment Command (ASC) will be consolidated under the ASC. It is my understanding that this consolidation could lead to a reduction of force at Rock Island Arsenal, resulting in the loss of hundreds of vital jobs. 

Rock Island Arsenal plays a unique role for our nation’s defense. As a command post for integral units such as Army Contracting, Army Corps of Engineers, and Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island Arsenal is a key player in sustainment and procurement. Changes or reduction in force would be a net negative to our nation’s defense overall. This base is a significant weapons manufacturing arsenal for our military, and its role has been amplified with the recent depletion of our armaments. It is also a major player in military manufacturing, especially in 3-D printing supporting our forces deployed abroad. The Rock Island Arsenal plays a critical role in ensuring the readiness and resilience of the United States Armed Forces. 

Rock Island Arsenal is a significant presence for the Quad Cities, having a $1.2 billion impact on the local economy. With around half of the more than 5,000 Arsenal employees calling Iowa home, the Arsenal has been the lifeblood of the Quad Cities community for many years. Many of these employees are veterans who have continued serving our nation as civilians.

I have heard directly from concerned constituents on potential reductions. Furthermore, such concerns have been amplified by multiple media outlets on both sides of the Mississippi. As the representative for southeast Iowa and a 24-year Army veteran, it is imperative I relay this issue to the highest echelons of the U.S. Army. 

All Americans depend on the safety, strength, and stability that the Arsenal helps provide. While you consider the reorganization of JMC and ASC, I urge you to consider the positive impact Rock Island Arsenal plays in our nation’s defense, as well as the crucial role it plays in Iowa’s economy. I will continue to lead the efforts to strengthen Rock Island Arsenal in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act. I look forward to continuing our shared mission on military readiness and advocating for America’s service members and their families.

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