Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced two bipartisan amendments with Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure continued support for the hardworking men and women at the 182nd Airlift Wing.
“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. “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. "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."
LaHood has long been an advocate and leader on bipartisan initiatives to support the 182nd Airlift Wing, protect the unit from closures and funding cuts, and secure funding needed to construct the firehouse at the 182nd.
The 182nd Airlift Wing, stationed at the Peoria Air National Guard base, is set to lose its Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) - teams tasked with carrying out special operations for the United States Air Force. Although the 182nd Airlift Wing has been promised a new Contingency Response Group (CRG) unit as a replacement, no CRGs have been assigned at this time and future leadership changes could threaten the agreement.
The amendment to the FY2024 NDAA will halt further closures of TACP units until the CRG is awarded to the 182nd Airlift Wing. Halting closure of TACPs would ensure jobs at Peoria Air National Guard base are not eliminated.
The pair also introduced a second amendment to commission a study on the cost of decommissioning TACP units throughout the country, highlighting the potential consequences of TACP closures.
###
