IL HJR0073

Urges the President of the United States, Congress, and Secretary of Defense to protect the Rock Island Arsenal from future reductions or budget cuts

Notes the arsenal employs more than 8,500 workers and contributes approximately $1 billion to the local economy while supporting 14,000 community jobs

Identifies the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center at the arsenal as one of the world's largest weapons manufacturing facilities with unique capabilities for small-quantity and specialty defense orders

Acknowledges the arsenal's historical significance to the Quad Cities region since the 19th century, though its workforce has declined from a World War II peak of 18,467 employees

Directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the President, Secretary of Defense, and Illinois congressional delegation