WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) has helped to secure $8 million in federal funding to build a new readiness center for the Illinois Army National Guard in Peoria.
“The Illinois Army National Guard is there for our neighbors when they need help, but they’re working out of aging facilities that make their jobs harder and put at risk the mission readiness we rely on when the next disaster strikes,” Sorensen said. “A new readiness center in Peoria will replace 50-year-old buildings that have roofs giving way, sides crumbling, and outdated heating systems. It will ensure the Guard is ready to quickly deploy anywhere in the state to an emergency.”
The funding for the readiness center comes from the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that was passed as part of the broader funding package last week that reopened the government.
While Sorensen voted against the underlying funding package because it failed to address rising healthcare costs for his constituents, he strongly supports this investment in Peoria, having worked closely with the Illinois Congressional delegation to ensure it was included.
Sorensen is a member of the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus and uses his seat on the House Armed Services Committee to back legislation championing the National Guard and its members. In the House-passed FY26 NDAA, Sorensen secured premium-free TRICARE dental coverage for all Guard members. He also supports legislation to ensure Guard members have the benefits and resources they’ve earned.
Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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