Durbin Meets With National Guard Bureau Chief Nominee

Durbin Meets With National Guard Bureau Chief Nominee

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus to discuss his nomination to serve as the next National Guard Bureau Chief. During their conversation, Durbin urged Lt. Gen. Nordhaus to work alongside him, if confirmed, to secure a flying mission for Springfield's 183rd Wing, as well as consider Scott Air Force Base's 126th Air Refueling Wing for the latest tranche of KC-46s and the 38th Infantry Division for the Army Guard's new MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems, funding for which Durbin helped secure in Fiscal Year 2023. Durbin was also an integral part of the successful effort to select Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing for new C-130J aircraft, securing billions in the annual Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense funding bill for the new models to replace outdated aircraft and protect the jobs of 1,200 airmen and about 370 full-time employees.

"Our state's military members have bravely answered the call to serve and protect our county. They should be provided with the modern equipment to adequately perform their duties and stand at the ready to assist their communities and our nation in a time of need," said Durbin. "In my meeting with Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, nominated to serve as the next National Guard Bureau Chief, I urged him, if confirmed, to work with me to ensure that the Illinois Guard has the resources it needs to succeed."

Photos of the meeting are available here.

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