Chicago City Wire

On May 1, 2023 , U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, visited the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP), to tour the facility and receive a briefing on efforts to keep Ukraine supplied with much-needed munitions. IAAAP is where 155mm shells are packed with explosives and packaged for final delivery. These shells are the ammunition for howitzers, which have played a critical role in the Ukraine conflict. Quigley also met with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, Doug Bush, who emphasized the United States’ key leadership in providing aid to Ukraine.

“As the Ukrainian military continues to bravely fight off the Russian army, they’re facing increasingly concerning ammunition shortages. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has a far greater weapons supply and a willingness to use his own people as cannon fodder. Ukraine’s victory in this war is dependent on the ability of the United States and our allies to ramp up production and deliver critical munitions,” said Quigley. “Based on today’s visit to the IAAAP, it is clear the U.S. defense industry is aware of this need and is effectively pivoting to reach a wartime footing. It is crucial that Congress continues to provide funding for the production of ammunition and ensure Ukraine has the necessary tools to win this war. I look forward to visiting additional production sites in the weeks and months to come to see how we are faring and learn what else can be done to improve our production timelines.”

This is Quigley’s second visit to an ammunition factory. In March, he visited the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, where M1 Abrams tanks are produced.

Original source can be found here.