Alabama lawmakers remain resolute in their battle against Joe Biden’s decision to retain the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, rather than relocating it to Huntsville, Alabama.
According to reports last week, Biden’s decision marked a significant setback for Alabama, anticipated to result in a loss of approximately 1,400 jobs and an annual economic benefit of $1 billion for the area. Unsurprisingly, the choice stirred up a hornet’s nest in the heart of Dixie, with Alabama lawmakers pledging to intensify an ongoing probe into what they believe to be an unfairly politicized decision.
#BREAKINGNEWS U.S. Space Command. #Alabama lawmakers express outrage over the decision to keep #SpaceCommand in #ColoradoSprings and vowed to overturn it.
“This fight is far from over,” GOP Rep. #MikeRogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/tqWTbSdIyd— Rob Quirk (@KOAARobQuirk) July 31, 2023
Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), led the charge, boldly vowing to intensify his investigation into the decision-making process. Rogers’ probe was initiated in May, but the administration has yet to comply with multiple requests for documentation linked to the relocation decision.
Rogers voiced his frustration on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, calling the refusal to comply with his committee’s requests “unacceptable” and alleging “obfuscation and purposeful delay” on the part of the administration. He declared his intent to subpoena the requested documents should the administration continue to withhold them.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) called Biden’s decision a misstep for national security, and Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL) of Huntsville labeled the decision “shameful.” Other Alabama lawmakers echoed this sentiment, arguing that the strategic benefits of locating the Space Command HQ in Huntsville have been overlooked due to a ‘woke’ political agenda.
Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) posted a statement on X encapsulating the Alabama delegation’s resolve: “We will not give up this fight because Space Command belongs in Huntsville.” Meanwhile, Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) expressed outrage, accusing the Secretary of the Air Force of allowing politics to “circumvent his, and the Department of Defense’s, own basing selection process.”
It is clear the Biden administration cares more about advancing their far-left agenda than the security of our nation. We will not give up this fight because Space Command belongs in Huntsville. https://t.co/esPn4yqZvw
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) July 31, 2023
Yet, as the fight continues, the path forward remains shrouded in uncertainty. Even if improper decision-making were uncovered, it remains unclear what action lawmakers could take. But one thing is certain: Alabama’s leaders aren’t backing down anytime soon.
Alabama’s continued fight for the Space Command HQ exemplifies the struggle for fair and effective decision-making in Washington. In a nation where partisan politics often overshadows the best interest of the American people, Alabama lawmakers remind us of the need to maintain our focus on national security and economic development.
In the words of Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), “Locating the permanent Space Command Headquarters on Redstone Arsenal undoubtedly remains in the best national security interest of the United States.”
