Bipartisanship strikes in Space Command questioning

WASHINGTON — A trio of representatives from Alabama brought bipartisanship to the forefront Thursday in questioning the Secretary of the Air Force about the delay in moving the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers, Dale Strong, and Terri Sewell pressed Secretary Frank Kendall during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request.

I agree wholeheartedly with my friend and colleague, @RepDaleStrong. It’s past time for the Air Force to stop the handwringing and announce Huntsville, Alabama as Space Command Headquarters. https://t.co/S51W9BEZpT

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) April 27, 2023

Rogers (R-Saks), the committee chair, once again criticized the secretary over the delays.

“We are beyond the point of frustration with the continued delay in announcing the final decision on SPACECOM basing,” Rogers said. “27 months ago, the Air Force made the right decision to go with Huntsville, Alabama. 12 months ago, the GAO and the DoD IG affirmed that decision. There is only one state that is still protesting and that state came in fifth. The political games must end. Your continued handwringing is delaying SPACECOM’s full operational capability and undermining our ability to defend this nation.

“You need to end this charade and make the announcement.”

Strong (R-Huntsville) also questioned the secretary about the issue.

“In May 2022 you testified that you were hoping to move forward with a final decision as quickly as you could,” Strong said. “Last month you testified you’re expecting a decision ‘fairly soon’. Why on earth have we not received a final decision regarding U.S. Space Command headquarters?”

Strong also argued for the relocation of Space Command in a 256Today op-ed published Thursday.

“Redstone Arsenal had the top score of all the sites based on available workforce, value to the taxpayer, proximity to other relevant space agencies, cost of living for American service members and civilian personnel, and overall force protection,” he said. “Simply put, Redstone Arsenal was chosen to house the permanent headquarters of U.S. Space Command because it is best for national security and the American people.”

Sewell (D-Birmingham) added to the chorus over the delay.

“Today, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, we questioned Air Force officials on why they continue to delay finalizing the decision to move Space Command Headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama,” the statement said. “Ensuring our country’s space defense is headquartered in the best possible location is of the utmost importance to the Space Force’s overall mission and success. The Air Force closely scrutinized multiple locations based on multiple factors to decide where Space Command Headquarters should be, and Huntsville was the indisputable winner in both the Evaluation and Selection phases.

“The fact is that Redstone Arsenal offers the best possible location for Space Command Headquarters, and it is in our country’s best national security interest to make this move immediately.”