As the debate over a permanent home for U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) drags on, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is hoping to force the issue after successfully secured language in a spending bill to halt development of the temporary headquarters in Colorado until an official decision is made.
Aderholt announced Tuesday he was able to include the item in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs fiscal year 2024 spending bill following a review and approval by the United States Air Force.
“Now more than ever, the establishment of a permanent Space Command Headquarters remains vital to our national security,” Aderholt said. “The language incentivizes the Secretary of the Air Force to determine the permanent headquarters location as quickly as possible.”
Aderholt said he hoped the decision would be made soon but was "relieved" that SPACECOM Commander Gen. James Dickinson was on board with moving the headquarters to the "preferred location."
"In this matter, timeliness remains of the utmost importance. I urge the Department to move the headquarters to its preferred permanent location as quickly as possible; however, if the Administration continues to delay, I am relieved that General Dickinson, the SPACECOM Commander, assured the Alabama Delegation that he had no national security concerns about moving the headquarter," Aderholt continued.
"As we take this step, I would like to thank the Alabama delegation for their commitment to this fight. We all know that Space Command belongs in the Rocket City."
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