In a recent hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi at the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee, committee vice chair U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) asked Bondi about the possible restructuring of federal agencies stationed there, gaining a small pledge for a later visit.
Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal has been a frequent topic of discussion among Alabama’s federal lawmakers since President Donald Trump took office. Not only does the Trump presidency mean Redstone will likely be the future headquarters for U.S. Space Command, but lawmakers have also pushed for an expansion of the base’s role in federal law enforcement.
SEE: Tuberville: FBI moving training academy from Quantico to Huntsville 'a no-brainer'
SEE ALSO: FBI Director Kash Patel: 'Redstone Arsenal is one of the crown jewels of the FBI'
During Monday’s hearing, Strong and Bondi discussed Huntsville’s role in American Security, while opining on removing bureaucratic hurdles and redundancy, ensuring agents have what they need to pursue their aims.
Bondi acknowledged the massive DOJ presence in Huntsville, including the FBI, Hazardous Devices School, Terrorist Explosive Device Analytic Center, Ballistics Research Facility, the ATF’s National Center for Explosive Training and Research Center, the U.S. Bomb Data Center, and the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network National Correlation and Training Center.
Strong pressed Bondi on whether she backed FBI Director Kash Patel’s decision to move staff from D.C. to Redstone.
“I'm especially supportive of the FBI Director Patel's plan for the continued movement of FBI personnel to North Alabama,” Strong told the attorney general. “My district has repeatedly answered the call to support our law enforcement agencies with a second-to-none workforce, cutting-edge facilities, and room for growth. Attorney General Bondi, do you support the FBI's plan to move additional personnel and programs to Redstone Arsenal and out of the Beltway?"
Bondi responded by stating emphatically that personnel would indeed be stationed there and pledged a visit to observe the base’s operations.
“[W]e are moving 500 additional personnel from DC to Alabama, to Redstone,” Bondi responded. “Redstone is a state-of-the-art facility. It will enhance everything we do. Training for FBI, training for other employees, and Huntsville provides the most cost-effective location with distinct partnership opportunities, and we support all of that that's happening, and I look forward to visiting it one day.”
She continued, “The National Center for Explosive Training and Research at Redstone, it's pretty remarkable what they do. They oversee the canine operations, I believe, as well as the criminal profiling, the explosives, the arson investigations, and I look forward to working with you. I look forward to visiting that. I really want to go to that facility.”
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