Several members of the Alabama House of Representatives sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall voicing their support for U.S. House Armed Services Committee's investigation into the ongoing delay in choosing a permanent home for U.S. Space Command Headquarters.
U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) announced last week they would spearhead the committee's investigation while emphasizing Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the clear best choice over its current temporary location in Colorado.
The letter sent by the representatives opened by echoing that sentiment.
"As you are aware, it has been made clear through multiple U.S. Air Force recommendations that the most strategic location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters is Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama," the letter read. "The Government Accountability Office and Department of Defense Inspector General have both confirmed this recommendation was made through a sound process. Huntsville has the infrastructure, the workforce, the education system, engineering base, existing military and defense apparatus, and quality of life to be the ideal location for U.S. Space Command. This is why this site has received the unanimous number one recommendation from the U.S. Air Force."
"As representatives of the communities surrounding Redstone Arsenal in the Alabama House of Representatives, we felt the need to respectfully encourage you to support and comply with the congressional investigation into the delay of this critical national security decision," the letter continued. "We are also concerned to learn the U.S. Department of Defense was not aware, and not involved, in this change. The people of Alabama and the United States of America need and deserve transparency on the apparently revised mission requirements of SPACECOM as it relates to its decision to locate its headquarters.
"A lengthy delay in making a decision this important to national security deserves Congressional oversight, and we are thankful that Congressmen Rogers and Strong recognized this need and are taking action by launching this investigation. We greatly appreciate your service to our nation and the role that the U.S. Air Force has in keeping our country, and the world, safe from threats, and we believe that you also appreciate the need for transparency and Congressional oversight."
This letter was signed by 15 representatives, including Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), Scott Stadthagan (R-Hartselle) Reps. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile), Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn), Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), Wes Kitchens (R-Arab), Laura Hall (D-Huntsville), Parker Moore (RHartselle), David Cole (R-Huntsville), Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), Andy Whitt (R-Huntsville), James Lomax (R-Huntsville), Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads), and Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville).
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
