Alabama's members of the U.S. House of Representatives are highlighting efforts from their body in working with the White House to permanently bring U.S. Space Command to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, amid rumors of impending action.
For years, Alabama's congressional members have pushed for Space Command to establish a presence in Huntsville, following the Biden administration's rejection of military recommendations and its selection of a location in Colorado.
In January 2021, the Secretary of the Air Force designated the Redstone Arsenal site in Huntsville as the top choice for the Space Command headquarters. The recommendation for the site was then affirmed by the Inspector General's Office and the GAO, both of which found that the Air Force had conducted an accurate analysis and Huntsville was the superior location.
However, on July 31, 2023, then-President Joe Biden reversed the decision to locate Space Command in Huntsville and instead selected a location in Colorado.
Recently, U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) have claimed that the move was imminent, citing conversations with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Now, members of the House are discussing their work over the years to ensure that Alabama is selected.
"Make no mistake, the impending decision on Space Command is the result of years of efforts from the Alabama-delegation, alongside fellow Members sincerely concerned about our nation's posture in the Space Domain," said U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville). "I've worked consistently to bring the U.S. Space Command to Huntsville because I believe it's the right decision for our national security."
"I have made this point consistently in public hearings on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense where I serve. For years, I've pushed for and secured legislative language to prevent a premature decision on a permanent headquarters until both the GAO and Inspector General reports were submitted to Congress. I've also met with top officials at the Department of Defense, to discuss the timing and execution of the final site selection. Based on more recent conversations, I am confident that as long as the site selection happens on merit, as it did in the first Trump Administration until Biden made a political reversal, then Huntsville will be named the permanent home of Space Command," he added.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) said he has had multiple meetings with Trump to discuss the placement of the agency's command center.
"I've met with President Trump numerous times, and I can assure you he knows what I want to talk about every single time," Strong said. "But this isn't about tipping the scales - it is about national security. I thank the entire Alabama delegation for their collaboration, because this has been a team effort to advocate for what is right and not give in to Biden's political meddling. It's been rewarding to play a role in every step of this process - from day one as Chairman of the County Commission to my first year in Congress, fighting alongside Chairman Mike Rogers as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. I trust President Trump is going to make this announcement soon, because it's what's best for our national security."
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) also detailed meetings with the Trump team, emphasizing Huntsville's merit as a location for Space Command.
"Throughout my regular calls with Sec Def and the White House, everyone has agreed: President Trump's choice, Huntsville, won fair and square," Rogers said.
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