In the latest salvo in the ongoing battle over choosing a permanent home for U.S. Space Command, congressional lawmakers have reportedly drafted a bill to block funding the continued growth of the temporary headquarters in Colorado.
According to NBC News, two congressional officials said the bill would stop funding for construction, leasing or modernizing the temporary facilities until the choice for the permanent location is publicly announced.
During a meeting with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall last week, several members of Alabama's congressional delegation were surprised to learn that the facilities were being expanded, NBC News reported, and at least two buildings were being leased, which Kendall said was approved by Army Gen. James Dickinson.
Those concerned alleged the Biden administration might be intentionally delaying the decision while building up the command in Colorado, which would potentially give him more reason to reverse the Trump-era decision to move the headquarters to Huntsville in favor of remaining in the current temporary location.
During the meeting, Kendall also reportedly told Alabama officials that new requirements had been issued for Space Command, which could affect the decision-making.
Huntsville has repeatedly been ranked the number one choice for Space Command by U.S. Air Force surveys.
Last week, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee launched an investigation led by U.S. Reps. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) and Mike Rogers (R-Saks) into the continued delays in picking a permanent headquarters for Space Command.
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