State and federal officials are pushing back against Biden's reported efforts to keep U.S. Space Command from locating in Huntsville.
Huntsville has repeatedly been listed as the top choice for Space Command following years of research and multiple studies. However, the Biden administration is reportedly working behind the scenes to locate the Command in Colorado, arguing Huntsville was a purely political choice by former President Donald Trump and not in the best interest of national security.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) disagreed with Biden's assessment.
"The U.S. Air Force's thorough selection process and decision to put SPACECOM headquarters in Alabama was based on evidence of what's best for the military and the country," Tuberville said." The Air Force selected Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama over 65 other locations, including Colorado. Members of Congress from Colorado requested two additional studies when they didn't get their way. Both of those studies confirmed that Huntsville was the number one location for SPACECOM — based on things like workforce, existing infrastructure, education, and cost of living. Colorado did not make the top three. The best place for Space Command is in Huntsville. That's not my opinion, that is fact."
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) echoed Tuberville's comments, adding that the decision should ultimately be left to the U.S. Air Force and should not be "politicized" by the Biden administration.
"Selecting a fifth-place finisher would obviously prioritize partisan political considerations at the expense of our national security, military modernization and force readiness," Britt said. "Alabama's world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future."
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle remained confident that his city would win out in the location debate.
"The results of an exhaustive, objective, data-driven study, twice performed, show that Huntsville, Alabama, is the best location for Space Command headquarters," Battle said. "… We look forward to Space Command being headquartered where it belongs, the Rocket City."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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