As the fallout from the Biden administration's decision for the Space Command headquarters to remain in Colorado as opposed to moving to Madison County's Redstone Arsenal lingers, Alabama's congressional delegation has sprung into action to challenge the merits of the decision.
U.S. House Armed Service Committee chairman U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) declared the fight for the Space Command HQ "far from over" immediately after the announcement.
Freshman U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), who represents Redstone Arsenal, revisited his former role as Madison County Commission chairman during an appearance on "Rightside Radio."
Strong told host Phil Williams the initial process was "thorough," which he was a part of prior to being elected to Congress in 2022.
The North Alabama federal lawmaker, who also sits on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, vowed to investigate the Biden administration's decision.
"I'll tell you this right here — you know, I was on the other side of the table as the chair of the Madison County Commission," he said. "It was probably one of the most thorough processes that I've ever seen. Twenty-one categories — laid it out there. There were a lot of different metro areas that participated. And in this process, we went through it twice, and both times, it showed that Redstone Arsenal was best suited for Space Command."
"But you look at it — we've been dealing with [Air Force Secretary Frank] Kendall, [Space Command chief Army Gen. James] Dickinson," Strong continued. "And I'll be honest with you — the entire Alabama delegation had a meeting. We met with both of them, as a matter of fact. But I just continue to remember General Dickinson said, based on the facts, that he could not imagine recommending anything but Redstone Arsenal. He looked all of us straight in the eyes when he said it."
"But I promise you — I think what we need to do is we need to swear them in," he added. "I've also requested texts and emails because I believe we've got an investigation staring us right at 12 o'clock. And let's go find out why this decision was made. I want to do what's right for national security, and the best information to date I've got says Redstone Arsenal is where Space Command needs to be. I think it is time to get them sworn in, and let's get some questions answered."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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