Strong Leads Resolution Recognizing Anniversary of Space Command Preferred Headquarters Announcement
WASHINGTON— Today, Representative Dale Strong (AL-05) led the introduction of a bicameral resolution recognizing the 4th anniversary of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama being named the preferred location of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) headquarters.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, is the best possible location for U.S. Space Command. This isn’t an opinion or a preference, it is a fact, supported by the basing process, which was proven credible and fair in two separate investigations,” said Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05).“Four years ago today, under President Trump’s leadership, the Air Force announced Redstone Arsenal would host the headquarters, only for President Biden to subsequently slow roll the move and force the headquarters to stay at the fifth best location. I have been involved with this basing process since day one, first as Chairman of the Madison County Commission, and for the past two years as your Congressman. It is my sincere hope that President Trump and his incoming administration will return to the facts and focus on what is best for our national security.”
In the initial announcement issued on January 13, 2021, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) shared that following an assessment of six candidate locations, Huntsville would be “best suited to host the U.S. Space Command Headquarters based on factors related to mission, infrastructure capacity, community support and costs to the Department of Defense…” and that the Rocket City “…compared favorably across more of these factors than any other community.”
Fellow Alabama Congressional Delegation members, Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL-01), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), and Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL-06) cosponsored the House version.
“Four years ago today, Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama was rightfully selected as the #1 location for Space Command through a thorough and merit-based process under President Trump’s administration. This resolution recognizes that decision and condemns the Biden Administration’s partisan move to disregard what is best for national security. I am committed to working with President Trump to bring Space Command back to its rightful home in Huntsville, Alabama,” said Representative Barry Moore (AL-01).
“As we mark the 4th anniversary of Redstone Arsenal being chosen as the home of Space Command, we are reminded of the rigorous, merit-based process that made Alabama the clear first choice. Redstone Arsenal beat out several other locations due to its unmatched expertise, infrastructure, and leadership in space and defense. I am confident that President Trump will honor this decision and ensure Space Command is returned to Alabama, where it was always meant to be. Huntsville stands ready to lead in securing America’s future posture in the space domain,” said Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-04).
“Four years ago, The United States Air Force made the correct decision in selecting Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the most suitable home for the United States Space Command. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration disagreed with this decision and placed Space Command in Colorado based on politics instead of our national security” said Rep. Palmer. “Both the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Government Accountability office conducted reports confirming that, for the sake of our national security, Redstone Arsenal is where Space Command belongs. I look forward to working with President Trump in his second term to make our nation’s national security the top priority and put Space Command at the Redstone Arsenal where it belongs,” said Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06).
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is leading the Senate version of the resolution alongside Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL).
“Four years ago, the Secretary of the Air Force declared Huntsville, Alabama, as the best place for U.S. Space Command over six other locations considered,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “Multiple military leaders and studies have made it abundantly clear that SPACECOM’s rightful home is in Huntsville, but Joe Biden decided to let politics get in the way of what is best for our national security and defense. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue fighting to bring SPACECOM to its rightful home. I’m honored to join my Alabama colleagues in this effort.”
“The headquarters of U.S. Space Command belongs on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, and our resolution recognizes the Air Force’s original decision,” said Senator Katie Britt.“Huntsville finished first in both the Air Force’s Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase, leaving no doubt the Air Force’s decision to choose Redstone as the preferred basing location was correct purely on the merits. Huntsville’s selection should have remained in the Air Force’s purview, but instead the Biden Administration irresponsibly yanked the decision away. The time for partisan politics at the expense of our national security is over, and President Trump’s imminent return to the White House will ensure American interests are protected once again. Alabama’s world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies in Huntsville remain the best possible location to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future.”
The bicameral resolution commemorates the re-establishment of U.S. Space Command and outlines the USAF’s process to select a preferred permanent headquarters location.
Specifically, the resolution states that Congress:
· Recognizes that the USAF’s Strategic Basing Action complied with law and policy and was justified in identifying Huntsville as the preferred permanent location for USSPACECOM Headquarters, as stated in the findings of the 2022 Department of Defense Inspector General investigation report.
· Commends President Trump and his first administration for completing a robust and fact-based process focused on what was best to ensure the national security and fiscal responsibility of the U.S. and well-being of service members and their families.
· Condemns the Biden Administration for disregarding the findings of the Strategic Basing Action and allowing USSPACECOM Headquarters to be based at the fifth best location.
· Encourages the incoming Trump Administration to halt the disastrous decision to allow USSPACECOM to remain at the fifth best location and immediately proceed in establishing a permanent headquarters for USSPACECOM at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.
Full text of the resolution is available here.