Colorado lawmakers ask Biden to review Space Command HQ choice
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Several Colorado lawmakers have put together a letter requesting the Biden Administration to review the Trump Administration's decision to move the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Ala.
Lawmakers also request the suspension of any and all actions to relocate the headquarters until the review is complete.
In the letter, it states the move "undermines our ability to respond to threats in space and is disruptive to the current mission." The letter focuses on national security, personnel, political influence, lack of transparency, and lack of sufficient data.
The move was first announced on Jan. 13. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said she found out the Army Installation Redstone Arsenal was the "preferred choice" from the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force.
After the announcement was made, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers expressed his disappointment and confusion.
"Given the criteria they gave us, I am deeply disappointed and very surprised that the Air Force would choose any other location," Suthers said. "And frankly, my concern is that politics played a significant role in this result."
Allegations against the Trump Administration's decision claim the former president wanted Space Command to be in Alabama to gain the support of the state's Congressional legislators.
Gov. Jared Polis also weighed in, saying if the move was politically motivated it's "deeply concerning" and cited the impending economic damage from this decision.
The letter was signed by Sen. Michael Bennet, Sen. John Hickenlooper, Rep. Doug Lamborn, Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Diana DeGette, and Rep. Ed Perlmutter.
Congressman Lamborn released a statement saying he was still "extremely disappointed" by the decision to uproot U.S. Space Command.
"I will continue to fight to ensure that U.S. Space Command remains in Colorado Springs. I’m thankful for the support of the entire Colorado congressional delegation on this letter, along with the unified community and state support. President Biden must reverse this decision and keep Space Command in Colorado Springs for the good of our nation," Congressman Doug Lamborn said.
