President Biden’s recent decision to cancel the relocation of the U.S. Space Command Headquarters from Colorado to Alabama has ignited fierce bipartisan backlash, drawing criticism even from his staunch ally, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala.
Sewell’s statement didn’t hold back, labeling the move as “”shameful”” and accusing Biden of prioritizing politics over merit. According to her, Huntsville, Alabama, had emerged as the clear winner in three separate reports, while Colorado’s performance lagged far behind.
The Alabama Congressional Delegation is standing firmly united against this decision, making it evident that this controversy isn’t confined to party lines.
Speculations abound that politics played a role in the choice to keep Space Command in Colorado. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., pointed out that the top three choices were all in red states – Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas – while Colorado fell short. This has led to accusations of using military bases as political rewards, rather than prioritizing national security interests.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder defended Biden’s choice, stating that retaining the headquarters in Colorado Springs ensures peak readiness in the space domain during a critical period. Nevertheless, the Alabama delegation, including Republicans like Rep. Dale Strong, isn’t backing down, arguing that the administration is neglecting the nation’s security.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., emphasized that Huntsville had secured the top spot in the Air Force’s Evaluation and Selection Phases, leaving no doubt about its merit as the preferred basing location. Yet, Biden’s intervention appears to prioritize partisan politics over objective evaluation.
As House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., continues his investigation into Biden’s actions, other Alabama representatives like Rep. Jerry Carl and Rep. Gary Palmer have vowed not to give up on Huntsville as the rightful location for Space Command.
The decision to keep Space Command in Colorado, despite Huntsville’s superiority, is the latest example of the Biden administration’s faltering national security record, according to Rep. Robert Aderholt.
Even Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has expressed disappointment in learning about the decision from a liberal media outlet rather than directly from the president.
The clash between Biden and his allies over the headquarters move highlights the profound divisions and political tensions surrounding crucial national security decisions.
Source Fox News
