Space Command relocation decision suspension sought

Colorado’s congressional delegation is encouraging President Joe Biden to suspend the Trump administration’s decision to move Space Command from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Huntsville, Ala., until a thorough review.

On Jan. 13, the Air Force announced Huntsville would serve as the Space Command permanent headquarters, relocating from its provisional headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In correspondence to Biden, the lawmakers detailed how the Trump administration’s announcement raised questions of national security, personnel, and undue political influence.

Additionally, the legislators described what they deemed arbitrary changes to the selection process, lack of transparency, and sufficient data to justify the relocation decision.

“Our national security should be the most important consideration for this critical basing decision,” the lawmakers wrote. “This decision will uproot the servicemembers and civilians currently conducting the mission in Colorado and remove them from the nexus of military and intelligence space operations.”

The Colorado delegation said the relocation would undermine the national security mission and superiority in space. Colorado is home to unique military and intelligence space assets and is the point of military and intelligence operational space integration.

“In view of the effects on national security and the irregularities of the selection process, we request you pause all actions related to moving U.S. Space Command and immediately review the manner in which the Trump administration conducted this process,” the lawmakers concluded.