Congressman says Space Command weeks away from moving to Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) says it could only be a matter of weeks before the decision to move the nation’s Space Command headquarters to Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal becomes official.

A report released by the Government Accountability Office stated the “…. Command’s posture is not suitable long term…” in Colorado, among other findings.

But Colorado lawmakers have vowed to fight moving the Space Command HQ to Alabama. Congressman Aderholt said that President Donald Trump has announced plans for Golden Dome — an effort to defend the U.S. against missiles. He said the President can’t move forward with that project fully until a decision is made on Space Command.

“Without Space Command, President Trump really can’t move forward in a meaningful way with Golden Dome,” said Aderholt. “So, getting this to Huntsville, getting this set up, I think it is imperative for the President’s mission with Golden Dome to move forward.”

Congressman Aderholt said he and his colleagues are in constant contact with the White House about Space Command.

“We feel like that the President made that commitment to move Space Command from Colorado, and it wasn’t a political decision,” he said. “It was a decision based on the facts.”

State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) said the move adds to the state’s footprint on defense.

“Huntsville is known for its legacy in space exploration, its rockets, and the aerospace industry,” Whitt said. “But, with our current innovation with the defense industry here in Huntsville, it’s just a natural fit.”

Whitt explained Huntsville is well prepared for the move, and its impact will be far reaching on the state overall.

“We have over four hundred defense contractors in our city here ready to go to work for the U.S., and our safety,” he said. “So, we’re very excited about it. I think it will bring jobs, an economic boom here for the town.”

Congressman Aderholt said, ultimately, it will be President Trump’s decision on where the headquarters will end up. He said to stay tuned.