In a move that has sparked fierce bipartisan backlash, President Biden is receiving criticism from one of his staunchest allies, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., over his decision to cancel the planned move of the U.S. Space Command Headquarters from Colorado to Alabama.
Sewell’s statement late Monday didn’t mince words, as she called the decision “”shameful”” and accused Biden of prioritizing politics over merit. She emphasized that Huntsville, Alabama, had clearly emerged as the best choice in three separate reports, while Colorado didn’t even come close.
The Alabama Congressional Delegation stands united in opposition to this decision, Sewell asserted, making it clear that this controversy transcends party lines.
Biden’s choice to keep Space Command in Colorado has raised suspicions that politics played a role in the decision-making process. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., pointed out that the top three choices for the headquarters were all in red states – Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas – while Colorado didn’t measure up. This has led to accusations of blatant patronage politics, where military bases are used as rewards for political supporters instead of being prioritized for national security interests.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder defended Biden’s decision, stating that the headquarters’ retention in Colorado Springs ensures peak readiness in the space domain during a critical period. But the Alabama delegation, including Republicans like Rep. Dale Strong, isn’t backing down, arguing that the administration is ignoring what’s best for 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 interference seems to prioritize partisan politics over objective evaluation.
As House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., continues his investigation into Biden’s meddling, 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 just the latest example of the Biden administration’s failing national security record, according to Rep. Robert Aderholt.
Even Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has joined the chorus of criticism, expressing disappointment in learning about the decision from a liberal media outlet rather than from the president himself.
The clash between Biden and his allies over the headquarters move underscores the deep divisions and political tensions surrounding critical national security decisions.
Source Fox News
