Aderholt Questions Air Force Secretary on Space Command

WASHINGTON—Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) questioned Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, on the relocation of the United States Space Command in today’s hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

“Mr. Secretary, let me address this to you. There are some rumors out there that the President may overturn Space Command regarding the basing decision. I guess my question is what is your recommendation to the President and why would he [President Biden] overturn that decision?” asked Congressman Aderholt.

“Congressman I have no indication that the President is going to do anything with regard to that decision. Secretary Austin delegated it to me and that’s where it stays today,” replied Secretary Kendall.

“And what was your recommendation to the President?” Aderholt further inquired.

“I haven’t made a recommendation; I haven’t made a decision. We’re still in the process of doing some analysis,”Secretary Kendall replied.

Congressman Aderholt’s line of questioning come after an opinion piece in The Washington Post that referenced internal communications in the Biden Administration about a reversal of the decision to relocate Space Command’s headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

Congressman Aderholt continues to argue that Huntsville is the best location for Space Command and Huntsville won on the merits during the extensive evaluation process. Meanwhile, Colorado did not even come in second place in that process.

Congressman Aderholt’s questioning continues with inquiries into shifts in basing criteria following the initial relocation announcement and can be found here.