A report surfaced Monday revealing the Biden administration’s plans to reverse course on moving the headquarters of the US Space Command to Alabama because of the state’s abortion law.
The report received strong backlash from Alabama’s congressional delegation.
Former President Donald Trump chose the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the new permanent home for the Space Command. Since then, Arsenal has repeatedly ranked at the top of the list of potential locations for the space command over its current location in Colorado.
According to Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), the decision to move Space Command to Redstone should be clear and critical of the political agenda of the Biden administration.
“It’s really alarming to me that the Biden administration is dealing with things the way they are politically,” Ledbetter said. “First of all, the border is a mess. They won’t admit it. They’re not fixing it. And there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Redstone Arsenal should be the site for Space Command. It’s all politics. And it should be troubling to all Americans when our administration is making policy about what’s best for our country. And I have no doubt, especially with Space Command, that that’s happening.”
The Alabama legislature is currently entertaining two bills targeting transgender people in the state, both sponsored by state Rep. Susan Dubose (R-Hoover).
The What is a Woman Act, or House Bill 405 (HB405), would define man, woman, boy, girl, father, mother, male, female, and sex to use terms in the Code of Alabama.
House Bill 261 (HB261) would require all public two- and four-year institutions of higher education to prohibit biological males from participating in athletic teams or sports designated for women and vice versa.
HB 261 only needs to pass the House before going to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature. HB 405 has not yet received a House committee vote.
State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) also introduced a bill to criminalize abortion as murder in the state. However, Ledbetter has expressed skepticism about the bill’s chances.
1819 News asked Ledbetter if concerns about Space Command would affect his legislative priorities by not pushing the envelope with more controversial bills.
“I don’t think so,” Ledbetter replied. “I think we’re going to continue to do what we need to do for Alabama.”
“I think it’s more important probably now, Craig, even than before because of what’s going on in DC, I mean, when they do two different studies, the space command comes back double. [Redstone] is the best place to put [Space Command], and then the administration is looking at something different, that’s a problem. It’s not just a problem for Alabama. It’s a problem for our country when we make decisions like this based on politics.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Do not miss it! Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our top news every weekday morning.
