Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) issued the following statement today in response to the release of an Inspector General report concerning the location of U.S. Space Command.

“The findings in the Inspector General’s report confirm what many of us in Alabama have long suspected — that the Biden Administration’s decision to move U.S. Space Command to Colorado Springs was driven by politics, not merit. This revelation is deeply troubling and represents a clear deviation from the rigorous, objective process that initially ranked Huntsville as the top choice.

While the redactions contained in this public report make for obscure reading, the conclusion could not be clearer: Huntsville earned its ranking fair and square, based on strategic value, existing infrastructure, and quality of life in North Alabama. To disregard those facts for political reasons not only undermines public trust but also compromises our military readiness.

However, I remain confident that with new leadership at the Department of the Air Force, we will see this wrong decision corrected. I believe the new Secretary of the Air Force will take a fresh, apolitical look at the facts and restore integrity to this process.

I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that national security decisions are made on the merits, not political convenience.”