The latest version of the fiscal 2024 defense policy bill would prevent U.S. Space Command from funding projects to construct a headquarters until two watchdog agencies complete reports evaluating the decision to base the organization in Colorado Springs. Reports from the Defense Department inspector general and the U.S. comptroller are due in June 2024. The House and Senate lawmakers are expected to vote on the compromise bill in the coming weeks.
Despite basing decisions from former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden and a series of watchdog reviews, the organization has been temporarily headquartered in Colorado since it was re-established in 2019. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., requested a Government Accountability Office review of the decision and a DoD inspector general investigation. The Pentagon initiated a new selection process and announced July 31 that Space Command would remain in Colorado Springs, reversing Trump’s decision.
The basing decision has largely centered on two sites: Huntsville, Ala., and Colorado Springs. Gen. James Dickinson, head of Space Command, said during a hearing that moving the headquarters to Huntsville would deal a significant blow to its civilian personnel, who currently make up 60% of its workforce. He said 88% of those civilians would opt not to transfer to the new location.
