Press Releases

Hickenlooper, Bennet Statement on Defense Secretary Austin’s Visit to Colorado Springs

Feb 24, 2021

“We’re hopeful that Secretary Austin will review the decision, pause any actions pending the outcome of the investigation, and commit to keeping Space Command in Colorado”

Colorado Springs, Colorado – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet issued the following statement on Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to Colorado today, his first official trip as head of the Department of Defense (DoD). Austin’s visit comes as the DoD Inspector General begins a review of the Trump Administration’s decision to move U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama.

“U.S. Northern Command plays a leading role in supporting our COVID-19 response in Colorado and across the country. Secretary Austin is prioritizing this mission, and his first official trip as head of the Department of Defense speaks to the pivotal role our state plays in the nation’s military readiness. It also demonstrates why Colorado is the best — and only — home for U.S. Space Command. As the DoD Inspector General conducts a thorough review of the previous administration’s ill-conceived decision, we’re hopeful that Secretary Austin will review the decision, pause any actions pending the outcome of the investigation, and commit to keeping Space Command in Colorado — the epicenter of the national security space mission.”

Recent Press Releases