Hickenlooper’s measure, supported by Bennet, passed as an instruction to the committee drafting final version of annual defense bill
Measure conveys Senate opposition to efforts to limit funding for Space Command HQ
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet passed a measure in the Senate that protects funding for Space Command Headquarters in Colorado. Hickenlooper’s measure, which was cosponsored by Bennet, was added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee vote.
“Space Command is in Colorado to stay,” said Hickenlooper. “The facts are the facts: Colorado Springs is the best choice for our national security. It’s great to see the Senate agree.”
“In the face of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s saber-rattling worldwide, U.S. leadership in space is more critical than ever. Earlier this year, President Biden restored integrity to the Pentagon’s basing process and defended our national security by keeping Space Command in Colorado. By passing our directive, the Senate ensured that Space Command can build on its existing investments and reach Full Operational Capability without interruptions,” said Bennet.
The measure was a Motion to Instruct, which guides members of the conference committee drafting the final version of the NDAA. Both the House and Senate have passed their own versions of the NDAA. A conference committee will now draft a final compromise version to be passed into law. Motions to Instruct, which must pass with a vote on the Senate floor, instruct the members of the conference committee on what shape that compromise version should take.
Hickenlooper’s Motion to Instruct makes explicit that members of the conference committee must “insist upon a provision that prohibits any limitation on the use by the United States Space Command of funds for military construction.” This would directly counteract efforts by the Alabama Congressional delegation to undermine the Biden administration’s final decision to keep Space Command HQ in Colorado.
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