BREAKING: Colorado congressional Republicans are mobilizing in response to the decision by President Donald Trump to relocate Space Command headquarters out of Colorado Springs. In a statement released late last week, GOP leaders declared they are united in efforts to reverse this move and minimize its impact on the state.
The Republicans are now projecting a loss of 1,000 jobs, a reduction from initial estimates of 1,700. They emphasized that critical operational components of Space Command will remain in Colorado Springs, preserving significant economic benefits for the region. “This marks a significant improvement from the original projection,” said GOP Reps. Jeff Crank, Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans, and Jeff Hurd.
The timeline for the relocation is expected to span several years, during which the Department of Defense is poised for rapid growth in Colorado, particularly with Space Force personnel. Boebert confirmed that Colorado has already seen an increase of 1,500 Space Force jobs in recent years, with an additional 500 positions anticipated. “We’re not losing our defense and aerospace industries,” Boebert stated, urging for more federal offices to relocate to support Trump’s agenda.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade echoed these sentiments, asserting, “I do not expect to see a dramatic or immediate change in economic impact,” and he plans to advocate for the city in Washington, D.C., next week. Meanwhile, Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment over what he termed a “politically motivated decision” by the President, stressing that keeping Space Command in Colorado is crucial for national security.
However, not all Democrats are conceding defeat. Representative Jason Crow is pursuing legislative avenues to slow down the transition, citing the need to protect the interests of troops. Crow’s position may face challenges, given the composition of the Appropriations Committee, which is dominated by Alabama representatives.
Despite these efforts, the Defense Department has provided no new timeline for the relocation, which is estimated to take 14 to 18 months for the construction of the new headquarters. As discussions continue, some Colorado lawmakers remain skeptical about the projected job retention numbers, questioning the accuracy of the government’s estimates.
In a bold statement, Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser indicated he is prepared to file a lawsuit to contest the move, arguing that Trump’s decision is “wholly inappropriate and legally suspect.”
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Colorado’s leadership to navigate the implications of this significant military decision. The dialogue surrounding Space Command is far from over, and Colorado’s military and aerospace sectors remain poised for potential growth amid these developments.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.