From his seat on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., unveiled a proposal to have the White House and U.S. Defense Department create the United States Space Command “as a unified combatant command and repeal a conflicting directive in law for a subordinate command.”
After leading the charge on Capitol Hill to base Space Command in Florida, this week, Waltz brought out a bill which would “direct the president to establish a unified United States Space Command.”
“Last month, Waltz led a bipartisan request urging the Department of Defense to locate U.S. Space Command headquarters in Florida. As a result of these ongoing discussions with the Department of Defense, it became apparent Walt’z legislation, H.R. 1746, would be necessary to clarify previous legislative language and support the Administration with establishing a U.S. Space Command. This is an instrumental step in the ultimate formation of the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the military,” Waltz’s office noted.
“The 21st Century space race is on, and this is not only a jobs issue for Florida, but also a national security issue for America,” Waltz said this week. “I’m thankful President Trump has been working to ensure America’s leadership and ability to compete in space, and I’m proud to introduce legislation the Department of Defense needs to establish a United States Space Command and hopefully locate its headquarters in Florida.”
Waltz’s bill was sent to the Armed Services Committee. So far, he has not reeled in any cosponsors. There is no companion bill over in the U.S. Senate.
