Heather Wilson: Congress Backs Air Force to Continue Space Missions

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said the service has received congressional backing to continue its space mission amid the continued push of the Trump administration to establish a Space Force, Space News reported Monday.

Air Force leaders already informed lawmakers about its strategies, concepts of operations and programs to maintain U.S. dominance in space, according to the secretary. 

Wilson said the service received significant support from Congress, particularly for funding in fiscal year 2019 for space-related efforts. 

“The fact is we were able to build very broad consensus and significant support in the Congress without controversy in the fiscal year 2019 budget,” she said. 

Lawmakers approved Air Force’s proposals to add $7B to space programs over the next five years and to reallocate $5B from other accounts. 

Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein in late November then ordered a 90-day study to determine space budget priorities, strategies and programs for fiscal year 2021. 

President Trump plans to submit a proposal to Congress in early 2019 to request the establishment of the Space Force.