Senate emerges as obstacle to Trump's 'Space Force'

[DonViejo]

BY REBECCA KHEEL - 08/21/18 06:00 AM EDT

The Senate has emerged as a major impediment to President Trump’s hopes for a new "Space Force."

While the House GOP has been largely supportive of the idea of creating a new military branch for space, skeptics in the Senate from both parties have raised concerns about its cost — and the potential for adding to bureaucratic overhead at the Pentagon.

There’s a recognition that players like China are increasingly turning to space, leaving a risk that the U.S. could be left behind. But there are also fears that it will turn into an expensive boondoggle.

“There is an absolute threat, and we need to figure out how to counter that,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). “How do we make sure we're protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure they're most efficiently used while achieving that objective?”

Trump can’t create the Space Force on his own. To actually create a new branch of the military, Congress will have to sign off, Vice President Pence acknowledged earlier this month in a speech at the Pentagon.

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http://thehill.com/policy/defense/402748-senate-emerges-as-obstacle-to-trumps-space-force

[dalton99a]

1. It's a fucking scam and a hare-brained diversion

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

2. 3 words...AIR FORCE, NAVY.

Amongst 10's of other intelligence services that already have their space force in one way or another.

[yonder]

3. "There is an absolute threat, and we need to figure out how to counter that,"

Too bad she can't exhibit some of that same immediacy, concern and due diligence for real problems relating to climate change right here on good, ole Terra Firma.

[Nitram]

4. I encourage everyone to refer to it as the "Space Farce."

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

5. May the Space Force be with you