Congressman Matt Van Epps, Governor Lee, and Members of the Tennessee Delegation Urge President Trump to establish New U.S. Space Academy in Tennessee
Congressman Matt Van Epps, Governor Lee, and Members of the Tennessee Delegation Urge President Trump to establish New U.S. Space Academy in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, TN – Rep. Van Epps, Governor Lee, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and Rep. Scott DesJarlais announced Tennessee’s intention to pursue having the United States Space Academy in the Volunteer State. The initiative, established by President Donald J. Trump to strengthen America’s space superiority, presents an opportunity to build on Tennessee’s existing strengths and prepare the next generation of leaders for America’s future in space.
Rep. Van Epps said, “Tennessee offers readily available land, world-class aerospace testing infrastructure, an established academic partner, and a strong network of space, defense, and research institutions. These assets uniquely position Tennessee to serve as the home of the United States Space Academy. As a West Point graduate, I understand the importance of world-class institutions to educate, train, and commission officers for our service branches. I’m confident Tennessee is the best place to equip our armed forces to conduct effective space operations and secure our national security interests in space.”
Governor Lee stated, “Someone has to determine what the future looks like, and I’ve long believed that should be Tennessee. From leading the nation in clean, reliable nuclear energy to developing the workforce needed to win the future, the Volunteer State is already leading the next era of American innovation. I’m grateful to President Trump for his leadership to establish the United States Space Academy and to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Presidential Commission for their work to bring this vision to life. We look forward to building on our momentum to create new job opportunities for Tennesseans and strengthen America’s leadership in space for generations to come.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “From Arnold Air Force Base to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee has powered our nation’s space and defense enterprise for generations, making us the natural home for the U.S. Space Academy. I am honored to stand with Governor Lee behind our state’s bid to educate and train the next generation of astronauts, engineers, scientists, and warfighters who will keep America dominant in space.”
Senator Bill Hagerty said, “Tennessee has the workforce, infrastructure, and determination needed to train the next generation of American space leaders and strengthen our nation’s future in space. I am pleased to stand with Governor Lee as we pursue bringing the United States Space Academy to the Volunteer State.”
Congressman Scott DesJarlais stated, “I’m pleased to join with Governor Lee in letting folks know about the great potential for Tennessee to be the home of the United States Space Academy. Tennessee has a great academic reputation in aerospace, science, and engineering, and the University of Tennessee Space Institute has been a national leader in developing these skills for years. With UTSI and Arnold Air Force Base, and a significant number of our citizens already commuting and working in the defense and aerospace sectors in Huntsville—the new home of the United States Space Force—there is a natural synergy, educational and technical experience, and geographical advantage to our state that would make it a natural fit for the academy.”
Background:
Read Rep. Van Epps’ joint op-ed with Rep. Mike Haridopolis on America’s leadership in space here.
Read Rep. Van Epps’ press release on NASA’s reauthorization here.
Read Governor Lee’s press release here.
Read more about the announcement in the Tennessean and the Chattanooga Free Press,
Read President Trump’s announcement here.