Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement after President Donald Trump for a second time publicly called for a Space Force at the White House during his speech to the West Point Football Team.

“I’m thrilled that the Space Corps idea is gaining traction at the White House. Congressman Jim Cooper (D-TN) and I have worked tirelessly on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Strategic Forces subcommittee level on the need for a Space Corps outside of the Air Force for over two years now. Russia and China are surpassing us in Space capabilities and we need to dedicate a separate force solely with a Space mission. The future of war will be fought in Space, and we must stay diligent and ahead of other countries for our own national security.”

In April, Rogers and President Trump spoke by phone about the need for Space Corps in the near future.

“I was honored to talk to President Trump about this critical initiative and appreciate his support on an issue that is so important to me and the safety and security of the United States,” Rogers added.

Rogers is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves as Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee.