Latest news with #JeffCrank
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four-star general, former MDA official ‘unanimously confirmed' to lead Golden Dome project
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT) — The Senate unanimously confirmed a former Redstone Arsenal Missile Defense Agency official to lead the project. The Senate confirmed General Michael A. Guetlein to lead the Department of Defense's Golden Dome project on Friday. In June 2025, the Congressional Golden Dome Caucus was established. It came after an Executive Order from President Donald Trump directing the implementation of a 'next-generation missile defense shield for the United States against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks.' Limestone County Coroner asking public to identify man killed Sunday morning Gen. Guetlein is no stranger to North Alabama, as he previously served as the Program Executive for Programs and Integration at MDA on Redstone Arsenal from April 2017 to June 2019. Congressional Golden Dome Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Dale Strong and Jeff Crank released statements about Gen. Guetlein's confirmation. 'President Trump's decision to have General Guetlein serve as the Golden Dome Czar is a strategic move to strengthen our national defense at a critical time. I applaud the Senate for swiftly taking up his nomination, and I look forward to working with him to defend our homeland and advance the Golden Dome's mission to keep Americans safe.' Representative Dale Strong 'Congratulations to General Guetlein on his confirmation. I am confident that under his leadership, President Trump's vision to innovate our homeland missile defense through Golden Dome will soon become a reality – creating a strong deterrence against our adversaries. I look forward to working with General Guetlein to ensure Congress is providing as much support as possible for this essential program.' Representative Jeff Crank The United States Space Force website says Gen. Guetlein was previously the Vice Chief of Space Operations for the agency. Milo's Tea Company announces production pause to provide clean drinking water to Texas disaster relief To start his career, which has been a decorated one, Gen. Guetlein was commissioned through the ROTC program at Oklahoma State University back in 1991. Through September 1993, he worked as an AC-130U Gunship Support Manager in the Special Operations Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. You can view his list of assignments below: October 1993–August 1994, Chief, B-2 Bomber Propulsion, B-2 Program Office, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio August 1994–January 1996, Executive Officer, Engineering Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio January 1996–July 1996, AC-130U Gunship Sortie Generation Flight Commander, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Hurlburt Field, Fla. July 1996–July 1997, AC-130H Gunship Flight Commander, 16th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Hurlburt Field, Fla. July 1997–June 1999, Air Force Intern, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va. June 1999–March 2002, Deputy Program Manager, Space-Based Infrared System Ground Segment, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. March 2002–March 2003, Director, Missile Warning Systems, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. March 2003–June 2004, Executive Officer, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. June 2004–June 2005, Student, Naval War College, Newport Naval Station, R.I.11. June 2005–December 2006, Counterspace Program Element Monitor, HAF, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va. December 2006–June 2008, Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, HAF, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va. June 2008–July 2010, Commander, Rapid Reaction Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo. July 2010–June 2011, Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow, Space Exploration Enterprises, Los Angeles, Calif. June 2011–August 2014, Senior Materiel Leader, Space-Based Infrared System Production Division, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. September 2014–April 2017, Program Director, Remote Sensing Systems Directorate, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. April 2017–June 2019, Program Executive for Programs and Integration, Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. July 2019–July 2021, Deputy Director and Air Force Element Commander, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va. August 2021–December 2023, Commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. December 2023–present, Vice Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force, Arlington, Va. Gen. Guetlein became a one-star general on July 22, 2016, a two-star general on September 24, 2019, a three-star general on August 13, 2021, and finally, became a four-star general on December 21, 2023. Some of his major awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters and Defense Superior Service Medal, among other awards. Latest Headlines Polls show approval rating for President Trump after six months in office Decatur police chief implements leadership classes for officers Retired Madison County sheriff's deputy making difference to keep 'these babies off the street' Epstein furor upends House for second week in row Senate GOP faces tough call over Trump's demand to cancel recess The Hill wrote that President Trump's inspiration for the Golden Dome stems from Israel's Iron Dome, a system the small country uses to shoot down short-range rockets and artillery fired from up to 43 miles away. 'We don't have a dome ourselves. We're going to have the greatest dome ever,' Trump said in December 2023 while on the campaign trail, later saying he would 'build an Iron Dome over our country.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
19-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Blue state GOP lawmakers urge major healthcare change for illegal immigrants
EXCLUSIVE: Colorado congressional Republicans are asking the state to stop allowing illegal immigrants to enroll in the state's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado. The program's availability to those in the country illegally who meet other requirements for coverage started this year, and the Republicans pitched changes in a letter to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis Wednesday. On Health First Colorado's website, it says, "Don't let immigration status stop you from applying for health coverage," citing state law. "Other Democrat-run states like California and Minnesota are beginning to walk back their policies that offer free and subsidized health care to illegal immigrants even without the One Big Beautiful Bill Act being law because they know that these policies are expensive, bad deals for their Medicaid beneficiaries," the letter from representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert states. "It is disheartening to see Colorado continue to double down and prioritize individuals who are unlawfully present even in the face of adverse impacts on Americans who need Medicaid the most, and we urge you to reverse course," the Republicans added. As the letter notes, Colorado is one of seven states that offer public healthcare coverage that does not factor in one's immigration status. California, Minnesota and Illinois are making reforms to their Medicaid offerings, according to The Wall Street Journal. Minnesota and Illinois are ending the availability as part of budget deals, and California is navigating different options, like a possible enrollment freeze, as its legislature hashes out a budget. In California, a recent poll revealed nearly 60% oppose Medicaid for illegal immigrants despite the law going into effect last year. The lawmakers added that the reconciliation bill includes a provision that will significantly penalize states that provide coverage to illegal immigrants because the Medicaid programs receive both federal and state taxpayer dollars. "There is a renewed urgency to revise this policy in light of the likely enactment of federal legislation to reduce the Medicaid [Federal Medical Assistance Percentage] for the expansion population from 90% to 80% for sanctuary states who use taxpayer dollars to cover illegal immigrants. As you know, this change would pose significant budgetary challenges to Colorado – but only if the state continues to pursue this policy," the letter states. A spokesperson for Polis' office told Fox News Digital in a statement that the reconciliation bill in the U.S. Senate should be completely redone from the House version. "Governor Polis is disappointed these three lawmakers are trying to gut Medicaid and kick people off private insurance, which would raise insurance costs for everyone who buys commercial insurance because of cost-shifting. Thanks to their votes — which they're trying to distract from — nearly 400,000 Coloradans would lose health care, which would also raise costs for everyone else," the statement said. "Governor Polis continues calling on the Senate to start from scratch with this terrible bill, including truly protecting Medicaid and extending critical subsidies for those who purchase plans off the health exchange so Coloradans can afford health care."
Fox News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump's 'next-generation' missile defense plan gains momentum as US faces foreign threats
House Republicans have formed their own Golden Dome Caucus as President Donald Trump continues to push for a nationwide missile defense system. Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., and Rep. Dale Strong, R-Ala., launched the caucus to be an "educational clearinghouse" as the policy effort for the dome kicks off. "Golden Dome will only be successful if we meet President Trump's timeline," Crank said in a statement Tuesday. "This means that is imperative that we, members and stakeholders, are well informed and working together to revolutionize missile defense of our great nation." According to a news release, it will work with the Senate Golden Dome Caucus founded last month by Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. "President Trump has artfully highlighted the critical need for a next-generation missile defense shield to protect the U.S. against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles and other aerial attacks. With nuclear-capable adversaries across the globe, we can't afford for this vision to not become a reality," Strong said. "North Alabama has played a role in every former and current U.S. missile defense program and stands ready once again to meet this urgent need." Trump signed an executive order in January ordering the project but formally announced the effort in May, which was partly inspired by Israel's Iron Dome. "Within the last four decades, our adversaries have developed more advanced and lethal long-range weapons than ever before, including ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles capable of striking the homeland with either conventional or nuclear warheads," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement May 20. "Golden Dome is designed to leverage some past investments but will also use next-generation technology to defend against the evolving and complex threat landscape," President Ronald Reagan proposed a similar program, known as the Strategic Defense Imitative, in 1983. The dome has a starting projected cost of $175 billion, and $25 billion is allocated through the proposed reconciliation bill in Congress, but some estimates show a higher figure. "This is very important for the success and even survival of our country. It's an evil world out there," Trump said during an Oval Office event about the Golden Dome in May. Fox News Digital previously reported that Russia, China and North Korea mocked the Golden Dome pitch from Trump. "The project will heighten the risk of turning space into a war zone and creating a space arms race and shake the international security and arms control system," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said last month.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
House Dems try to blame Trump for Los Angeles violence despite months of anti-ICE rhetoric
Democratic lawmakers are laying blame for the violent scenes in Los Angeles at President Donald Trump's feet, accusing the Republican White House of "baiting" rioters in California this weekend. Activists have taken to the streets of Los Angeles to protest Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the city, with many demonstrations growing violent as protesters were seen throwing rocks at law enforcement and cars being set ablaze. Trump allies have fired back, accusing those Democratic lawmakers of hypocrisy – citing weeks of anti-ICE displays and rhetoric coming from liberals. "For weeks now, the Left has been spewing anti-ICE rhetoric, leading to riots in LA. Trump is calling for law and order. The Left is defending chaos because it fits their narrative," Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., told Fox News Digital. "Why won't they denounce these riots? Because it's not politically convenient for them." Crank's own home state of Colorado saw ICE crack down this year on a hotbed of reported gang activity by Tren de Aragua. But in Los Angeles, ICE raids on suspected illegal immigrants spurred residents to take to the streets. Images of masked protesters waving Mexican flags against the backdrop of burning cars and graffitied streets have captured national attention. Trump ordered the National Guard to provide backup to ICE agents despite objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "The Trump administration is baiting unrest instead of working to bring our nation together. We must not give them what they want and will meet this cruelty with non-violence to ensure the protections and safety of immigrant communities," Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., wrote on X on Monday. That Trump officials were fomenting the violence appeared to quickly become Democrats' main talking point. "Trump wanted this violent confrontation to pit people against one another and distract Americans from the ongoing meltdown in the White House, the increase in prices due to Trump's tariffs and our Nation's declining reputation among our long-standing allies around the world," Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., wrote on X. Newsom himself posted on the site shortly before midnight on the West Coast, "Let's get this straight: 1) Local law enforcement didn't need help. 2) Trump sent troops anyway – to manufacture chaos and violence. 3) Trump succeeded. 4) Now things are destabilized and we need to send in more law enforcement just to clean up Trump's mess." Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said of Democrats' rhetoric: "Democrats just can't quit illegal aliens – even [if] they are terrorists and traffickers." "Americans are seeing this with their own eyes and they know who needs to be held accountable." The violence comes after weeks of Democrats criticizing ICE operations across the country, accusing the Trump administration of indiscriminately rounding people up without properly vetting their legal status or criminal histories. Three House Democrats and progressive Newark Mayor Ras Baraka clashed with ICE agents at Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey last month, after leading a protest at the facility. Others, like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., are appearing at anti-ICE rallies across the country. Jayapal is among the Democratic figures headlining a "Rally for An End to ICE Raids Targeting Immigrant Workers" in Washington, D.C., on Monday. She posted on Sunday, "I urge every person using their right to protest to continue to do so peacefully, even as the Trump Administration escalates violence." Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who called federal immigration actions "hateful and divisive" at a protest in January, is also expected to attend the D.C. event, according to the Washington Post.
Fox News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Battle over Space Command HQ location heats up as lawmakers press new Air Force secretary
Years after the first Trump administration moved to designate Alabama as the home of a permanent Space Command headquarters (HQ), the political tug-of-war for the base continues. Colorado Republicans are urging the president to rethink the decision while Alabama lawmakers insist it will and should move forward. After his May 13 confirmation, new Air Force Secretary Troy Meink can now expect a lot of calls from Capitol Hill pulling him in different directions over the HQ. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said he had already discussed the matter with him. "I look forward to his recommendation that he concur with the last two secretaries of the Air Force and recommend to Huntsville," he said. "And I fully expect, based on our conversation, that's going to be what happens." The Space Force's home for the time being — Colorado Springs, Colorado — makes sense from the money that has already been invested in setting up shop there, according to Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., whose district encompasses the current HQ. "It would mean $2 billion in savings to leave it where it is," Crank told Fox News Digital, pointing to savings from not having to build a new HQ building. President Donald Trump announced plans to move headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama, in his first term — but former President Joe Biden undid those plans when he came into office. Space Command has operated out of Peterson Space Force base in Colorado Springs since its 2019 inception. The command is responsible for military operations in space and will play a major role in the Golden Dome project. Crank argues that geographically, Colorado makes more sense — it is also home to Northern Command, and the two will need to coordinate over Trump's new Golden Dome missile defense project. "They've got to be seamless in their efforts to communicate," said Crank. "We don't want any delay in getting Golden Dome up and running." He argued that Space Command HQ, nestled into Cheyenne Mountain, is already "one of the most secure facilities" in the country. Being in the middle of the U.S., he added, makes it harder for enemies to attack. "From the standpoint of survivability, having that as an asset right there as well is, is really important." Rogers brushed off the complaints from his Colorado counterparts and argued Alabama had won fair and square. "They're just doing their job, you know, they don't want to see it leave," said Rogers. But, "they lost two nationwide competitions. It's not me saying it should be in Huntsville." He argued that right now, the command is spread out across four to five different buildings, some of which are outside the base perimeter. "None of them were built for classified operations," he said. "They just kind of make it work." Rogers pointed to a recent Defense Department inspector general (IG) report examining Biden's 2023 decision not to move the headquarters. That report found that then-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall recommended that SPACECOM go to Redstone Arsenal, near Huntsville, Alabama, because the move would save $462 million. However, then SPACECOM Commander, Gen. James Dickinson, wanted to keep the permanent HQ in Colorado due to Air Force findings that the Alabama option would not be operational for three to four years. Dickinson and SPACECOM officers also worried that more than half of the highly trained civilian staff in Colorado would quit rather than move to Alabama for the job. "USSPACECOM leadership anticipated that the loss of civilian personnel might occur much sooner than (the Air Force) predicated and that USSPACECOM would be unable to secure the manpower investments needed to mitigate the impact of that loss on the command's readiness," the report states. However, Rogers argued, Colorado has had manpower issues as well. "The reason why Secretary Kendall didn't concur with them and recommended that it still be moved was that over 300 of the current jobs in Colorado Springs couldn't be filled," he said. "They had to contract them out." Crank argued that the cost findings in the IG report were flawed because it assumed Colorado would have to build a new HQ building, which he says it would not. "We don't need to build a new headquarters building," he said. "There is one there. If you say you need to build a new headquarters building, then I think it tips it in the favor of Alabama from a cost perspective by about $400 million." "But if you don't do that, and we don't need it, already have a headquarters building there, it saves the taxpayers $2 billion," he said. The IG report said it "could not determine" why Kendall never made a formal announcement decision for the SPACECOM transition after the September 2022 completion of an environmental impact assessment of the planned headquarters site in Alabama. Without a formal announcement, SPACECOM was able to declare full operational capability in Colorado, the report said. Rogers said the IG report proved the Biden administration's move was political, and predicted in April that Trump would formally name Alabama as the home of the Space Force within the month. However, Crank, along with GOP Reps. Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd, wrote to Trump and warned him that the move would affect readiness. "Moving the command would disrupt these established capabilities and partnerships, further diminishing our preparedness to face evolving threats," they wrote in a letter dated April 8. However, Rogers seems confident the move will go forward. "There's absolutely no national security implications for moving it," he said. "It needs to be in a permanent headquarters, and it needs to be inside the fence. All that's going to happen in Huntsville."
