2/19/2019

CONGRESS/MILITARY/SPACE FORCE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump signed a new policy directive Tuesday [2-19-19] laying out his administration’s long-awaited plans for establishing a Space Force…The document, officially called Space Policy Directive-4, was discussed earlier Tuesday by Gen. David Goldfein, the chief of staff of the Air Force…Defense officials tell CNN that following Trump’s signing of the directive, the administration will then submit a legislative proposal to Congress, seeking the necessary authority and funds to establish the new military service. However, given that the Democrats control the House, congressional support for the initiative is not guaranteed. Trump said Tuesday that he expects support from Congress for the plan. The cost of the Space Force has been debated, with the Air Force initially estimating a cost of $13 billion being significantly higher than the estimates touted by Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has said it would be less than $5 billion.”

Ryan Browne, “Trump signs Space Force directive,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, February 19, 2019 4:25 pm