WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., highlighted how Huntsville’s capabilities will play a part in the Golden Dome as Republican senators introduced legislation Tuesday to authorize funding for the missile defense shield.
The Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act authorizes more than $23 billion in funding to develop the dome to counter threats from foreign adversaries.
Tuberville, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined the sponsors of the legislation, Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Kevin Cramer of South Dakota, for a press conference touting the bill. He focused on how Alabama could be involved in the creation of the missile defense shield.
“Countries like Iran are openly chanting ‘Death to America,’ and we have to be able to protect ourselves,” Tuberville said. “There’s no better place to help design this and build and operate than in my home state, Redstone Arsenal (in) Huntsville, Alabama.”
.@SenTuberville touts Redstone Arsenal as the best place to design and build the Golden Dome as senators introduce a bill to help develop the missile defense shield. #alpolitics. pic.twitter.com/InuTA8ue7E
— Alex Angle (@alexangle_) June 24, 2025
The senator mentioned the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, FBI and the Missile and Space Intelligence Center located at Redstone and the numerous defense contractors that call Alabama home.
“The Golden Dome Act will advance our security even further with critical investment in emerging technologies, many of which will be developed in my home state of Alabama,” Tuberville said.
The legislation will enhance and build upon the country’s existing missile defense infrastructure and invest in space-based interceptors and sensors.
Sullivan touched on the war between Israel and Iran to highlight the need for the United States to have a shield at home.
“Now we’re seeing in real time how regional missile defense in the Middle East, over Israel, yesterday, over Qatar and the development of the Iron Dome in Israel, much of which was with American and Israeli technology, together has been successful at protecting our citizens, our troops, Israeli citizens, from attacks against Iran,” Sullivan said.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order to create the Golden Dome at the beginning of the year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also authorizes $25 billion for the initiative. Republicans are working this week to get the sweeping legislation passed. Tuberville said that provision in the reconciliation bill is a down payment for the missile defense shield.
“That’s why getting the president’s One Big Beautiful Bill passed is critical for national security,” Tuberville said.
Rep. Mark Messemer, R-Ind., is leading the companion bill in the House. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, helped launch the House Golden Dome Caucus earlier this month to advocate for defense policies and funding that will support the creation of the missile defense shield.