So, now we know what it looks like when Colorado’s first-stringers in D.C. go to bat for one of our state’s federal installations. One they actually care about, that is. 

Meaning, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR, in Boulder — as opposed to U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs.

As reported last week, U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have been doing their level best in the nation’s most powerful lawmaking body to reverse Trump administration plans to shut down NCAR. The agency has played a prominent role in the debate over climate change. 

The two Democratic senators even scuttled a bill to keep the federal government running well into next year, blocking funding until the White House and congressional Republicans relent on closing the Colorado facility. 

A report by inside-the-beltway Washington news site The Hill cited Colorado’s two senators as ringleaders in shooting down a compromise to fund the government: “Bennet and Hickenlooper had strong support from other Democrats in their decision to block the spending package unless Republicans agree to ensure the continued operation of the climate center.”

The Hill’s report also notes, “…Bennet and Hickenlooper informed colleagues late Thursday that they wouldn’t just settle on a vote to protect the National Center for Atmospheric Research. They wanted Republicans to guarantee that they would add language to the bill to protect the center’s funding and future operation.”

The upshot is any funding agreement on Capitol Hill to keep the government in operation for the longer term will have to await Congress’ return from the holiday recess.

Now, that’s what you call political hardball!

Funny thing is, neither Bennet nor Hickenlooper seemed to know how to play the game only months ago. 

They weren’t even suited up and off the bench — much less out on the pitcher’s mound — when Colorado could have used their help to keep U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado. 

President Trump announced in September that Space Command headquarters would move to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, reversing a 2023 decision by President Joe Biden. Many deeply committed stakeholders across Colorado’s political and civic spectrum fervently advocated for keeping Space Command in our state. 

Bennet’s and Hickenlooper’s voices were barely audible.

We’ll reserve judgment on just how critical NCAR is to U.S. national security; the Trump White House’s budget chief called it “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” Regardless, it’s a significant federal operation whose 800 staffers bring in a highly valued payroll to Boulder and surrounding communities.

On the other hand, it should go without saying Space Command is pivotal to U.S. national defense. It also has been a central component of Colorado’s extensive national security infrastructure. And Space Command certainly has contributed to Colorado’s economy.

Why didn’t our two senators do more to stick up for it?

Is it that the climate debate looms larger than national security in their party? Do they care more about Boulder, where Democratic voters reliably support them, than about GOP-dominant Colorado Springs?

The senators issued a joint statement on Friday accusing the president of, “attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration.” Hickenlooper even announced plans to attend a rally against NCAR’s closure Saturday in Boulder.

Couldn’t they have mustered the same steely resolve against the White House over Space Command? Perhaps, hurled similar invective? 

After all, their stock in trade is Trump bashing. You’d think it would have come naturally.