Following up on our first article about why Space Shuttle Discovery should remain at the Smithsonian, there have been several important developments regarding the proposed relocation that the KeepTheShuttle team has been closely monitoring:
July 10 – Senate Appropriations Committee Illinois Senator Dick Durbin strongly condemned the proposed relocation, calling it a “heist” that would waste $85 million in taxpayer funds and set a dangerous precedent. His remarks make it clear that the proposal will face serious challenges in the Senate’s appropriations process. Watch the full meeting online (Senator Durbin’s comments begin at 1:14:00 in the full committee video.)
July 22 – House Appropriations Committee Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY) introduced an amendment prohibiting federal funds for the relocation during a House Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. The amendment—introduced at 4:15:20 in the hearing video—passed overwhelmingly by bipartisan voice vote. While the amendment must still pass the full House and a similar measure will be needed in the Senate, this strong bipartisan action demonstrates growing congressional support for keeping Discovery at the Smithsonian.
August 3 – NASA’s “Unidentified Identification” Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, NASA was required to identify a spacecraft for relocation within 30 days. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has claimed a vehicle has been identified, but NASA refuses to name it. The likely reason: NASA has no legal claim to Discovery. In 2012, the agency signed over “all right, title, and interest” to the Smithsonian, which has made clear it will not relinquish ownership.
Smithsonian Investigation Push Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the leading proponent of relocation, recently criticized the Smithsonian for defending its rights and even called for an investigation. To date, this request has gone nowhere.
Appropriations Outlook When Congress returns from recess, its focus will be on FY26 funding and preventing a government shutdown. KeepTheShuttle is working with allies to ensure the $85 million authorized by the OBBBA is never appropriated. Rep. Morelle’s amendment already set a precedent by blocking Smithsonian funding for relocation, with strong bipartisan support from Rep. Simpson (R-ID) and Rep. Pingree (D-ME). KeepTheShuttle will continue engaging elected officials and its community of supporters to ensure Discovery remains at the Smithsonian. For questions or media inquiries, contact Joe at [email protected] or 202-681-8299. To learn more or to join the effort, visit KeepTheShuttle.org
