Texas lawmakers double down onDiscovery, call for DOJ investigation into Smithsonian

Texas senators are making headlines with their fervent request for a Department of Justice investigation into the Smithsonian Institution regarding the retired space shuttle Discovery. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, alongside Representative Randy Weber, have raised concerns about the Smithsonian's alleged misuse of federal funds as they advocate for the shuttle's relocation from Washington, D.C., to Houston. In a recent letter directed to the DOJ, the trio contends that the Smithsonian has improperly lobbied against the transport of Discovery, which has been housed at the institution for over 13 years. They assert that the Smithsonian's actions may violate the Anti-Lobbying Act, claiming the institution has actively worked to block the shuttle's relocation, which is part of a broader initiative proposed by former President Trump. The lawmakers indicate that the Smithsonian has engaged in lobbying efforts aimed at members of the Senate Appropriations and Rules Committees, seeking to generate public opposition to the relocation plan. They allege that the institution has circulated misleading cost estimates that are significantly higher than those provided by private logistics firms and has claimed that the shuttle’s wings would need to be removed for transport—an assertion they argue is unsupported by industry professionals. This appeal to the DOJ echoes previous concerns raised by Cornyn in a letter addressed to Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian. There, he called for a thorough internal review of the institution’s actions to ensure compliance with legal standards, emphasizing the need for corrective measures if any violations are discovered. The situation continues to unfold as Texas lawmakers push for accountability regarding the future of the iconic spacecraft.