WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging an investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Lobbying Act by Smithsonian Institution staff in connection with attempts to obstruct the passage and implementation of the Space Shuttle provision as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

This comes after the Smithsonian Institution staff worked to undermine the Space Shuttle provision, now law, at every turn, including potentially illegal lobbying of House and Senate committee staff, coordinating with members of the press to generate public opposition to the law’s passage and implementation, and disseminating misinformation about the cost and logistics of the move. Excerpts of the letter are below, and the full letter is attached and can be viewed here.

The lawmakers wrote: “As the cornerstone of America’s human space exploration program, Houston is honored to welcome home the Space Shuttle Discovery. However, public reporting suggests the Smithsonian Institution has taken affirmative steps to oppose the passage and implementation of the shuttle’s relocation, as part of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

“The Smithsonian has also approached the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for the inclusion of an amendment in the pending FY26 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act and the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act that would not allow funding designated for the shuttle’s relocation. Furthermore, the Institution has circulated cost estimates that exceed quotes from experienced private-sector logistics firms by more than tenfold and has falsely claimed the shuttle’s wings would need to be removed for transport, a claim not supported by industry experts. These activities raise significant concerns under the Anti-Lobbying Act, which prohibits the use of appropriated funds for communications intended to influence members of the public to pressure Congress regarding legislation or appropriations matters,” they continued.

“In addition to obstructing the lawful implementation of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Smithsonian claims it is not a government entity. This claim is legally unfounded. The Smithsonian Institution is fundamentally a creation of Congress,” they wrote.

“For these reasons, we urge a prompt and thorough investigation into the matter. As a federal government entity, the Smithsonian Institution carries the responsibility to uphold the highest legal and ethical standards. Its credibility and the public’s trust depend on it,” they concluded.