House Science Dems call for investigation into NASA Goddard cuts

"In a Nov. 21 letter to NASA's Office of Inspector General, 16 Democrats on the panel asked that officials "initiate a formal audit of NASA's management" in response to efforts to shutter 13 buildings at Goddard's main campus in Greenbelt, Maryland, as well as roughly 100 laboratories. Administration officials have characterized the moves as cost-saving measures. The letter was led by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., the committee's ranking member, and was signed by every Democratic member of the panel, with the exception of New York Rep. Laura Gillen."

"Drastic cuts at Goddard over the past few months, however, have led to quickly closed buildings, relocated facilities and costly scientific equipment being tossed or abandoned in hallways. The letter expressed concern that the actions being taken "are degrading Goddard's scientific and technical capabilities, and that they may be inflicting long-term damage on Goddard's ability to carry out its responsibilities and NASA's ability to carry out the responsibilities that have been given to it by Congress.""

Sixteen Democrats on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee asked NASA's Office of Inspector General to initiate a formal audit of NASA management after moves to shutter 13 buildings and roughly 100 laboratories at Goddard's main campus in Greenbelt, Maryland. Administration officials described the actions as cost-saving measures. The request was led by Rep. Zoe Lofgren and was signed by nearly all Democratic committee members. Lofgren previously demanded that acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy immediately cease closures at the campus. Goddard, NASA's first spaceflight center, continues major projects such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Recent rapid closures have produced relocated facilities and abandoned costly equipment, and the letter warned that the changes may degrade Goddard's scientific and technical capabilities and inflict long-term damage to NASA's ability to fulfill responsibilities assigned by Congress.

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