"Earlier this month, the war of words over the possible relocation of the vehicle intensified, with NASA and the Smithsonian estimating that a move to Houston would cost between $120 million and $150 million (excluding the cost of housing the orbiter) and require dismantling Discovery for transport. A spokesperson for Senator Cornyn's office later told The Register the total cost was more likely to be in the region of $5 million to $8 million."
"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 appropriatio"
US Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Congressman Randy Weber asked the Department of Justice to investigate alleged lobbying by Smithsonian Institution staff to prevent transfer of Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston. The request cites potential violations of the Anti-Lobbying Act in connection with efforts to derail the Space Shuttle provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which references a "space vehicle" that carried astronauts. NASA and the Smithsonian estimate relocation costs of $120–$150 million and say dismantling would be required, while a Cornyn spokesperson estimated $5–$8 million. Lawmakers allege the Institution circulated inflated cost estimates and false claims about wing removal.
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