Overview

• On July 2, the Senate incorporated Cornyn and Cruz’s proposal into the reconciliation bill to authorize relocation of a “space vehicle” to a site near Johnson Space Center
• The House approved the amended package on July 3 and sent it to President Trump for signature, which is required before any transfer can occur
• The legislation allocates $85 million for transporting and displaying the unspecified “space vehicle” without explicitly naming Discovery or mandating Space Center Houston
• Funding adequacy is contested, with the Smithsonian estimating $300 million–$400 million for a move and a vendor consulted by Cornyn’s office projecting $5 million–$8 million
• Logistical hurdles include decommissioned shuttle carrier aircraft, the need to recreate specialized rigging and significant risk of damage during transport