Take Action

Make your voice heard today! Contact your representatives and senators in Washington DC, and urge them to protect Discovery and the Smithsonian. If you’re a resident of Virginia, Maryland, DC, or Texas, contact your state and (if you’re near DC / Houston) local officials too, and encourage them to take a stand.

Don’t know who to contact, or how to reach them? We’ve got you covered; here are a few useful websites that specialize in just that:

Don’t know what to say? No problem – click the buttons below to access a sample message for an email / letter, or phone call.

Dear [Title and Last Name],

I’m writing as a [State / City] resident and aerospace enthusiast, deeply concerned about the proposal to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

While $85 million was recently appropriated for moving Discovery to Houston, this funding was not the result of open debate or public consensus. Instead, it was added to a massive budget reconciliation bill at the last minute by two Texas senators, after their standalone legislation to move the shuttle failed to even advance out of committee. This kind of legislative maneuvering risks turning not just Discovery, but all of the Smithsonian's priceless artifacts into political plunder.

Furthermore, Smithsonian experts estimate the true cost of moving and rehousing Discovery would exceed $300 million, and the move would risk damage to one of America's most important engineering achievements and a source of national pride.

I urge you to [continue to] speak out publicly and work to protect Discovery’s place at the Smithsonian. Your leadership could make a true difference in preventing this wasteful and unnecessary move.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City & State]
[Your Contact Info]
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City and / or State].

I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the proposal to move the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

Recently, $85 million was included in a massive budget bill for this move, but that money was added by two Texas senators after their standalone bill to relocate the shuttle to Houston failed. This kind of political maneuvering shouldn’t decide the fate of Discovery or any other national treasures.

Experts estimate the real cost would exceed $300 million, and risk damaging the shuttle. Discovery belongs at our national museum, the Smithsonian, and I’m asking [Title and Last Name] to [continue to] speak out publicly and help prevent this move.

Thank you for your consideration.

Already contacted your officials? Thank you! Please consider telling family and friends so that they are aware of the situation and can express their own concerns. KeepTheShuttle will also be engaging in further advocacy as the situation progresses – make sure to sign up to receive updates and follow us on Twitter / X and Facebook.