Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act | ChamberLight

IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS

Senate BillS 1403Government buildings, facilities, and propertyMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act

INTRO APR 10· LAST ACTION APR 10

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Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

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This bill matters because it changes the permanent home of a significant piece of American space history, moving it from a national museum in the capital region to a prominent NASA facility associated with human spaceflight. For voters, it highlights questions of regional pride, access to historical artifacts, and the best location for inspiring future generations in STEM fields. If this bill becomes law, the Space Shuttle Discovery would become a centerpiece for educational outreach in Houston, potentially boosting local tourism and educational programs, while simultaneously removing it from the Smithsonian's extensive collection near D.C. If it doesn't pass, the shuttle would remain at its current location, continuing to serve visitors at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

KEY PROVISIONS

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PROVISION 01

Requires the Space Shuttle Discovery to be transferred from the Smithsonian Institution to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, within 18 months of the bill's enactment.

This provision mandates the physical relocation of a major historical artifact, shifting its public accessibility from the D.C. area to Houston.

PROVISION 02

Mandates that NASA and the Smithsonian jointly develop and submit a plan to Congress within 90 days, detailing the timeline and cost estimates for the shuttle's transfer.

This ensures transparency and accountability for the complex logistical and financial aspects of moving such a large artifact.

PROVISION 03

Requires the Discovery space shuttle to be placed on public exhibition within 5 miles of the Johnson Space Center to advance STEM learning.

This guarantees continued public access to the shuttle and specifies its educational purpose in its new location.

PROVISION 04

Directs that ownership title for the shuttle be transferred first from the Smithsonian to NASA, and subsequently from NASA to a designated nonprofit entity.

This outlines the long-term stewardship and operational responsibility for the shuttle, shifting it from federal agencies to a local nonprofit.

SPONSORSHIP

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ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

APR 10

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

APR 10

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeSenate Bill

NumberS 1403

Congress119th

StatusIn Committee

IntroducedApr 10, 2025

Last actionApr 10, 2025

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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · RULES AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025

Senate BillS 1403Government buildings, facilities, and propertyMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act

INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 10, 2025

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

3 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Requires the Space Shuttle Discovery to be transferred from the Smithsonian Institution to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, within 18 months of the bill's enactment.

This provision mandates the physical relocation of a major historical artifact, shifting its public accessibility from the D.C. area to Houston.

med

Mandates that NASA and the Smithsonian jointly develop and submit a plan to Congress within 90 days, detailing the timeline and cost estimates for the shuttle's transfer.

This ensures transparency and accountability for the complex logistical and financial aspects of moving such a large artifact.

high

Requires the Discovery space shuttle to be placed on public exhibition within 5 miles of the Johnson Space Center to advance STEM learning.

This guarantees continued public access to the shuttle and specifies its educational purpose in its new location.

med

Directs that ownership title for the shuttle be transferred first from the Smithsonian to NASA, and subsequently from NASA to a designated nonprofit entity.

This outlines the long-term stewardship and operational responsibility for the shuttle, shifting it from federal agencies to a local nonprofit.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act

Submission of the transfer plan to Congress by NASA and the Smithsonian.

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act

Physical transfer of the Discovery space shuttle from the Smithsonian to Johnson Space Center.

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Discovery space shuttle is transferred

Transfer of title for the shuttle from the Smithsonian Institution to NASA.

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

AMOUNT	PROGRAM	TYPE	YEARS
such sums as may be necessary	Carry out the transfer and exhibition of the Discovery space shuttle	discretionary	as needed in appropriate fiscal years

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Smithsonian Institution: A group of museums and research centers administered by the U.S. government, holding many of the nation's treasures and artifacts.
NASA's Johnson Space Center: A major NASA facility in Houston, Texas, serving as a hub for human spaceflight, astronaut training, and mission control.
Administrator (of NASA): The top official who leads the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Nonprofit entity: An organization that uses its surplus revenues to achieve its goals rather than distributing them as profit or dividends, often focused on public benefit or education.
Public exhibition: Making an item, like a historical artifact, available for the general public to view, often in a museum or educational setting.
Authorization of Appropriations: A legislative act that permits money to be spent on a specific program or purpose, but does not actually provide the money itself. Separate appropriations bills are needed to provide the funds.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

APR 10, 25

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

APR 10, 25

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

INTROREFERRAL

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Apr 10, 2025

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Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

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