Senate Approves Shuttle Discovery Move to Houston

The U.S. Senate has passed President Trump's budget bill, allocating $85 million to relocate the retired space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Virginia to Houston, Texas, a move led by Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to recognize Houston's key role in spaceflight. The initiative comes after previous failed attempts and longstanding local advocacy. The Smithsonian, which claims full ownership of Discovery, estimates the move could cost over $300 million, though Cornyn's office cites much lower outside vendor estimates. NASA and the Smithsonian would be required to develop a relocation plan if the House approves the measure. If successful, Discovery would become a prominent exhibit near NASA's Johnson Space Center. The initiative is intended to honor Houston's legacy in America's space program.