Maryland’s entire congressional delegation is pressing NASA for answers regarding unexplained building closures, workforce reductions, and accelerated consolidation plans at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. The lawmakers allege these changes, occurring even during recent government shutdowns, threaten the center’s world-leading scientific capabilities at a critical moment when other nations, particularly China, are rapidly expanding their space programs.
Concerns Over Strategic Shifts
In a November 17 letter to NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with seven House Representatives, expressed alarm over months of workforce attrition and sudden facility changes. The delegation fears these moves undermine Goddard’s long-term ability to lead flagship missions, such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, while potentially shifting U.S. expertise into the hands of foreign competitors.
Shutdown-Era Actions Under Scrutiny
The lawmakers specifically question why building relocations and consolidations were conducted during the most recent government shutdown, when most employees were furloughed. They cite reports of thousands of civil servants and contractors leaving Goddard due to voluntary separations, deferred resignations, and reductions in force. The letter warns that this instability could drive U.S. talent to organizations offering higher salaries and larger research budgets.
Transparency Demanded
The delegation requests a full accounting of Goddard’s consolidation plans, including when they were finalized, what analyses justified them, and how they align with the center’s existing 20-year master plan. The plan outlines renovations, demolitions, and new constructions designed to reduce Goddard’s campus footprint and improve efficiency by 2037. However, an accelerated timeline—fast-tracking two decades of changes into six months—was announced to employees in September, raising concerns about rushed implementation.
Financial Implications Questioned
Lawmakers demand details on projected savings from reduced utilities and maintenance, as well as a full accounting of the consolidation’s cost. Goddard claims savings of $10 million annually and avoidance of $63.8 million in deferred maintenance, but critics question whether these figures account for hidden expenses and disruptions to mission work.
Shutdown Workarounds Under Investigation
The delegation also echoes scrutiny raised by Representative Zoe Lofgren, who alleged NASA used “excepted” employee statuses to accelerate building evacuations during the shutdown. Some employees reported being instructed to track their hours using regular mission codes rather than shutdown-specific charge codes, potentially draining funds from already strained missions.
Capability Losses and Mission Impacts
Lawmakers demand a list of every facility relocation made at Goddard in 2025, including affected buildings and actions taken inside them. They specifically ask for justification for any moves initiated while most employees were furloughed. Concerns include the potential loss of critical technological capabilities, such as the Goddard ElectroMagnetic Anechoic Chamber and the propulsion laboratory, and how these losses may affect missions like the Roman Space Telescope.
Internal Chaos and Improper Handling
Employees have reported chaotic conditions during the relocations, with critical mission hardware being improperly handled and stored in non-certified environments. This includes equipment with environment-specific requirements for the Roman Space Telescope being staged in unapproved spaces.
Congressional Pressure for Transparency
The delegation closes its letter by warning that Goddard’s scientific mission and workforce “must be sustained.” They expect full transparency from NASA about what has already taken place on the shut-down campus and demand accountability for any decisions that undermine U.S. leadership in space exploration.
This situation underscores the growing competition in space and the need for careful stewardship of U.S. resources. The lawmakers’ letter serves as a stark warning that Congress will not tolerate actions that jeopardize Goddard’s scientific capabilities or erode U.S. leadership in space
