Cornyn and Weber Demand Investigation of Smithsonian for Potential Anti-Lobbying Act Violations

Strategic Insights -

Texas Senator John Cornyn and Representative Randy Weber have issued a letter to the Chief Justice of the United States and Smithsonian Institution Chancellor John Roberts, calling for an internal investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Lobbying Act by the Smithsonian Institution. The letter alleges that the institution took affirmative steps to oppose the passage and implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a provision directing the NASA Administrator to transfer a space vehicle involved in the Commercial Crew Program. This provision was successfully secured by Cornyn and Weber in the final text.

The letter claims that the Smithsonian Institution contacted staff of the Senate Appropriations and Rules Committees to express opposition, engaged members of the press to generate public resistance, and possibly used appropriated funds for these activities. These actions raise concerns under the Anti-Lobbying Act, which prohibits the use of funds for communications intended to influence Congress or the public on legislation or appropriations matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter alleges that the Smithsonian Institution took affirmative steps to oppose the passage and implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a provision directing the NASA Administrator to transfer a space vehicle involved in the Commercial Crew Program.
  • The institution allegedly contacted staff of the Senate Appropriations and Rules Committees to express opposition, engaged members of the press to generate public resistance, and possibly used appropriated funds for these activities.
  • Cornyn and Weber claim that these actions raise significant concerns under the Anti-Lobbying Act, which prohibits the use of funds for communications intended to influence Congress or the public on legislation or appropriations matters.
  • The letter urges the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents to conduct a comprehensive internal review of the institution's communications, expenditures, and outreach activities related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
  • The senators and congressman request that immediate and appropriate corrective measures be implemented to ensure the institution's full compliance with all applicable statutory and ethical obligations.

Statistics:

  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a provision directing the NASA Administrator to transfer a space vehicle involved in the Commercial Crew Program, was signed into law on July 4, 2025.
  • The Smithsonian Institution receives annual appropriations from Congress and is subject to the restrictions imposed by the Anti-Lobbying Act.
  • The letter alleges that the institution may have used staff time or public relations resources to support efforts opposing the legislatively mandated transfer provision.

Sources:

  • Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)
  • Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14)
  • Letter to Chief Justice of the United States and Smithsonian Institution Chancellor John Roberts
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act
  • Smithsonian Institution Annual Appropriations
  • Anti-Lobbying Act (18 U.S.C. § 1913)
  • Public speeches and incidental expenditures for public education