1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the ongoing closures at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland during the federal government shutdown. These hasty actions threaten our nation's space exploration capabilities and the livelihoods of dedicated federal workers. Over 13 buildings, including approximately 100 laboratories, are being shuttered with alarmingly short notice. Employees have been given mere days to return from furlough to relocate specialized equipment. This rushed process raises serious concerns about potential damage to or loss of crucial facilities and equipment that are vital to our space program. These closures could have far-reaching consequences for major upcoming projects, including the Roman Space Telescope and the Dragonfly mission. While NASA leadership claims this is part of a planned consolidation, the timing and manner of implementation suggest otherwise. There are legitimate fears that this may be an attempt to enact cuts proposed in the Trump administration's budget before Congress has the opportunity to act. Of particular concern is the closure of unique facilities like the ElectroMagnetic Anechoic Chamber. The loss of such specialized infrastructure could severely impact NASA's long-term research and development capabilities. Furthermore, these actions may violate shutdown rules and create compensation issues for affected employees. The situation is causing significant distress among Goddard's workforce, further damaging morale at a time when we should be supporting our scientific community. These dedicated professionals are essential to maintaining America's leadership in space exploration and technology. I urge you to take immediate action to halt these closures and protect NASA Goddard's capabilities. Please investigate whether these actions comply with shutdown protocols and ensure that any consolidation plans receive proper congressional oversight. Our nation's space program and the hardworking individuals at Goddard deserve your support and protection during this challenging time.