Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden that Seattle’s Museum of Flight was not selected to house a retired space shuttle:

“I am disappointed to learn that Washington’s Museum of Flight was not chosen to display one of the retired Shuttle Orbiters. While the competition was fierce, our state’s place in the history of aviation, long support for the aeronautics industry, and commitment to the future of scientific research and innovation would have made an ideal home for a NASA shuttle.

“Despite this unsatisfactory decision, I am confident that the Museum of Flight will continue to educate and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and astronauts of Washington State.

“A team of community members, businesses, schools, and elected officials worked together to create a world-class bid, and everyone involved should be commended for their efforts to bring the shuttle to the Museum of Flight.”