We're giving away 168 BILLION in the "stimulus package" but cutting real work and real jobs by 2.9 Billion.
So much for the laws of mathematics, because this just doesn't add up...
The Congress questions if NASA can afford its priorities
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Congress questions if NASA can afford its priorities
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Congress questions if NASA can afford its priorities
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Washington correspondent Eun Kim just filed this report...
Congress clearly isn't enamored with the budget the White House has proposed for NASA next year.
Members of the House Science and Technology panel questioned whether the budget proposal actually puts enough money into Bush's plan to return Americans to the moon. During a hearing on the NASA budget proposal Wednesday, they also criticized the president for failing to include more funds to help close the gap between when the Space Shuttle is retired and when the next manned spacecraft lifts off.
The administration's budget request for NASA calls for a $2.9 billion cut next year from the shuttle program.
Committee members also questioned Bush's commitment to the agency's aeronautics program, as well as other science projects overseen by NASA. Panel chairman Bart Gordon said that, for example, funding for new Earth science missions doesn't actually reflect a new committment but simply a shifting of agency funds. "In short _ a musical chairs approach to science funding," he said.
NASA Adminstrator Michael Griffin defended the budget and was the hearing's only witness. Responding to questions by committee members, he told lawmakers that NASA could possibly shave off two years from when Americans return to space after the Shuttle retires. However, he said that would cost an additional $2 billion.
Griffin also dismissed the idea of extending the life of the aging Shuttle, citing findings by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board that advised against it.
"It is in the nation's interest to replace the shuttle as soon as possible," Griffin said.
posted by John Kelly at 2:42 PM
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