Kudos to Culberson on NASA's funding

From all the speakers including our Senators and Congressman Olson, John Culberson was the only one to make any significant statements besides "space is our future" and "the best and the brightest work at NASA", "think of the children", etc etc at the Augustine Commission here in League City.

Culberson hit the nail on the head when he stated that President Bush in 2004 set NASA on a course for the Moon, Mars, and to explore the universe, but failed to secure adequate funding to do so. So here we are 5 years later with a program that is in disarray because we don't have enough money. Once again NASA is trying to go to reach for the stars on the budget of a step ladder.

How much will it cost?
During a hearing in 2004 the NASA Administrator, Shaun O'Keefe, refused to answer the simple question "How much will it cost to go to the Moon and Mars"? Instead of saying $150B and $500 Billion respectively, he said that money would be shifted around, the Shuttle would be retired, programs would be cut, etc. After being asked 4 times, the members of the committee gave up on getting an answer. And we haven't gotten one since.

What are the options?
A NASA employee speaking to the commission used the old Bush phrase "Stay the course" meaning "Stay the course and send a boatload of money". Before a decision is made, NASA needs to determine what their goals are. In the 60's the goal was well defined and accomplished in 1969. Now, what is our goal? flying the shuttle? maintaining Station? building CEV? going to the Moon, Mars, and beyond?

And how much will it cost?