Would be a good time for another poll
- Obama FY2011
- Senate bill
- House bill
- CR
i'd vote for the CR, as of now.
The CR will NOT contain any new money or new language guiding NASA. Without an enacted authorization/policy bill, signed by the President, things will continue JUST as they have been, with the Constellation funding restricted, impounded, whatever you want to call it, but held back from the contractors, just as it has been for the past six months. That means even longer delays in ending the uncertainty, more unnecessary layoffs and disruption of lives and careers, and I just don't see that as a viable option. At least with an enacted bill, and the President's signature, that officially reverses the policy of the Administration and there would be NO BASIS for continuing the financial squeeze on resources needed for new HLV development. And with an enacted LAW, there would be ample basis for congressional oversight to ensure NASA compliance with that direction regardless of the level and allocation of resources in the CR. There would also then be a legal basis for pressing for new directive language in the follow-on to the CR, whether it is another CR for the balance of FY 2011, or an Omnibus appropriations for 2011, which would reflect the combination of Budget Requests in some areas and enacted authorization levels in other areas, such as NASA.
Excellent points 51D Mascot. A CR is a poor option and Obama FY2011 is nothing more than a suggestion. If a poll is taken, I'd discount these choices and, between H.R.5781 and S.3729, I'd choose the House Bill because...
- Senate maintains Shuttle workforce to leave the door open for extension while the House closes shop, but permits one more flight if criteria are met. Senate maintains ET workforce for Shuttle and a HLV to fly by the end of the decade while House wants an HLV selected in 6mos without putting conditions on what tank, equipment and workforce is used.
- Senate requires a HLV loft 70-100mt and 130mt with upper stage to LEO while House simply requires vehicle capable of extensive BEO human missions.
- Senate continues Orion for BEO and as a Commercial Crew 'back-up' to LEO by the end of 2016 while House funds AresI as primary LEO vehicle by the end of 2015 and Commercial must have an established, cheaper option to replace AresI. Senate funds commercial development at $300mil/yr while House allows $150mil/yr, including $100mil/yr in loans, to put the burden of proof on commercial.
- Senate authorizes a large diameter SRB study which, along with ensuring a Shuttle option, probably means the RSRBs will continue while House mandates there use in AresI and HLV.
<Please correct this comparison if necessary or state disagreements>
