[DaBroasta]

A B-52 does not re-enter the atmosphere at 12,500 miles per hour.

Yes that's true. And the space shuttle doesn't get SAM missiles fired at it. The point was proper maintenance can keep an aging vehicle in the same safe working condition it was in when it was new.

[Steven W.]

FYI - report on NBC - Clinton NEVER increased the budget for NASA a single dollar, not even matching inflation, during his 8 year tenure. $15 billion budget when he came in, $15 billion when he went out. Bush authorized $200 million additional funds allocated in last years budget for specific safety programs.