They can return on the Russian Soyuz. The big concern is re-supplying the ISS until the crew can get off.
It's just a darn shame that the US taxpayers wouldn't spring for the CRV [Crew Rescue Vehicle].
There's a difference
between the US people
and NASA big-wigs.
The heart and spirit
of "normal" men and women
doesn't translate well
to suits, bureaucrats,
and corporate-climber types.
Don't blame the people.
The CRV should have been built, but it was a desperation device, in case the station was on fire or in iminent danger of explosion. No one would have ordered the crew to use them as long as a single shuttle or Soyez vehicle in working order existed. They will continue to fly shuttles to the Space Station. These things happen.
So9
The US taxpayers had nothing to do with it. Since social programs get more votes than space technology, blame it on the politicians who put re-election above all else.
How is this our fault? Put the blame on the people who are running the show. Not us. your statement is asinine.