Congressional Trip to Canceled Shuttle Launch Cost Taxpayers $73,000

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBAH1NH5BE.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Forty-four members of Congress flew to Cape Canaveral for the scrubbed launch of space shuttle Discovery at a cost of more than $73,000, according to figures provided to The Associated Press on Thursday.

Some lawmakers would be willing to try again once NASA sets a new launch date, but it depends on the congressional schedule.

The Air Force flew 35 lawmakers to Florida on Wednesday in two C40B aircraft, the equivalent of a 737-700 business jet. The cost, based on an hourly rate of $7,960, totaled $63,680, the service said. The round trip is about four hours.

NASA ferried nine House members in a smaller executive jet, similar to the type used by corporate executives. The space agency said the cost of that plane was $9,456.

[Benhurst]

1. Our lords and masters should watch it on TV like the rest of us. NT

[MercutioATC]

2. I didn't realize that so many Congressmen were rocket scientists...

:eyes:

This is just stupid...

[defiant1]

3. Good GAWD.

They wasted our money, and if the next launch fits their schedule, they're more than happy to waste some more of it.

Goddamn politicians.

[fortyfeetunder]

4. Better not be a return trip!

Since it's unlikely we will see a launch in the near future, I think Congress can watch CNN like the rest of us and stay home in DC.