Bootstrapping a Solar System Civilization (whitehouse.gov)

[Agnosticsherbet]

Bootstrapping a Solar System Civilization
If we want to want to create a robust civilization in our solar system, more of the energy, raw materials, and equipment that we use in space has to come from space. Launching everything we need from Earth is too expensive. It would also be too expensive to send all of the factories required to manufacture everything necessary to support a solar system civilization.

Ultimately what we need to do is to evolve a complete supply chain in space, utilizing the energy and resources of space along the way. We are calling this approach “bootstrapping” because of the old saying that you have to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. Industry in space can start small then pull itself up to more advanced levels through its own productivity, minimizing the cost of launching things from Earth in the meantime. Obviously, this isn’t going to happen overnight, but I think that it is the right long-term goal.

This 2014 article from whitehouse.gov shows forward thinking by Obama and his administration.

[Octafish]

1. Absolutely.

A problem though, is funding. And that's where I have a problem with the administration. Where have they been since 2009 on NASA?

Peaceful exploration of space not only is a great thing in and of itself, like saving the planet yo great, it is a jobs program for high tech and union manufacturing jobs.

So. Why hasn't President Obama and his team promoted NASA -- and all the technologies it could help from energy to pollution clean up --instead of funding wars without end for profits without cease and inheritable tax breaks for the Have Mores without end?

[Agnosticsherbet]

2. Only the Congress can approve and pass funding bills.

As of January 1, Ted Cruz was named chair of the Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, where he will oversee NASA and science programs.
Lamar Smith, Texas and Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma run the House of Representatives committee on Science.

So it isn't the President's wars, it is the Republican Congress that has no desire to fund Science or NASA.

And as to the tax breaks, Congress has the exclusive power to pass Laws on taxes.

If we want better programs funded, we need to hold Congress Responsible and replace the Republican Majority. To do that, Democrats must turn out in big number in Midterm elections. The President can seek funding, but Congress is not required to fund anything the President wants.