and it would save jobs for a few extra months. >> if i put on my parochial state of florida hat, or the texas senators put on theirs, then an ease of the adjustment of the workforce is clearly one of the concerns that we have. >> reporter: those arguments don't fly with everyone. >> the rule of thumb is, whenever the space shuttle flies, it is a waste of money. the space shuttle is hugely expensive for what it does. >> six, five -- >> -- and it is it's not that safe, which is why it is being discontinued. >> reporter: bottom line, our spare parts worth the risk and the cost? how much? about half a billion a flight. on top of that, the budget only calls for the added mission. >> you don't have the money funded yet for that additional flight. it is not there. >> well, we're going to get it. but -- >> reporter: are you nervous about that? >> well, of course i am. i mean, you have to deal with senators that one senator can stop the whole works.