Regarding returning to moon---bho said "been there, done that" !

1.  No discussion or acknowledgement of AFFORDABLE for the SLS new rocket in Gerstenmaier's pitch.  Yes it is doable.  Yes we have the technology.  Yes we can develop it at great cost, but  How can flying once or twice per year (tops) be an affordable space transportation system?

2.  In my humble opinion, Human sampling or dragging an asteroid to Earth/Moon space is a Stunt, not a strategy for developing the infrastructure, technology, and vision to expand into our solar system.

3.  Returning to the Moon to learn how to sustain human presence on another planet (Earth Orbit to Lunar orbit resupply using ion engine or nuclear engine stage transportation infrastructure development is crucial) and learn how to live off the land (Insitu resource utilization) is a strategy, a technology driver, and a necessary precursor to going to Mars.

4.  Using the ISS as a transportation node (aka St. Louis, MO to build, supply, and form the wagon trains before proceeding to CA and Oregon) is a critical and correct strategy to return to the Moon or Mars.  NASA has no plan to use ISS as a transportation node for deep space exploration.

Buzzard

CSS covered in nasaproblems.com.  Provides economical transportation to EO.  Provides for space based vehicles transported by CSS to travel to other destinations.(Nelson)

We have leaders who do not understand unencumbered business & technology development.

Example, regarding returning to moon, our leader said " been there, done that".  That sums it up.  Leadership in technology is essential to USA , & space activities contribute significantly to technological preeminence.