Space

DATE=1/13/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / SPACE OVERNIGHTER (S O)

NUMBER=2-311811(CQ)

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= MONTERREY, MEXICO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// Re-running w/change time in introduction (from 3:00p-m to 3:15 p-m)

INTRO: President Bush is scheduled to deliver a major address on space exploration today (3:15 pm Wednesday). V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports he is expected to announce a new plan to take Americans back to the moon and perhaps beyond.

TEXT: President Bush will make the announcement at NASA headquarters in Washington.

Critics say they are worried about the cost of a major new space initiative at a time when the U-S budget deficit is growing. But the president says it will be affordable.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday while in Monterrey, Mexico, Mr. Bush said the country can handle the expenses involved, though he did not go into specific dollars and cents. Instead, he talked about the message he will deliver to the American people.

/// BUSH ACT ///

The spirit is going to be one of continued exploration, seeking new horizons and investing in a program that meets that objective.

/// END ACT ///

The president's announcement comes roughly one year after the loss of the shuttle Columbia, and is the result of an intensive review of the space program begun in the wake of that tragedy. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RH/KL