Congressional lawmakers responsible for NASA's budget are advocating for a more cost-effective upper stage for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Their proposal centers on foregoing the planned Block 1B upgrade, which they estimate would save the agency at least $500 million annually. Supporters of this move argue that these savings could be redirected to other critical NASA programs and initiatives, potentially accelerating space exploration efforts or bolstering scientific research. The debate highlights ongoing scrutiny of the SLS program's escalating costs and the need for fiscal responsibility in space exploration endeavors.