Wane Hale said additional Shuttle launches weren't feasible because it would take 15 months to procure new parts. Although he apparently opposes extension, even with the timeline he gives it would still be faster than any alternative. If Shuttle isn't extended, some additional funds to SpaceX would speed up their timeline for human launch. And we should restart the RLV program to finally make human spaceflight practical.
I support the Administration's efforts to finally cancel Constellation, not because I am a "Constellation hater", but because I know how difficult it is to get even one tax dollar for critical research that will save people's lives. The billions still going into Constellation will not provide any useful benefits and the congressional fight to continue pumping in dollars is simply wrong.
The components chosen for Constellation, the segmented solid fuel booster, the very tall rocket on the already tall MLP, the capsule that has to be recovered at sea, all increased operating cost and reduced productivity. The Ares is as expensive to launch as the Shuttle, but would do less after years of delay. The Orion capsule is not designed for or suitable as a supply ship for the ISS. The public, whether Republican or Democrat, will not pay the additional taxes that would be needed for BEO flight with Constellation technology.
If both Shuttle and Constellation are canceled, it would still be wrong for For NASA to dream up ad hoc projects like launch pad refurbishment and new boosters just to create jobs. LC-39 was built around the Saturn V and the Shuttle was built around LC-39. LC-39, the VAB, the MLPs and crawlers, impressive as they are to the eye, are very expensive to maintain compared to the more modern launch complexes. If Shuttle is canceled it doesn't make sense to continue to use it.
There are numerous projects NASA could support with modest funding that could bring practical advances in spaceflight, aeronautics, the environment and medical science, to increase productivity of American industry, protect our environment and save lives. Instead of just tossing billions into projects to create jobs, let's take a little time to discuss all the alternatives. If we take the taxpayers' money, we need to produce practical benefits.