Space Program? They would have to justify the need for it, and it will become a money problem. Money for the entire research program including training and education for all the people in the background supporting sciences. Money that conservatives will argue could be spent on other advances. The budget for a first-baby-steps Space program will have to compete with more immediate earthly concerns.
If you are really interested in a first-baby-steps money for a space program - try to join the the 1632 discussion board (to get a feel of the type of resource allocation opposition you will encounter). Advocate for them spending money on early research into space (I think they are on the first half-decade tech advances after 1632). You will most likely encounter opposition from the conservatives saying that money will be better spent on something else.
I still remember the ironclads discussion, soooo many flames I thought everybody's modem had overheated :)
Just the tip of the iceberg.
