From Phys.org here is their story about the docking of the Space-X Dragon with the ISS. So the US is back in space, just not the same way we were before. Now we have a private company providing launch services to the Space Station.

Bill Gill

It was supported by a $300 Million contract backing with the Government which is a sort of weird kick in the groin to NASA.

The untold back story is as interesting as the achievement itself.

Its worth a read of SpaceX website on costs
http://www.spacex.com/usa.php