Question:
Based on the premise "I do, however, wonder about what is not there.", can we conclude that "There used to be something there."?
****
Answer:
it is not possible to tell

Question:
Based on the premise "but we've gone back the other way to some extent because because just because there are times when you just can't pay it all", can we conclude that "Sometimes you are just not able to pay the entire thing off. "?
****
Answer:
yes

Question:
Based on the premise "Russia took over the space program--with massive expenditure cuts.", can we conclude that "Russia cut expenditures greatly when it took over the space program."?
****
Answer:
yes