NASA Nominee Advances in Senate

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the nomination of Representative Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The nomination passed in a vote of 14 to 13. The vote came days after a contentious confirmation hearing where Democratic Senators grilled Bridenstine on his views on climate change. Although three other nominees were also being considered, nearly all of the hearing was about the President’s pick to head NASA. Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) used most of his opening remarks to criticize Bridenstine. “The NASA administrator should be a consummate space professional who is technically and scientifically competent and a skilled executive. More importantly, the administrator must be a leader who has the ability to unite scientists, engineers, commercial space interests, policymakers and the public on a shared vision for future space exploration. Frankly, Congressman Bridenstine, I cannot see how you meet these criteria.” Nelson highlighted a 2014 speech when Representative Bridenstine said that Republicans and Democrats shouldn’t be working together. “We need people who will stand up and say ‘no, we’re not going to do this anymore,” said Bridenstine. Bridenstine said his highest ambition is to pursue a “consensus agenda” with Congress about NASA’s future. When asked by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) about climate change, Bri...
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news