Oklahoma Republican Becomes The 13th Leader Of The Space Agency

The United States Senate voted Thursday 50-49 to confirm Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) as the 13th administrator for NASA.

The vote was along party lines, which is unusual for the confirmation of a NASA administrator.

Bridenstine, a former Navy pilot, had been nominated by President Trump to lead NASA in September, 2017, a move that was welcomed by the space industry. But Democrats, led by Florida Senator Bill Nelson, opposed the nomination. Nelson said on many occasions as far back as November of last year during initial confirmation hearings that the leader of NASA "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, the Congress and the public on a shared vision for future space exploration."

Nelson and other Democrats also opposed Bridenstine for his views on human-caused climate change. During the Obama administration, NASA devoted significant resources to studying the matter. Bridenstine acknowledges that the climate is changing, but says the effects of human contributions need more study. He did say during confirmation hearings in November that NASA would continue to study the Earth's climate under his leadership.

"It is an honor to be confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as NASA Administrator,” said Bridenstine after the vote. “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I once again thank President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their confidence. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at NASA to achieve the President’s vision for American leadership in space.”

“I’m very pleased to welcome Jim Bridenstine to NASA,” said acting administrator Robert Lightfoot. "He joins our great agency at a time when we are poised to accomplish historic milestones across the full spectrum of our work. Jim now takes the reins of this agency and its talented and dedicated workforce. I'm looking forward to him building on our great momentum and sharing our many strengths to help us make the next giants leaps on behalf of humanity. I also want express my heartfelt appreciation to the NASA team for all they accomplished during my time leading the agency."

“NASA is one of the most storied civilian agencies in the federal government. Its accomplishments are many and its missions continue to inspire millions of Americans young and old. It also has daunting challenges to overcome and new, complex missions to undertake," said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX). "The Senate has rightfully approved Jim Bridenstine’s nomination. He will lead the agency with knowledge and expertise, leaning on his years of service as a Naval aviator, a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, former executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and his work in Congress, especially on the Space Subcommittee of the Science Committee. As chairman of the Science Committee, which has jurisdiction over NASA, I look forward to working with Administrator Bridenstine to maintain America’s leadership in space.”

(Image provided with NASA news release)

FMI: bridenstine.house.gov/biography