House Members Urge Senate Confirmation of Rep. Bridenstine to Head NASA

Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine got the support of at least 61 other House members this week in his nomination by President Trump to become the next Administrator of NASA.

The 61, including Oklahoma Representatives Frank Lucas and Steve Russell, urged Senate leadership to confirm Bridenstine who is in the midst of his second nomination by President Trump.

“It would be a travesty to America’s space program for it to remain leaderless at this critical time when America’s space industry is making rapid advances that will set the course of space leadership for decades to come,” wrote the Representatives in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

Bridenstine’s nomination is held up this time by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida who has stated he feels the Tulsa Representative would politicize the space agency.

The House members noted Bridenstine’s military service as a Navy pilot, stating, “In this service to his nation he has demonstrated both the technical capacity and leadership experience necessary to lead NASA.”

Their letter said Rep. Bridenstine has distinguished himself as one of the most engaged, passionate and knowledgeable members of the House Space Subcommittee.

“With many milestones fast approaching, NASA must have a presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed leader in place,” said the Representatives. “We urge the Senate to confirm Jim Bridenstine swiftly and allow him to lead the world’s premier space agency into the next age of space exploration.”

The lead signature on the letter came from Rep. Brian Babin of Texas who chairs the House Subcommittee on Space. Another congressman who signed the letter was Rep. Mo Brooks. His district includes the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.