
The Senate confirmed U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., as NASA’s administrator today in a nail-biting vote along party lines.
In a statement, Bridenstine said he was honored to be confirmed.
“I am humbled by this opportunity, and I once again thank President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their confidence,” he said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding team at NASA to achieve the president’s vision for American leadership in space.”
Bridenstine, 42, has represented his Tulsa-area district since 2013. During his time in Congress, he’s been a strong supporter of space commercialization. He’s the principal sponsor of the American Space Renaissance Act, which aims to beef up the military and commercial side of the space program.