[Senate Hearing 115-643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 115-643
NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,
THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION,
AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
NOVEMBER 1, 2017
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
37-226 PDF WASHINGTON : 2019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office,
http://bookstore.gpo.gov. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center,
U.S. Government Publishing Office. Phone 202-512-1800, or 866-512-1800 (toll-free).
E-mail,[email protected].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota, Chairman
ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi BILL NELSON, Florida, Ranking
ROY BLUNT, Missouri MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
TED CRUZ, Texas AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
DEAN HELLER, Nevada CORY BOOKER, New Jersey
JAMES INHOFE, Oklahoma TOM UDALL, New Mexico
MIKE LEE, Utah GARY PETERS, Michigan
RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
CORY GARDNER, Colorado MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire
TODD YOUNG, Indiana CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada
Nick Rossi, Staff Director
Adrian Arnakis, Deputy Staff Director
Jason Van Beek, General Counsel
Kim Lipsky, Democratic Staff Director
Chris Day, Democratic Deputy Staff Director
Renae Black, Senior Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on November 1, 2017................................. 1
Statement of Senator Thune....................................... 1
Prepared statement of Hon. Richard Burr, U.S. Senator from
North Carolina............................................. 35
Letters and articles of support for Hon. James
Bridenstine
Statement of Senator Nelson...................................... 3
Prepared statement........................................... 5
National Review op-ed dated February 16, 2016 entitled ``Ted
Cruz's True Record on Military Funding and National
Security Is Unassailable'' by Jim Bridenstine.............. 62
Statement of Senator Inhofe...................................... 7
Statement of Senator Wicker...................................... 50
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 121
Statement of Senator Udall....................................... 123
Statement of Senator Lee......................................... 125
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 128
Statement of Senator Hassan...................................... 133
Statement of Senator Cortez Masto................................ 135
Statement of Senator Moran....................................... 137
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 139
Statement of Senator Blumenthal.................................. 140
Statement of Senator Gardner..................................... 142
Statement of Senator Booker...................................... 144
Letter dated June 20, 2012 from Gregory T. Colpitts, Esq.,
The Colpitts Law Firm...................................... 144
Copies of Form 990--Return of Organization Exempt From Income
Tax regarding Jim Bridenstine from 2008 through 2015....... 146
Article dated February 5, 2012 written by Jim Bridenstine on
the subject of marriage.................................... 155
Statement in the Congressional Record dated May 20, 2012 by
Jim Bridenstine regarding the Boy Scouts of America........ 155
Statement of Senator Duckworth................................... 156
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 158
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 159
Witnesses
Hon. James Bridenstine, Nominee to be Administrator, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration........................... 7
Prepared statement........................................... 9
Biographical information..................................... 11
Dana Baiocco, Nomine to be Commissioner, Consumer Product Safety
Commission..................................................... 25
Prepared statement........................................... 27
Biographical information..................................... 28
Neil Jacobs, Jr., Ph.D., Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of
Commerce, Environmental Observation and Prediction............. 35
Prepared statement........................................... 37
Biographical information..................................... 38
Nazakhtar (``Nazak'') Nikakhtar, Nominee to be Assistant
Secretary, Industry and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.. 51
Prepared statement........................................... 53
Biographical information..................................... 54
Appendix
Letter of opposition dated October 26, 2017 from Patty Murray,
United States Senator.......................................... 165
Letter of opposition dated October 31, 2017 from the following:
Climate Hawks Vote, Hip Hop Caucus, League of Conservation
Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, NextGen America,
Public Citizen, Sierra Clue, and Students for a Just and Stable
Future......................................................... 167
Response to written questions submitted to Hon. James Bridenstine
by:
Hon. Roger F. Wicker......................................... 167
Hon. Deb Fischer............................................. 168
Hon. Dean Heller............................................. 169
Hon. Jim Inhofe.............................................. 169
Hon. Mike Lee................................................ 171
Hon. Shelley Moore Capito.................................... 172
Hon. Todd Young.............................................. 173
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 173
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 175
Hon. Richard Blumenthal...................................... 175
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 179
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 180
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 181
Hon. Cory Booker............................................. 182
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 183
Hon. Maggie Hassan........................................... 183
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 185
Response to written questions submitted to Dana Baiocco by:
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 186
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 187
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 188
Hon. Richard Blumenthal...................................... 189
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 194
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 198
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 199
Response to written questions submitted to Neil Jacobs, Jr. by:
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 200
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 203
Hon. Richard Blumenthal...................................... 204
Hon. Brian Schatz............................................ 204
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 205
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 205
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 206
Hon. Cory Booker............................................. 208
Hon. Maggie Hassan........................................... 209
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 210
Response to written questions submitted to Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
by:
Hon. Todd Young.............................................. 211
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 212
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 213
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 215
Hon. Richard Blumenthal...................................... 216
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 216
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 217
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 218
NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,
THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION, AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:33 a.m. in
Room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. John Thune,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Thune [presiding], Wicker, Cruz, Fischer,
Moran, Sullivan, Inhofe, Lee, Moore Capito, Gardner, Young,
Nelson, Udall, Peters, Duckworth, Hassan, and Cortez Masto.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN THUNE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
The Chairman. Good morning.
I want to say thank you to Congressman Bridenstine, to Ms.
Baiocco, to Dr. Jacobs, and to Ms. Nikakhtar for being here,
and for your willingness to serve in the important positions to
which you have been nominated.
We have four well-qualified nominees before our Committee
today. Congressman James Bridenstine has been nominated to
serve as the next NASA Administrator. He was elected in 2012 to
represent Oklahoma's First Congressional District, and
currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and the
Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Congressman Bridenstine also has a distinguished military
career, beginning in the Navy flying the E-2C Hawkeye off the
USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, from which he flew combat
missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. While on active duty, he
transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew as an ``aggressor'' at
the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center.
After leaving active duty, Congressman Bridenstine flew
counterdrug missions in Central and South America in the Navy
Reserve, and currently is a member of the 137th Special
Operations Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
During his tenure in Congress, Representative Bridenstine
has established a reputation as a leader on space policy. In
fact, one of his most well known supporters is the former
astronaut, and the second human to step foot on the moon,
Colonel Buzz Aldrin.
Another supporter, John Hamre, former Deputy Secretary of
Defense under President Clinton, and current President and CEO
of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said of
him, ``I have worked with Members of Congress for 40 years.
Only very rarely have I seen a Member of Congress with such
intensity and sophistication on an urgent national priority.''
I know that many on this Committee, particularly the
Ranking Member, are passionate about the space program and the
inspiring work of NASA. Congressman Bridenstine, we look
forward to hearing more about your vision for the agency.
We are also joined today by Dana Baiocco, who has been
nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the Consumer Product
Safety Commission. Born and raised in Yorkville, Ohio, Ms.
Baiocco joined the law firm of Jones Day in 1998 and became a
partner in 2007. She was one of the founding partners of Jones
Day's Boston office, which opened in 2011.
Ms. Baiocco has dedicated her legal career to product
safety and liability issues that will serve her well at the
CPSC.
Currently, the CPSC is led by a Chairman who does not have
a functioning majority. Earlier this month, we reported
favorably Ann Marie Buerkle to be Chairman and to an additional
term on the Commission.
It is my hope that the Senate will prioritize the Buerkle
and Baiocco nominations soon, so we can move swiftly toward
establishing a Chairman with a functioning majority at the
CPSC.
Neil Jacobs has been nominated to serve as the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction. If confirmed, he will serve as one of the Deputy
Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Dr. Jacobs is currently the Chief Atmospheric Scientist at
Panasonic Avionics Corporation, where he directs the research
and development of the aviation weather observing program, as
well as the company's numerical forecast models.
He is the Chair of the American Meteorological Society's
Forecast Improvement Group, and also serves on the World
Meteorological Organization's aircraft-based observing systems
expert team.
Prior to joining Panasonic in 2005, Dr. Jacobs worked on
various analyses and modeling projects including NASA's Earth
Systems Science Program, NOAA's satellite program, and the
Department of Energy's Ocean Margins Program.
Dr. Jacobs' experience makes him well-tailored to serve in
a leadership role at NOAA.
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar has been nominated to serve as
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis. Ms.
Nikakhtar is currently a partner at Cassidy Levy Kent, a
leading international trade law firm.
For over a decade, Ms. Nikakhtar has successfully
represented U.S. businesses--particularly those in the
industrial, agricultural, chemical, and steel sectors--in
international trade law matters, including trade remedy
matters, customs matters, and World Trade Organization dispute
settlement.
Prior to private practice, she served at the Department of
Commerce advising on legal and regulatory matters related to
the enforcement of U.S. trade laws and bilateral trade
negotiations, where she received several awards for her work.
Her technical expertise makes Ms. Nikakhtar a well
qualified candidate to run the Industry and Analysis unit at
the International Trade Administration.
As I have noted, all of these nominees are well qualified
for the positions to which they have been nominated and I look
forward to their swift confirmation.
Once again, I want to thank all of you for appearing today,
for testifying, and for your willingness to fill these critical
posts.
At this point, I will turn to Ranking Member Nelson for any
opening remarks he would like to make.
STATEMENT OF HON. BILL NELSON,
U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
And I want to welcome our nominees, and I want to thank you
for your public service, and also thank you for offering
yourselves for public service.
In the interest of time, my opening focus will be on the
NASA nomination, and I will include a statement in the record
with regard to the other witnesses.
The Chairman has already said it that, of course, I am
passionate about NASA having a qualified and elected leader,
and it comes from the deep respect that I have for NASA.
Indeed, NASA is a family in many ways and for everything
that the space program does to advance our national security,
our economy, our understanding of the cosmos and of ourselves,
and for the hope and inspiration that NASA provides to all.
It also comes--this deep respect for NASA--comes from
having witnessed, very directly, the tragic consequences when
NASA leadership has failed us.
We have 3 new human spaceflight vehicles right now that are
at the most critical phase of their development. We have over
70 ambitious science missions in operation and 50 more under
development.
Now, as much as ever, NASA needs and deserves an
Administrator who is up to the challenge of leading the agency
through this critical juncture. We are about to embark on
putting Americans back into space on American rockets within a
year and a half, 2 years.
And we are about to embark within 2 years on the start of
sending humans all the way to Mars and to bring them back
safely. And that big rocket will launch within two years, the
largest rocket ever.
And so, failure at this particular juncture could
jeopardize the lives of brave astronauts and setback the search
for life beyond Earth for decades. Failure is not an option.
The NASA Administrator should be a consummate space
professional who is technically and scientifically competent,
and is 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.
Now, Congressman Bridenstine, you have been nominated. I
respect that and respect the process, and we want to get into
the process of understanding how you would meet these criteria.
As I have said, NASA is a family. This committee has heard
me say many times NASA is not political. The leader of NASA
should not be political. The leader of NASA should not be
bipartisan. The leader of NASA should be nonpartisan. And when
that has occurred that it has been partisan in the past, we
have had a disaster, and I have shared with you one of those
disasters in our conversation earlier this morning.
While your time as a pilot and your service to our country
in the military is certainly commendable, it does not make you
qualified to make the complex and nuanced engineering, safety,
and budgetary decisions for which the head of NASA must be
accountable.
What is troubling to members of this Committee is your past
statements on climate change are troubling as compared to your
most recent statements on climate change. And from a scientific
perspective, it has sparked great concern from climate experts
as to your statements in the past.
But that brings me to my greatest concern about your
nomination. Your recent public service career does not instill
the confidence about your leadership or ability to bring people
together. Unity is so important in NASA instead of division.
What your record is--and you will have a chance to discuss it--
your record and your behavior in Congress has been divisive and
it has been extreme as any that we have seen in Washington.
And this Senator is wondering, how does that fit with the
leader of a technical agency where unity is often right on the
line as to what is going to happen in success or failure of a
mission or a program?
You have advocated for discriminatory policies toward the
LGBT community. That runs contrary to the civil rights of
Americans.
On the House floor, you had called President Obama
dishonest, incompetent, and vengeful, and you followed up by
calling Vice President Biden, ``Equally unfit and even more
embarrassing.'' But the divisive behavior and remarks does not
stop there and it has not been reserved just for Democrats.
You attacked Speaker John Boehner for reaching across the
aisle. You later tweeted your opposition to Paul Ryan because
he was critical of the vile remarks that candidate Donald Trump
had made about sexually assaulting women.
You made television commercials--and thus has evoked the
comments that have been made publically by our colleague,
Senator Rubio--you made television commercials deriding his
work to find common ground on immigration and claiming that he
was working to make America less safe. And that is in the
transcript of those television commercials that you cut.
Later in Arizona, the GOP challenger to Senator McCain in
his reelection in 2016, you accused--the GOP challenger had
accused Senator McCain of being directly responsible for the
rise of ISIS. And then you endorsed that challenger in her
Republican primary against Senator McCain.
I think most of us here would believe that Senator McCain
is an American hero. And I can tell you also as a bipartisan
member of the Armed Services Committee, where he chairs, I can
tell you that those who would do our country harm have no
greater enemy than John McCain.
And you have supported the Senate Conservatives Fund, a
Political Action Committee that opposed Senator McConnell,
opposed him in his primary, and any number of other Republican
senators who did not meet the Committee's ideals.
So Congressman, you have gone to great lengths to try to
convince folks--and I enjoyed our visit this morning--that you
want to keep NASA a bipartisan and nonpartisan place and to
work across party lines. But that is not what you said in
January 2014 at a convention in South Carolina, and I am going
to quote your words.
``You have collusion between Republicans and Democrats in
Washington, D.C. They are coming together, and they are making
deals . . . You have Republicans and Democrats trying to come
together . . . But what we need is fighters. We need people who
will stand up and say, `No, we are not going to do this
anymore.' ''
So Congressman, on behalf of every Member who has devoted
their career to reaching across the aisle to build consensus
and to find working solutions for the American people, I want
you to know that this senator is quite skeptical, and I take
offense at that kind of quote. That we need fighters, not
people coming together, not you have Republicans and Democrats
trying to come together. That line of thinking is why
Washington is broken.
NASA represents the best of what we can do as a people, and
NASA is one of the last refuges of partisan politics. And when
it has got partisan in the past, we have gotten in trouble.
NASA needs a leader who will unite us, not divide us.
Respectfully, Congressman Bridenstine, I think you have a
long way to go to prove to be that leader.
Mr. Chairman, that is my comment.
[The prepared statement of Senator Nelson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator from Florida
Mr. Chairman, I'd like to extend a welcome to our nominees this
morning. In the interest of time, my opening will focus on our NASA
nominee. I'll include a statement in the record on our other witnesses.
It is certainly no secret how passionate I am about NASA having
qualified and effective leadership. This passion comes from a deep
respect I have for NASA and for everything the space program does to
advance our national security, our economy, our understanding of cosmos
and of ourselves, and for the hope and inspiration that NASA provides
to all. It also comes from having witnessed, very directly, the tragic
consequences when NASA leadership has failed us.
We have three new human spaceflight vehicles that are all at the
most critical phase of their development. We have over 70 ambitious
science missions in operation and 50 more under development. Now, more
than ever, NASA needs--and deserves an administrator who is up to the
challenge of leading the agency through this critical juncture. Because
at this juncture, success will mean our triumphant return to deep space
and rapidly expanding economic activity in Earth orbit. Failure, on the
other hand, could jeopardize the lives of brave astronauts and set back
the search for life beyond Earth for decades. Failure is not an option.
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.
While your time as a pilot and your service to our country in the
military is certainly commendable, it does not qualify you make the
complex and nuanced engineering, safety and budgetary decisions for
which the head of NASA must be accountable. Moreover, your past
statements on climate change are troubling from a scientific
perspective and have sparked great concern from climate experts around
the nation, which brings me to my greatest concern regarding your
nomination.
Your recent public service career does not instill great confidence
about your leadership skills or ability to bring people together. In
fact, your record and behavior in Congress is as divisive and extreme
as any in Washington.
You have advocated for discriminatory policies toward the LGBT
community, which runs contrary to the civil rights of these Americans
and poisons our national discourse.
On the House floor, you called President Obama dishonest,
incompetent and vengeful and followed it up by calling Vice President
Biden ``equally unfit and even more embarrassing.'' But your divisive
behavior and remarks don't stop there and haven't been reserved just
for Democrats.
You attacked Speaker John Boehner for reaching across the aisle.
You later tweeted your opposition to Paul Ryan because he was critical
of the vile remarks candidate Donald Trump made about sexually
assaulting women.
You made television commercials attacking my friend and fellow
Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, deriding his work to find common
ground on immigration and claiming he was working to make America less
safe.
Later in Arizona, the GOP challenger to Senator McCain accused him
of being directly responsible for the rise of ISIS. You then endorsed
her in her Republican primary challenge to Senator McCain. Most of us
believe John McCain is an American hero. As a bipartisan member of the
Armed Services Committee, I can tell you that those who would do our
country harm have no greater enemy than Chairman McCain.
And you've supported the Senate Conservatives Fund, a political
action committee that opposed Senator McConnell in his primary and any
number of other Republican senators who did not meet the committee's
extremist ideals.
Mr. Bridenstine, you've gone to great lengths to try to convince
folks that you want to keep NASA bipartisan and work across party
lines, but that is not what you said in January 2014 at a convention in
South Carolina.
These are your words not mine:
``You've got collusion between Republicans and Democrats in
Washington, D.C.. They're coming together and they're making
deals . . . You've got Republicans and Democrats trying to come
together . . . But what we need is fighters. We need people who
will stand up and say 'no, we're not going to do this anymore .
. .``
Congressman Bridenstine, on behalf of every member who has devoted
their career to reaching across the aisle to build consensus and to
find working solutions for the American people, I take offense to that.
That line of thinking is why Washington is broken.
NASA represents the best of what we can do as a people. NASA is one
of the last refuges from partisan politics. NASA needs a leader who
will unite us, not divide us. Respectfully, Congressman Bridenstine, I
don't think you're that leader.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
We are going to turn to our panel. Before we do that, and
we are going to start on my left and your right with
Congressman Bridenstine, with your opening statements.
I would ask you, if you can, to confine your remarks to
about 5 minutes, and obviously, we will include your entire
written statements in the record.
And so, that is how we are going to proceed. The statements
will be in the record. Obviously, we want to give our members
as many opportunities to ask questions as we possibly can.
Before we allow Congressman Bridenstine to proceed though,
however, his home State senator and a member of this Committee,
Senator Inhofe, is here to make his introduction.
So Senator Inhofe is recognized.
STATEMENT OF HON. JIM INHOFE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OKLAHOMA
Senator Inhofe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am pleased to introduce the real Jim Bridenstine, a
friend, a colleague, a fellow pilot, and a resident of our city
of Tulsa. We have a couple of things in common.
One is, we are both pilots and have extensive aviation
background and the other is, we both served the First
Congressional District of Oklahoma. He actually is serving
today in the district that I was first elected to in the House.
I believe his background as an aviator, a lifelong passion
for space, and efforts in Congress to modernize our Nation's
space program will serve him well as the next NASA
Administrator.
Jim has dedicated much of his adult life to serving his
country, first as an active duty Navy pilot in Iraq and
Afghanistan, serving as an Instructor in the Naval Strike and
Air Warfare Center, and as a Naval reservist combating drug
trafficking in Central and South America.
Jim currently serves as a Major in the Oklahoma Air
National Guard. He is a recognized leader on space and weather
issues.
In 2015, SpaceNews named him one of five space leaders
making a difference, citing his efforts to ensure the more
effective use of satellite-based weather data, promoted
responsible opportunities for commercial space launches, and
recognized the intersection of space and national security of
the United States.
Jim's interest in aviation and space was obvious when he
served as the Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and
organized the Quick Trip Air and Rocket Racing Show in 2010,
which I happened to fly in.
NASA is poised to unleash the economic and potential of
coordinated public and private investment in space activities,
and I look forward to that leadership.
I would comment--since it was brought up as to what are the
qualifications--that two very well respected people, Buzz
Aldrin and Greg Autry, made the joint statement, ``It does not
take a rocket scientist to run NASA,'' and they go into the
details as to the job that James Webb had done at one time.
I am quoting them, now, in a joint statement. ``Finding
another Webb is no easy task. The President considered several
excellent candidates, some of whom we personally admire. But in
the spirit of Webb's leadership, U.S. Representative Jim
Bridenstine is the President's nominee and we heartily endorse
him.''
So it is my pleasure to introduce my House member, Jim
Bridenstine.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Inhofe.
Congressmen Bridenstine, please proceed with your opening
statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES BRIDENSTINE,
NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Representative Bridenstine. Thank you, Senator Inhofe, for
that very kind introduction mentioning my pilot experience. I
recognize I am the junior pilot from the State of Oklahoma in
the Oklahoma delegation, and I appreciate your help, and
support, and your service to the same constituents I now serve.
Thank you to Chairman Thune, and Ranking Member Nelson,
members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Space, and
Transportation.
It is an honor to appear before you today as the nominee
for NASA Administrator.
I want to recognize my family who is here with me. My wife
Michelle, and my children Walker, Sarah, and Grant. Without
their love and support, I would not be here in front of you
today.
NASA is an extraordinary agency with an extremely talented
and diverse workforce. It has brought about civilization-
changing events and scientific discoveries. It has inspired
billions of people and it represents what is exceptional about
the United States of America, a spirit of adventure, a spirit
of exploration, and a thirst for greater understanding of the
Earth and the cosmos.
I am truly humbled by the prospect of leading this agency.
I grew up reading about the heroes of the Apollo era, heroes
like Gene Cernan, a Naval aviator and the last man, so far, to
walk on the Moon. Stories like his inspired me to be a pilot
and to serve my country in uniform.
NASA is at a critical time in history. Humanity is ready to
go to Deep Space for the first time in 45 years. To do this
sustainably, we must develop a consensus agenda, driven by
science, and based on national interests.
Should I be confirmed, it will be my intention to build off
the work accomplished by the great people at NASA during the
last administration, and to move forward by following the
guidance of the NASA Transition Authorization Act,
appropriations legislation, and the science decadal surveys. We
must all do this together.
No agency can match NASA's return on investment for
taxpayer dollars, not just in inspiration, exploration, and
science, but also in its direct impact to the U.S. economy.
For example, NASA's contributions to aeronautics have made
air travel significantly cleaner, safer, and quieter. As a
pilot myself, I hope to lead NASA through the next era of X-
planes or experimental planes.
There are many near-term opportunities for NASA, none more
than to once again launch American astronauts on American
rockets from American soil and to safely return them home.
The first combined launch of the space launch system and
the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle is drawing near. These two
vehicles will be the backbone for returning humans to Deep
Space and fulfilling the NASA Transition Authorization Act's
goal of getting humans to Mars.
I believe in this Administration's vision of getting to
Mars by using the Moon as a proving ground, and through a grand
unity of effort by NASA, the Administration, Congress,
industry, and our international partners.
In addition, NASA's Commercial Crew partners are drawing
closer to reestablishing a capability we have not had since the
retirement of the Space Shuttles, to regularly launch Americans
to the International Space Station on American rockets.
Of course, the most important part of every human space
flight mission is making sure that our astronauts return home
safely.
I know what it means for lives to be on the line when
making difficult decisions, including my own life. And if
confirmed, I will work to promote a NASA culture where safety,
transparency, and independent oversight are celebrated.
In order to move humans into Deep Space, we must have a
vibrant, commercial, Low Earth Orbit economy. The future of
LEO, including the International Space Station, will be a
priority if I am confirmed.
I also plan to lead a focused, space technology program,
which will form the foundation of a future expansion of
economic activity in LEO and beyond.
NASA has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and
explorers, and it continues to do so with incredible
discoveries across NASA's science divisions.
These include the search for ancient and extant life with
the upcoming Mars 2020 and Europa missions, the launch of the
James Webb Space Telescope, Parker Solar Probe, and Earth
science missions like NISAR, IceSat-2, and so much more that
will help us better understand our changing planet.
It is an honor of a lifetime to be nominated by the
President and to be considered by the Senate for NASA
Administrator. Working together, America can lead the way
forward in space, inspiring the world, unlocking the mysteries
of our universe, and motivating a new generation of young women
and young men.
Thank you for allowing me to appear before you and I look
forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of
Rep. Bridenstine follow:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. James Bridenstine, Nominee For
Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Thank you, Senator Inhofe, for the kind introduction. Chairman
Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, members of the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, it is an honor to appear before
you as the nominee for Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
I want to recognize my family here with me: my wife, Michelle, and
my children Walker, Sarah, and Grant. Without their love and support, I
would not be here today in front of you.
NASA is an extraordinary agency with an extremely talented and
diverse workforce. It has brought about civilization-changing events
and scientific discoveries, has inspired billions, and represents what
is exceptional about the United States of America--a spirit of
adventure, of exploration, and the thirst for a greater understanding
of the Earth and our universe.
I am truly humbled by the prospect of leading this agency. I grew
up reading about the heroes of the Apollo era, like Gene Cernan, a
Naval aviator and the last man to walk on the Moon. Stories like his
inspired me to be a pilot and to serve my country in uniform.
I piloted the E-2C Hawkeye off the USS Abraham Lincoln in both Iraq
and Afghanistan, where I had responsibility for command and control of
theaters of battle. I then later became an instructor at the highest
levels of Naval aviation, weapons and tactics, which required a high
capacity for grasping technical issues and systems. I also had the
honor of flying F-18 Hornets at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare
Center.
In 2012, I ran for Congress and have served here since January of
2013. I continued as a Navy Reservist until transitioning to the
Oklahoma Air National Guard in 2015, joining a Special Ops Wing.
In the House of Representatives, I serve on the Armed Services
Committee and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology. I have
had the great pleasure of working with many of you on this Committee on
a bipartisan basis.
NASA is at a crucial time in its history, preparing to explore Deep
Space again for the first time in forty-five years. To do this
sustainably, we must develop a consensus-driven agenda, based on
national interests. Should I be confirmed, it will be my intention to
build off the work done by the great people at NASA during the last
administration, and to move forward by following the guidance of the
NASA Transition Authorization Act, appropriations legislation, and
science decadal surveys. We must all do this together.
There are many great near-term opportunities for NASA, none more
than the opportunity to once again launch American astronauts on
American rockets from American soil, and safely return them home. In
addition, the first combined launch of the Space Launch System and
Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is drawing near. EM-1 will be a huge
test for Deep Space exploration and a crucial test for ultimately
sending humans beyond Earth orbit for the first time since 1972. NASA
will need healthy resources and full support from the Administration
and Congress to keep this program on schedule, and I intend to be the
agency's biggest advocate for this goal.
NASA's Commercial Crew partners are drawing closer to bringing us a
capability we have not had since the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
NASA is a great tool of American foreign policy, and our partnerships
in space are shining examples of diplomacy. However, without our own
domestic access to space, partnerships turn into dependencies, and this
is not sustainable.
Getting new vehicles to launch will enhance our leadership,
strengthen our partnerships, and bring about capabilities that will not
only serve NASA and the International Space Station, but could one day
serve other nations and other LEO platforms. Seeing the Commercial Crew
program through to success will be a top priority of mine, should I be
confirmed.
The success of these programs means our astronauts come home
safely. This fact is not lost on me and I do not take this lightly. I
know what it means for lives to be on the line when
making decisions. If confirmed as Administrator, I will work to
promote a NASA culture where safety, transparency, and independent
oversight are celebrated.
No agency can match NASA's return on investment for taxpayer
dollars, not just in inspiration, exploration, and science, but also in
its direct impact on the economy. NASA technological development drives
innovation within the industrial base, generating spin-off technologies
in every economic sector. For example, NASA's contributions to
aeronautics have made air travel significantly cleaner, safer, and
quieter, and have driven a multi trillion dollar-per-year industry. As
a pilot myself, I hope to lead NASA through its next era of X-planes,
including the Low Boom Supersonic aircraft and the X-57 Maxwell.
If confirmed as Administrator, I also intend to drive the
commercial space economy further out beyond Earth. In order to move
humans sustainably into Deep Space we must have a vibrant commercial
LEO economy, and ISS transition will be a focus if I am confirmed. I
also plan to lead a focused space technology program which will develop
improved solar electric propulsion, in-space robotic assembly, and
closed-loop environmental control and life support systems, all of
which will form the foundation of a future expansion of economic
activity in LEO and beyond.
Another critical opportunity will be the development of future
architectures for exploration and science. The NASA Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 directs NASA to continue its efforts to get
humans to Mars. The Administration has expressed that it would like
NASA to return to the Moon. These goals are not mutually exclusive and
in fact work together; I have long been a proponent of returning to the
Moon, particularly as a proving ground for missions deeper into space.
We must also recognize that NASA currently has more mission than it
has budget. The days of Apollo when NASA's budget represented 3 to 4
percent of the Federal budget are not likely to return. Nor would we
want to necessarily replicate that model, as it proved to ultimately be
unsustainable. Fortunately, times have changed and great advancements
have been made. The American and international space industries are
more capable than ever before. A lot of this is
due to investments in research and technology development made by
NASA decades ago that entrepreneurial Americans have taken and advanced
further. So rather than pitting various sectors of this industry
against one another, or fitting certain capabilities into pre-
determined boxes, should I be confirmed, NASA will develop exploration
and science architectures that leverage everything the United States
and its international partners have to offer. This way, we will
maximize resources and ensure NASA can carry out not only exploration
missions back to the Moon and on to Mars, but Earth Science, Planetary
Science, Heliophysics, Astrophysics, and Aeronautics research.
NASA has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and
explorers and it continues to do so with incredible discoveries across
NASA's science divisions that are unlocking the fundamental mysteries
of the universe. If confirmed, I look forward to promoting the
scientific community's priorities as embodied by the science decadal
survey recommendations that further advance the boundaries of human
knowledge and American leadership in the Earth and space sciences.
These include the search for ancient and extant life with the upcoming
Mars 2020 and Europa missions, the launch of the James Webb Space
Telescope and the awe-inspiring images it is anticipated to produce,
Parker Solar Probe--a heliophysics mission that will provide a greater
understanding of the relationship between the sun and Earth, and Earth
Science missions like NISAR and IceSat-2 that increase our
understanding of the Earth as a system and can enable solutions to the
most pressing issues we face on our home planet.
Finally, when it comes to space programs we are discussing
timelines of decades, not months. We are also discussing critical data
sources and information gathering efforts. There must be consistency
and constancy. Without it, NASA experiences shifting priorities and
funding, which prevent progress and discovery, waste taxpayer dollars,
and erode morale at the agency. This is detrimental to our space
program and our Nation. Should I be confirmed, it will be my intention
to build off the work done by the great people at NASA during the last
administration, and move forward following the guidance of the NASA
Transition Authorization Act, appropriations legislation, and science
decadal surveys. It would be my goal to leave in place programs that
can be continued by the next administration regardless of political
party.
Doing this will require consensus. The only way to get that is to
work together as a community--Congress, the Administration, industry,
scientists, academia, non-profits, everybody. It is my commitment to
strive every day to ensure we are meeting the national interest in a
sustainable, maintainable, and supportable way.
These are exciting times, and it is an honor of a lifetime to even
be considered for this position. I have dedicated much of my adult life
to serving my country, and should the Senate confirm me I look forward
to doing so in a new position. Working together, we can maintain
American leadership in space. We can continue to accomplish stunning
achievements that inspire the world and encourage other nations to
partner with us. We can continue providing valuable data and
information about our planet and our universe. We can motivate a new
generation of girls and boys to enter the fields of science,
technology, engineering and math.
Thank you again for allowing me to appear before you. I look
forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
James Frederick Bridenstine ``Jim''.
2. Position to which nominated: NASA Administrator.
3. Date of Nomination: 15 September 2017.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 216 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
20515.
Office: 2448 E. 81st St, Suite 5150, Tulsa, OK 74137.
5. Date and Place of Birth: 15 June 1975; Ann Arbor, MI.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Michelle Ivory Bridenstine, N/A.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
B.A., Rice University, 1998.
M.B.A., Cornell University, 2009.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
01/2013-Present, Member of Congress.
04/2015-Present, Oklahoma Air National Guard.
03/2010-04/2015, United States Navy Reserve, E-2C Hawkeye
Aircraft Pilot.
06/2011-09/2012, Wyle Laboratories, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft
Subject Matter Expert.
01/2012-07/2012, Zoellner Enterprises, Business Development.
11/2010-04/2011, Deloitte, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft Subject Matter
Expert.
12/2008-08/2010, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium,
Executive Director.
05/2007-12/2008, Wyle Laboratories, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft
Subject Matter Expert.
05/1998-05/2007, United States Navy, E-2C Hawkeye and F-18C
Pilot.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
See attached resume.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. N/A
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
04/2015 to Present, Oklahoma Air National Guard.
03/2010-04/2015, United States Navy Reserve, E-2C Hawkeye
Aircraft Pilot.
06/2011-09/2012, Wyle Laboratories, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft
Subject Matter Expert.
01/2012-07/2012, Zoellner Enterprises, Business Development.
11/2010-04/2011, Deloitte, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft Subject Matter
Expert.
12/2008-08/2010, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium,
Executive Director.
05/2007-12/2008, Wyle Laboratories, E-2C Hawkeye Aircraft
Subject Matter Expert.
05/1998-05/2007, United States Navy, E-2C Hawkeye and F-18C
Pilot.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
Member, South Tulsa Baptist Church (2009 to Present).
Member, National Republican Club of Capitol Hill (2013 to
Present).
Member, National Rifle Association (2012 to Present).
Member, Association of the United States Navy (2011-2012).
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives 2012, 2014, 2016
Member of Congress, 1st District of Oklahoma, Jan 2013 to
Present
No campaign debt
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Payable To Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Friends of Jim Bridenstine, Inc.
9/5/2012 Tulsa County Republican Party 1,500.00
10/3/2012 Mullin for Congress 1,000.00
1/16/2013 Congressional Institute, Inc. 1,051.00
9/13/2013 Tulsa GOP 1,500.00
1/1/2014 Oklahoma Republican Party 5,000.00
1/15/2014 Oklahoma Republican Party 15,000.00
6/25/2014 Mullin for Congress 2,000.00
7/21/2014 Daines for Montana 2,000.00
9/24/2014 Republican Party of Tulsa County 1,500.00
10/23/2014 Defenders of Liberty 500.00
11/21/2014 Oklahoma Republican Party 20,000.00
11/21/2014 Alliance for Vigilance 1,000.00
4/23/2015 Oklahoma Republican Party 5,000.00
5/22/2015 Oklahoma GOP 2,000.00
6/28/2015 Tulsa County GOP 1,000.00
6/30/2015 DeSantis for Florida 2,000.00
9/1/2015 Defenders of Liberty 1,000.00
10/22/2015 Oklahoma Federation of Republican 1,000.00
Women
3/15/2016 Oklahoma Republican Party 5,200.00
7/25/2016 Kansans for Huelskamp 2,000.00
8/8/2016 Ward for Senate 2,000.00
8/18/2016 Mary Thomas for Congress 2,000.00
9/14/2016 Republican Party of Tulsa County 1,362.50
9/20/2016 Defenders of Liberty 1,000.00
11/7/2016 Republican Party of Tulsa County 1,000.00
12/12/2016 Senate Conservatives Fund 5,000.00
6/21/2017 Labrador For Governor 5,000.00
6/21/2017 Labrador For Governor 5,000.00
From Jim Bridenstine Personally
6/18/2017 Brian O'Hara (for State Senate) 1,000.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have held no office for a political party, nor have I been
employed by any campaign.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Rice University Athletic Scholarship (Swimming)
Phillip Morris Academic Scholarship
Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V''
Navy Commendation Medal
Air Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal
Expert Pistol Medal
Battle Efficiency Ribbon
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
Speeches on Space
Space Budget Forum-Air Force Association & Jacques & Associates
Topic: Federal budget outlook
16 Jun 2017
Zero G Summit--Space Trust
Topic: Importance of space for international partnerships
25 May 2017
Address fly In--Colorado Springs business group
Topic: Role of space in the economy
17 May 2017
Space Classified session--Space Symposium
Topic: Classified space threats
5 Apr 2017
Corporate Partnership Dinner--Space Symposium
Topic: Policy ideas for the National Space Council
4 Apr 2017
Fusion Forum--Space Generation Advisory Council
Topic: Necessity for policymakers and technical experts to
collaborate
2 Apr 2017
Space Security forum--Center for Strategic and International
Studies
Topic: Space threats and policies needed to counter
22 Mar 2017
Keynote--Satellite Industry Association Leadership Dinner
Topic: Space situational awareness, SATCOM priorities, spectrum
protection
6 Mar 2017
Reception--SLS/Orion Suppliers conference
Topic: Support for and importance of SLS/Orion 1
5 Feb 2017
Business Meeting--Satellite Industry Association
Topic: Space situational awareness policy provisions
13 Feb 2017
Keynote--Commercial Space Transportation Conference
Topic: Regulatory and policy environment of commercial space
8 Feb 2017
Galloway Symposium--International Institute of Space Law
Topic: Need for legislation to comply with Article VI of the
Outer Space Treaty
7 Dec 2016
Space-Based Environmental Intelligence--American Astronomical
Society
Topic: Importance of earth science and overview of policies
affecting NOAA satellites
1 Dec 2016
Keynote--Air Force Association Schriever Space Future Forum
Topic: Space threats and policies to counter them
18 Nov 2016
Annual Meeting--Lunar Exploration Analysis Group
Topic: Reasons to go back to the Moon
2 Nov 2016
Keynote--Future Space Leaders
Topic: Encourage the next generation to stay active in space
policy and industry
14 Jul 2016
Address fly in--Accelerate Colorado
Topic: General role of space in the economy
14 Jun 2016
Keynote--Mitchell Institute Space Breakfast Series
Topic: American Space Renaissance Act provisions included in
NDAA
19 May 2016
Keynote--Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee
Topic: American Space Renaissance Act provisions relating to
commercial space
28 Apr 2016
Address class--Georgetown Law
Topic: American Space Renaissance Act relating to international
law
18 Apr 2016
Keynote--Space Symposium
Topic: Introduce American Space Renaissance Act
13 Apr 2016
Government Affairs Breakfast--Space Symposium
Topic: Introduce American Space Renaissance Act
13 Apr 2016
Executive Breakfast Series--Commercial Spaceflight Federation
Topic: Need for legislation on space situational awareness and
to comply with Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty
9 Feb 2016
Space Budget Forum-Air Force Association & Jacques & Associates
Topic: Federal budget outlook
8 Feb 2016
Keynote--Embry Riddle Space Traffic Management Conference
Topic: Space Traffic Management and Space Situational Awareness
policies
12 Nov 2015
Keynote--Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee
Topic: Need for greater funding in FAA/AST
20 Oct 2015
Address dinner--Inmarsat Board of Directors
Topic: General Q&A on SATCOM policy
16 Sep 2015
Address conference--Satellite Industries Association
Topic: SATCOM policies
8 Jul 2015
Keynote--Mitchell Institute Space Breakfast Series
Topic: SATCOM priorities in the NDAA
12 Jun 2015
Panel Discussion--Satellite 2015
Topic: Commercially Hosted Government Payloads
16 Mar 2015
Keynote--Commercial Space Transportation Conference
Topic: Partnerships between commercial and government agencies
such as NASA, DoD, NOAA
4 Feb 2015
Keynote--SATCON
Topic: Next Generation Space Architectures
12 Nov 2014
State of the Aerospace Defense Industry--OK Chamber of Commerce
Topic: Role of space in the aerospace defense industry
27 Oct 2014
Keynote--Washington Space Business Roundtable
Topic: The need to incorporate commercial satellite weather
data into NOAA's models
16 Sep 2014
Published Writings
Increasing the visibility of the Commercial Space
Transportation Office (with Rep. Derek Kilmer)
The Hill
28 Mar 2017
Shoot the Next One Down, Mr. President
breitbart.com
16 Feb 2017
Oklahoma's congressional delegation: `Obamacare' fails Oklahoma
(with Reps. Cole, Lucas, Mullin, and Russell)
Tulsa World
17 Jan 2017
Transforming U.S. Space Policy
Room: The Space Journal
Fall/Winter 2016
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Trust Trump . . . to be the better
president
Tulsa World
6 Nov 2016
Real Culprit/Capital View
NATIONAL GUARD magazine
April 2016
Make FAA/AST the ``FAA for Space''
SpaceNews
18 Jan 2016
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Omnibus bill cedes power to
`lawless' administration
Tulsa World
17 Jan 2016
Ted Cruz's True Record on Military Funding and National
Security Is Unassailable
National Review
17 Feb 2016
Tulsa Leaders' Essays
Tulsa Beacon
7 Jan 2016
The `Read the Bill Act'
breitbart.com
6 Jan 2016
Congress Can and Should Still Defund Planned Parenthood
breitbart.com
3 Dec 2015
Time for Action on Commercial Weather Data
SpaceNews
26 Oct 2015
Representing You in Washington
Sand Springs News
3 Sept 2015
How to Ignore Obama's Straw Men and Override the Terrible Iran
Deal
National Review
21 Jul 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Iran nuclear deal is a failure
Tulsa World
19 Jul 2015
`Proven Fundraiser' Ted Cruz Can Defeat the Clinton Machine in
2016
breitbart.com
18 Jul 2015
Rep. Jim Bridenstine: `I will not be complicit in paving Iran's
way to a nuclear weapon'
Tulsa World
14 Jul 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Necessary conditions for an Iran
deal
Tulsa World
30 Jun 2015
NOAA's Commercial Data Policy
SpaceNews
24 Jun 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine and Sen. Ted Cruz: Unleash the
American energy renaissance now
Tulsa World
13 Jun 2015
Maintaining U.S. Military Preeminence Globally
breitbart.com
18 Jun 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Federal courts are `last hope' to
overturn President Barack Obama's `lawlessness on immigration'
Tulsa World
4 Mar 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Senate should reject attorney
general candidate because of Obama administration's
`persistent, lawless conduct'
Tulsa World
26 Feb 2015
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: Forecast for U.S. weather
forecasting is getting cloudy
Tulsa World
12 Feb 2015
The Moral Case for Keeping Guantanamo Open
National Review
13 Jan 2015
Why I Will Not Vote for John Boehner to Be House Speaker
The Daily Signal
2 Jan 2015
Private Sector Can Boost U.S. Weather Forecasting
SpaceNews
8 Dec 2014
We Can't Trust the IAEA on Iran
National Review
21 Nov 2014
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: The speaker vote
Tulsa World
14 Nov 2014
Winds of Change for Weather Data
SpaceNews
20 Oct 2014
Ebola: Obama's Latest Failure
breitbart.com
16 Oct 2014
It's Time to End This War on Youth
RedAlertPolitics.com
30 July 2014
Single Purchasing Agent May Be Best Option for DoD Satcom
SpaceNews
16 Jun 2014
Imminent Sale of French Warships to Russia Lets `Evil Triumph'
breitbart.com
16 Jun 2014
Nation Needs More AWACS Planes, Not Fewer (with Rep. Tom Cole)
NewsOK.com
27 May 2014
Men, Women in Uniform Should Always Be Priority (with Rep. Tom
Cole)
The Oklahoman
25 May 2014
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine: American energy impacts global
stability
Tulsa World
12 Apr 2014
Common Core Will Federalize Education
breitbart.com
13 Mar 2014
Tax Reform Is Insufficient
breitbart.com
26 Feb 2014
Disabled Veterans Are Not a Bargaining Chip
breitbart.com
14 Jan 2014
Obama's Politics of War Cannot Continue in Afghanistan
breitbart.com
9 Jan 2014
Bridenstine: Obama should treat friends better
The Hill
4 Nov 2013
Bridenstine Asks Senators to Stand Strong: Obamacare
Tulsa World
26 Sep 2013
Defunding `Obamacare' is right strategy
Tulsa World
3 Aug 2013
Checking the power of incumbency (with Rep. Beto O'Rourke)
Politico
15 May 2013
Now It's Time To Deliver
RedState.com
6 May 2013
Drugs vs. American virtue
Tulsa World
14 Mar 2011
Letter to the editor: Space (shuttle) race intensifies
Tulsa World
6 Jun 2010
Letter to the editor: Air show exceeds expectations
Tulsa World
2 May 2010
Aviation Industry Requires Education
Tulsa Business Journal
21 Dec 2009
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
Testimony in front of Congress
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations
Subcommittee
Topic: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
9 Mar 2017
Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
Topic: National Security Space
9 Mar 2017
Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
Topic: National Security Space
15 Mar 2016
Rules Committee
Topic: Student Success Act
25 Feb 2015
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
For three terms in Congress, I have led comprehensive, bipartisan,
space reforms with the objective of preserving America's preeminence
and global leadership in space. My legislative accomplishments were
recognized by Space News when it named me as one of ``Five Space
Leaders Making a Difference'' in the world (http://spacenews.com/5-
space-leaders-making-a-difference/). These efforts have led me to a
deep understanding of the complex challenges NASA will face bringing
together traditional space companies and new space entrepreneurs into a
comprehensive NASA vision for both exploration and science. Traditional
and new space companies are both critical to accelerating America's
space renaissance.
My committee assignments and subcommittee chairmanship placed me in
a position of responsibility for oversight of America's civil,
commercial, and national security space. NASA is an incredible
leadership and soft power tool for the United States of America. With
NASA's global leadership, we will pioneer the solar system, sending
humans back to the Moon, to Mars, and beyond. This requires a
consistent, sustainable strategy for deep space exploration.
I am fully familiar with NASA's role as a purchasing agent for NOAA
and how critical this partnership is to protect lives and property. As
a United States Representative from Oklahoma, I have led efforts to
improve severe weather prediction and I have come to appreciate how
complex Earth is as a system. NASA must continue studying our home
planet. Unfortunately, Earth Science sometimes gets pitted against
planetary science for resources. This is not in the best interest of
NASA, the United States, or the world. Mars once had a magnetic field,
rivers, lakes, and an ocean on its north pole. At some point, Mars
changed dramatically and we should strive to understand why. Studying
other planets can inform our understanding of Earth. NASA must continue
to advance both Earth Science and planetary science for the benefit of
mankind.
As the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum &
Planetarium, I saw children of all backgrounds benefit from NASA's STEM
education programs. NASA's stunning achievements make it uniquely
situated to educate, inspire and motivate future generations of
Americans.
As a Naval Aviator, I was entrusted by the U.S. Government to fly
aircraft worth over $80 million off aircraft carriers and to conduct
battlefield command and control of hardware worth billions of dollars
while protecting and enabling thousands of warfighters. I have flown
combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq and instructed at the highest
levels of Naval Aviation. As a Navy Reservist, I have conducted
counter-drug missions in Central and South America. I understand the
importance of team cohesion for mission accomplishment. Military
aviation has given me first-hand experience with national security
space-based capabilities including navigation, communication, weather,
imagery, and associated networks and waveforms.
I have participated in simulation experiments with future
warfighting technologies and determined requirements necessary to
support and initiate acquisition programs. On behalf of the armed
forces, I have developed requests for proposal and evaluated the
corporate responses. I understand the complexity of large acquisitions
and the legal necessity of managing them properly.
Serving as NASA Administrator would challenge me to utilize the sum
total of my experiences and knowledge to lead one of America's most
trusted and esteemed agencies. NASA has an unsurpassed track record of
achievement enabled by brilliant scientists and engineers, fearless
astronauts, and exceptionally capable technology companies. Given that
record, contemplating the possibility of contributing to NASA's future
success is both humbling and energizing. I can think of no higher honor
in the service of my country than to lead NASA.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
Agency heads are required by law to evaluate and report on internal
controls and financial systems (Federal Managers Financial Integrity
Act, Federal Financial Management Improvement Act, and 0MB Circular A-
123). I intend to conduct internal reviews of current controls and
consider recommendations from external reviewers such as the OIG and
GAO. If confirmed as NASA Administrator, it will be my responsibility
to lead and oversee NASA's Mission Support Council, the organization
responsible for oversight of NASA's internal control program.
As a Member of Congress, I make decisions concerning the laws and
budget of the United States. I must wisely exercise this responsibility
to the benefit of the United States and my constituents. My committee
assignments and subcommittee chairmanship have placed me in a position
to oversee agencies responsible for America's civil, commercial, and
national security space policy and programs. OIG and GAO reports often
inform the direction of oversight by congressional committees. Should I
be confirmed, I will work diligently to ensure NASA complies in a
timely manner with Congressional oversight requests. I would like to
work hand in hand with Congress to benefit the Agency.
As a Naval Aviator, I was entrusted by the U.S. Government to fly
aircraft worth over $80 million off aircraft carriers and to conduct
battlefield command and control of hardware worth billions of dollars
while protecting and enabling thousands of warfighters. I have flown
combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, counter-drug missions in
Central and South America, and instructed at the highest levels of
Naval Aviation.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
I believe NASA's top three challenges are:
Maintaining consistency and constancy of purpose while
establishing a consensus agenda that can bridge multiple
administrations regardless of party. This is essential to avoid
resource-wasting program cancellations and maintain high morale
both within the Agency and its contractor workforce;
Maintaining and building international partnerships while
ending dependency on unfriendly nations to avoid exploitable
vulnerabilities;
Bringing together traditional space companies and new space
entrepreneurs into a comprehensive NASA vision to maximize
resources and create efficiencies.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
Not Applicable.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
I currently serve in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Should I be
confirmed, I will transfer to the Air Force Standby Reserve (from Tide
32 to Title 10 of the U.S. Code).
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. None.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. None.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
I have been a Member of Congress since 2013.
In 2009, as the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space
Museum & Planetarium, I responded to a NASA request for information on
the final placement and display of retired space shuttle orbiters. I
requested letters of support from the Oklahoma congressional
delegation.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
I do not foresee any conflicts of interest, but will follow the
guidance of the Office of Government Ethics and NASA Legal Counsel.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group:
House Ethics Committee and Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE)
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint,
or personnel action was issued or initiated:
I was notified of initiation of an OCE preliminary review on 01/29/
2015. On 03/19/2015 the House Committee on Ethics notified me that it
was initiating an information review of the same issue.
A report adopted by the House Committee on Ethics on July 29, 2015
(U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ethics, Report Adopted
July 29, 2015: In the Matter of Officially-Connected Travel by House
Members to Azerbaijan in 2013; dated July 31, 2015) declared that I and
other House Members acted in good faith and that the Committee would
take no further action with respect to any House Member or employee
concerning the issue reviewed.
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action:
In March 2013, I was invited to participate in privately sponsored
travel to a conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. My travel was sponsored by
an organization that represented to the House Committee on Ethics
(``the Committee'') that it was eligible to sponsor the travel. I
submitted the required travel pre-approval forms to the Committee and
received written approval from the Committee on May 8, 2013. I departed
on May 25 and returned on May 30. Nine other Members of Congress
participated in the Azerbaijan Trip. Over a year after my return, an
anonymous complaint was filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics
(OCE) alleging that the travel expenses for the Member trips were paid
by entities ineligible to sponsor such travel.
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
Extensive reviews by both the OCE and the House Committee on Ethics
led the Committee to conclude in its final report on the matter that I
(and other Members of Congress) acted in good faith in accepting
privately sponsored travel.
Additionally, I and other Members of Congress received unsolicited
gifts while visiting Azerbaijan in May 2013, including hand-crafted
rugs. Upon return to the U.S., I had the two rugs that I received
immediately appraised. Their individual values exceeded the allowable
limit set by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, so I proactively
filed a report with the House Committee on Ethics. I then sought the
Committee's guidance and returned the rugs. According the Office of
Congressional Ethics, I was the only Member to do so prior to the
Office of Congressional Ethics and House Committee on Ethics reviews of
the Azerbaijan trips. I received other small gifts including music CDs
that were discarded when I returned home and a porcelain tea set that I
turned over to the Clerk of the House. I also gave a coffee table book,
which may have been a personal purchase, to the Library of Congress
Surplus Books Program.
Quoting from the Committee's final report adopted July 29, 2015:
The evidence demonstrates that the House travelers submitted
their [travel pre-approval] forms in good faith, and there is
no evidence the House travelers knew, or should have known, if
the sponsors' false statements regarding the true source of
funding for the travel. Because the House travelers acted in
good faith, and the evidence was inconclusive as to the true
source of funds for the travel, the Committee concluded that
the Trips did not constitute an impermissible gift of travel,
and decided no further action is required regarding the House
travelers' acceptance of any trip expenses.
Separate and apart from the travel expenses that were the
subject of the Committee's preapproval process, evidence
indicates that many House travelers received various tangible
gifts during the Trips. In general, Committee approval to
accept privately sponsored, officially connected travel is
limited to accepting costs related to the trip, not to tangible
gifts that may be offered to the traveler.
The tangible gifts received by House travelers on the Trips in
this matter may have been permissible under the House Gift
Rule. However, the various provisions of the Gift Rule that may
have permitted acceptance of these gifts require knowledge of
the donor to assess whether a particular provision of the Gift
Rule applies.
The Committee could not determine the source of these gifts.
Since the donor was unknown, it is unlikely that many of the
tangible gifts could be accepted under any provision of the
House Gift Rule. However, either under their own initiative or
at the Committee's recommendation, all Members have voluntarily
remedied, or committed to remedy, any impermissible gifts
received in connection with the Trips. In addition, the
Committee has contacted House staff who participated in the
trips and provided guidance to them about tangible gifts they
may have received. Therefore, the Committee will take no
further action with respect to any House Member or employee in
this issue.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ethics,
Report Adopted July 29, 2015: In the Matter of Officially-
Connected Travel by House Members to Azerbaijan in 2013; dated
July 31, 2015, pp. 2-3.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of James Frederick Bridenstine
Objective
To serve the United States of America as NASA Administrator
Summary
Eagle Scout Boy Scouts of America
Member of Congress representing Oklahoma's First District
Champion for bipartisan space reform (national security.
civil, commercial)
Military pilot with combat experience in Iraq and
Afghanistan
Commanded and controlled theaters of battle as a pilot in
the E-2C Hawkeye
Flew F-18 Hornets as an adversary for TOPGUN Instructors
Highest level tactical instructor Within Naval Aviation
(Level 5 Instructor)
Trusted by the U.S. government with a Top Secret/SCI
clearance
Experience
Member of the United States House of Representatives (Jan 2013-present)
Member of the House Armed Services Committee
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
Subcommittee on Seapower and Project ion Forces
Member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee
Subcommittee on Space
Subcommittee on Energy
Former Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee
Effective Champion for Comprehensive Space Policy Reform
Named by SpaceNews as one of 5 space leaders in the world
making a difference in space (SpaceNews, 2015)
Authored Numerous 2017 NASA Transition Authorization Act
Provisions
Allowed the NASA Administrator to determine a maximum
probable loss for commercially provided launches and set the
insurance requirements to that determination to reduce costs
and increase flexibility
Called for a review of concepts and technologies for
removing orbital debris
Required NASA to develop a post-ISS plan to avoid a gap in
low Earth orbit platforms
Expressed Congress' support for the Venture Class Launch
Services pro gram to enhance the domestic launch industry
Co-Authored the Bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act
Authorized a space-based Commercial Weather Data Pilot
Program within NOAA
Incorporated oversight mechanisms on future NOAA flagship
satellite programs
Authored Numerous 2017 Omnibus Space Provisions
Encouraged NASA to develop plans to return to the Moon to
test capabilities that will be needed to go to Mars including
developing in situ resource utilization
Funded a space-based Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program
within NOAA and DoD
Required NOAA to evaluate competitively purchased weather
data as a potential follow on to the first tranche of COSMIC-2
satellites
Increased funding for FAA Office of Commercial Space
Transportation
Authored Numerous 2017 NOAA Space Provisions
Authorized funding for Operationally Responsive Space to
establish a program based on NASA's Venture Class Launch
Services
Encouraged Air Force to make greater use of commercially
hosted payloads
Required a true apples-to-apples comparison of MILSATCOM and
COMSATCOM in the wideband Analysis of Alternatives
Authorized the Protected Tactical Service SATCOM program
Authorized the SMC SATCOM Pathfinder program
Authorized and required implementation of commercial SATCOM
pilot program within DoD
Authorized a space-based Commercial Weather Data Pilot
Program
Required analysis on leveraging commercial facilities for
the Air Force Satellite Control Network
Authored Numerous 2018 NOAA Space Provisions (Pending
Senate/House Conference)
Extends space-based Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program by
one year
Encourages Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) for the SMC
Pathfinder program
Creates capstone training event for space operators (Space
Flag)
Directs development of space-based sensors for missile
launch tracking and targeting
Establishes pilot program for space-based mapping of
electromagnetic spectrum
Supports National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
acquiring non-traditional sources of geospatial intelligence
Increases resources for a military operational capability
for responsive launch, specifically for commercial small launch
Supports continued investment in the use of commercial
capabilities to enhance resilience and lower costs of the Air
Force Satellite Control Network
Encourages SecAF to operationalize extant commercial SSA
capabilities to rapidly meet war-fighter requirements
Co-authored the bipartisan American Space Commerce and Free
Enterprise Act (passed Committee)
Provides a mechanism for the U.S. Government to approve
commercial remote sensing and private non-traditional space
activities (human habitats, robotic servicing, lunar missions,
and more) while meeting treaty obligations
Authored Numerous 2018 CJS Appropriations Space Provisions
(passed Committee)
Funds a demonstration for commercial lunar landers within
NASA
Requires NASA to prioritize partnerships with American
companies that can provide capabilities for deep space
Includes specific funding for Venture Class Launch Services
Encourages NASA to procure Earth Science data from
commercial providers
Continues funding for NOAA's space-based Commercial Weather
Data Pilot Program
Requires NOAA to comply with statutory deadlines for remote
sensing licensing
Authored 2018 THUD Appropriations Provision to increase
funding for the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
(Passed Committee)
Oklahoma Air National Guard--Air Force Pilot (Apr 2015-Present)
Member of the first Guard wing attached to Air Force Special
Operations Command
Training to fly an MC-12 intelligence, surveillance,
reconnaissance aircraft in support of special operations
U.S. Navy Reserve--Navy Pilot (Mar 2010-Apr 2015)
Flew E-2C Hawkeyes in support of counter-narcotics
operations in South America, Central America, the Caribbean
Sea, and the eastern Pacific
Detected, monitored, and interdicted drug trafficking air
and surface vehicles
Commanded and controlled U.S. air and surface assets
employed in the drug war from an airborne platform
Wyle Laboratories--Subject Matter Expert (Jun 2011-Sep 2012)
Part-time support reviewing and editing training materials
for foreign sales of E-2C Hawkeye aircraft
Zoellner Enterprises--Marketing and Business Development (Jan 2012-Jul
2012)
Created and implemented marketing campaign for Zoellner
Optometric
Deloitte Consulting--Subject Matter Expert (Nov 2010-Apr 2011)
Consulted on modifications and enhancements for legacy E-2C
Hawkeye Aircraft
Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium--Executive Director (Dec
2008-Aug 2010)
Created comprehensive strategy for promotion, expansion and
growth of the museum
Led Tulsa's effort to acquire a retiring space shuttle
Created the QuickTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show, Tulsa's
largest air show, attended by astronauts Buzz Aldrin, John
Herrington, and Richard Garriott
Wyle Laboratories--Subject Matter Expert (May 2007-Dec 2008)
Served as the E-2D aircraft subject matter expert on an E-2D
simulator source selection team
Generated simulator requirements and request for proposal
for the E-2D simulator
Evaluated proposals from industry and selected contractor
for production
Supported the U.S. Navy in contract administration of flight
simulators and weapon system simulators to ensure programs
stayed on budget and on time
U.S. Navy--Active Duty Pilot (May 1998-May 2007)
Dual qualified pilot in F-18C Hornet and E-2C Hawkeye 333
aircraft carrier landings
41 combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq
Weapons and Tactics Instructor WTI at the Naval Strike and
Air Warfare Center NSAWC
Highest level instructor in U.S. Navy--Level 5 Instructor
Trained Advanced Mission Commanders from all E-2C squadrons
in the classroom, in simulators, and in the air
Developed and managed a standardized curriculum for Advanced
Mission Commanders to use to train their respective squadrons
Taught instructional techniques and methods to instructors
Charged With standardizing procedures, weapons, and tactics
training fleet wide
Flew the F-18C on enemy profiles to provide training for
TOPGUN instructors
Evaluated Carrier Strike Group Large Force Exercises (LFEs)
and briefed carrier air wings on points of strength and areas
for improvement
Monitored enemy threats and tactics to revise training
materials to maintain course integrity
Hawkeye Tactical Analysis Team (HETAT)
Conducted flight simulation in a virtual warfare center to
collect data on future weapon systems and tactics
Briefed U.S. Navy senior staff on operational requirements
for the E-20 aircraft
Provided operator feedback to government contractors during
the development of the new E-20 aircraft and simulator
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113)
Flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan
Flew counter drug operations in the Caribbean
Naval Air Training and Operations Procedures (NATOPS)
Instructor--Responsible for ensuring every squadron pilot
operated under standardized flight and instrument procedures.
Reported squadron readiness directly to the squadron Commanding
Officer
Instructor Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander (ICAPC)--
Responsible for training squadron in enemy threats and tactics
Airframes and Corrosion Control Division Officer--led a crew
of 20 airframe maintenance personnel
Schedules Officer--wrote daily flight schedule for 25
aircrew
Athletic Honors
Captain of the Rice University Men's Varsity Swim Team, Rice record
holder in 100 butterfly, 200 butterfly, and 400 medley relay, Rice
men's swimming MVP, Rice University athletic scholarship, Oklahoma
state champion in 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay, 400 freestyle relay,
Oklahoma swimmer of the year, water polo All American
The Chairman. Thank you, Congressman.
Ms. Baiocco.
STATEMENT OF DANA BAIOCCO, NOMINEE TO BE COMMISSIONER, CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Ms. Baiocco. Good morning, Chairman Thune, Ranking Member
Nelson, and members of the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
I am humbled and honored to be before you today as a
nominee for a vital, independent agency, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
I would like to thank President Donald Trump for nominating
me and for his confidence.
If I am confirmed by the Senate, I will strive every day to
carry out my duties to the American people with focus, clarity,
and compassion. I will do so in a manner that is expected by
this Committee.
Please allow me the indulgence of introducing my family and
friends, who are here with me today. Directly behind me is my
husband, Andy Susko. Although we have only been married a very
short time, he is a constant source of comfort and support.
My daughter, Ava Bruening, is also here today directly
behind me. She is a sophomore at the Brimmer and May School in
Boston, Massachusetts and she is missing school to be here
today, but I think this is a wonderful opportunity and a rare
opportunity for her to see our Government in action. And I hope
this experience for her is a profound one.
My parents, Joyce and Jerry Baiocco, are here from Ohio. My
sister, Stacey Williams, and my niece, Morgan Williams, are
also here. My stepson and daughter-in-law, Matt and Nicole
Susko, are watching online from their home in New Hampshire. My
other stepson John, and his brand new wife of 3 days, are in
Illinois.
I am also lucky to have several of my colleagues and
friends here today.
But I would also like to take the time to thank all of the
good, hardworking people of my hometown of Yorkville, Ohio, for
the hundreds of notes of support that they have extended to my
family. They remind me of what an enormous responsibility I
will have, if confirmed, as they are just a small sample of the
American people who I, and the agency as a whole, will work
for.
I was born in West Virginia, raised in Ohio. I attended
Ohio University, where I received a degree in journalism. I was
accepted into the four-year night school program at Duquesne
University School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During my
last year of night school, and for one year of post-graduation,
I was the law clerk for the Honorable Gustave Diamond in
district court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
I joined Jones Day an associate in 1998. I became a partner
of the firm in 2007. And in 2011, the firm asked me to go to
Boston and open our Boston office.
In my opinion, Jones Day and the lawyers and staff at this
global law firm, are second to none, not only in terms of
intellectual and legal acumen, but also in terms of mentorship,
collegiality, and client service. I have learned something from
each and every one of them. Over the last 19 years at Jones
Day, I would like to thank them all for their contributions, as
my successes have come, not on my own, but always as a part of
a team.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission plays an important
role in the safety of our Nation's consumers. If confirmed, I
will bring to the Commission all of the skills I have developed
and built over my career.
I will be guided by the rule of law. I will promote
transparency between the Commission and all of its
stakeholders. And I will encourage an open door policy between
the Commission and all advocacy groups. Rigorous debate and an
open mind to all points of view are essential to any good
decision-making process.
I will work in a collaborative way with my fellow
Commissioners, if confirmed, and with this Committee because
collaboration matters. Safety and the protection of the
American people are not bipartisan. They are all inclusive.
The CPSC is charged with a mission that touches on every
single person in this room and beyond: my family, your
families, and the families across America. The issues that come
before the CPSC are often complicated and require the study and
analysis of laws, regulations, science, and the application of
common sense.
If confirmed, there are substantive areas that I would like
to focus on as a Commissioner. First, the Commission must have
a plan to stay as current as possible on the technology, and
the new and unique types of products coming onto the market
every day.
We need to understand the data, the science, the processes
underlying every product to stay abreast of marketplace
dynamics, changing consumer preferences, and to maintain
vigilance over emerging hazards.
If confirmed, I will draw upon my experiences and I will
meet with all stakeholders, continuing my philosophy of
touching, seeing, and learning the products to help the
Commission stay well informed.
Second, I think the Commission must always work to protect
consumers from unreasonable risks while balancing the American
public's right to have access to a range of affordable product
choices and recreational activities. We are all very different
people and our choices and interests are many.
Finally, I know the Commission is currently looking at the
issue of recall effectiveness, and I look forward to
contributing my own ideas and make sure that consumers are
being reached across a variety of platforms.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify and thank you for
the opportunity to appear before this Committee.
I look forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
Baiocco follow:]
Prepared Statement of Dana Baiocco, Nominee to be a Commissioner,
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Good morning Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. I am honored to
be before you today as a nominee to a vital, independent agency, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
I would like to thank President Donald Trump for nominating me. I
am humbled by his confidence and, if confirmed by the Senate, I will
strive every day to carry out my duties to the American people with
focus, clarity, and compassion. I will do so in a manner consistent
with the high expectations of this Committee.
Please allow me the indulgence of introducing to you my family and
friends, who are here today. My husband, Andy Susko, is here with me.
Although we have only been married a short time, he is a constant
source of comfort and support. My daughter, Ava Bruening, is also here
today. She is a sophomore at Brimmer and May School in Boston,
Massachusetts. She is missing school to be here but, I think today she
will have a rare opportunity to see our system of government in action.
My parents, Joyce and Jerry Baiocco, are here from Ohio, my sister
Stacey Williams and my niece, Morgan Williams, are also here from Ohio.
My stepson and daughter-in-law, Matt and Nicole Susko, are watching
online from their home in New Hampshire. I am also lucky to have
several of my colleagues and friends here today. I would like to thank
all of the good, hard-working people in my hometown of Yorkville, Ohio,
for the hundreds of notes of support that my family has received. They
remind me of what an enormous responsibility I will have, if confirmed,
as they are just a small sample of the American people, who I and the
agency as a whole, will work for.
I was born in West Virginia, raised in Ohio, and attended Ohio
University, where I received a degree in Journalism. I was accepted
into the 4-year night school program at Duquesne University School of
Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During my last year of night school,
and for one year after graduation, I served as a federal law clerk to
the Honorable Gustave Diamond in the District Court of the Western
District of Pennsylvania. I became an associate at Jones Day in 1998
and a partner of the firm in 2007. I moved to Boston to help open the
firm's Boston office in 2011. In my opinion, Jones Day and the lawyers
and staff at this global law firm, are second to none, not only in
terms of intellectual and legal acumen, but also in terms of
mentorship, collegiality, and client service. I have learned something
from each and every person I have met over the last 19 years at Jones
Day and I thank them all. My successes have come, not on my own, but
always as a part of a team.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission plays an important role in
the safety of our Nation's consumers. If confirmed, I will bring to the
Commission, all of the skills I have developed and built over my
career. I will be guided by the rule of law, I will promote
transparency between the Commission and all of its stakeholders, and I
will encourage an open door policy between the Commission and all
advocacy groups. Rigorous debate and an open mind to all points of view
are essential to any good decision-making process.
I will work in a collaborative way with my fellow Commissioners and
with this Committee because collaboration matters. Safety and
protection of the American people are not partisan issues. They are all
inclusive. The CPSC is charged with a mission that touches on every
single person in this room and beyond, including my family, your
families, and the families across America. The issues that come before
the CPSC are often complicated and require the study and analysis of
laws, regulations, science, and the application of common sense.
If confirmed, there are substantive areas that I would like to
focus on as a Commissioner. First, the Commission must have a plan to
stay as current as possible with technology and the new and unique
types of consumer products coming onto the market every day. We need to
understand the data, science, and process underlying a product to stay
abreast of marketplace dynamics, changing consumer preferences, and to
maintain vigilance over emerging hazards. If confirmed, I will draw
upon my experiences and I will meet with all stakeholders, continuing
my philosophy of seeing, touching, and learning the products to help
the Commission stay well informed.
Second, I think the Commission must always work to protect
consumers from unreasonable risks while balancing the American public's
right to have access to a range of affordable product choices and
recreational activities. We are all very different people and our
choices and interests are many. Finally, I know the Commission is
currently looking at the issue of recall effectiveness, and I look
forward to contributing my own ideas to make sure consumers are being
reached across a variety of platforms.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify and to appear before the
Committee today. I look forward to answering your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Dana Baiocco
(Dana Baiocco Dudek).
2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner, CPSC.
3. Date of Nomination: September 28, 2017.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 100 High Street, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02110.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Aug. 9, 1966; Wheeling, WV.
6. Provide the name; position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Andrew F. Susko, Partner, White & Williams, LLP (spouse);
Matthew Susko (stepson, 30 yrs); Jonathan Susko (stepson, 28
yrs).
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Duquesne University School of Law (Juris Doctor, cum laude,
1997)
Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism (B.S.,
Journalism, 1988)
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Professional Firms
2007-present Partner, Jones Day
500 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (2007-
2010)
100 High St., 21st Floor, Boston, MA. 02110
(2011-present)
1998-2006 Associate, Jones Day, 500 Grant St.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Government
1996-1998 Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable Gustave
Diamond United States District Court for the
Western District of Pennsylvania, Joseph F.
Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, 700 Grant Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
9. Attach a copy of your resume. (Attached)
10. List any advisory consultative, honorary; or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years. See
Resume.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or contently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. (See list below). Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or handicap. No.
Professional
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Current Member; Chair, House of
Delegates (2009-2011); Board of Governors (2009-2012); Zone 12
Representative to the House of Delegates (2005 to present); Co-
Chair, Commission on Women in the Profession (2006-2008);
Federal Rules Committee (2006)
Massachusetts Bar Association, Current Member
Boston Bar Association, Current Member; MDUL Committee Member
(2016) Member, International Aviation Women's Association
(2008-2013)
Civic
Member, Beacon Hill Civic Association and its Zoning and
Licensing Committee (Boston, MA 2015-2016)
Charitable
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Carousel Ball Fundraising
Committee (2012-2017)
Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Liff Committee, Fundraising
(2013-2016) (To support the care and maintenance of Boston City
Parks)
Magee Women's Institute Cabinet Member (2015) (The Institute is
a collaboration of scientists and world-class researchers
across institutions and disciplines focused on reproductive
sciences and women's health research.)
Brimmer and May School, Annual Fund Committee (2014 to present)
The United Way, Young Leaders Audit Committee Volunteer (2009-
2010)
Not for Profit
Board Member, Commonwealth Institute (Mission: To assist women
CEO's, entrepreneurs, and senior corporate executives by
helping them grow their businesses and careers in the Boston
area) (2011-2015)
Other
International Wine and Food Society, Boston Chapter (2013-2017)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? No. If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
N/A
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period.
To the best of my recollection, over the past ten years, I
personally contributed $500 to Martha Coakley for Governor in 2014 and
$1,000 to the Governor Charlie Baker Committee in 2017. I have not held
any offices with any state or national political party, political
action committee, or campaign committee in the past ten years.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Legal 500--leading lawyer or recommended in litigation for product
liability and mass tort defense: consumer products (including tobacco)
(2013-2014), toxic tort (2014-2016), automotive/transport (2015-2016),
and aerospace/aviation (2007, 2009-2011, and 2014); Selected by
American Lawyer Media as one of 35 Pennsylvania lawyers as a ``2005
Lawyer on the Fast Track;'' Named a ''Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, Rising
Star'' by Philadelphia Magazine and Law & Politics (2005-2007);
Duquesne University School of Law Awards: Justice Louis Mandarino Honor
Society for Achievement in Trial and Appellate Advocacy; Trial and
Appellate Moot Court Honor Societies, Officer and Member; Order of
Barristers; McGinley Scholarship Recipient.
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
Written Works
No Summer Vacation for Device Regulators: An Overview of Recent
Legislation and FDA Activity, Part I (November 2012)
[PDF available at: www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
No Summer Vacation for Device Regulators: An Overview of Recent
Legislation and FDA Activity, Part II (November 2012)
[PDF available at: www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
Aviation Crisis Management: Are You Really Ready? Jones Day
Practice Perspectives: Product Liability & Tort Litigation
(Winter 2012) [PDF available at: www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
The Americanization of Aviation Claims, Jones Day Practice
Perspectives: Product Liability & Tort Litigation (Summer 2007)
[PDF available at www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
Runway Safety and Airport Operations: Are You Responsible, The
Public Record (December 2006) [PDF available at:
www.ionesday.com/dbaiocco/]
Implementing the Montreal Accord: Practical Implications of the
Aviation Liability Treaty, Airline Business Report White Paper
2004: Charting a Course to Meet Today's Market Challenges [PDF
available at: www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
The Significance of Other Accidents in Aviation Trials,
Aviation Litigation Quarterly (July 2004) [PDF available at:
www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
Excluding NTSB Final Aircraft Accident Reports and FAA
Airworthiness Directives at Trial, Air and Space Lawyer (Spring
2003) [PDF available at www.jonesday.com/dbaiocco/]
Relevant Speaking Roles
Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presents: The Preparation and Trial
of the Products Liability Case: A Course for the Experienced
Practitioner Pittsburgh (May 11, 2011), Philadelphia (May 20,
2011) (Instructor/Panel Member)
Boston Bar Association CLE Presenter, ``Preparing Expert
Witnesses for Deposition'' (with written materials) (March,
2011)
PBI Fundamentals of Products Liability Law, Pittsburgh
(November 11, 2010) (Speaker)
Proven Strategies For Successfully Managing the Demands of a
Law Practice and Personal Life, Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE
Program, Pittsburgh (January 31, 2007) (Speaker)
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony. None.
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
Over the past 19 years, I developed a diverse litigation practice,
which involved, in part, consumer and other products. I assisted
clients who chose to participate in the CPSC's voluntary recall
program, and have participated in other Federal agency enforcement
proceedings and safety related programs. I also obtained various
administrative and staffing experiences at my firm. For example, I
assisted the firm in opening its Boston office, and I served as the
hiring partner for two years in that office. I oversaw the Pittsburgh
office Speaker Series and served on the Firm's web committee. In
addition, during my tenure as Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association
House of Delegates, (2009-2011), I presided over all discussions,
debates, votes, and the adoption of resolutions by this policy making
mm of the Association. I anticipate that all of these experiences,
coupled with my commitment to the Rule of Law, the applicable statutes
and relevant case law, will allow me to contribute to the overall
vitally of the Agency.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
As one of five Commissioners, I believe my responsibilities will
include working collaboratively to advance the mission of the
Commission. This necessarily will include working with Staff,
testifying before Congress on the progression and status of Agency
initiatives and directives, overseeing and participating in hearings
and meetings with stakeholders, and applying all applicable laws and
regulations governing the Commission's authority and chummiest.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
I believe that three challenges facing the CPSC are: (1) keeping up
with technology and the new and unique types of consumer products
coming onto the market; (2) protecting the American public from
unreasonable risks of harms while balancing the American public's right
to have access to a range of affordable product choices and
recreational activities; and (3) facilitating programs that promptly
and effectively address all stakeholder issues.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
If confirmed, I will withdraw from the Jones Day's partnership.
Pursuant to my partnership agreement, following my withdrawal, I will
receive reimbursement of my capital contribution paid to me in a lump
sum within 30 days of withdrawal. However, the firm may withhold a
portion of my capital account as a reserve for account reconciliation
and tax payments the film makes on behalf it its partners. I will also
receive my final partnership share distribution, less any payments
necessary to satisfy open personal lines of credit, in a lump sum
within 30 days of withdrawal from the firm. I will continue to
participate in the firm's qualified defined benefit plan and the
defined contribution plan. The plan sponsor will not make further
contributions after my separation from the firm. My retirement funds
are invested in the following types of accounts: American Funds Growth
Fund of America, Dodge & Cox Stock and Income Fund, Hotchkis & Wiley
Mid Cap Value I, Vanguard Institutional Index Instl Pl. PIMCO All Asset
Institutional Fund, Wells Fargo Stable Value E, Morgan Stanley Inst.
International Equity Fund, T. Rowe Price Instl. High Yield and Mid-Cap
Growth funds, Putnam Dynamic Risk Allocation, U.S. Treasury Bonds, and
various Jones Day Funds (Jones Day Real Estate Fund, Jones Day 2020,
2025, 2035, 2040 Funds, Jones Day Fixed Income Fund, Jones Day Income
Research TIPS Fund, Jones Day Emerging Markets Fund). All parent and
child funds are listed in detail on my Executive Branch Personnel
Public Financial Disclosure Report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? No. If so,
please explain. N/A
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. None known at this time.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated.
During the nomination process, I consulted with the Office of
Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics Official to
identify potential conflicts of interest. Any conflicts will be
resolved in accordance with the terms of the Ethics Agreement that I
have entered into with the CPSC's Ethics Official (a copy of which has
been provided to the Committee). I am not aware of any other conflicts
of interest at this time.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
During my tenure as Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association House
of Delegates, (2009-2011), an elected position, I presided over all
discussions, debates, votes, and the adoption of resolutions by this
policy making aim of the Association. The Minutes of those meetings
(October 19, 2009, December 4, 2009, November 19, 2010, May 14, 2010,
May 6, 2011) are available at the Pennsylvania Bar Association, 100
South St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
Any potential conflicts will be resolved in accordance with the
terms of the Ethics Agreement that I have entered into with the
Commission's Designated Ethics Official (a copy of which has been
provided to the Committee). If any other potential conflict arises, I
will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated Ethics
Official and, if faced with a legitimate conflict of interest, I will
recuse myself and/or divest as necessary.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No. If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint,
or persom1el action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
N/A
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? No. If so, please explain. N/A
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? Yes. If so,
please explain. N/A
Dana Baiocco Dudek v. Joseph A. Dudek (Case No. FD-96-9837) is
a civil divorce action filed in the Court of Common Pleas of
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (Family Division). In
conjunction with this action, I also filed and was granted an
Election to Resume Prior Name (i.e., Dana Baiocco Dudek to Dana
Baiocco).
David C. Bruening v. Dana Baiocco (Case No. FD11-006582-016) is
a civil divorce and custody action filed in the Court of Common
Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (Family Division).
Members of the Board of Trustees of 33 Brimmer Street
Condominium Trust, Dana Baiocco and Katherine Wright v.
Geoffrey O. Hills and Elise Hills a/k/a Elise Larner (Case No.
15-CV-03200) is a civil action for declaratory, injunctive and
other relief filed in the Massachusetts Superior Court by me
and Katherine Wright, in our capacities as trustees, on behalf
of the board of trustees of a three-unit condo building to
enforce compliance with the documents governing the
administration of the condominium.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? No. If so, please explain. N/A
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? No. If so, please explain. N/A
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. Please see resume for any additional
information.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Dana Baiocco
Legal Career
Jones Day
Partner
Boston Office: 100 High St., 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02110, 2010-Present
Boston Office Hiring and Recruiting Partner (2011-2013)
Boston Office Business Development Partner (2011-2013)
Pittsburgh Office: 500 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 1998-2010
United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
1996-1998
Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable Gustave Diamond
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Court Admissions Admission Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit June, 1998
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit December, 2006
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit March, 2015
U.S. District Court for the Western District of December, 1997
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts April, 2012
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of October, 2014
Pennsylvania
Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania January, 1998
Courts of the State of Massachusetts February, 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education
Duquesne University School of Law J.D., cum laude 1997
Justice Louis L. Manderino Honor Society for Achievement in
Appellate & Trial Advocacy
McGinley Scholarship Recipient
National Order of Barristers-Excellence in Courtroom
Advocacy
Appellate Moot Court Honor Society, Co-Chair
Trial Moot Court Honor Society, Vice-Chair
ATLA Trial Moot Court Competition Finalist
Law Faculty (Professor Kellen McClendon) Research Assistant
for Duty of Care in Managed I1ealth Care and Restatement
(Second) Sec. 402A
Cambridge University Summer Law Program (via Valparaiso University
School of Law)
The United States Supreme Court with Chief Justice William
H. Rehnquist (Summer, 1995)
Gender Discrimination with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
(Summer, 1994)
Ohio University,. E.W.. Scripps School of Journalism, B.S., Journalism
1988
Legal Honors and Awards
Legal 500: Leading lawyer in litigation for products
liability and mass tort defense: consumer products (including
tobacco) (2013-2014), toxic tort (2014-2016), automotive/
transport (2015-2016), and aerospace/aviation (2007, 2009-2011,
2014)
American Lawyer Media: Pennsylvania Lawyer on the Fast Track
(2005)
Philadelpltia Magazine/Law & Politics: Pennsylvania Super
Lawyer, Rising Star (2005-2007)
Bar Association Service and Memberships
Boston Bar Association, MDL Committee Member (2016)
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Chair, House of Delegates
(2009-2011); Board of Governors (2009-2011); Zone
Representative to the House of Delegates (2005-2011), Co-Chair
of tl1e Commission on Women in the Profession (2007-2009)
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Faculty Member--Continuing Legal
Education
--The Preparation and Trial of the Products Liability Case
(Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, 2010)
--PBI Fundamentals of Products Liability Law (Pittsburgh, 2010)
--Proven Strategies for Successfully Managing the Demands of a
Law Practice and Personal Life (Pittsburgh, 2007)
--Keys to Effective Motions Practice in the Civil Case And
Preparing/or and Taking Depositions (2001)
American Inns of Court (Pittsburgh Chapter), Program
Committee Co-Chair, Executive Board Member (2002-2004), Program
Committee Member (2004-2005), Group Leader for ``Tripped Up:
Electronic Surveillance in the Workplace'' *Awarded Fifth Place
at the American Inns of Court National Conference (1999-2001)
Boards and Committees
Commonwealth Institute Board Member (Boston, 2011-2015)
Beacon Hill Civic Association Zoning and Licensing Committee
(Boston, 2015-2016)
The Executive Women's Council of Pittsburgh (2000-2006)
Wagner Family Charities Board Member (1998-2002)
Charities and Fundraising
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Carousel Ball
Fundraising Committee (2014 to present)
Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Liff Committee (Boston, 2013-
2016)
Magee Women's Institute Cabinet Member (Pittsburgh/Boston,
2015)
Brimmer and May School, Annual Fund Committee (2014 to
present)
International Wine and Food Society, Boston Chapter (2013 to
present)
The United Way, Young Leaders Audit Committee Volunteer
(2009-2010)
Certifications and Related Memberships
Private pilot certificate, VFR rating
Member, International Aviation Women's Association (2008-
2013)
Publications
American Bar Association Litigation Section, Mass Torts
Committee Treatise--Mass Torts In The United States: Strategy
and Practice: Recalls: Automobiles, Medical Devices, Consumer
Products (not yet published, in editing stage)
No Summer Vacation for Device Regulators: An Overview of
Recent Legislation and FDA Activity, Parts I and II (November,
2012)
Jones Day Practice Perspectives: Product Liability & Tort
Litigation: Avialion Crisis Management: Are You Really Ready?
(Winter, 2012)
Jones Day Practice Perspectives: Product Liability & Tort
Litigation: The Americanization of Aviation Claims (Summer,
2007)
The Public Record: Runway Safety and Airport Operations: Are
You Responsible? (November, 2006)
Implementing the Montreal Accord: Practical Implications of
the Aviation Liability Treaty, Airline Business Report White
Paper 2004: Charting a Course to Meet Today's Market Challenges
Aviation Litigation Quarterly: The Significance of Other
Accidents in Aviation Trials (July, 2004)
Air and Space Lawyer: Excluding NTSB Final Aircraft Accident
Reports and FAA Airworthiness Directives at Trial (Spring,
2003)
Speaking Engagements
The Commonwealth Institute Strategies for Success (Keynote
Speaker, 2012)
American Conference Institute's 3rd Annual Forum on
Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation (Boston, 2011)
The Changing Legal Climate Surrounding Ownership
Structuring, Use, and Operation of Corporate Jets (Cleveland
and Columbus, 2007)
IATA Legal Symposium: The Americanization of Aviation Claims
(Istanbul, Turkey, 2007)
Chairman Thune. Thank you, Ms. Baiocco.
Dr. Jacobs, we have an introductory statement from Senator
Burr. He is chairing an Intelligence Committee hearing that is
underway right now. He wishes he could be here in person, but
we will submit that for the record.
[The information referred to follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Richard Burr,
U.S. Senator from North Carolina
Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, members of the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other
distinguished guests, I'm pleased to appear before this committee to
voice my strong support for and introduce my fellow North Carolinian
Dr. Neil Jacobs as the nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce
for Environmental Observation and Prediction. I believe that after
careful examination that this Committee will come to the same
conclusion as I have that he is an exceptional nominee.
Dr. Jacobs has had a distinguished career in atmospheric science.
Prior to starting his professional career he received a dual bachelors
of science degree in mathematics and physics from the University of
South Carolina. Following completion of his undergraduate work he
received a Master's of Science in air-sea interaction and a PhD in
numerical modeling from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Jacobs is currently the Chief Atmospheric Scientist at
Panasonic Avionics Corporation where he is charged with directing the
research and development of both the aviation weather observing
program, as well as numerical forecast modeling. Prior to joining
Panasonic in 2005, Dr. Jacobs worked at AirDat on various analysis and
modeling projects including NASA's Earth Systems Science Program, GOES
satellite imagery, Department of Energy's Ocean Margins Program, and
the National Weather Service's Atlantic Surface Cyclone Intensification
Index. Dr. Jacobs's private sector career coupled by his lengthy
academic resume makes him well suited to take responsibility for all of
NOAA's observing systems and converting that information into useable
prediction products.
Let me again reiterate my support for Dr. Neil Jacobs and thank him
for being here today and his willingness to serve his country in this
important role. I hope the Committee will agree with me that this is a
well-qualified nominee and he will be confirmed swiftly as the
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction.
Thank you.
The Chairman. So please proceed with your remarks.
Dr. Jacobs. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF NEIL JACOBS, JR., Ph.D.,
NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE,
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATION AND PREDICTION
Dr. Jacobs. Thank you, Chairman Thune, Ranking Member
Nelson, and members of the Committee.
I would also like to thank the President and Secretary Ross
for their trust and confidence in me with this nomination to be
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation
and Prediction.
If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to
working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA
in the areas of observations, analysis, and forecasting.
I am the son and grandson of Air Force veterans. My
father's F-4 was shot down in Vietnam. After being rescued, he
met my mom who was working for the American Red Cross in the
Philippines. He returned to the Air Force Academy as a flight
instructor in Colorado Springs, where I was born.
I grew up in Florida at Homestead Air Force Base near
Miami, and later moved to South Carolina partly to avoid
repeated hurricane strikes. Not long after the move, our house
in Charleston was nearly destroyed by hurricane Hugo. Having
spent my entire life close to the ocean surfing, diving, and
fishing, I was naturally drawn toward pursuing an educational
path in air-sea interaction and numerical weather prediction.
Upon leaving academia, I was part of a startup company that
was later acquired by Panasonic. The technology I was involved
with was designed to supplement the Radiosonde Weather Balloon
program by transmitting observations collected on aircraft
through satellite-based communication systems.
The sensor was also installed on several manned and
unmanned aerial platforms operated by NASA and the Naval
Research Laboratory, as well as NOAA's own P-3.
My team and I decided early on that we would leverage the
peer review scientific process conducted by NOAA to promote our
products. We provided the data free of charge for 4 years, so
that NOAA scientists could vet the data based on their own
quality and reliability standards.
Part of this program led to a decade-long, public-private-
academic global modeling effort that rivaled the best in the
world. In addition to supporting research at several
universities and the National Center for Atmospheric Research,
Panasonic also has major facilities in Washington State, New
Jersey, Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina.
Having witnessed industry's rapid growth across the entire
forecast value chain from observation collection to end user
products, I began to wonder what would happen if industry
decided to bypass the public sector. This would be a travesty,
and the end result would be taxpaying citizens not having
access to the best available weather information for the
protection of life and property.
Two years ago, my father passed away on my birthday. I
wanted to follow in his footsteps, but a medical condition
prevented me from being a pilot. At his memorial service, I was
humbled by the large turnout of Academy cadets and veterans,
and I was compelled to find a way to give back. I knew
instantly, when I was approached for this position, that this
was my opportunity to use my specialized knowledge and skills
to serve my country.
While my formal training and expertise is in the area of
observing systems, data assimilation, modeling, and high
performance computing, my real world experience in structuring
public-private-academic sustainable business models under
constrained budgets will play a key role in improving NOAA's
observing and predictive capabilities.
The U.S. weather enterprise is at a turning point. If we
navigate this paradigm shift successfully, the result will be a
mutually beneficial outcome for all three sectors: public,
private, and academic.
If not addressed, the three sectors may find themselves in
a competitive situation, to the detriment of the American
people.
The framework for addressing this is outlined in the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, and
implementing this Act will be a top priority.
If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead
such a distinguished organization of scientists, engineers,
forecasters, and uniformed officers.
I can assure the Committee that I will do my absolute best
to ensure this team of 12,000 professionals have the resources
and leadership needed to produce transparent, objective, and
defendable science so that decisions based on this weather and
climate information can be made with confidence.
I would like to thank my wife Jen, who is a computational
biologist at Duke University, for her support and
understanding, while balancing her career with raising our two
sons, Nicolaus and Theodore, ages 4 and 2.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of the
Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to be here.
I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Dr.
Jacobs follow:]
Prepared Statement of Neil Jacobs, Jr., Ph.D., Nominee to be Assistant
Secretary of Commerce, Environmental Observation and Prediction
Thank you, Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and Members of
the Committee. I would also like to thank the President and Secretary
Ross for their trust and confidence in me with this nomination to be
the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to
working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA in the
areas of observations, analysis, and forecasting.
I am the son and grandson of Air Force veterans. My father's F-4
was shot down in Vietnam. After being rescued, he met my mom who was
working for the Red Cross in the Philippines. He returned to the Air
Force Academy as a flight instructor in Colorado Springs, where I was
born. I grew up in Florida at Homestead Air Force Base near Miami, and
later moved to South Carolina. Not long after the move, our house in
Charleston was nearly destroyed by hurricane Hugo. Having spent my
entire life close to the ocean surfing, diving, and fishing, I was
naturally drawn towards pursuing an educational path in air-sea
interaction and numerical weather prediction.
Upon leaving academia, I was part of a start-up company that was
later acquired by Panasonic. The technology I was involved with was
designed to supplement the weather balloon program by transmitting
observations collected on aircraft through a satellite-based
communication system. The sensor was also installed on several manned
and unmanned platforms operated by NASA and the Naval Research
Laboratory, as well as NOAA's own P-3.
My team and I decided early on that we would leverage the peer
review scientific process conducted by NOAA to promote our products. We
provided the data free of charge for four years, so that NOAA
scientists could vet the data based on their own quality and
reliability standards. Part of this program led to a decade-long
public-private-academic global modeling effort that rivaled the best in
the world. In addition to supporting research at several universities
and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Panasonic also has
major facilities in Washington state, New Jersey, Florida, Colorado,
and North Carolina.
Having witnessed industry's rapid growth across the entire value
chain from observation collection to end-user products, I began to
wonder what would happen if industry decided to bypass the public
sector. This would be a travesty, and the end result would be tax-
paying citizens not having access to the best available weather
information for the protection of life and property.
Two years ago, my father passed away on my birthday. I had wanted
to follow in his footsteps, but a medical condition prevented me from
being a pilot. At his memorial service, I was humbled by the large
turnout of Academy cadets and veterans, and I was compelled to find a
way to give back. I knew instantly, when I was approached for this
position, that this was my opportunity to use my specialized knowledge
and skills to serve my country.
While my formal training and expertise is in the areas of observing
systems, data assimilation, modeling, and high performance computing,
my real-world experience in structuring public-private-academic
sustainable business models, most under constrained budgets, will play
a key role in improving NOAA's observing and predictive capabilities.
The U.S. Weather Enterprise is at a turning point. If we navigate
this paradigm shift successfully, the result will be a mutually-
beneficial outcome for all three sectors, private, public and academic.
If not addressed, the three sectors may find themselves in a
competitive situation, to the detriment of the American people. The
framework for addressing this is outlined in the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, and implementing this Act will be a
top priority.
If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead such a
distinguished organization of scientists, engineers, forecasters and
uniformed officers. I can assure the Committee that I will do my
absolute best to ensure this team of 12,000 professionals have the
resources and leadership needed to produce transparent, objective and
defendable science, so that decisions based on this weather and climate
information can be made with confidence.
I would like to thank my wife Jen, who is a computational biologist
at Duke University, for her support and understanding, while balancing
her career with raising our two sons Nicolaus and Theodore, ages 4 and
2.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and Members of the Committee,
thank you again for the opportunity to be here. I would be pleased to
answer any questions you may have.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Neil Andrew
Jacobs Jr.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Environmental Observation and Prediction.
3. Date of Nomination: October 3, 2017.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
5. Date and Place of Birth: December 12, 1973; Colorado Springs,
CO.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Jennifer Modliszewski, Research Associate, Duke University.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
B.S. Physics, 1996. University of South Carolina.
B.S. Math, 1996, University of South Carolina.
M.S. Atmospheric Science (Air-sea interaction), 2000, North
Carolina State University.
Ph.D. Atmospheric Science (Numerical modeling), 2005, North
Carolina State University.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
2013 to Present. Chief Atmospheric Scientist, Panasonic
Avionics Corporation (5,000 employees).
2004-13, Director of Research and Business Development, AirDat,
LLC (80 employees).
9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years.
I have never had a position in Federal, State, or local government.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Forecast Improvement
Group (Chair 2015 to Present; Lead, NWP 2012-14)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower
Emissions, Energy, and Noise (CLEEN)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Expert Team on
Aircraft-Based Observing Systems (ET-ABO)
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
American Meteorological Society; Forecast Improvement Group
(Chair 2015 to Present; Lead, NWP 2012-14)
World Meteorological Organization; Expert Team on Aircraft-
Based Observing Systems
American Geophysical Union
American Meteorological Society
Gamma Beta Phi, National Honor Society
Geological Society of America
National Forensics League
Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society
Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:
1993-1996, USC Chapter)
Sigma Xi, Honor Society
Durham YMCA
Greensboro Velo Club (Pro Cycling Team)
Rotary International
Trout Unlimited
*None of these restrict membership on the basis of sex, race,
color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period. None.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:
1993-1996, USC Chapter)
Gamma Beta Phi, National Honor Society
National Forensics League Scholarship
Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society
Sigma Xi, Honor Society
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
Invited lectures at government meteorological centers:
NCEP, Camp Springs, MD. PWS global ensemble system, 21 July
2016
UK Met Office, Exeter, UK, PWS global model and data
assimilation, 13 July 2016
ECMWF, Reading, UK, Assimilation of ABOs into a global modeling
system, 12 July 2016
UK Met Office, Exeter, UK, Estimation of TAMDAR Error and
Assimilation Experiments, 27 Apr 2012
ECMWF, Reading, UK, Utility of TAMDAR aircraft observations for
NWP, 26 Apr 2012
NCEP EMC, Camp Springs, MD, Optimization of TAMDAR for NWP, 23
Aug 2011
SMN, Mexico City, Mexico, Operational forecasting with TAMDAR,
23 Jun 2011
ECMWF, Reading, UK, Unique aspects of aircraft data
assimilation. 10 Nov 2010
Publications
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, H. Wang, 2017: Assimilation of
Wind Speed and Direction Observations: Results from real
observation experiments. Tellus A, in press.
Zhang. X., H. Wang, X.-Y. Huang, F. Gao, and N. Jacobs, 2015:
Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate
TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts, Advances in
Meteorology, Vol. 2015, Article ID 427616, 13 pg, 2015.
Gao, F., P. P. Childs, X.-Y. Huang, N. A. Jacobs, and J. Z.
Min, 2014: A Relocation-based Initialization Scheme to Improve
Track-forecasting of Tropical Cyclones. Adv. Atmos. Sci.,
31(l), 27-36.
Jacobs, N., D. Mulally, A. Anderson, J. Braid, P. Childs, A.
Huffman, E. Wilson, and F. Gao, 2015: Recent Advancements in
the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion, (IOAS-AOLS). AMS, Phoenix,
AZ.
Jacobs, N., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and H. Wang, 2015:
Optimization of In-situ Aircraft Observations for Various
Assimilation Techniques. (IOAS-AOLS), AMS. Phoenix, AZ.
Liu, Y., M. Xu, L. Pan, Y. Liu, N. Jacobs, and P. Childs, 2015:
Implementation of a CONUS RTFDDA system with radar data
assimilation for convection-resolvable analysis and prediction,
(IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N. A., D. J. Mulally. and A. K. Anderson, 2014:
Correction of Flux Valve-Based Heading for Improvement of
Aircraft Wind ObservationsJ. Atmos. Oceanic Technol. 31. 1733-
1747.
Jacobs, N. A., and J. E. Rex, 2013: Benefits and Utility of
Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting, Air
Traffic Control Quarterly, January, First Quarter. 2013.
Huang, X.-Y., F. Gao, N. A. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2013:
Assimilation of wind speed and direction observations: a new
formulation and results from idealized experiments. Tellus A.
65, l9936.
Wyszogrodzki, A. A., Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Zhang,
G. Roux, and T. T. Warner, 2013: Analysis of the surface
temperature and wind forecast bias of the NCAR-AirDat
operational CONUS 4km RTFDDA forecasting system, Meteorol.
Atmos. Phys., 121, 3-4.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, A. Huffman, J. Nelson, J.
T. Braid, Y. L. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2013: An update on the
TAMDAR global network expansion, Special Symposium on Advancing
Weather and Climate Forecasts: Innovative Techniques and
Applications, Austin, TX.
Nelson, J., J. T. Braid, A. K. Anderson. N. A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, M. Croke, and A. Huffman, 2013: Alaska TAMDAR and the
RTFDDA WRF QC System, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Huffman, A., P. Childs, M. Croke, N. A. Jacobs, and Y. L. Liu,
2013: Verification of the NCAR-AirDat operational RT-FDDA-WRF
for the 2011 and 2012 spring convective seasons. IOAS, AMS,
Austin, TX.
Gao, F., N. A. Jacobs, X. Y. Huang, and P. Childs, 2013: Direct
assimilation of wind speed and direction for the WRF model,
Special Symposium on Advancing Weather and Climate Forecasts:
Innovative Techniques and Applications, AMS, Austin, TX.
Richardson, H., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, P. Marinello, and X.
Y. Huang, 2013: UAS observations and their impact on NWP during
TUFT, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Gao, F., P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and N. A. Jacobs, 2013: A new
method for vortex relocation within a balanced flow field, NWP,
AMS, Austin, TX.
Gao, F., X. Zhang, N. Jacobs, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, P.
Childs, 2012. Estimation of TAMDAR Observational Error and
Assimilation Experiments. Wea. Forecasting, 27, 4. 856-877.
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, 2012: The Assimilation of Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System, New Orleans,
LA.
Zhang, Xiaoyan, X.-Y. Huang, T. Auligne, Xin Zhang, F. Gao, N.
Jacobs, P. Childs. 2012. Evaluation of TAMDAR Data Impact on
Forecast Error with WRFDA-FSO System, AMS, New Orleans, LA.
Gao, F., Xiaoyan Zhang, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, N. Jacobs. P.
Childs. 2011: Preliminary Results of Directly Assimilating Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System. 12th WRF
Users' Workshop, Boulder, Colorado, 20-24 June 2011.
Zhang, Y. Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, T. Nipen, T. T.
Warner, L. D. Monache, G. Roux, A. Wyszogrodzki, W. Y. Y.
Cheng, W. Yu, and R.-S. Sheu, 2012: Evaluation of the impact of
assimilating the TAMDAR data on WRF based RTFDDA simulations
and the RTFDDA performance on predicting warm-season
precipitation over the CONUS, Wea. Forecasting. under revision.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, T. Betancourt, J. Knievel, 8 .
Mahoney, J. Pace, D. Rostkier-Edelstein, N. A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, and K. Parks, 2011: NCAR ensemble RTFDDA: real-time
operational forecasting applications and new data assimilation
developments. 24th Conference on Weather and Forecasting (WAF-
NWP), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Huffman, A., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang,
and Y. Liu, 2011: Verification and Sensitivity of the NCAR-
AirDat Operational Forecasting Systems to TAMDAR Observations.
15th Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Zhang, X. Y. Huang, X.
Zhang, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2011: Optimization of In-situ
Aircraft Observations for Various Assimilation Techniques. 15th
Symposium (IOAS-AOLS). AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, Y. Liu, X. Y. Huang, and R.
Delong, 2011: The Utility of TAMDAR in the NextGen-Oriented
CLEEN Program. Second Aviation, Range and Aerospace Meteorology
Special Symposium on Weather-Air Traffic Management Integration
(ARAM), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, D. J. Mulally, A. K. Anderson, J. T.
Braid, P. Childs. A. Huffman, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2011:
Recent Advancements in the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion.
15th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems
for the Atmosphere, Oceans and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,
Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs. M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 20
10: An Update on the TAMDAR Sensor Network Deployment, (IOAS
AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2010: The
Potential Utility of TAMDAR Data in Air Quality Forecasting,
(IOAS-AOLS), AMS. Atlanta, GA.
Childs, P., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke , Y. Liu, W. Wu, G. Roux,
and M. Ge, 2010: An Introduction to the NCAR AirDat Operational
TAMDAR-Enhanced RTFDDA-WRF, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Liu, Y. Liu, and R. S.
Sheu, 2010: Preliminary Verification of the NCAR AirDat
Operational RTFDDA-WRF System, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2009: The Utility
of TAMDAR on Short-Range Forecasts over Alaska, (IOAS-AOLS),
AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
The Optimization Between TAMDAR Data Assimilation Methods and
Model Configuration in WRF-ARW, (IOAS-AOLS). AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
TAMDAR-Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF-ARW as a
Function of Data Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,
Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: The Effects
of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Vertical Resolution on TAMDAR
Data assimilation in Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts, AMS
Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
Surface (IOAS-AOLS).
Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: TAMDAR-
Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF ARW, AMS Annual
Meeting. 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
Surface (IOAS-AOLS).
Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2008: PenAir-Based
TAMDAR-Related Impacts on Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts over
Alaska, AMS Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated
Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans,
and Land Surface.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2007: The influence of the Gulf Stream induced SST gradients on
the U.S. East Coast winter storm of 24-25 January 2000.
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29, 6145-6174.
Jacobs, N. A., 2007: Potential benefits of tropospheric
airborne meteorological data reporting (TAMDAR), Managing the
Skies. 5, 3, 20-23.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, W. Yu, N. Jacobs, and M.
Anderson, 2007: Assimilation data from diverse sources for
mesoscale NWP: TAMDAR-data impact. Geophysical Research
Abstracts, 9, EGU2007-A-03109.
Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2007: The effects of
vertical resolution on the optimization of TAMDAR data in
short-range mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 11th
Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for
the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS) 9.3.
Druse, C.-M., and N. A. Jacobs, 2007: Evaluating the benefits
of TAMDAR data in aviation forecasting, AMS Annual Meeting,
11th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems
for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS) 9.5.
Liu, Y., N. A. Jacobs, W. Yu, T. T. Warner, S. P. Swerdlin, and
M. Anderson, 2007: An OSSE study of TAMDAR data impact on
mesoscale data assimilation and prediction, AMS Annual Meeting,
11th Symposium on (IOAS AOLS) 5.20.
Jacobs, N. A., 2006: The effects of lower-tropospheric data
resolution on short-range mesoscale model forecasts of surface
temperatures during the summer season, Doc. and Tech. Note
AirDat, LLC, 53 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., and Y. Liu, 2006: A comprehensive quantitative
precipitation forecast statistical verification study, Doc. and
Tech. Note AirDat, LLC. 25 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2006: Evaluation of
temporal and spatial distribution of TAMDAR data in short-range
mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 10th Symp. IOAS-AOLS.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, and G. M. Lackmann, 2006: Sensitivity
of East Coast winter storms to sea surface temperature
gradients, AMS Annual Meeting, 14th Conf. Sea-Atmos.
Jacobs, N. A., G. M. Lackmann and S. Raman 2005: The combined
effects of Gulf Stream-induced baroclinicity and upper-level
vorticity on U.S. East Coast extratropical cyclogenesis. Mon.
Wea. Rev., 133, 2494-2501.
Jacobs, N. A., 2004: Porting MM5 to OS X: A guide to mesoscale
modeling on a GS, Mac OSX Hints, 15, 97.
Jacobs, N., 2004: The Role of the Gulf Stream on Extratropical
Cyclogenesis, Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Marine, Earth,
and Atmospheric Science, North Carolina State University,
Raleigh. NC. 307pp.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2004: Role of the Gulf Stream on extratropical cyclogenesis,
AMS Annual Meeting, 20th Conf. WAF/NWP pp. 318-322.
Raman, S., N. Jacobs, and M. Simpson, 2003: Numerical
simulation of land-air-sea interactions during the
northeasterly monsoon over Indian Ocean. INDOEX conf.
Bangalore, India.
Jacobs, N. A., 2001: Latent and sensible heat fluxes over the
Gulf Stream region during OMP. AGU, Boston, MA. Preprint pp
412-417.
Jacobs, N., 2000: Physical Oceanographic Processes and Air-Sea
Interactions of extratropical cyclogenesis during the Oceans
Margins
Program, Thesis, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 178pp.
Jacobs, N., C. Petrusak, V. Connors, O. DeMaster, T. Hopkins,
1998: Earth System Science: Integration of Computer Modeling
and Laboratory Studies. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 127-131.
Jacobs, N., V. Connors, T. Hopkins, D. DeMaster, B. Sweet,
1998: The Evolution of Earth System Science at North Carolina
State University. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 417-421.
Jacobs. N.. 1997: Modeling e-folding time decay of super-cooled
semiconductor clocks, Thesis, Department of Physics. University
of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. 234pp.
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
Hearing: Leading the Way: Examining Advances in Environmental
Technology (21 June 2017) House of Representatives, Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment:
Tropospheric airborne meteorological data reporting, conventional
weather observations, and their impact in numerical models.
Hearing: Private Sector Weather Forecasting: Assessing Products and
Technologies (8 June 2016) House of Representatives, Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Environment: The
advancing capabilities of numerical weather prediction in the weather
enterprise. Public-private-academic partnerships, which for sustainable
business models.
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
At Panasonic, I lead a group of private-sector scientists and
software engineers that have developed a global weather model that has
skill on par/and better than the European Centre for Medium-Range
Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) that produces the ``Euro'' model. This was
accomplished on a meager budget that industry analysts claimed was
impossible to even get the program off the ground. Our U.S.-based team
at Panasonic Weather Solutions (PWS), mostly in North Carolina, proved
the critics wrong. I have extensive experience with public-private-
academic partnerships for weather model and observing system
development. As a founding member of the PWS predecessor company
AirDat, I directed the private side of the National Weather Service's
very first atmospheric observational data acquisition as a subscription
service. This is a great example of a successful public-private
partnership that is still in existence today. I have past experience in
satellite data and imagery from GOES to Radio Occultation (GPSRO), and
understand the advantages of commercial weather data to augment our
current data. This includes processing, quality control, and
assimilating into forecast models. Having worked alongside NOAA and NWS
employees and scientists as a scientific collaborator, I have earned
their trust and respect. Additionally, I have great working
relationships with key World Meteorological Organization member
countries and their respective National Meteorological Service
Directors. For the last three years, I have served as the Chair of the
Forecast Improvement Group (FIG) for the American Meteorological
Society. FIG members are NOAA, university, and private sector
atmospheric scientists and meteorologists, who share the common
interest of improving weather forecasting, modeling and prediction for
the United States. Lastly, I want to serve my country. Growing up, I
wanted to follow my father's career by serving in the U.S. Air Force as
a fighter pilot but a medical condition prevented me from flying jets.
When this opportunity presented itself, I thought that working for NOAA
is another way to serve my country. The best way I can do that is by
using my skills and expertise to return NOAA's National Weather Service
to the world's most advanced weather forecasting and modeling agency.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
My responsibility, as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Environmental Observation and Prediction, will be to work closely with
NESDlS, NOS, NWS and OAR, and provide leadership for these line offices
to better manage their assets in their service to the American people.
As duly confirmed by the Senate, and as political appointees, we have
an obligation to comply with the direction and oversight provided by
Congress to manage our agency to the best of our abilities and within
the letter of the law. Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a division of
Panasonic North America, provides avionics, engineering services,
meteorological data and other technical services to numerous leading
air carriers operating in dozens of countries and National
Meteorological Service agencies across the world. As their Chief
Atmospheric Scientist, the team I managed had business relationships
across the world that handled complex transactions and weather-related
industry challenges. Being an executive for a large entity requires the
proper balancing and management of multiple agendas and budgets,
working with many teams with different and sometimes opposing
strategies, and always working closely with corporate counsel when
their expert guidance would be required. The private sector works
towards the bottom line; in government, the bottom line is serving the
American people.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
(1) Weather Forecasting and Modeling--Return NOAA NWS to the world's
leader in global weather forecast modeling capability. The
United States led the world in weather forecasting and modeling
for decades, but has not kept pace with overseas competition,
and is struggling to maintain the status of third most accurate
global weather model among National Meteorological Services. As
a matter of national pride, we will restore American technical
superiority for this vital service for the country and our
military serving around the world.
(2) Increase Observational and Predictive Resource Capabilities--For
example, in Hurricane Harvey, NWS did a great job, but data
gaps still exist. One area for improvement is to increase our
knowledge to better manage QPE, which stands for Quantitative
Precipitation Estimation. It is a method of approximating the
amount of precipitation that has fallen at a location or across
a region, and is critical for everything ranging from water
resource management to flash flood prediction. QPE maps are
compiled using several different data sources including radar
estimates, manual and automatic field observations, and
satellite data. Scientists at NWS-NCEP and OAR would agree that
this process must be improved. A second area for improvement
has already been addressed by Congress in HR 353. Specifically.
the bill section introduced by Senator Richard Burr asked NOAA
to identify the existing radar data gaps in the United States.
That report, I understand, is being developed for Congress.
Ending radar gaps is critical. We cannot have whole population
areas underserved by geographical gaps in this basic
observational coverage. The challenge that I will face will be
to come back to Congress to discuss how much it will cost to
provide this vital coverage to better protect our citizens.
There are additional ways that we must improve our
Observational and Predictive Capabilities, but we need to
examine where costs savings might be realized within existing
budgets, and to discuss with Congress tradeoffs that can
improve operational efficiencies thereby enabling NOAA to
better serve the American people.
(3) Manage Satellite Costs--The FY 2017 President's Budget Request
for NESDIS was $2,303.7 million. This sum represents the
largest portion of NOAA's annual budget. It is my understanding
that NESDIS is due to release its new satellite architecture
study that discusses where NESDIS plans to go in the decades
ahead. It would be premature for me to second guess what NESDIS
is planning; however, keeping in line with my second answer,
NOAA needs to increase and improve both the data volume and
data utility of its earth observation satellites, as well as
ground stations, data storage, and dissemination capabilities.
As the volume of data increases exponentially, the United
States must invest in the proper infrastructure to manage the
data, and develop cutting-edge software to extract maximum
value from the data.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
I have no financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements,
or other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or
customers. I do have an IRA and 401k.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. None.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and Department of Commerce agency
ethics officials to identify any potential conflicts of interest. Any
potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance with the
terms of my ethics agreement. I understand that my ethics agreement has
been provided to the Committee. I am not aware of any potential
conflict of interest other than those that are the subject of my ethics
agreement.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. None.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
Four years ago, Panasonic Avionics Corporation contracted with a
DC-based lobbyist to represent their interest in the successful passage
of HR 2413, 1561 and finally 353, The Weather Research and Forecast
Innovation Act of 2017. Congress passed HR 353 earlier this year and
President Trump signed the bill in April creating Public Law 115-25.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance
with the terms of my ethics agreement. understand that my ethics
agreement has been provided to the Committee.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? No.
If so, please explain.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Neil Andrew Jacobs Jr. Curriculum Vitae
Areas of Expertise
Mesoscale and microscale dynamics, numerical weather
prediction, variational and ensemble-based data assimilation
methods, atmospheric transport, and mesoscale modeling. Mid-
latitude convective systems, fronts, and small-scale
convection-induced flows such as the sea breeze and urban heat
island circulations. Surface flux relations and boundary layer
dynamics as a function of enhanced thermal gradient grid
resolution. Regional climate fluctuations as a result of
western boundary current variability. Forecasting of tropical
and extratropical long period ocean swell generation.
Satellite, aircraft and UAS-based observing systems, weather-
related flight route optimization, avionics, and aviation
forecasting. Environmental economic policy, public-private
partnerships, and small-business innovation and strategy.
Education
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science (Numerical Weather Prediction), May 2005,
North Carolina State University
Thesis: The Role of Marine Thermal Gradient Structure on Gulf
Stream-Related Extratropical Cyclogenesis. (Thesis Advisors:
Dr. Sethu Raman and Dr. Gary M. Lackmann; Committee Members:
Dr. Ping-Tung Shaw, Kermit K. Keeter, and Dr. Kiran Alapaty).
M.S. in Air-Sea Interaction, May 2000, North Carolina State University
Thesis: Physical Oceanographic Processes and Air-Sea
Interactions Associated with Extratropical Cyclogenesis During
the Ocean Margins Program. (Thesis Advisor: Dr. Leonard J.
Pietrafesa; Committee: Dr. Lian Xie, Dr. Sethu Raman, and Dr.
John M. Morrison).
B.S. in Physics, May 1996, University of South Carolina*
B.S. in Mathematics, May 1996, University of South Carolina
Minor in Economics, Cognate in Computer Science, Cognate in
Marine Science
Graduated magna cum laude
Industry Employment
2013-Present, Chief Atmospheric Scientist, Panasonic Avionics
Corporation (5,000 employees). Oversee the development and
deployment of weather-related data and products. Oversee the
development of global forecast products and advanced high-
resolution data assimilation to enable better decision-making
by industry, commercial aviation, and international and
domestic governmental agencies.
2004-13, Director of Research and Business Development, AirDat,
LLC (80 employees). Analysis of the impact of TAMDAR data on
numerical models such as GFS, WRF, RUC, and RT-FDDA.
Development of methods to optimize real-time 4D-Var data
assimilation. Oversee the development of new TAMDAR-based
products and high resolution forecasts. Contracts with DoD,
NCAR, NASA, NOAA, FAA, LLNL, UKMO, and ECMWF.
1998, Co-Developer, Computer modules for NASA's Earth System
Science Program (ESSE), NASA Goddard.
1997, Programmer and GOES Satellite imagery processor, Langley,
VA.
1995-97, Baikal Research Group, modeling the physical
properties of Lake Baikal, Russia.
1995-97, Physical Limnology of Winyah Bay: Analysis and
modeling of waves, salinity, temperature, and current. U. of
South Carolina.
1993-97, Programmer, Oak Ridge National Lab, Nuclear Physics
Branch, TN. Joint with College of Charleston and U. of South
Carolina.
Research Experience
2005-present, (Panasonic/AirDat/NCAR/NASA/NOAA-GSD, UKMO):
Analysis of the impact of TAMDAR data on numerical models such
as WRF, RAP, RT-FDDA, GFS, UK Met Unified, ECMWF. Development
of methods to optimize 4D-Var and EnKF assimilation.
Development and testing of advanced flight optimization
algorithms for safety and fuel efficiency.
2000-06, (State Climate Office (SCO) of North Carolina/NWS-
RDU): Research involved atmospheric modeling (WRF) of surface
temperature grid resolution to account for frontogenesis and
sensible heat fluxes into the atmosphere over the southeast
U.S. and coastal waters.
1997-2003, Research Scientist, SCONC, Physical oceanography,
mesoscale air-sea interaction and near-shore modeling (MM5/
WRF).
Computer Skills
Programming Languages: Fortran, C, C++, C#, Perl, R, MySQL,
Python, HTML, Java, ksh, and IDL.
Computing Environments: HPC, Linux, UNIX, IBM-AIX, Mac, MPI,
Slurm, Windows, Open/FreeBSD, Darwin.
Software/Models including: GFS, GSI, MPAS, FV3, WRFDA, WW3,
POM, HYCOM, GrADS, NCL, IDV, ArcGIS, MATLAB, ecFlow.
Courses Taught
2007-09, (NCSU): Atmospheric Thermodynamics (MEA 312)
2005-07, (Meredith): Meteorology (GEO 942)
2002-04, (Meredith): Earth Science and Lab (GEO 200, 240L)
2003-04, (Meredith): Introduction to GIS (GEO 943)
2000-01, (NCSU): Meteorology I, II (MEA 213, 214)
1998-99, (NCSU): Oceanography and Lab (MEA 200, 210L)
1997-99, (NCSU): Earth System Science (MEA 100)
1993-97, (USC): Calculus and non-calculus based physics (PHYS
101, 102, 211, 212)
1993-97, (USC): Calculus and non-calculus based physics labs
(PHYS 101L-212L)
Professional Organizations
American Geophysical Union American Meteorological Society
Gamma Beta Phi, National Honor Society Geological Society of
America
National Forensics League
Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society
Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:
1993-1996, USC Chapter) Sigma Xi
Committees
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Forecast Improvement
Group (Chair 2015-Present; Lead, Modeling 2012-14)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower
Emissions, Energy, and Noise (CLEEN)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Expert Team on
Aircraft-Based Observing Systems (ET-ABO)
Invited Center Lectures
NCEP, Camp Springs, MD (hosts: Drs. Vijay Tallapragada and Bill
Lapenta), PWS global ensemble system, 21 July 2016
UK Met Office, Exeter, UK (host: Dr. Dale Barker), PWS global
model and data assimilation, 13 July 2016
ECMWF, Reading, UK (host: Dr. Anna Ghelli), Assimilation of
ABOs into a global modeling system, 12 July 2016
UK Met Office, Exeter, UK (host: Dr. Dale Barker), Estimation
of TAMDAR Error and Assimilation Experiments, 27 Apr 2012
ECMWF, Reading, UK (host: Dr. Erik Andersson), Utility of
TAMDAR aircraft observations for NWP, 26 Apr 2012
NCEP EMC, Camp Springs, MD (host: Dr. Stephen Lord),
Optimization of TAMDAR for NWP, 23 Aug 2011
SMN, Mexico City, Mexico (host: Dr. Felipe Adrian Vazquez),
Operational forecasting with TAMDAR, 23 Jun 2011
ECMWF, Reading, UK (hosts: Drs. Erland Kallen and Erik
Andersson), Unique aspects of aircraft data assimilation, 10
Nov 2010
Congressional Testimony
Hearing: Leading the Way: Examining Advances in Environmental
Technology (21 June 2017)
House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment
Hearing: Private Sector Weather Forecasting: Assessing Products
and Technologies (8 June 2016)
House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment
Many additional statements co-prepared and reviewed for Hearing
witnesses
Publications
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, H. Wang, 2017: Assimilation of
Wind Speed and Direction Observations: Results from real
observation experiments. Tellus A, in press.
Zhang, X., H. Wang, X.-Y. Huang, F. Gao, and N. Jacobs, 2015:
Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate
TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts, Advances in
Meteorology, Vol. 2015, Article ID 427616, 13 pg, 2015.
Gao, F., P. P. Childs, X.-Y. Huang, N. A. Jacobs, and J. Z.
Min, 2014: A Relocation-based Initialization Scheme to Improve
Track-forecasting of Tropical Cyclones. Adv. Atmos. Sci.,
31(1), 27-36.
Jacobs, N., D. Mulally, A. Anderson, J. Braid, P. Childs, A.
Huffman, E. Wilson, and F. Gao, 2015: Recent Advancements in
the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Phoenix,
AZ.
Jacobs, N.., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and H. Wang, 2015:
Optimization of In-situ Aircraft Observations for Various
Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Liu, Y., M. Xu, L. Pan, Y. Liu, N. Jacobs, and P. Childs, 2015:
Implementation of a CONUS RTFDDA system with radar data
assimilation for convection-resolvable analysis and prediction,
(IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N. A., D. J. Mulally, and A. K. Anderson, 2014:
Correction of Flux Valve-Based Heading for Improvement of
Aircraft Wind Observations. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 31,
1733-1747.
Jacobs, N. A., and J. E. Rex, 2013: Benefits and Utility of
Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting, Air
Traffic Control Quarterly, January, First Quarter, 2013.
Huang, X.-Y., F. Gao, N. A. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2013:
Assimilation of wind speed and direction observations: a new
formulation and results from idealized experiments. Tellus A,
65, 19936.
Wyszogrodzki, A. A., Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Zhang,
G. Roux, and T. T. Warner, 2013: Analysis of the surface
temperature and wind forecast bias of the NCAR-AirDat
operational CONUS 4km RTFDDA forecasting system, Meteorol.
Atmos. Phys., 121, 3-4.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, A. Huffman, J. Nelson, J.
T. Braid, Y. L. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2013: An update on the
TAMDAR global network expansion, Special Symposium on Advancing
Weather and Climate Forecasts: Innovative Techniques and
Applications, Austin, TX.
Nelson, J., J. T. Braid, A. K. Anderson, N. A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, M. Croke, and A. Huffman, 2013: Alaska TAMDAR and the
RTFDDA WRF QC System, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Huffman, A., P. Childs, M. Croke, N. A. Jacobs, and Y. L. Liu,
2013: Verification of the NCAR-AirDat operational RT-FDDA-WRF
for the 2011 and 2012 spring convective seasons, IOAS, AMS,
Austin, TX.
Gao, F., N. A. Jacobs, X. Y. Huang, and P. Childs, 2013: Direct
assimilation of wind speed and direction for the WRF model,
Special Symposium on Advancing Weather and Climate Forecasts:
Innovative Techniques and Applications, AMS, Austin, TX.
Richardson, H., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, P. Marinello, and X.
Y. Huang, 2013: UAS observations and their impact on NWP during
TUFT, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Gao, F., P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and N. A. Jacobs, 2013: A new
method for vortex relocation within a balanced flow field, NWP,
AMS, Austin, TX.
Gao, F., X. Zhang, N. Jacobs, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, P.
Childs, 2012. Estimation of TAMDAR Observational Error and
Assimilation Experiments. Wea. Forecasting, 27, 4, 856-877.
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, 2012: The Assimilation of Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System, New Orleans,
LA.
Zhang, Xiaoyan, X.-Y. Huang, T. Auligne, Xin Zhang, F. Gao, N.
Jacobs, P. Childs. 2012. Evaluation of TAMDAR Data Impact on
Forecast Error with WRFDA-FSO System, AMS, New Orleans, LA.
Gao, F., Xiaoyan Zhang, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, N. Jacobs, P.
Childs, 2011: Preliminary Results of Directly Assimilating Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System. 12th WRF
Users' Workshop, Boulder, Colorado, 20-24 June 2011.
Zhang, Y. Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, T. Nipen, T. T.
Warner, L. D. Monache, G. Roux, A. Wyszogrodzki, W. Y. Y.
Cheng, W. Yu, and R.-S. Sheu, 2012: Evaluation of the impact of
assimilating the TAMDAR data on WRF-based RTFDDA simulations
and the RTFDDA performance on predicting warm-season
precipitation over the CONUS, Wea. Forecasting, under revision.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, T. Betancourt, J. Knievel, B.
Mahoney, J. Pace, D. Rostkier-Edelstein, N. A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, and K. Parks, 2011: NCAR ensemble RTFDDA: real-time
operational forecasting applications and new data assimilation
developments. 24th Conference on Weather and Forecasting (WAF-
NWP), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Huffman, A., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang,
and Y. Liu, 2011: Verification and Sensitivity of the NCAR-
AirDat Operational Forecasting Systems to TAMDAR Observations.
15th Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Zhang, X. Y. Huang, X.
Zhang, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2011: Optimization of In-situ
Aircraft Observations for Various Assimilation Techniques. 15th
Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, Y. Liu, X. Y. Huang, and R.
DeJong, 2011: The Utility of TAMDAR in the NextGen-Oriented
CLEEN Program. Second Aviation, Range and Aerospace Meteorology
Special Symposium on Weather-Air Traffic Management Integration
(ARAM), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, D. J. Mulally, A. K. Anderson, J. T.
Braid, P. Childs, A. Huffman, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2011:
Recent Advancements in the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion.
15th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems
for the Atmosphere, Oceans and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,
Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang,
2010: An Update on the TAMDAR Sensor Network Deployment, (IOAS-
AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2010: The
Potential Utility of TAMDAR Data in Air Quality Forecasting,
(IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Childs, P., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, W. Wu, G. Roux, and
M. Ge, 2010: An Introduction to the NCAR-AirDat Operational
TAMDAR-Enhanced RTFDDA-WRF, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Liu, Y. Liu, and R. S.
Sheu, 2010: Preliminary Verification of the NCAR-AirDat
Operational RTFDDA-WRF System, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2009: The Utility
of TAMDAR on Short-Range Forecasts over Alaska, (IOAS-AOLS),
AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
The Optimization Between TAMDAR Data Assimilation Methods and
Model Configuration in WRF-ARW, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Phoenix, AZ.
Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
TAMDAR-Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF-ARW as a
Function of Data Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,
Phoenix, AZ.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: The Effects
of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Vertical Resolution on TAMDAR
Data assimilation in Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts, AMS
Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
Surface (IOAS-AOLS).
Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: TAMDAR-
Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF-ARW, AMS Annual
Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
Surface (IOAS-AOLS).
Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2008: PenAir-Based
TAMDAR-Related Impacts on Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts over
Alaska, AMS Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated
Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans,
and Land Surface.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2007: The influence of the Gulf Stream induced SST gradients on
the U.S. East Coast winter storm of 24-25 January 2000.
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29, 6145-6174.
Jacobs, N. A., 2007: Potential benefits of tropospheric
airborne meteorological data reporting (TAMDAR). Managing the
Skies, 5, 3, 20-23.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, W. Yu, N. Jacobs, and M.
Anderson, 2007: Assimilation data from diverse sources for
mesoscale NWP: TAMDAR-data impact. Geophysical Research
Abstracts, 9, EGU2007-A-03109.
Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2007: The effects of
vertical resolution on the optimization of TAMDAR data in
short-range mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 11th
Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for
the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS) 9.3.
Druse, C.-M., and N. A. Jacobs, 2007: Evaluating the benefits
of TAMDAR data in aviation forecasting, AMS Annual Meeting,
11th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems
for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS) 9.5.
Liu, Y., N. A. Jacobs, W. Yu, T. T. Warner, S. P. Swerdlin, and
M. Anderson, 2007: An OSSE study of TAMDAR data impact on
mesoscale data assimilation and prediction, AMS Annual Meeting,
11th Symposium on (IOAS-AOLS) 5.20.
Jacobs, N. A., 2006: The effects of lower-tropospheric data
resolution on short-range mesoscale model forecasts of surface
temperatures during the summer season, Doc. and Tech. Note
AirDat, LLC, 53 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., and Y. Liu, 2006: A comprehensive quantitative
precipitation forecast statistical verification study, Doc. and
Tech. Note AirDat, LLC, 25 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2006: Evaluation of
temporal and spatial distribution of TAMDAR data in short-range
mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 10th Symp. IOAS-AOLS.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, and G. M. Lackmann, 2006: Sensitivity
of East Coast winter storms to sea surface temperature
gradients, AMS Annual Meeting, 14th Conf. Sea-Atmos.
Jacobs, N. A., G. M. Lackmann and S. Raman 2005: The combined
effects of Gulf Stream-induced baroclinicity and upper-level
vorticity on U.S. East Coast extratropical cyclogenesis. Mon.
Wea. Rev., 133, 2494-2501.
Jacobs, N. A., 2004: Porting MM5 to OS X: A guide to mesoscale
modeling on a G5, Mac OSX Hints, 15, 97.
Jacobs, N., 2004: The Role of the Gulf Stream on Extratropical
Cyclogenesis, Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Marine, Earth,
and Atmospheric Science, North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC. 307pp.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2004: Role of the Gulf Stream on extratropical cyclogenesis,
AMS Annual Meeting, 20th Conf. WAF/NWP pp. 318-322.
Raman, S., N. Jacobs, and M. Simpson, 2003: Numerical
simulation of land-air-sea interactions during the
northeasterly monsoon over Indian Ocean. INDOEX conf.
Bangalore, India.
Jacobs, N. A., 2001: Latent and sensible heat fluxes over the
Gulf Stream region during OMP. AGU, Boston, MA. Preprint pp
412-417.
Jacobs, N., 2000: Physical Oceanographic Processes and Air-Sea
Interactions of extratropical cyclogenesis during the Oceans
Margins Program, Thesis, Department of Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh,
NC. 178pp.
Jacobs, N., C. Petrusak, V. Connors, D. DeMaster, T. Hopkins,
1998: Earth System Science: Integration of Computer Modeling
and Laboratory Studies. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 127-131.
Jacobs, N., V. Connors, T. Hopkins, D. DeMaster, B. Sweet,
1998: The Evolution of Earth System Science at North Carolina
State University. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 417-421.
Jacobs, N., 1997: Modeling e-folding time decay of super-cooled
semiconductor clocks, Thesis, Department of Physics, University
of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. 234pp.
* Recipient of USC undergraduate debate full scholarship (1992-96); 3
National Championships
1996-present, Collegiate policy (cx) debate programs (coaching, brief-
writing, strategy), Baylor, Stanford, Dartmouth, and USC.
Commercial Driver License NC: Class B (GVWR 26,001 lbs or more)
REFERENCES available upon request
The Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs.
Next up is Ms. Nikakhtar and Mississippi Senator Wicker has
an opening statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER F. WICKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It is my honor to introduce to the members of the Committee
Ms. Nazakhtar Nikakhtar. She is a resident of Maryland. She
graduated from UCLA and has her Master's and J.D. degrees from
Syracuse University. She is now, among other things, an adjunct
professor at Georgetown University.
She is not a resident of the State of Mississippi, but we
wish she were a resident of Mississippi. The reason I am
introducing her is that she is so well-regarded in my home
state for her more than a decade of service to a number of U.S.
industries on international trade matters that are important,
not only to our economy, but also to the economy of the entire
country.
Her effective advocacy for food safety, especially when it
comes to imports, has been particularly appreciated in my home
State of Mississippi.
Likewise, her work on behalf of Delta Council, one of the
most important economic development organizations in our state
has supported critical economic development in Mississippi and
in the entire Gulf region.
Ms. Nikakhtar is dedicated to instituting equitable
international trade policy. She has helped uncover unfair and
fraudulent trading practices around the world, practices that
were jeopardizing the future growth and prosperity of the
United States, and our industries. Her work has facilitated
needed trade relief while strengthening our potential for
growth here at home.
The Department of Commerce's efforts to strengthen the
global competitiveness of the United States will benefit from
Ms. Nikakhtar's extensive experience and tireless leadership on
international trade.
I congratulate her on her nomination and welcome her to
today's hearing.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Wicker.
Ms. Nikakhtar.
STATEMENT OF NAZAKHTAR (``NAZAK'') NIKAKHTAR,
NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDUSTRY
AND ANALYSIS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ms. Nikakhtar. Thank you, Senator Wicker, for the very kind
introduction. I am grateful.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of the
Committee.
I thank you for the opportunity to appear here today. I am
honored to be considered for the position of Assistant
Secretary for Industry and Analysis at the U.S. Department of
Commerce.
With me today are my husband, Gene Degnan, and my parents,
Manijeh and Bijan Nikakhtar. I am proud to say that my husband
and my parents have served our Government as Federal employees
for many, many years.
My husband served for over a decade at the Department of
Commerce, and my parents served for over 40 years collectively
as physicians at the VA hospital taking care of our Nation's
veterans.
My brother, Nersi Nikakhtar, also a physician at the VA
hospital, had work obligations and is in Minneapolis today
where he resides. I am proud to be part of a family that honors
Government service.
I immigrated to America with my family 37 years ago. I can
remember from a young age how proud I was to be an American,
and how I admired the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans, the
innovation, the incredible work ethic, and the thriving
industries competing on the international stage.
I knew growing up that I wanted to be part of the American
industrial growth, to be part of the engine that drives the
American economy forward. So, I went to school to study law and
economics. I obtained my Juris Doctor and Master's in Economics
from Syracuse University in 2002. I then headed to Washington,
D.C. with the hope of entering public service.
I was fortunate to begin work at the Department of
Commerce. I began my career first as an industry analyst at the
Bureau of Industry and Security, and subsequently at the
International Trade Administration. I worked with, and learned
from, incredibly smart and talented civil servants there. But,
at the agency, I learned firsthand that America's commitment to
free and fair trade was not always reciprocated.
I watched U.S. industries struggle to stay alive in the
midst of unfair trade. Our industries were eroding, our output
was declining, and good, hardworking Americans were losing
their jobs because our trading partners were not competing
fairly.
I have audited these foreign companies. I have witnessed
firsthand their business strategies of selling goods at less
than fair value in order to capture increased market share.
As one foreign company official confessed, underselling
was, in essence, ``tuition'' to eventually dominate the U.S.
market. This experience instilled in me the need for strong
enforcement of our trade laws to level the playing field for
American companies and American workers.
I joined the private sector several years later as a lawyer
representing industries in trade remedy disputes: industries in
the steel sector, in aquaculture, agriculture commodity goods,
chemicals, and minerals.
I am well aware of the issues our industries face in being
competitive both at home and abroad. I have worked hard, I have
worked relentlessly to level the playing field to save American
jobs. That is my commitment to U.S. industries when I return to
the Commerce Department.
At Industry and Analysis, my goal will be to ensure that
U.S. companies are the most competitive in the world. We have
to work on creating greater market access for our manufacturing
and services sectors, for our technology companies, and for our
small and medium-sized businesses.
We have to take a serious look at how to re-shore jobs and
how to revitalize job growth in our most economically depressed
regions. We have to look at our industries one by one to
determine what constraints they face in becoming more
competitive domestically and globally.
This requires robust economic analysis and careful
evaluation of trade policy options. This requires coordination
with other Government agencies, as well as diplomacy with our
trading partners. It involves creative thinking and problem
solving.
I came to America knowing that this is the greatest country
in the world: the driver of technological innovation, where
opportunities are boundless, and the American dream is
accessible to everyone. I want to make sure that my son, my 15
month old, grows up in a country where he and every American
can thrive and succeed; a country that continues to be the
world leader in innovation and output.
I want to thank my family for supporting my decision to re-
enter public service. And, if confirmed, I look forward to
dedicating my time in service to working for American
companies, American workers, and the U.S. Government to spur
economic growth and to create jobs.
I thank you again for the opportunity to be here in front
of this Committee.
I look forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
Nikakhtar follow:]
Prepared Statement of Nazakhtar (``Nazak'') Nikakhtar, Nominee for
Assistant Secretary, Industry and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of the Committee,
I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to appear here today. I am
honored to be considered for the position of Assistant Secretary for
Industry & Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
With me today are my husband, Gene Degnan, and my parents, Manijeh
and Bijan Nikakhtar. I'm proud to say that my husband and my parents
have served our Government as Federal employees for many, many years.
My husband served for over a decade at the Department of Commerce, and
my parents served for over 40 years collectively as physicians at the
VA hospital taking care of our Nation's veterans. My brother, Nersi
Nikakhtar, also a physician at the VA hospital, had work obligations
and is in Minneapolis today where he resides. I'm proud to be part of a
family that honors government service.
I immigrated to America with my family 37 years ago. I can remember
from a young age how proud I was to be an American, and how I admired
the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans, the innovation, the incredible
work ethic, and the thriving industries competing on the international
stage. I knew growing up that I wanted to be part of the narrative of
American industrial growth, to be part of the engine that drives the
American economy forward.
So, I went to school to study law and economics. I obtained my
Juris Doctor and Master's in Economics from Syracuse University in 2002
and then headed to Washington, D.C. with the hope of entering public
service.
I was fortunate to begin work at the Department of Commerce. I
began my career first as an industry analyst at the Bureau of Industry
and Security and subsequently at the International Trade
Administration. I worked with, and learned from, incredibly smart and
talented civil servants there. But, at the agency, I learned firsthand
that America's commitment to free and fair trade was not always
reciprocated.
I watched U.S. industries struggle to stay alive in the midst of
unfair trade. Our industries were eroding, our output was declining,
and good, hard-working Americans were losing their jobs because our
trading partners were not competing fairly. I've audited these foreign
companies; I've witnessed firsthand their business strategies of
selling goods at less than fair value in order to capture increased
market share. As one foreign company official confessed, underselling
was in essence ``tuition'' to eventually dominate the U.S. market. This
experience instilled in me the need for strong enforcement of our trade
laws to level the playing field for American companies and workers.
I joined the private sector several years later as a lawyer
representing industries in trade remedy disputes--industries in the
steel sector, in aquaculture, commodity goods, chemicals, and minerals.
I'm well aware of the issues our industries face in being competitive
both at home and abroad. I've worked hard, relentlessly, to level the
playing field and to save American jobs. That's my commitment to U.S.
industries when I return to the Commerce Department.
At Industry & Analysis, my goal will be to ensure that U.S.
companies are the most competitive in the world. We have to work on
creating greater market access for our manufacturing and services
sectors, for our technology companies, and for our small and medium-
sized businesses. We have to take a serious look at how to re-shore
jobs and how to revitalize job growth in our most economically
depressed regions. We have to look at our industries--one by one--to
determine what constraints they face in becoming more competitive
domestically and globally.
This requires robust economic analysis and careful evaluation of
trade policy options. This requires coordination with other government
agencies, as well as diplomacy with our trading partners. It involves
creative thinking and problem solving.
I came to America knowing that this is the greatest country in the
world: the driver of technological innovation, where opportunities are
boundless and the American dream is accessible to everyone. I want to
make sure that my son--my 15 month old--grows up in a country where he
and every American can thrive and succeed, a country that continues to
be the world leader in innovation and output.
I want to thank my family for supporting my decision to re-enter
public service. And, if confirmed, I look forward to dedicating my time
in service to working for American companies, American workers and the
U.S. Government to spur economic growth and to create jobs.
I thank you again for the opportunity to be here in front of this
Committee. I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Nazakhtar
Nikakhtar (``Nazak'' for short)
2. Position to which nominated: U.S. Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration, Industry and Analysis--Assistant
Secretary.
3. Date of Nomination: October 2, 2017.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave.,
NW, Ste 3000, Washington, D.C. 20006
5. Date and Place of Birth: July 15, 1973; Tehran, Iran. Legally
immigrated to the United States in late 1979.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Eugene (``Gene'') Degnan, Attorney (Of Counsel) at Morris
Manning Martin LLP.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Bachelor of Arts: University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
French Literature, 1999
Juris Doctor: Syracuse University, College of Law, 2002
Master of Economics: Syracuse University, Maxwell School of
Citizenship and Public Affairs, 2002
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Research Assistant to Prof. Robin Paul Malloy at Syracuse
University, 2001-2002*
Editor in Chief, Syracuse Journal of International Law and
Commerce, 2001-2002* **
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security,
Industrial Base Studies, Industry Analyst, 2002-2003*
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade
Analyst, 2002-2004*
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, Enforcement and Compliance, Special Assistant
to Senior Enforcement Coordinator of Non-Market Economy Unit,
2004-2007* **
Law Offices of Stewart and Stewart, Attorney (Associate), 2007-
2011*
Georgetown University Law Center, Adjunct Professor, 2009-2011*
**
Akin GNP Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP (Associate), 20011-2013*
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP (Of Counsel), 2013-2015
Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP, Partner, 2015 to present* **
Degnan & Degnan, LLC, Principal, 2013 to present**
* Jobs that relate to position for which I have been nominated.
** Management-level jobs
9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP, Partner, 2015 to present
Degnan & Degnan, LLC, Principal, 2013 to present
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
Maryland State Bar (inactive), 2006 to present
District of Columbia Bar (active), 2010 to present
Court of International Trade (active), approx. 2008 to present
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (active), approx. 2015
to present
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, po1itical party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period. None.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
U.S. Department of Commerce Medal, Silver (2003)
U.S. Department of Commerce Medal, Silver (2004)
U.S. Department of Commerce Medal, Bronze (2005)
Super Lawyer, International Trade, Rising Star's List, 2014
Super Lawyer, International Trade, Rising Star's List, 2015
Super Lawyer, International Trade, Rising Star's List, 2016
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
Speaker, U.S. Court of International Trade, Judicial
Conference, Inspection of Customs and Commerce (2016)
Author, U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Final Tariffs on
Chinese and Taiwanese Solar Products (2014)
Author, U.S. Department of Commerce Imposes Preliminary
Antidumping Duties on Chinese Solar Products (2014)
Author, U.S. Department of Commerce Imposes Preliminary
Countervailing Duties on Chinese Solar Products (2014)
Author, U.S. Subsidiary of SolarWorld Files New AD/CVD
Petitions on Chinese-Origin Solar Cells (2014)
Withdrawal of Tolling Regulations in Antidumping Proceedings
(2008)
Acknowledgement for legal and economic research in: Robin Paul
Malloy, Law in A Market Context: An Introduction to Market
Concepts in Legal Reasoning (Cambridge University Press, 2004)
Acknowledgement for legal and economic research in: Robin Paul
Malloy, Framing the Market: Representations of Meaning and
Value in Law, Markets, and Culture, 51 Buff. L. Rev. 1 (2003)
Contributor: U.S. Department of Commerce, A Survey of the Use
of Biotechnology in U.S. Industry, available at http://
www.tecbnology.gov/reports/Biotechnology/CDl20a_0310.pdf
(October 2003)
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony. None.
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
I have extensive professional experience representing U.S.
industries in international trade disputes involving billions of
dollars in trade. Through my work, I have leveled the playing field for
numerous U.S. industries, helped save U.S. companies from collapse, and
saved hundreds of thousands of American jobs. I have lead large teams
of attorneys and economists in conducting detailed economic analyses of
U.S. industries, scrutinizing unfair trade practices of foreign
companies and governments, and successfully advocating for appropriate
trade relief before U.S. Government agencies. My work involves
strategic coordination among private sector stakeholders and U.S.
Government agencies--this is critical to effective advocacy.
Previously, as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law
Center, I designed and taught law courses on WTO Dispute Settlement and
Negotiations. Before entering private practice, I served at the U.S.
Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration as a
Special Assistant to the Senior Enforcement Coordinator of the China/
Non-Market Economy Unit In that position, I led the agency's
administration of numerous trade cases, advised on legal and regulatory
matters related to the enforcement of U.S. trade laws, and participated
in bilateral negotiations on trade issues between the United States and
China. I also served at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of
Industry and Security as an industry analyst, where I performed key
statistical analyses for the U.S. Government's first official survey of
the U.S. biotechnology industry. I received several award medals from
the Department of Commerce for my work on behalf of U.S. industries.
Additionally, I have been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers as a
``Rising Star'' in International Trade Law.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
A leader in Government must be able to deliver tangible results to
the American people with limited agency resources. Over the past 15
years in both the U.S. Government and in the private sector, I have
overseen the work of hundreds of personnel and have been responsible
for billions of dollars in trade. As a U.S. Government official, I have
led U.S. Government teams in conducting detailed audits of large
multinational corporations, and I have developed and implemented sound
policies to correct trade distortions for U.S. industries--all with
limited agency resources. In private practice, I have coordinated U.S.
industries, often comprised of fierce competitors, in successfully
petitioning the U.S. Government for relief from unfair trade--again
with limited client resources. I look forward to bringing my management
experience to the Department of Commerce's Industry and Analysis
division, where I will work every day to advance the interests of U.S.
industries while serving as a responsible steward of U.S. taxpayer
dollars.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
1. Revitalization of U.S. Industries--The growth and economic
success of U.S. industries are key objectives of the Department of
Commerce. Comprehensive policies need to be developed to accelerate job
gains, investment in industries, and growth in GDP.
2. Global Competitiveness of U.S. Industries--Our trading partners'
declining openness to U.S. exports is threatening the growth and
prosperity of our industries. Barriers to trade must be overcome by
innovative export promotion strategies.
3. Leveling the Playing Field for U.S. Industries--Unfair trade
practices of our trading partners are continuing to devastate U.S.
industries. The Department of Commerce should continue ramping up its
efforts to level the playing field for American workers and companies.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts. None.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. None.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
Any potential conflict of interest will be resolved in accordance
with the terms of my ethics agreement, which was developed in
consultation with ethics officials at the Department of Commerce and
the Office of Government Ethics. I understand that my ethics agreement
has been provided to the Committee. I am not aware of any potential
conflict other than those addressed by my ethics agreement.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. None.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
I served on the Executive Committee, and as Co-Chair of the
Lawyer's Committee, of the Committee to Support U.S. Trade Laws
(CSUSTL) from October 2016 through September 2017. This is a voluntary
position for which I was not compensated. CSUSTL is comprised of
representatives of U.S. manufacturing and agricultural producers who
engage in trade remedy cases (principally antidumping and
countervailing duty proceedings) before U.S. Government agencies and
the courts, including the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S.
International Trade Commission (ITC), the U.S. Court of International
Trade (CIT), and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC).
As Co-Chair of the Lawyer's Committee, in the Spring of 2017, I met
with the United States Trade Representative's Office and Chief
International Trade Counsel for House Ways and Means (Democrats) to
propose amendments to the U.S. statute and Department of Commerce
regulations aimed at improving the U.S. Government's ability to enforce
its trade laws and better protect American companies from unfair trade.
I resigned from my position at CSUSTL on September 30, 2017, once
President Trump issued his intent to nominate me for the position of
Assistant Secretary.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
I am not aware of any potential conflict of interest. Should any
potential conflicts of interest arise, they will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement, and with the advice
and recommendation of ethics officials at the Department of Commerce
General Counsel's Office.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. No.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Nazak Nikakhtar
Experience
Representative industry experience: Catfish, Urea, Ammonium Nitrate,
Refrigerants, Ball Bearings, Tapered Roller Bearings, Coated Paper,
Shrimp, Residential Washers, Power Transformers, Diamond Sawblades,
Steel Pipe, Chlorinated Isocyanurates, Corrosion-Resistant Steel,
Narrow Woven Ribbons, Cut-to-Length Steel Plate, Aircraft Parts.
Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP Washington, District of Columbia
Partner August 2015 to present
Represent and advise U.S. industry clients on a wide range
of international trade matters including antidumping and
countervailing duty proceedings and customs issues relating to
country of origin, duty evasion, and other forms of fraud.
Litigate complex trade cases on behalf of U.S. industries
before the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. International
Trade Commission, Court of International Trade and Court of
Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Advise clients on trade policy matters and World Trade
Organization (WTO) dispute settlement.
Advise clients on restructuring businesses and industries to
improve competitiveness.
Develop government relations strategies for clients in areas
of trade and customs.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Washington, District of Columbia
Counsel January 2014-August 2015
Associate Attorney July 2011-December 2013
Represented U.S. companies and foreign governments and
companies in antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings.
Litigated cases before the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S.
International Trade Commission, and U.S. Court of International
Trade.
Assisted clients with U.S. export control investigations and
compliance programs, and developed and implemented technology
and information strategies, controls, and corrective action
plans.
Collaborated with clients' in-house attorneys and outside
counsel to conduct and support risk assessments and
investigations.
Advised clients on various customs regulatory matters and
valuation laws.
Stewart and Stewart, Law Offices Washington, District of Columbia
Associate Attorney September 2007-July 2011
Represented U.S. industry and labor union clients in
antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings before the U.S.
Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade.
Advised clients on compliance with U.S. export control
requirements and ensured that client transactions conformed to
applicable laws and regulations.
Georgetown University Law Center Washington, District of Columbia
Adjunct Professor, Law School January 2009-May 2011
Instructor to LL.M. students on WTO negotiations and dispute
settlement in course entitled ``Multilateral Trade Negotiations
at the World Trade Organization.''
U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, District of Columbia
International Trade Administration August 2004-September 2007
Special Assistant to Senior Enforcement Coordinator, Non-Market Economy
Office
Developed and advised on agency policies and practices
relating to the enforcement of U.S. trade laws.
Supervised the conduct of over 70 separate international
trade disputes.
Participated in bilateral trade negotiations with foreign
government officials.
Investigated and audited sales and accounting records of
large foreign companies for purposes of evaluating trade
practices and compliance with U.S. and international trade
laws.
Authored comprehensive legal and policy reviews for
publication by the agency.
U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, District of Columbia
International Trade Administration March 2003-August 2004
Import Administration, International Trade Analyst
Conducted investigations, administrative reviews, court-
ordered remand redeterminations and suspension agreements for
antidumping cases involving products covering the agricultural,
industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Performed legal, economic, statistical and accounting
examinations of companies involved in international trade
disputes, and provided legal and economic recommendations to
senior government officials in the resolution of such disputes.
U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, District of Columbia
Bureau of Industry and Security, Analyst December 2002-March 2003
Conducted statistical analysis for official U.S. government
report on the economic and technological performance of the
U.S. biotechnology industry.
District Court for Central District of California Los Angeles,
California
Judicial Extern June 2000-August 2000
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wadsworth Los Angeles, California
Research Assistant June-August 1994, 1995
Education
Syracuse University, College Of Law Syracuse, New York
Juris Doctor, May 2002
Certificate and Honors
Law and Market Economy Certificate
International Law Group, selected to participate in a
specialized course focusing on international law and
litigation.
Activities
Editor-in-Chief, Syracuse Journal of International Law and
Commerce (May 2001-June 2002).
Graduate Research Assistant to Professor Robin Paul Malloy,
Professor of Law and Economics (August 2001-May 2002).
Student Judge, College of Law Judicial Board (March 2000-May
2002).
Editor, Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce
(June 2000-May 2001).
Chairperson, College of Law Grant Opportunity Program (May
2000-May 2001).
Syracuse University, The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public
Affairs
Department of Economics Syracuse, New York
Master, Economics, May 2002
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
Bachelor, French Literature and Political Science, March 1999
Professional Qualifications/Recognition
Bar Memberships
Maryland State Bar
District of Columbia Bar
U.S. Court of International Trade
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Awards/Recognitions
Super Lawyers 2016, Rising Star
Super Lawyers 2015, Rising Star
Super Lawyers 2014, Rising Star
Bronze Medal Award, U.S. Department of Commerce (2006)
Silver Medal Awards (2), U.S. Department of Commerce (2004
and 2005)
Other awards for professional achievements, U.S. Department
of Commerce (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
Languages
Oral and written proficiency in French and Farsi (Iranian
language)
Publications
U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Final Tariffs on
Chinese and Taiwanese Solar Products (2014).
U.S. Department of Commerce Imposes Preliminary Antidumping
Duties on Chinese Solar Products (2014).
U.S. Department of Commerce Imposes Preliminary
Countervailing Duties on Chinese Solar Products (2014).
U.S. Subsidiary of SolarWorld Files New AD/CVD Petitions on
Chinese-Origin Solar Cells (2014).
Acknowledgement for legal and economic research in: Robin
Paul Malloy, Law in A Market Context: An Introduction to Market
Concepts in Legal Reasoning (Cambridge University Press, 2004).
Acknowledgement for legal and economic research in: Robin
Paul Malloy, Framing the Market: Representations of Meaning and
Value in Law, Markets, and Culture, 51 Buff. L. Rev. 1 (2003).
Contributor: U.S. Department of Commerce, A Survey of the
Use of Biotechnology in U.S. Industry, available at http://
www.technology.gov/reports/Biotechnology/CD120a_0310.pdf
(October 2003).
The Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Nikakhtar.
I will start by asking a question of all four of you. I
know each of you appreciates the importance of cooperation
between the Executive Branch and Congress. Nevertheless, these
confirmation hearings give us an opportunity to underscore that
point.
The question is, if confirmed, will you pledge to work
collaboratively with this Committee, and its members, and to
provide thorough and timely responses to our requests for
information?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Ms. Baiocco. Yes, Chairman.
Dr. Jacobs. Yes.
Ms. Nikakhtar. Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. It is very
important.
The Chairman. Thank you.
Congressman Bridenstine, tell me about your approach to
continuing U.S. leadership in space with both the international
and commercial partners? How do you see balancing these with,
what are sometimes, competing interests?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you for that question, sir.
This does, oftentimes in Washington, come about as
competing interests. Different parts of the space community may
be competing against each other. And then trying to determine:
what is uniquely American and where can we partner with our
international partners.
The way I see it, sir, is what we need to do is create
architectures that are in the interest of the United States of
America. And then ultimately figure out, within those
architectures, what piece can be done with traditional
contracts--where the United States Government purchases, owns,
and operates capability--and other types of contracts where we
can just buy a service. Each one of these contracts would be
different depending on whatever the circumstance is.
I would also say that if we are to attain our highest
ideals and achieve our most ambitious objectives, we absolutely
need to continue our international partnerships. We have had
tremendous success on the International Space Station and a
host of other capabilities.
Certainly, it would be my objective, should I be confirmed,
to continue those partnerships and even grow those
partnerships; ultimately, the goal being to get to Mars and,
again, to return to the Moon as a proving ground.
That is going to require not just funds from the United
States, but it is going to require partners from around the
world.
The Chairman. Thank you.
Ms. Baiocco, I say this with some regret, but unnecessary
partisanship has plagued the CPSC in recent years. And given
that agency's important role in protecting American consumers,
it is an issue that is of great concern to me, and one which I
have pressed with previous nominees to the CPSC.
It is important that we have leadership at the CPSC that is
committed to reaching consensus and lowering the temperature of
the partisanship. I am optimistic about your nomination as an
outside the Beltway candidate and as a no-nonsense litigator.
How do you feel your background will prepare you to work
effectively with your fellow Commissioners?
Ms. Baiocco. Thank you, Chairman, for that question.
My background, I think, prepares me for exactly that type
of scenario. I have never stood up on behalf of a client or in
court with just myself. It has always been part of a team.
Everybody brings something to the table. Everybody has a
perspective. It needs to be heard. The most effective people in
any situation are those who listen first and talk second.
I believe that what I have learned in my years of
experience as a, I will use your term, no-nonsense litigator is
to zero in and get rid of the nonsense because our goals here
are all the same.
While the process may differ, depending upon your points of
view, at the end of the day, our goal here is to protect the
American people. That cannot be, it should not be, and it does
not even make sense to be partisan.
The Chairman. Thank you.
Dr. Jacobs, there have been many discussions of which you
have been a part within the weather community about how to
improve the weather enterprise. So the National Weather
Service, academia, and the private sector better coordinate
among themselves.
These discussions can often leave out the most important
stakeholder, and that is the American people who rely on the
National Weather Service's forecasts.
Our weather legislation, which you mentioned, the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, which became
law earlier this year, recognized the essential role of the
National Weather Service in protecting life and property by
codifying the role of Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
In the private sector, you did not have the mission
obligation to protect life and property. But if confirmed,
ensuring the protection of life and property has to be a top
priority.
So the question is, would you commit to making the
protection of life and property a top priority and ensuring
that Warning Coordination Meteorologists receive the support
that they need to do their jobs?
Dr. Jacobs. Absolutely.
The Chairman. If confirmed, how would you ensure that as
NOAA increases its collaboration with the private sector, the
priority focus remains on providing forecasts to the American
people rather than enhancing the weather enterprise for its own
sake?
Dr. Jacobs. Well, the quality and reliability thresholds
for both on-time delivery of critical forecasts, as well as
accuracy and air timeliness of observing system data would be
set by NOAA.
So they would be setting the thresholds for the standards
that the private sector would have to adhere to through public-
private partnerships.
The Chairman. OK. Well, we hope that you will keep a clear-
eyed focus on, as I mentioned earlier, the important priority.
And that, of course, is the American people.
That was what we were trying to get at with the legislation
and we hope that as you enter into this important role, that
that will be something that is front and center in your mind as
well.
Senator Nelson.
Dr. Jacobs. Thank you.
Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter into the record an op-
ed written by Congressman Bridenstine.
The Chairman. Without objection. So ordered.
[The information referred to follows:]
National Review--February 16, 2016
Ted Cruz's True Record on Military Funding
and National Security Is Unassailable
By Jim Bridenstine
As a military pilot and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, I
am proud that this week Ted Cruz showed us again why he is the
candidate best qualified to be commander-in-chief. Yesterday he laid
out a serious, detailed plan for a Reagan-style rebuild of our military
that will enable us to utterly defeat the radical Islamic terrorists
who have vowed to destroy us. Senator Cruz understands that the essence
of ``peace through strength'' is having the strength to maintain peace,
and he's ready to do this hard work. I am proud to have endorsed him
and will be proud to serve under him.
Ted Cruz has proven to be a leader who is not afraid to stand up to
bullies. He is true to his word. As a combat veteran, I am convinced
Ted Cruz is the leader who will keep us safe, support our troops, and
defend our Nation.
Although Marco Rubio has promised not to ``badmouth other
Republicans,'' he and his campaign are now spreading the falsehood that
Cruz doesn't care about our troops and are wrongly smearing a good man.
They should know better.
The Rubio team has criticized Cruz for voting against National
Defense Authorization Acts, suggesting that he's weak on defense. But
Cruz had substantive objections to some of provisions in the acts, not
to their funding levels. In legislation, sometimes you have to vote no
to get to a better yes. You do that because you care about the troops
and the Constitution they are sworn to defend.
He slams Cruz's principled stand, but Rubio didn't even show up to
vote on final passage of the NDAA in October 2015. The next month, he
skipped as well the defense-appropriation vote that actually funds the
military.
Cruz was there to do his job and voted to fund our troops.
Moreover, in March 2015 he voted for Rubio's own amendment that would
have raised the defense budget from $620 to $697 billion for Fiscal
Year 2016.
And Cruz has laid out the most detailed plan to rebuild the
military. It includes increasing our Army to at least 525,000 trained
and fully equipped soldiers, more than in Rubio's proposal. Cruz's plan
increases equipment as well. It rebuilds our Navy, ensuring that we
have at least 350 ships, and our Air Force, ensuring at least 6,000
aircraft, including airplanes and 1,500 tactical fighter aircraft.
Under Cruz, we can be assured that we have the strongest military
in the world. To suggest otherwise doesn't match the record or the
character of my friend and colleague Ted Cruz.
Americans' real concern should be with Rubio's candidacy. He's made
deals with Democrats at great cost to our national security. As a
member of the Gang of Eight, not only did he support massive amnesty
while failing to secure the border, but he also supported giving the
president unilateral authority to admit more refugees who have not been
properly vetted. And he's stood by that dangerous proposition. Senator
Cruz and other leaders in the Senate have introduced legislation to ban
the entry of not-properly-vetted refugees from terrorist-ridden
regions. Senator Rubio has chosen not to support the measure.
Recall that Rubio sided with the Obama-Clinton foreign policy in
Libya, which was an utter disaster. ``It turned out fine,'' Rubio said,
just five months before four Americans, including Ambassador J.
Christopher Stevens, were murdered in Benghazi. Voters should ask
whether that is the same kind of judgment that Rubio would use in other
areas, such as Syria. He has polished his campaign rhetoric, but when
the pressure mounts, he has been quick to abandon conservative
principles and slow to keep his promises to voters.
We need a leader whom we can trust. We need a commander-in-chief
who puts our national-security interests first. And we need a leader
who will honor the Constitution and guide America into a secure and
prosperous future. Ted Cruz will do just that.
--Jim Bridenstine is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As
a Navy pilot, he flew the EC-2 Hawkeye in combat missions off the USS
Abraham Lincoln. He represents Oklahoma's first congressional district.
Senator Nelson. Congressman, in this op-ed--and I want you
to have an opportunity to square some of the things that you
have said and written--in this op-ed, you attack Senator Marco
Rubio, saying, ``He has made deals with Democrats at great cost
to our national security.''
And you say he supported ``Massive amnesty while failing to
secure the border.''
And you say about Senator Rubio, ``When the pressure
mounts, he has been quick to abandon conservative principles
and slow to keep his promises to voters.''
Then you did a television video and you said, ``Marco
Rubio's amnesty bill would have made this country less safe.''
In another ad, you said Senator Rubio joined forces with
President Obama to ``Provide amnesty without border security.''
Tell us, tell the Committee, why did you say these things?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I have been involved in politics for
four and a half years in the House of Representatives, and I
have been involved in a number of very difficult issues, and
represented my constituents the best I absolutely could.
And I would say, sir, that it is very different
representing the First District of Oklahoma from being a NASA
Administrator. And that particular issue, I do not see as being
something that would be necessarily relevant to the position of
NASA Administrator, should I be confirmed.
Senator Nelson. So saying things that the recipient of
those remarks, Senator Rubio, says are not true, you are saying
that that is just not relevant to you being considered as NASA
Administrator?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, that was a debate that was had, I
think, in 2014 and it was an important debate that we had as a
country, and we are past it now.
Sir, it would be my highest ambition to lead NASA in a way
where that is not an issue.
Senator Nelson. Well, I think it is a question of how would
you lead NASA? All right. Let me give you another example.
Is it true, as I have said in my opening remarks, that you
endorsed Kelli Ward in her primary challenge last year to John
McCain?
Is that true?
Rep. Bridenstine. That is true. A friend of mine in the
National Guard who, I guess, knew her asked for that support,
and I did support her with a campaign contribution. I have not
met her.
Senator Nelson. Well, interestingly, you did that and prior
to you endorsing her, let me tell you what she said of John
McCain.
She said, ``John McCain is directly responsible for the
rise of ISIS.''
She also said, again, before you endorsed her, that Hilary
Clinton and John McCain's, ``Reckless policies and fuzzy
utopian ideals have destabilized the Middle East and triggered
a massive refugee crisis, which they want to import into the
U.S. to fatten up the Welfare rolls.''
That is what she said about John McCain.
So you say that you endorsed her even after she had said
all those things by virtue of someone asking you to endorse
her?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I did not know. I do not live in
Arizona, and I am unaware of those comments.
Senator Nelson. A NASA Administrator has to be responsible
for the comments that they make.
I suppose, then, that you would testify here that you are
not aware that after Senator McCain defeated Kelli Ward last
year, she has now gone on to challenge Senator Flake in this
primary before Senator Flake decided to step down.
And then when it was announced that Senator McCain had a
brain tumor, a cancerous brain tumor, the same lady, Kelli Ward
said in a radio interview that she hopes McCain's family and
advisors will advise him to step away as quickly as possible.
And later in the interview, she said she hopes that if
Senator McCain steps down, the Arizona Governor would consider
appointing her to his seat.
You both, as you have said, donated and received money.
Well, you have not said this.
On the Senate Conservative's Fund, you said you have been a
member of the Senate Conservatives Fund. You have donated and
received money to them.
Is that correct?
Rep. Bridenstine. That is correct.
Senator Nelson. Are you----
Rep. Bridenstine. I do not know about being a member. I do
not know of a membership, sir, but they have donated and I have
contributed to their efforts as well.
Senator Nelson. Are you aware that that conservative fund
seeks to unseat Republican Senators including the Senate
Majority Leader?
Rep. Bridenstine. I have not been tracking that, sir.
Senator Nelson. Well, you have participated in it and,
again, I wonder does NASA need someone that has been so
involved in politics in these kinds of causes. You can say that
politics is politics, which you have stated earlier.
But these are some of the most divisive tactics that this
Senator has ever seen in either party. And this is just you
attacking people in your own party.
So how do you move past all of that and keep NASA from
being dragged down into a divisive political background?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you for that question.
Sir, the advocacy I have had for the constituents of
Oklahoma is the same advocacy I would like to bring to NASA.
Advocating for that agency, I think, is important especially as
we are going through another budget iteration.
NASA is a critical piece of the United States of America
and when you think about all of the contributions to space that
NASA has contributed to, the way we navigate, the way we
communicate, the way we produce food and energy.
Earlier, I heard Dr. Jacobs talk about the Weather Research
and Forecasting Innovation Act. That is a piece of legislation,
sir, that I was the author of in the House of Representatives
back in 2013, 2014.
And because of the efforts that I made at that time with
the support of Representative Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon, a
Democrat, we were able to get that bill past the finish line in
the House.
And sir, I would like to thank you for your support because
without you, it would not have passed the Senate, and of
course, Chairman Thune as well.
So I do have a history of working with both sides of the
aisle on important issues for our country.
One of the thoughts that Chairman Thune had is as we think
about the space architecture and weather forecasting, how do we
make sure that we are doing it, not just to benefit industry,
but to make sure we are getting the right information for our
constituents?
Sir, as somebody who has worked very hard on behalf of my
constituents to move us to a day where we have zero deaths from
tornadoes, that bill, the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act, very important to me.
And a piece of it was determining how do we get the best
global initial conditions for weather forecasting? And a lot of
that is done through technologies currently Suomi NPP and the
COSMIC constellation, but also now we are looking at an era
where it could be, in essence, commercialized with GPS radio
occultation technology that is being launched.
I was the author of a pilot program to get commercial data
to feed the very numerical weather models that he was talking
about.
So, sir, I would say that when it comes to space issues,
and when it comes to issues that are important for the national
security of this country, I have worked across the aisle with
great Americans to bring about, I think, legislation that will
ultimately serve every American.
It is also true that as a Member of the House of
Representatives representing Oklahoma, I have advocated for
issues that are not relevant to NASA and that is a part of my
background.
I do believe, sir, that ultimately that could serve me
quite well, not because of what side of the aisle I am on, but
because I do believe the NASA Administrator, should I be
confirmed, will need to work with Congress daily.
And it was my highest ambition, sir, and I mean this
sincerely, to work directly with you to make sure that we are
building that consensus agenda. We need a consensus agenda
because what I want to do, should I be confirmed, is make sure
that NASA is following through on the great work you have done
on the NASA Transition Authorization Act and appropriations for
NASA in the last administration, carry it through this
administration and leave behind a legacy that the next
administration, regardless of political party, can follow up
on.
And working with you, sir, that absolutely is my highest
ambition, and I want to make sure that NASA remains, as you
said, apolitical. And I will do that to the utmost of my
ability, should I be confirmed.
Senator Nelson. Mr. Chairman, I have finished these
questions and I just want to say that, obviously, this is
uncomfortable. Obviously, this is not fun, but it is my
responsibility as the Ranking Member to bring out the kind of
relationships, and acts, and words that the nominee is before
us for the consideration of the Committee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
And I have a couple of items to enter into the record, too.
Congressman Bridenstine does have letters of support from
54 prominent individuals and space-related organizations
including Democratic Congressman Ed Perlmutter, former NASA
Administrator Sean O'Keefe, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and many
others.
And so I will enter those into the record without
objection.
[The information referred to follows:]
______
Onefire Holding Company, LLC
Jenks, OK, October 24, 2017
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
We write today to express our support for Representative Jim
Bridenstine's nomination to be the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Onefire Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Muscogee (Creek)
Nation, is tasked with managing and growing the commercial portfolio of
the Tribe. We have gotten to know the Congressman during his time in
the House of Representatives, and have found him to be a partner and
advocate of the people of our Tribe. Bridenstine has been a leader on
issues near and dear to the people of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,
including space-based capabilities for national defense and improved
weather forecasting that will save lives.
We know Jim Bridenstine to be a committed and dedicated public
servant who will serve honorably as NASA Administrator. We request that
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirm
his nomination.
Thank you,
Mike Payne,
CEO,
Onefire Holdings, LLC.
______
Maxar Technologies
October 25, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
On behalf of Maxar Technologies, I am writing to request your
support for Congressman Jim Bridenstine's nomination to serve as the
next NASA administrator. Jim Bridenstine has spent most of his life in
public service, first as a Navy pilot and later as a Member of
Congress. Representative Bridenstine has been a staunch advocate for
industry and has reinvigorated the discussion about what it means to
have U.S. leadership in space. The Congressman has consistently
demonstrated a willingness to listen, learn, and hear all sides of an
issue, balancing policy and resources with a strong vision for
America's future in space. Moreover, Congressman Bridenstine has a
history of working across the aisle and his experience in achieving
bipartisan solutions will serve him well as NASA Administrator.
Space has never been more important to U.S. national security, the
domestic economy, and American scientific development. All of us at
Maxar are excited to continue to work with Jim Bridenstine as NASA
Administrator and, again, ask for your support during his confirmation
hearing next week.
Thank you for your committee's ongoing efforts to bolster American
space exploration and development, and we appreciate your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Marcy Steinke,
Senior Vice President,
Government Relations and Public Policy,
Maxar Technologies.
DigitalGlobe/SSL/MDA/Radiant Solutions
______
Bigelow Aerospace
Washington, DC, 25 October 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen Thune;
It is with great pleasure that I convey my support for
Representative Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. I
firmly believe that he possesses the qualities that this position
demands, and is the best candidate for the job.
With over four decades of commercial sector business experience, I
have interacted with leaders, directors and presidents of all kinds and
I thoroughly understand the demands of management and leadership.
Having met and communicated with Mr. Bridenstine on several occasions,
I have come to believe that he fits the strength that NASA and this
country needs.
We are embarking on a competitive challenging time vis-a-vis China
in human spaceflight. Good, even great leadership will be paramount.
NASA cannot pivot like a basketball player, and unfortunately can only
move like an aircraft carrier. This means that effective and judicious
management with a sense of urgency in these times is key.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support.
Respectfully,
Robert Bigelow,
Founder and President,
Bigelow Aerospace.
______
Bigelow Aerospace
Washington, DC, 25 October 2017
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ranking Member Nelson,
It is with great pleasure that I convey my support for
Representative Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. I
firmly believe that he possesses the qualities that this position
demands, and is the best candidate for the job.
With over four decades of commercial sector business experience, I
have interacted with leaders, directors and presidents of all kinds and
I thoroughly understand the demands of management and leadership.
Having met and communicated with Mr. Bridenstine on several occasions,
I have come to believe that he fits the strength that NASA and this
country needs.
We are embarking on a competitive challenging time vis-a-vis China
in human spaceflight. Good, even great leadership will be paramount.
NASA cannot pivot like a basketball player, and unfortunately can only
move like an aircraft carrier. This means that effective and judicious
management with a sense of urgency in these times is key.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support.
Respectfully,
Robert Bigelow,
Founder and President,
Bigelow Aerospace.
______
Bigelow Aerospace
Washington, DC, 25 October 2017
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz,
It is with great pleasure that I convey my support for
Representative Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. I
firmly believe that he possesses the qualities that this position
demands, and is the best candidate for the job.
With over four decades of commercial sector business experience, I
have interacted with leaders, directors and presidents of all kinds and
I thoroughly understand the demands of management and leadership.
Having met and communicated with Mr. Bridenstine on several occasions,
I have come to believe that he fits the strength that NASA and this
country needs.
We are embarking on a competitive challenging time vis-a-vis China
in human spaceflight. Good, even great leadership will be paramount.
NASA cannot pivot like a basketball player, and unfortunately can only
move like an aircraft carrier. This means that effective and judicious
management with a sense of urgency in these times is key.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support.
Respectfully,
Robert Bigelow,
Founder and President,
Bigelow Aerospace.
______
Bigelow Aerospace
Washington, DC, 25 October 2017
Hon. Edward J. Markey,
Ranking Member,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ranking Member Markey,
It is with great pleasure that I convey my support for
Representative Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. I
firmly believe that he possesses the qualities that this position
demands, and is the best candidate for the job.
With over four decades of commercial sector business experience, I
have interacted with leaders , directors and presidents of all kinds
and I thoroughly understand the demands of management and leadership.
Having met and communicated with Mr. Bridenstine on several occasions,
I have come to believe that he fits the strength that NASA and this
country needs.
We are embarking on a competitive challenging time vis-a-vis China
in human spaceflight. Good, even great leadership will be paramount.
NASA cannot pivot like a basketball player, and unfortunately can only
move like an aircraft carrier. This means that effective and judicious
management with a sense of urgency in these times is key.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my support.
Respectfully,
Robert Bigelow,
Founder and President,
Bigelow Aerospace.
______
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Louisville, CO, October 25, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Edward J. Markey,
Ranking Member,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
RE: Nomination of Congressmen Jim Bridenstine for NASA Administrator
Dear Chairmen Thune and Cruz, and Ranking Members Nelson and Markey:
I am writing on behalf of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to
provide this letter of support for the nomination and appointment of
Congressman Bridenstine to the role of NASA Administrator. SNC now has
employment in nearly 20 States and over 50 Congressional jurisdictions
which gives us a broad view of the needs of our country.
SNC Space Systems, which I have had the privilege to lead from its
foundation, has a significant involvement in all aspects of space. We
have participated in over 450 missions to space and have built over
4,000 systems, subsystems and components that have traveled to Earth
orbit, the Moon, Sun and to seven planets. In our history, we have been
involved in over 70 major missions with NASA and are currently engaged
in the next Mars mission. Additionally, our Dream Chaser Space Vehicle
has been chosen as one of the NASA commercial resupply vehicles to
service the International Space Station. Through this history I have
had the pleasure of working with five NASA Administrators and ten NASA
Centers.
The Congressman's background and qualifications are well known to
the Committee and need not be repeated. Reasonable people can debate
them. What we wish to add is our direct impressions and experience. I
have had the opportunity to spend significant time with Congressman
Bridenstine over the last several years as he has continued learning
about the space industry. My experience has been through direct and
frequent dialogue, as an observer in public conferences and sessions
and through his interaction with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
for which I am a founder and now Chairman Emeritus. Being in the space
industry teaches you that there are no shortcuts to success. There is
equally no shortcut to understanding the complex space industry. Jim
has methodically, and with deliberate intent, expanded his knowledge of
the current state of space activities and where it might go. I have
watched as he listened, learned, questioned and formed his views and I
can say that this has created a far greater knowledge of space than
what might appear in any bio.
We are at a critical time in space which will require leadership,
enthusiasm, courage and the ability to work through complex issues in
collaboration with many different factions. It will also call for the
Administrator to rise above the noise and act in a forward looking and
positive manner to help the United States expand its leadership in
space. This is imperative for our Nation, our economy, our innovation
and science communities and for our country's future. We believe that
Congressman Bridenstine can be this Administrator.
Not everything about a person can be found in a resume or in
history. It is about a person's actions, character and how one rises to
meet broad new challenges. Jim has served with distinction in his
military service, through his leadership in Congress, in his thoughtful
approach to space legislation and in his acting on the belief for
nonpartisanship in U.S. Space policy. He has a clear vision for our
future in space and we believe would he be an effective, positive and
progressive NASA Administrator who can connect all branches of
government, industry and international relationships.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our input. I welcome any
questions you have about SNC's support for Mr. Bridenstine. We look
forward to working with you as the confirmation process advances.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Mark N. Sirangelo,
Sierra Nevada Corporation.
______
National Association of Spaceports
October 25, 2017
Hon. Jim Bridenstine,
United States House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Bridenstine,
On behalf of the National Association of Spaceports, which
represents FAA-licensed spaceports that support civil, defense and
commercial space launch, I write to share our congratulations on your
nomination to serve as NASA Administrator as well as our appreciation
for your leadership in Congress on behalf of state spaceports. We
believe you will bring this strong commitment to supporting and
encouraging greater use of licensed U.S. spaceports as NASA
administrator.
As you know, spaceports in Virginia, Alaska, Oklahoma and Texas, as
well as other states across the country, have emerged over the last
decade as key launch sites on the East and West coasts for orbital
launch, as well as new suborbital sites inland. Our association is
working to highlight the contributions of these new launch sites, which
state governments have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to
strengthen our national launch resiliency, incubate new commercial
technologies, create more high-value jobs in space-development
infrastructure, and to improve opportunities for current and new launch
providers. We lead the world in the nascent industry of commercial
space development. But we have stiff international competition.
As a thought leader in Congress on space issues, you have been an
active legislator and thoughtful author of policy to strengthen
national space efforts, improve the partnership between the FAA and
State-run spaceports, and cultivate spaceports as key infrastructure
for advancing private, civil and military space capabilities. We are
particularly appreciative of provisions in your American Space
Renaissance Act that would strengthen the partnership between state
spaceports and FAA, as well as better integrate new spaceport
infrastructure in national space policy planning.
We look forward to continuing to work with you in your new
leadership role at NASA, and are grateful for your commitment to
America's spaceports.
George Zamka,
Chairman of the Board,
National Association of Spaceports.
The National Association of Spaceports (NASP) is the premier trade
association dedicated to the advancement and success of America's
spaceports. NASP works in tandem with other trade associations,
corporations, and government agencies to promote the positive aspects
of spaceport operations, to increase spaceport development, and to
provide a vocal and representative presence for the launch sites--where
commercial space development takes off.
______
Inmarsat Inc.
Washington, DC, October 25, 2017
To: Senator Thune,
Senator Nelson,
United States Senate,
Commerce Committee.
Dear Senators,
It is with great pleasure that I write to you in support of the
nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine to be the next Administrator of
NASA. For the nearly 40 years I've worked in the satellite industry,
I've met few Members of Congress with the interest and passion for the
satellite industry and space policy that I've seen with Rep.
Bridenstine.
Though his experience as a Naval Aviator and Oklahoma Congressman
would naturally steer him to defense and weather matters in space, Rep.
Bridenstine has gone well beyond parochial interests and taken the time
to dive into some of the key strategic issues affecting the Nation's
future in space, including technology development, the challenges of
space traffic management and space debris and the proper balance of
interests in future Federal satellite service acquisition policy. He
ranks among the most thoughtful and articulate Members in almost all
matters of space policy and acquisition.
As the largest mobile satellite communications company and leading
supplier of satellite services to governments worldwide, Inmarsat
highly values the select few leaders that take the time to truly
understand and promote the interests of all of those who use the domain
of space to advance the U.S. economy, national security, scientific and
educational aspirations.
As someone who has personally worked on many NASA programs and
directly for and with several prior NASA Administrators, I can
recommend Rep Bridenstine most wholeheartedly. He has the passion and
intellect to lead this world-class institution in its mission to
advance science and the U.S. interests in space.
I thank you for your continued service to the Nation.
With appreciation,
Peter Hadinger,
President,
Inmarsat Inc.
______
SolAero Technologies Corporation
Albuquerque, NM, October 25, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
We write today in support of Representative Jim Bridenstine's
nomination to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration. At this critical time in our Nation's history, it
is important that NASA have effective and visionary leadership. We
believe Congressman Bridenstine will provide that leadership.
During his time in Congress, Bridenstine has proven himself to be a
passionate advocate for America's space program, from civil space to
national security space to commercial space. He has taken the time to
get to know this community and its stakeholders within industry,
government, academia and NGOs, and has shown an ability to have a keen
understanding of the issues. Bridenstine has been extremely effective
taking this understanding, building bipartisan coalitions, and enacting
visionary policies to advance American leadership in space.
Congressman Bridenstine served honorably as a pilot in the Navy,
the Navy Reserves, and now the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He has
demonstrated a commitment to serving his nation. Taking this commitment
and combining it with his passion, knowledge, and understanding of
space, we are confident he will make a great NASA Administrator.
Sincerely,
Brad Clevenger,
President & CEO,
SolAero Technologies Corporation.
______
Moon Express Inc.
Cape Canaveral, FL, October 25, 2017
Senator John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune:
I write to you to express my strong support of Jim Bridenstine's
nomination as NASA Administrator.
During his five years in Congress, Rep. Bridenstine has been a
thoughtful advocate of improvements in America's military, commercial,
and civil space enterprises. He has championed new ideas without
bashing traditional institutions. He has helped coalesce a new
generation of bipartisan space supporters in Congress to promote a
multi-mission NASA that does everything from improving aviation safety
to monitoring the environment to leading the world in human and robotic
space exploration. He has supported Defense Department studies on the
effects of climate change on military installations. And as a museum
director and space entrepreneur, he has worked to inspire young people
in his state and investors in new rocket planes.
Jim radiates a passion for space that that will help inspire the
next generation of space scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Of
course, his patriotic background as a naval aviator has also given him
a warfighter's appreciation for the space products and services that
have been essential to American national security since the first Gulf
War.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Bridenstine as Moon
Express seeks to return America to the surface of the Moon next year.
He has been a champion in addressing the policy challenges that space
entrepreneurs face and has tirelessly advocated on the industry's
behalf to create a pathway for companies such as ours to receive clear
Federal authorizations to undertake private sector space missions. Moon
Express recently received authorization to fly the first commercial
mission to the Moon from regulators, a historic precedent that will
provide us the opportunity to provide low-cost access to the Moon for
NASA's exploration technology and science programs, as well as other
potential customers.
In short, Jim has indispensable qualities that are rarely found
together: a personal passion and vision of America's future in space;
the ability to lead peers as well as team members to achieve a goal; a
proven track record of promoting regulatory reforms; and the trust and
support of a U.S. President.
I believe Jim could be one of the greatest leaders of the U.S.
space program, and that the committee will come to appreciate why I and
so many long-time experts in the U.S. space community have been
inspired by his knowledge, passion, and vision for space over the past
five years. I hope that you will vote to confirm him as NASA
Administrator.
Sincerely,
Robert (Bob) Richards,
Founder and CEO.
cc: Senator Bill Nelson, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
______
26 October 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
U.S. Capitol,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
It is with great pleasure and confidence that I write to
unconditionally support the nomination of Congressman Jim Bridenstine
for the position of Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. I believe Mr. Bridenstine possesses the intellectual
capacity, domain knowledge, political insight, and boldness of vision
needed to steer the world's foremost ship of Earth, aeronautics and
space science, exploration and education.
I met Mr. Bridenstine during his first term in Congress, when he
began work on a weather forecast improvement bill. He reached out for
input to my institution, the University of Oklahoma, which is home to
the National Weather Center-a pioneer in the observation and prediction
of severe storms and tornadoes (at OU, I serve as Regents' Professor of
Meteorology and Vice President for Research). Rising quickly to chair
the House authorizing subcommittee for the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and other key agencies involved in research,
Mr. Bridenstine became a champion for science broadly, and his weather
bill was the first in decades that sought to enhance our Nation's
ability to forecast extreme weather events--something that was sorely
needed.
I was immediately impressed by Mr. Bridenstine's ability to grasp
complex technical subjects, his understanding of the big picture as
well as details, and his insight into the Federal budget. Most
important, however, I found him to be teachable and open to new ideas
and approaches that achieved his overall goals. Ultimately, his weather
bill was passed with bi-partisan support and signed into law.
Some in the scientific community view Mr. Bridenstine as having
certain narrow positions, for example, in opposition to Earth Science
or climate research. My experience has been that Mr. Bridenstine
appreciates the importance of understanding the entire Earth-to-Sun
system, and wishes to establish a balanced portfolio of research that
advances knowledge and informs policymaking. He believes in using sound
science to make decisions, and in openness and transparency as part of
the process.
I believe the Nation would be exceptionally well served with Mr.
Bridenstine as NASA Administrator, and I appreciate the opportunity to
provide input on this important decision.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier,
Norman, Oklahoma.
______
Commercial Spaceflight Federation
Washington, DC, 26 October 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and Senators of the Committee:
It is a pleasure to enthusiastically endorse the nomination of
Congressman Jim Bridenstine to lead the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration as its next Administrator.
I am a planetary scientist, astrophysicist, and aerospace engineer
by training. I am also a believer in the power of space exploration to
inspire, to catalyze our economic engine, to provide new resources and
technology, to generate new knowledge, and to create a better future
for all of us.
I have written hundreds of scientific papers on subjects ranging
from space vehicle rendezvous theory to studies of the Earth's
atmosphere, to planetary origins, to gamma ray bursts, to detection
techniques for planetary systems around other stars.
I have been on 29 space mission teams, from brief suborbital
science missions, to Space Shuttle expeditions, to Earth orbiting
science satellites, to planetary missions across our solar system. I
have been fortunate to lead on 14 of those missions, including the New
Horizons mission sent to explore the Pluto system in 2015 and in so
doing conducted the farthest exploration of planets in the history of
space exploration.
I was also fortunate to have former NASA Administrator Michael
Griffin entrust me with the leadership of NASA's Science Mission
Directorate (SMD). As Associate Administrator for SMD, I oversaw all of
NASA's $5B planetary, astrophysical, heliospheric, and Earth Science
efforts at NASA Headquarters here in Washington. During my tenure we
steeply increased the rate of new mission starts while simultaneously
bringing cost overruns down dramatically.
Today, I am a private citizen and the Board Chair of the Commercial
Spaceflight Federation, the largest industry association of companies
dedicated to advancing the development of commercial spaceflight of all
kinds. I am an advocate for both human and robotic exploration of
space, for public outreach surrounding space exploration, for the
development of new space technologies, and for space exploration as an
effective tool for soft power projection across the world.
I've had the pleasure to know some of you on this committee from my
work and from testimony I have given. In fact, the first member of this
committee that I met was Senator Nelson, when, in 1986, he flew on the
same Space Shuttle mission that I first served as a Principal
Investigator on. And I was, like Senator Nelson, shocked and saddened
later that same month when the next space shuttle mission, Challenger
STS-5lL, exploded, losing six friends and two experiments I was
involved in. So in addition to understanding and being part of the U.S.
space science enterprise for over 30 years, and advocating for Earth
Science in the previous Republican Administration when I served at NASA
Headquarters, I also intimately understand and have been deeply
personally affected by the dearest costs of space exploration.
I first came to know Congressman Bridenstine about a year ago, but
for some time before that I was keenly aware that he shares the same
passions I--and I know many of you--do for space exploration, and that
he has been a highly effective space exploration and space
commercialization policy leader.
I am honored to support his nomination to be NASA Administrator,
and to pledge my enthusiastic support to him as he undertakes this
difficult and oftentimes thankless role.
Why do I strongly support Jim Bridenstine's nomination?
Because of his high integrity, which is key to leading NASA.
Because of his dedication to hard work and to listening to
outside advice.
Because of his high energy level, which is also very much
needed.
Because of his deep passion for space exploration and how it
can improve our lives, our economy, and the better future we
all seek for our children.
Because he supports the Decadal Survey process and its
mandates that guide all the space and Earth Science enterprises
at NASA.
Because he is a forceful advocate for both expanded human
and robotic exploration of space.
Because he believes human industrial activity is the source
of climate change.
Because he is a passionate advocate for expanding the role
of commercial companies in space.
Because he has indicated he would like to see both the
exploration and science enterprises grow at NASA.
Because he believes space should be nonpartisan.
And because he brings a very much welcome, and needed, new
set of practiced policy and political skills that have often
been missing at NASA.
Some people have said that despite his amazing education--four
degrees at Rice and Cornell universities--his service to our country as
a combat and later a reserves pilot, and his successful career as a
representative in Congress, that Mr. Bridenstine is not qualified to
serve as NASA Administrator, because he is neither a scientist nor an
engineer.
Well, I am both of those things. And in my view what NASA needs
most today in its Administrator is neither scientific nor engineering
acumen. NASA has a workforce of over 18,000 including thousands of the
country's--actually the world's--top space engineers and scientists.
I do not think one more scientist or engineer there--even at the
Agency's helm--will measurably advance NASA as much as a skilled and
visionary leader who believes in space science and exploration and who
can effectively guide NASA to new heights using his political and
policy skills, his exuberance, energy, and effectiveness. What the
Agency needs in my estimation is a leader who can inspire, who can
advocate, and who can guide our space efforts to again be the envy of
the world and an engine of historic significance.
That person is Jim Bridenstine, and I hope you will confirm his
nomination so NASA and our country can benefit as soon as possible from
his skills, his passion, and his dedication to NASA's mission.
Sincerely,
S. Alan Stern,
Board Chair,
Commercial Spaceflight Federation,
Former NASA Associate Administrator for Science.
______
26 October 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
The purpose of this letter is to provide my endorsement for
Congressman Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. By way
of background, I have been the president and CEO of the Center for
Strategic and International Studies since early 2000. Before that, I
served as deputy secretary of defense under President Clinton. I have
had the pleasure to work with Rep. Bridenstine these last two years in
conjunction with a study we undertook in space policy here at CSIS. I
have worked with members of Congress for 40 years. Only very rarely
have I seen a member of Congress focus with such intensity and
sophistication on an urgent national priority. I was deeply impressed
by his leadership. I am confident he will bring that to his prospective
role as the head of NASA.
Rep. Bridenstine is a fine leader with a keen intellect. I have
enjoyed the chances that I have had to work with him in my capacity at
CSIS. I know that he is the right choice for this position.
John J. Hamre,
President and CEO,
Center for Strategic and International Studies.
______
26 October 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
The purpose of this letter is to provide my strongest endorsement
for Congressman Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. By
way of background, I am a retired Air Force General Officer and have
been in the Space business for 37 years. During this period, I worked
with many great leaders in the Air Force, NASA, NOAA and the
Intelligence Community. Over the last four years, I have had the
privilege to meet and work with Congressmen Jim Bridenstine and I would
rank him at the top of the space leader list. His leadership,
intellectual energy, and ability to understand and resolve complex
space issues set him apart from the others.
Additionally, Congressman Bridenstine is the right leader at the
right time to lead the NASA team for the following reasons:
First, he is an articulate and visionary leader that is
focused on creating a more resilient space architecture to
support United States national security and economic
imperatives. In April 2016, he introduced the American Space
Renaissance Act to jump start our commercial and national
security space enterprise and to address the threats to our
National Security and our global economy. It's a groundbreaking
piece of legislation and it's already guiding resource
decisions that will help restore the United States as the
preeminent nation for the peaceful use of space.
Second, he has excellent communication and interpersonal
skills. He has the unique ability to grasp complex issues and
distill them into smaller more manageable pieces. I've seen him
do this several times. It's a rare trait that takes the
complexity out of the equation and allows him to communicate in
easy to understand terms and get everyone on board.
Third, he is a team player and coalition builder. His
ability to quickly identify and characterize issues, lay out a
plan, and rally the team to resolve them will be essential to
move NASA and the Nation forward in space. His demonstrated
ability to work with leaders from the U.S. Government,
commercial industry, and the international community will be
key to creating more innovative and affordable space options
for our Nation.
Finally, he is one of the finest leaders I have met. He is a true
professional in every sense of the word and his knowledge of space is
unrivaled in the Washington DC arena. This knowledge, coupled with his
natural leadership and communication skills, make him the right choice
for NASA Administrator.
Peter F. Hoene,
Brigadier General,
USAF (Retired).
______
GWACS Defense Inc.
Jenks, Oklahoma, October 26, 2017
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
I write today to give my company's robust and enthusiastic support
for Representative Jim Bridenstine's nomination to be the Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
GWACS Defense, Inc., is a company that builds cutting edge acoustic
gunshot detection systems to provide security and save lives. Our next
generation technology will utilize space based communications for
global situational awareness and local active shooter events for
immediate gee-location of hostile shooters. Our company partners with
QUALCOMM and other critical satellite technology companies. In moving
out on providing this capability, we have worked with the Congressman
on policies which are important to our technology which will have a
dramatic affect in reducing and/or eliminating future active shooter
events such as the recent massacre in Las Vegas. Jim Bridenstine has
demonstrated extraordinary technical acumen to understand spectrum,
encryption, space-based networks, and many other aspects affecting our
technology.
We believe that Congressman Bridenstine will bring this
thoroughness arid technical capacity to NASA and with his leadership
NASA can play a critical in helping with the security and safety of
Americans through our great nation and around the world. It is our high
honor to support his nomination.
Thank you,
Jud Gudgel,
Chief Executive Officer,
GWACS Defense Inc.
______
Airbus Americas, Inc.
Herndon, VA, October 26, 2017
Senator John Thune,
Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Senator Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
I write today in support of Representative Jim Bridenstine's
nomination to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA). Airbus, a global space industry leader and
manufacturer of the Orion service module, recognizes the importance of
selecting an experienced and passionate leader of the NASA. We believe
Representative Bridenstine will provide strong leadership at this
critical time in our Nation's space history.
Congressman Bridenstine has proven to be a passionate advocate for
America's space programs, from civil space to national security space
to commercial space. He is a recognized leader within the space
stakeholders community; industry, government, academia and NGOs, and
has shown an ability to have a keen understanding of our issues. As a
Member of Congress, Bridenstine has been extremely effective building
bipartisan coalitions and enacting visionary policies to advance
American leadership in space.
Congressman Bridenstine served honorably as a pilot in the Navy,
the Navy Reserves, and now the Oklahoma Air National Guard, further
demonstrating his commitment to serving his nation. Taking this
commitment and combining it with his passion, knowledge, and
understanding of the space industry and space policies, I am confident
he will make a great NASA Administrator.
Respectfully yours,
Allan McArtor.
______
OneWeb, Ltd.
Arlington, VA, October 26, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
As an American with a history in both space and aviation, I write
to you today in support of Representative Jim Bridenstine's nomination
to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. It is important that NASA have effective and visionary
leadership. I believe Congressman Bridenstine will provide that
leadership.
During his time in Congress, Congressman Bridenstine has been a
passionate advocate for America's space program and has actively
engaged in the type of complex matters he will oversee in civil space,
national security space, and commercial space as the Administrator of
NASA.
He has taken the time to get to know the space sector and its
stakeholders within industry, government, academia and NGOs, and has
shown a keen understanding of the key issues involving space.
Congressman Bridenstine has capably used this understanding to build
bipartisan coalitions and enact visionary policies to advance America's
leadership in space.
Congressman Bridenstine served honorably as a pilot in the Navy and
the Navy Reserves, and currently serves in the Oklahoma Air National
Guard. He has demonstrated a commitment to serving his nation. That
commitment, combined with his passion, knowledge, and understanding of
space, would in my opinion make him an outstanding NASA Administrator.
Sincerely,
Greg Wyler,
Founder & Executive Chairman
______
Association of the United States Navy
Alexandria, VA, October 26, 2017
To whom it may concern,
On behalf of the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), we
strongly urge you to support James Bridenstine as the next
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Since 1954 the Association of the U.S. Navy has served as the voice
for America's Sailors and is the premier advocate for a strong Navy and
national defense. Since the nascent days of Alan Shepard and Wally
Schirra, NASA has turned to the Navy to find the best and brightest to
lead from the front. The future success of the space program rests in a
strong commercial-government partnership. The next administrator must
therefore be equipped to consider non-standard and asymmetric
proposals, ideas, and concepts. James Bridenstine's background clearly
shows he is well equipped to deliver exactly this kind of creative and
critical thought leadership.
A distinguished Navy and Air Force pilot, James Bridenstine has
served his country with honor and distinction in two different
branches. He has planned and flown combat missions from aircraft
carriers, trained the Navy's best pilots as an instructor at the Naval
Strike and Air Warfare Center (the parent command to TOPGUN), planned
and conducted asymmetrical counter-narcoterrorism missions, and
continues to fly in support of the Air Force Special Operations
Command.
Furthermore, James Bridenstine's strong educational background with
a triple major at Rice and an MBA from Cornell further strengthen his
resume. His choice to culminate his many years of experience and
success in the Navy with a transfer to the Air National Guard so that
he could continue actively serving in uniform while still serving in
Congress reflects a heart surrendered to the best interests of our
country, beyond his own interests.
James Bridenstine's background demonstrates that he is a most
qualified and committed candidate, and AUSN profoundly believes he is
the candidate we can trust most to support the needs of our Nation. The
Association of the United States Navy strongly encourages you to
support James Bridenstine as the next Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Little,
Director of Legislative Affairs,
AUSN.
______
October 26, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune and Nelson,
I write to express my strongest personal recommendation, and urge
your support for a unanimous confirmation, for Representative Jim
Bridenstine (OK-1) for the position of Administrator, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
I have personally known Mr. Bridenstine for nearly a decade. His
in-depth technical knowledge and passion for NASA's mission are
unmatched. As the next leader of NASA, he will build on the impressive
legacy of America's space agency.
Mr. Bridenstine and I served together in the United States Navy
where I was his Commanding Officer. He led by example and his
professionalism, leadership and integrity were examples for all who
served with him. Further, Mr. Bridenstine is a man of faith, family,
and country. His personal qualities are matched only by his scientific
intelligence and administrative acumen. Mr . Bridenstine is committed
to serving the United States and will be an outstanding Administrator.
I am honored and humbled to ask for your support of Mr. Bridenstine
. He is the right person with the right skills to lead NASA. I am
confident the Committee and Senate will agree. Thank you for your
continued service to our great nation.
With appreciation,
Gerald Todd Heyne,
Captain, USN, Retired.
______
Astrobotic Technology, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA, October 26, 2017
Hon. Jim Bridenstine,
U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Rep. Bridenstine:
On behalf of the Astrobotic team, I want to congratulate you on
your nomination to serve as NASA Administrator and thank you for your
leadership in Congress to support America's return to the Moon. You
have been a leading champion of NASA's Lunar CATALYST program as well
as an advocate for the bipartisan effort to fund NASA participation on
robotic lunar lander demonstration missions in the House FY 2018
Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill, which would provide $30
million in FY 2018 to support these lunar mission opportunities.
It has been nearly 50 years since the United States last had a
lunar lander capable of a soft landing on the Moon. American companies,
like Astrobotic, have been hard at work over the last decade privately
developing a robotic Lunar Lander to restore this capability for NASA
and other government, academic and commercial users. That is why NASA's
Lunar CATALYST program--which worked with Astrobotic and other industry
partners to support this development--along with NASA's recent RFIs
seeking information on lunar science and technology payloads as well as
lunar lander services, are so instrumental in supporting Lunar Lander
demonstration missions and services.
As Vice President Pence noted in his October 5th speech at the
inaugural National Space Council meeting, ``The moon will be a
stepping-stone, a training ground, a venue to strengthen our commercial
and international partnerships as we refocus America's space program
toward human space exploration.'' We applaud this announcement and
believe that NASA and its industry partners are well positioned to
enable robust exploration missions on and around the Moon over the next
several years.
Astrobotic is excited to lead this return to the Moon through its
ongoing partnership with NASA, as well as its 2019 mission that will be
launched by United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket--the only lunar
lander launching from U.S. soil. Additionally, with the Space Launch
System (SOLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, NASA has developed and is
preparing to launch the exploration-class systems necessary to return
American astronauts to lunar orbit and build the Deep Space Gateway,
which will provide a critical platform for robotic and, eventually,
human missions to the lunar surface. The upcoming Exploration Missions
and Gateway will also enable new opportunities to leverage robotic
lunar landers to access the Moon's surface for the first time since
Apollo 17, enabling a range of affordable science, technology and
exploration expeditions within the current budget profile.
Again, we congratulate you on your nomination and appreciate your
continued leadership to support NASA's work with industry to enable a
range of U.S., international and commercial missions to ensure American
leadership in space, especially in our return to the Moon.
Sincerely,
John Thornton,
CEO,
Astrobotic Technology, Inc.
______
Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc.
Slidell, LA, October 26, 2017
Senator John Thune, Chairman,
Senator Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
United States Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Congressman Jim
Bridenstine for the position of Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Congressman Bridenstine has been
a military pilot in both the United States Navy and the Air National
Guard. His experience in avionics and aviation will help Shinto
continue the expansion and exploration of outer space. He is a
proponent of space technology and the commercial potential for
exploiting space resources on the Moon and beyond.
I have dealt with the Congressman throughout his tenure and have
found him receptive to new ideas. He is a proven leader who has led the
way in Congress on space issues. This has been recognized by Space News
who called him a game changer in the space program. I believe that
Congressman Bridenstine has the ability to shepherd the return of the
United States to manned space flight and that he is the best candidate
to do so.
I note that the Congressman's work as Chairman of the Environment
Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has
been exemplary. He has worked hard on deregulation and has convinced
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to upgrade their
weather forecasting models. I believe he will bring the same analytical
and technical ability to the post of Administrator.
Many say that the problem; of the world are on Earth. The
solutions, however, are in space. We need a leader like Jim Bridenstine
to take American back into space. He enjoys my full confidence and
support.
Sincerely,
John B. Wells,
Commander USN (Retired),
Executive Director.
______
Spaceport America
Las Cruces, NM, October 26, 2017
Dear Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Bill Nelson,
I write to you on behalf of Spaceport America, the world's first
purpose-built commercial spaceport, to express our enthusiastic support
for Representative Jim Bridenstine's nomination as NASA Administrator.
Through his service in Congress, on the House Committee of Science,
Space, and Technology as well as the Committee on Armed Services, Mr.
Bridenstine has demonstrated the leadership, temperament and resolve to
effect bipartisan efforts to facilitate the growth of a commercial
space sector that is globally competitive and advances United States
leadership in a generation of new markets and innovation-driven
entrepreneurship.
Mr. Bridenstine's space legislation, along with his support of
other congressional space initiatives on both sides of the aisle,
reveals his commitment to the goals of our national space policy to
energize a competitive domestic space industry that works in
international cooperation to extend the benefits of space to all, while
strengthening our Nation's stability in space and increasing its
assurance of mission-essential functions enabled by commercial, civil,
scientific, and national security spacecraft and infrastructure.
Spaceport America supports Mr. Bridenstine's vision of a space
agency that effectively combines the economic engine of American free
enterprise with the substantial resources and expertise of the U.S.
Government to ensure that the United States remains the leader of space
exploration and the global space economy. The combination of his strong
aeronautical expertise, his knowledge of space policy, and his
visionary leadership is what our Nation needs in this new dynamic
global space marketplace.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our input. We look
forward to working with you as the confirmation process advances.
Daniel Hicks,
Chief Executive Officer,
New Mexico Spaceport Authority.
______
Vienna, VA, 26 October 2017
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
I am writing to express my strongest personal support for the
confirmation of Jim Bridenstine to the position of NASA Administrator.
Jim and I flew in the same community and were both in VAW-77 where
we conducted Counter-Narco Terrorism operations throughout Central and
South America and the Caribbean. The operations were non-standard and
required an immense amount of creative operational planning and
creative tactical development. The execution of these plans then
required us to operate the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft in non-traditional
operating environments, flying non-traditional profiles
All this to say the following--ducks like ducks. Standard cookie-
cutter nominees get expected standard results. In Jim Bridenstine you
have the opportunity to confirm a man who looks at problems as
opportunities, and challenges as training environments. You cannot
expect transformational growth from an industry insider.
The leadership required to be exercised by a Naval Aviator is
unlike that found elsewhere in the military. We are not exclusively
pilots--indeed, we are trained to be officers and leaders first, and
pilots second. The required volume and combination of intellectual,
emotional, and moral capacity is unequalled. A normal day for a Navy
Pilot embarked on an aircraft carrier consists of spending most the
daylight hours leading Sailors in the maintenance department; then
pivoting in a moment into operational planning for the next day's
combat strike; followed by another pivot into launching and flying a
completely unrelated check flight; all while training and mentoring the
younger pilots in the squadron.
What NASA needs in this challenging time is a person with the
ability to look at the issues which have become ubiquitous to the
current leaders, and see the unique hidden in plain sight, the
unexpected, the opportunities that exist everywhere but are mostly
ignored because people do not understand them for what they are.
What NASA needs is an Administrator like Jim Bridenstine. I
fervently encourage you to confirm him for this position. Please feel
free to reach out to me with any questions at [email protected] or
703.321.6994 (cell).
Very Respectfully,
CAPT Brett Korade,
USN (Ret).
E-2/C-2/FA-18/C-12 pilot
______
Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority
Burns Flat, OK, October 27, 2017
U.S. Senate Committee,
Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA)
respectfully ask for your support to empower Jim Bridenstine to become
the next NASA Administrator. He has a dynamic vision for the future of
the United States Space Program and has been instrumental with the
ongoing development of Space Commerce which Oklahoma also plays a major
role in that capacity.
We have worked with Jim for over 10 years including his time in
Congress. He has demonstrated an extensive technical knowledge of
aerospace and aviation businesses echoing his broad based understanding
of their strategic importance.
His introduction of the American Space Renaissance Act, to
permanently secure the United States of America as the preeminent
spacefaring nation, reflects the benefits that can be directly tied to
our Nation leading the way in exploring and commercializing space. The
Act rejects a strategic vision that will involve both military and
commercial space systems. It will provide domestic and commercial space
launch capabilities as well as encourage commercial space innovation.
Very Respectfully,
Bill N. Khourie,
Executive Director,
Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority.
______
Intelsat
McLean, VA, October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
We write today in support of Representative Jim Bridenstine's
nomination to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration. At this critical time in our Nation's history, it
is important that NASA have effective and visionary leadership. We
believe Congressman Bridenstine will provide that leadership.
During his time in Congress, Bridenstine has proven himself to be a
passionate advocate for America's space program, from civil space to
national security space to commercial space. He has taken the time to
get to know this community and its stakeholders within industry,
government, academia and NGOs, and has shown an ability to have a keen
understanding of the issues. Bridenstine has been extremely effective
taking this understanding, building bipartisan coalitions, and enacting
visionary policies to advance American leadership in space.
Congressman Bridenstine served honorably as a pilot in the Navy,
the Navy Reserves, and now the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He has
demonstrated a commitment to serving his nation. Taking this commitment
and combining it with his passion, knowledge, and understanding of
space, we are confident he will make a great NASA Administrator.
Thank you,
Stephen R. Spengler,
Chief Executive Officer.
______
National Guard Association of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK, October 27, 2017
To Whom It May Concern:
It is an honor and a pleasure to offer Recommendation for
Congressman Jim Bridenstine for Administrator for NASA on behalf of the
National Guard Association of Oklahoma (NGAOK).
Congressman Bridenstine has served with distinction in the Oklahoma
Air National Guard. His professional leadership as a Commissioned
Officer of the 137th Special Operations Group and as a Naval Aviator
makes him uniquely qualified in the area of National Security and Space
Security. With Space Security being a new realm of a National Security
Threat, we need a proven dedicated conscientious leader at NASA.
We have every confidence in his ability and leadership to serve in
this Nation well. He has demonstrated his competence, character, and
loyalty to the utmost.
He have stood for the men and women in the National Guard of
Oklahoma and the Nation without hesitation or reservation, we highly
recommend Jim Bridenstine to serve in this capacity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Joshua Odquist,
President.
______
Leisnoi Incorporated
Anchorage, AK, October 27, 2017
Chairman John Thune,
Ranking Member Bill Nelson,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
SUBJECT: Confirmation Hearing for NASA Administrator
Dear Senators Thune and Nelson,
Please accept this letter recommending the confirmation of
Representative Jim Bridenstine as our nations next Administrator for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
As a village corporation established in 1971 by the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Leisnoi supports responsible development
of our resources and preserving our heritage. Leisnoi has lands and
shareholders in the Chiniak area of Kodiak Island, close to the Pacific
Spaceport Complex--Alaska (PSCA), a commercially licensed spaceport
operated by Alaska Aerospace Corporation. We have long supported
development of an aerospace industry in Kodiak that provides increased
opportunities for commercial operations and jobs for local residents.
As our Nation looks to regain leadership in space, PSCA provides an
ideal location for both government and commercial launches that require
affordable access to polar orbits. Representative Bridenstine's vision
to increase efforts in commercial solutions for access to space, bodes
well for the future of NASA and could provide opportunities for PSCA to
become a more integral part of our Nation's space program.
Thank you for holding the confirmation hearing for Representative
Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. His leadership at NASA
will mark a renaissance for space activities by the United States and
be a significant factor in making our space program both more
affordable and dynamic. Increasing commercial activities, while
concurrently streamlining the regulatory process, will result in
expanded job opportunities, increased industry potential, and ensure we
maintain a viable alternative launch location to bring more polar orbit
launch activities back to the United States. This will be great for
America and for Alaska.
It is with great admiration that I fully endorse Representative
Bridenstine to be our next NASA Administrator and ask for your
favorable consideration of his nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
Jana Turvey,
President and CEO.
______
October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
We are writing in our individual capacities as industry experts who
have all served in leadership positions on the Commercial Space
Transportation Advisory Committee, to offer our strong support for
Representative Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA Administrator. We
believe that he has the leadership ability, the vision, and the energy
to enable NASA to reach its full potential.
During his tenure in Congress, Rep. Bridenstine has consistently
demonstrated leadership in space policy. He has earned a reputation for
thoughtful, creative approaches to the challenges facing NASA. His
signature bill, the American Space Renaissance Act, contains a number
of innovative proposals that have already been integrated into other
legislation and signed into law. Rep. Bridenstine is a tireless and
effective advocate for NASA both within Congress and with the
Administration. As a combat veteran, he brings a valuable national
security perspective to his advocacy for the Agency.
A NASA Administrator must be able to unite the Agency and its
stakeholders behind a vision for space exploration, and then execute
the plan that will fulfill that vision. Rep. Bridenstine is well-suited
for this role; he balances the various interests within NASA in a way
that plays to their strengths and will make the Agency more capable. We
believe he will be effective at managing the Agency's programs of
record while leveraging the innovation and investment of the commercial
sector to accomplish more per budget dollar.
The upcoming nomination hearing will give you and your colleagues
an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand Rep. Bridenstine's
passion, vision, and commitment to American leadership in space. We
urge you to confirm his nomination and appreciate your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Mike Gold (COMSTAC Chair)
Michael Lopez-Alegria (COMSTAC Vice Chair)
Oscar Garcia (Chair, InterFlight Global Corporation; Chair of the
COMSTAC Standards Working Group)
Christopher Kunstadter (Senior Vice President and Global Underwriting
Manager--Space/Aerospace Insurance; Chair of the COMSTAC Business/Legal
Working Group)
Mark Sundahl (Charles R. Emrick Jr.-Calfee, Halter & Griswold Professor
of Law; Director, Global Space Law Center; Chair of the COMSTAC
International Space Policy Working Group)
______
MLA Space, LLC
Washington, DC, October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic and unequivocal support for
the nomination of Representative Jim Bridenstine to lead the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration as its next Administrator.
The Agency is at a critical juncture; the change of Administration
offers a unique opportunity to chart a meaningful strategic course that
will remove any doubt surrounding America's position as undisputed
world leader in civil space, and then to use its unmatched knowledge
and human resources to sail it. This will require a steady hand at the
helm--one bold enough to set a visionary and forward-looking direction,
and someone with experience navigating sometimes challenging political
waters.
In my ongoing tenure as Vice-Chair of the Federal Aviation
Administration's Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, I
have been very favorably impressed with Congressman Bridenstine' s
depth and breadth of knowledge on matters important to the commercial
space industry. His addresses--both to the COMSTAC and on other
occasions--demonstrate a remarkably high level of interest, preparation
and consideration. His American Space Renaissance Act introduced
innovative and thoughtful ideas to help evolve policies in the rapidly
changing civil space landscape, many of which have since been adopted
in other legislation and since signed into law.
From a human spaceflight perspective, the incoming Administrator
will be faced with the daunting tasks of continuing the exploitation of
the International Space Station and its National Lab facilities,
executing the deep space exploration developmental programs of record,
and leading the world in the commercialization of low Earth orbit.
Having spent twenty years at NASA and then serving as President of the
Commercial Spaceflight Federation, I have been on both sides of the
tension between traditional space industry and the developing ``new
space'' sector. Likewise, Congressman Bridenstine has been a ``blue-
suiter'' as a Naval Aviator and combat veteran, but also recognizes the
value of capitalizing on the entrepreneurial forces of competition and
economic efficiency. With the relatively flat budgets that NASA likely
faces in spite of its very long task list, it will be increasingly
important to equitably balance the deep knowledge and expertise of the
traditional companies with the innovation and agility of their emergent
counterparts.
Finally, in my nearly forty years as an aviator, astronaut and
aerospace consultant, I have had the opportunity to serve--and
observe--many leaders. The best are informed but open-minded,
principled but not ideological, and skilled enough to advance their
organization's agenda in the face of obstacles. Representative
Bridenstine displays all of these attributes.
I am grateful for the opportunity to cast my vote in support of the
confirmation of Congressman Bridenstine as the next NASA Administrator;
I urge you to do the same.
Sincerely,
Michael Lopez-Alegria,
Principal.
______
International Space Safety Foundation
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2017
The International Space Safety Foundation Supports President Trump's
nomination of Representative James Bridenstine to be NASA Administrator
The Houston, Texas based International Space Safety Foundation
(ISSF), and the ISSF's sister group, the International Association for
the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS), based in the Netherlands, the
two leading non-profit organizations promoting the safe and sustainable
long term use of space, today expressed their strong support for
President Trump's nomination of James Bridenstine to be the NASA
Administrator. Both organizations see his nomination as a positive step
forward, and expect Representative Bridenstine to provide the much-
needed leadership for combining NASA's long safety experience and
outstanding technical resources with the visionary drive and innovation
spirit of commercial entities.
Michael Kezirian, PhD, President and CEO of ISSF, stated that ``we
at the ISSF stand ready to support Jim Bridenstine as the new NASA
Administrator and look forward to continue the dialog with him on
promoting the advances in space safety as a necessary condition for the
development and growth of a vibrant commercial space industry.''
Kezirian and the ISSF particularly support Bridenstine's view that the
safety regulatory environment for the commercial space industry must be
lean and provide certainty and clarity to business, and are convinced
that those goals can be achieved by applying proven best practices to
protect the participant and uninvolved public alike. ``At the ISSF, we
see space safety as a collective responsibility of the aerospace
industry,'' explained Kezirian. ``We must bring NASA' s experience of
more than fifty years of human spaceflight to industry through the
development and compliance with common safety standards.'' In this
context, ISSF advocates the creation of a Commercial Space Safety
Institute, and hope to work with Representative Bridenstine to make
that a reality once he is confirmed as NASA Administrator.
Tommaso Sgobba, Executive Director of IAASS added ``At a time when
space is no longer an exclusive arena of governments and national space
agencies, with many new, ambitious entrants entering the spaceflight
business, the effective control of operational risks is the key factor
for industry growth and expansion. Bridenstine's views as a member of
the Science, Space and Technology Committee of the U.S. House of
Representatives on the increased commercial involvement in space
exploration and the importance of a return to the Moon and the vision
to ultimately reach Mars as a proving ground for private industry are
very encouraging for the international community of space. safety
professionals.'' He also considers Bridenstine's experience as a Navy
pilot to be a valuable asset, and noted that ``space bound systems and
aviation traffic will share a more and more crowded airspace, with
aviation increasingly relying on space-based safety-critical services,
and air launches perhaps becoming an important segment of the launch
business.''
About James Bridenstine:
Mr. Bridenstine was elected in 2012 to represent Oklahoma's First
Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee
and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Mr. Bridenstine began
his Naval aviation career flying the E-2C Hawkeye off the USS Abraham
Lincoln aircraft carrier. It was there that he flew combat missions in
Iraq and Afghanistan. While on active duty, he transitioned to the F-18
Hornet and flew as an ``aggressor'' at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare
Center. After leaving active duty, Mr. Bridenstine returned to Tulsa,
Oklahoma to be the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
& Planetarium and flew counter-drug missions in Central and South
America in the Navy Reserve. He holds a triple major from Rice
University and an M.B.A. from Cornell University. Mr. Bridenstine is
currently a member of the 137th Special Operations Wing of the Oklahoma
Air National Guard.
About IAASS and ISSF:
The International Space Safety Foundation (ISSF) and the
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)
are sister non-profit organizations with similar aims. They are
dedicated to furthering policies of international cooperation and
scientific progress in the field of space safety through educational
initiatives, certifications, and funding of research. ISSF and IAASS
and seek to advance technical, organizational, and socio-political
cultures to make space missions, vehicles, stations, extraterrestrial
habitats, equipment, and payloads safer for the general public, ground
personnel, space travelers, and crews. They also support the
preservation of the orbital environment to ensure safe use and access
by present and future generations.
The ISSF is a non-profit 501c(3) registered in California with its
senior leadership based in Houston, Texas. The IAASS is a registered
association under Dutch law, is based in Noordwijk (Netherlands). Both
organizations work closely together and have a world-wide membership
which is comprised of space agencies, aerospace corporations, and space
safety professionals. More information can be found at:
issf.space-safety.org
iaass.space-safety.org
Contact:
Michael Listner, USA
Dieter Isakeit, The Netherlands
______
Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
In preparation for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science
and Transportation to consider the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine
to serve as the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, I request that you include this letter of support in
your deliberations.
Aurora Flight Sciences is a small aerospace company with
significant experience in assisting NASA. Our work has ranged from
scientific research aboard the International Space Station to the
development of the DS, a highly efficient new technology for commercial
aviation. During his term in office, Congressman Bridenstine has
demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding both civilian and
defense space programs. In Congress, he quickly assumed considerable
leadership on major space and aviation issues. He also has amassed
extensive firsthand experience on a wide range of aviation issues as a
former Navy pilot. The Congressman is keenly aware of the important
role of the industrial base that provides critical capabilities to the
aerospace industry. I am convinced he will be an effective advocate of
NASA's role in aeronautics research, which plays a direct role in
America's current and future world aviation leadership.
Rep. Bridenstine is prepared to lead NASA and the many challenges
and opportunities facing the agency.
Thank you for consideration this request.
Sincerely,
John S. Langford, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO,
Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation.
______
Spaceflight Industries
Seattle, WA, September 21, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Re: Support for Confirmation of Representative Jim Bridenstine for NASA
Administrator
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
On behalf of Spaceflight Industries, a Seattle, WA company, I am
writing in strong support of the nomination of Representative Jim
Bridenstine to be the next Administrator of NASA.
Representative Bridenstine has been a strong supporter and friend
of industry for years and we see him as a potential agent of change for
good at NASA and in the Administration in general on all space policy.
At a time when the United States is witnessing a renaissance in the
space industry, it is equally facing strong headwinds both domestically
and internationally that could undermine this rapidly evolving sector
and therefore the thousands of high-tech jobs and export Dollars that
it generates. The innovation, resources and energy that the private
sector is devoting to help build and maintain U.S. strategic dominance
is threatened in a number of ways that keep a thumb on the growth of
the industry.
Chief among these concerns for Spaceflight Industries and its
customers is the lack of appropriate U.S. launch opportunities for
companies seeking to orbit spacecraft. The lack of ability to find the
right domestic launch opportunity is creating a situation where many
U.S. companies could go out of business before they are able to prove
their business models. Meanwhile international competitors do not face
similar domestic restrictions on launch.
Representative Bridenstine has always made himself available to
listen to our concerns and to throw his weight behind solutions that
help address these concerns. As a rapidly growing U.S. company, we are
deeply invested in the success of our customers and we are confident
that Representative Bridenstine will be forward leaning, open minded
and seek solutions that benefit the industry at large. For these
reasons and those stated above, I wholeheartedly recommend his
confirmation by the Senate.
Sincerely,
Jason Andrews,
CEO,
Spaceflight Industries.
______
Eutelsat America Corp.
October 27, 2017
United States Senate,
Committee on Science, Space and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Re: Support for the Nomination of Representative James Bridenstine to
be NASA Administrator
Dear Chairman Thune:
As a leading provider of satellite telecommunications to the
Department of Defense, Eutelsat America Corp. (Eutelsat) fully supports
the nomination of Representative James Bridenstine (R OK) to become the
13th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA). Rep. Bridenstine understands that a resilient space enterprise
hinges on the integration of government and commercial capabilities.
Through his experience as a Member of Congress, we believe Rep.
Bridenstine has developed the skills and foundational knowledge
necessary to successfully carry out the role of NASA Administrator.
Since he was elected in 2012, Rep. Bridenstine has been a leader in
national security space issues through his service on the House Armed
Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Last year, Rep. Bridenstine introduced the ``American Space Renaissance
Act,'' which would provide critical updates to national space policy
and take a holistic approach to the American space enterprise. Many of
his space reform ideas were adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2017
National Defense Authorization Act.
Rep. Bridenstine understands the challenges facing NASA in its
quest to better confront changing U.S. space priorities and conduct
successful missions to Mars. Furthermore, Rep. Bridenstine recognizes
the need to build resiliency and flexibility into space operations and
acquisitions as space has become a warfighting domain. For example, he
has been a vocal proponent of the Air Force's pathfinder programs and
the Wideband Analysis of Alternatives, which aim to use innovative
acquisition models to yield increased efficiency and effectiveness. At
a time when budget constraints and relationships in Congress are so
important, Rep. Bridenstine's leadership will fill a critical
capability gap and ensure that NASA's long-term goals are accomplished
on time and on budget.
The United States' dominance in space can no longer be taken for
granted and will require the leadership and vision that we see in Rep.
Bridenstine. Eutelsat America strongly believes Rep. Bridenstine will
fulfill the administration's objective of reinvigorating America's role
as a leader in space as our Nation's NASA Administrator. We ask that
the Committee on Science, Space and Transportation rapidly vote to
recommend to the full Senate that Rep. Bridenstine be confirmed
immediately as NASA Administrator.
Sincerely,
David Bair,
Chief Executive Officer,
Eutelsat America Corp.
______
Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.
Norman, OK, October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
On behalf of the Chickasaw Nation and our wholly owned subsidiary,
Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. (``CNI''), we are writing to express
our support for Congressman Jim Bridenstine s nomination to be the next
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The Chickasaw Nation is headquartered in Ada, Oklahoma, and
together with CNI which is located in Norman, Oklahoma has national
operations in over 40 states and global operations in 6 continents.
We own a computational physics modeling and simulation entity in
North Carolina and have received top security clearance as a
participant in national security for Federal contracting. In these
scientific, technical and security related issues, Jim Bridenstine
excels. In Congress, he has been a leader on utilizing space based
assets to improve weather forecasting and modeling and is a strong
advocate to ensure we have the capabilities necessary to surpass our
adversaries in space. His grasp of technical issues is rare among
members of Congress, and his attention to these important policies has
been critical to the success of U.S. scientific advances over the past
5 years
We are confident Jim Bridenstine's knowledge and passion will serve
NASA well, and we ask you to support his nomination and advance his
confirmation.
Sincerely,
David L. Nimmo,
President/CEO,
Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.
______
Arlington, Virginia, October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
The United States Senate Committee on Science, Space, and
Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Re: Support for the Nomination of Rep. James Bridenstine to be NASA
Administrator
Dear Chairman Thune:
I am honored to support Rep. Jim Bridenstine's nomination to be the
next NASA Administrator. As a former NASA astronaut, I have a very
personal understanding of the risks and rewards of space exploration.
As a former NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations and Human
Space Flight, I also understand the agency's missions and challenges,
and I believe Rep. Bridenstine is the kind of leader the agency needs
at this critical inflection point for NASA. I urge you and your
colleagues to approve his nomination.
From his time flying as a naval aviator aboard aircraft carriers,
Rep. Bridenstine has a keen appreciation that complex systems and
missions require leadership and teamwork from 'below decks' to the
cockpit. As a former naval aviator myself, I have great admiration for
his courage and skills under intense operational stress. NASA needs
that kind of administrator.
As a leading voice on national security space issues while serving
on prominent committees with jurisdiction over the Department of
Defense and NASA, Rep. Bridenstine has a keen awareness of the vital
importance of NASA's missions and the inherent bureaucratic obstacles,
budget constraints, that he will need to overcome. I believe he will
transition NASA from its 20th century infrastructure and government-
centric approach to a more modem, blended commercial and government
21st century space exploration enterprise.
Furthermore, Rep. Bridenstine recognizes how dependent our Nation
has become on space for everyday activities ranging from navigation to
communications to banking. Understanding the importance of those
missions and with the reestablishment of the National Space Council
under Vice President Pence's leadership Rep. Bridenstine has the
background to be a key voice preserving our national leadership in
space, while paving the way for the future.
NASA and our space programs are at an inflection point, and we need
strong leadership and fresh ideas in order to achieve our Nation's
lofty goals. Though this is an incredibly exciting time for exploration
and innovation, we must also realize that the United States is no
longer the sole, dominant power in space. As our adversaries including
China and Russia develop more advanced satellite technologies.
We need someone like Rep. Bridenstine to guide NASA into the 2l't
century of space exploration. I believe Rep. Bridenstine has the
passion and expertise required to be an exceptional Administrator and I
ask that the Committee on Science, Space and Transportation approve
Rep. Bridenstine's nomination to become our Nation's 13th NASA
Administrator.
Sincerely,
William F. Readdy,
Former NASA Astronaut,
Captain, U.S. Navy (retired).
______
Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies
Greenbelt, MD, October 27, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
As the Committee begins its deliberations on who will lead the
Nation's civil space program, I am writing to express my strong support
for the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) for NASA
Administrator.
Based upon his military service, his experience as a combat aviator
and science educator, and his strong knowledge about and passion for
space science and human space flight, I believe the Congressman is the
right person for this period in NASA's history. He is well versed in
NASA and military space programs from his service on the House Science,
Space and Technology and Armed Services Committees. As a fiscal
conservative, he is well aware of the need to be a careful steward of
the Nation's tax dollars when they are invested in things like the
space program. But it is his passion for NASA and its people and
programs--something that I have come to appreciate in getting to know
him--that gives me the most hope about his tenure as Administrator.
In addition, I think his service in the House makes him far more
conscientious in working with both Houses of Congress and the members
of this Committee in particular to forge a future for NASA that
inspires, promotes exploration beyond low earth orbit and invests in
scientific discovery. It is these kinds of partnership which NASA
desperately needs for it to be effective in these fiscally challenging
times. It's my belief and hope that Jim Bridenstine--Navy pilot,
science educator and public servant--will use his experience and
passion for space to deliver on building that collaboration with
Congress to effectively implement the vision articulated by Vice
President Pence while preserving NASA's key heritage in space science,
developing new technologies and advancing aeronautics research.
Since graduating from college after immigrating to the U.S. more
than four decades ago, I have spent my entire adult life working in and
around the Nation's civil space program. As an engineer, entrepreneur
and business executive, it has been an honor to work with the men and
women at NASA on some of its most notable flagship missions--including
the Hubble Telescope, Landsat, the Space Shuttle and the International
Space Station. Jim Bridenstine appreciates the depth of their service
and the need to use his time as NASA Administration to build out from
all that they have accomplished.
Given the many challenges which NASA faces, I believe NASA and the
Nation can use Mr. Bridenstine's many talents to take the space program
to new heights. For this reason, I strongly urge you to expedite his
nomination and recommend him for confirmation as NASA Administrator by
the full Senate.
Sincerely,
Kamal S. Ghaffarian, PhD,
Chief Executive Officer/President.
______
Manassas, VA, October 29, 2017
Hon. Jim Bridenstine,
United States House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Bridenstine,
I am writing this letter to personally congratulate you on your
nomination for NASA administrator and to say why, as a former
astronaut, I see your nomination as a tremendous opportunity for NASA
to build its leadership in space and advance safely and boldly into a
new era of space exploration.
We briefly met in July of 2015 and you discussed your background,
interests and involvement in the space industry. From that introduction
and from what I know of your space policy initiatives and experience as
a Carrier-based U.S. Navy F-18 pilot, I have an assured enthusiasm that
you will safely and vigorously discharge your responsibilities as
Administrator to enhance safety in an era of evolving relationships
between NASA and commercial providers of space services.
NASA human spaceflight accidents are national tragedies because of
the astronauts that were lost. The accidents caused an erosion of
national confidence. The Columbia accident was unfortunately very much
like the Challenger Accident seventeen years before. In both of NASA's
Shuttle accidents, engineers had a clear understanding of the failures
and the risk to vehicle and crew, but that understanding was lost in
the bureaucracy supporting those missions. From your experience as a
Naval Aviator, operating in the complex system of systems that is Navy
Carrier aviation, you understand the importance of a healthy command
safety climate, and you know it is the maintainer, the crew, and the
final checker who are the last line of defense against catastrophe, and
the Naval Aviation Safety Program that is the first. In the domain of
human spaceflight, it is the engineer, the technician, and the
astronaut on the last line, and NASA's safety program on the first.
Every NASA space mission is a test flight, and I am sure that you will
fully support the Astronaut Office and NASA's Office of Safety and
Mission Assurance as essential and integral to NASA Astronaut safety.
Additionally, and in closing, from your service in the U.S. Navy,
you know first-hand how to lead a diverse operational organization.
People of all ranks and backgrounds are treated with respect and
consideration so that they in turn can contribute fully as members
vested in the organization's success. As NASA Administrator, you will
support all NASA personnel so that they will be able to give their best
to encourage and inspire all Americans.
My Best Wishes for a successful confirmation and tenure as NASA
Administrator.
George Zamka.
______
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, OK, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
As the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce. Science and
Transportation prepares to take up the nomination of Congressman Jim
Bridenstine to serve as the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration. we request that you include this letter of
support from the Cherokee Nation in your deliberations.
Congressman Bridenstine has demonstrated a deep commitment to
understanding both the civilian and defense space programs. In
Congress. he quickly assumed considerable leadership on major space and
aviation issues. He also has assumed extensive firsthand experience as
a former Navy pilot. The Congressman is keenly aware of the important
role of the industrial base that provides critical capabilities to the
aerospace industry.
We believe Congressman Bridenstine is prepared to lead NASA and the
many challenges and opportunities facing the agency.
Thank you for consideration of this request. If you have any
questions or require further information, please contact our Director
of Government Relations, Kimberly Teehee at [email protected] or
(202) 615-9505.
Sincerely,
Bill John Baker,
Principal Chief,
Cherokee Nation.
______
Panasonic
Lake Forest, CA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee:
I am pleased to recommend the nomination of Neil Jacobs for
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I believe that
he possesses the scientific knowledge, business management and
leadership skills to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical
services to the Nation.
Neil is the driving force behind Panasonic Weather Solutions'
outstanding achievements in numerical weather forecasting over the past
several years. I began working with Neil when Panasonic acquired our
weather forecasting division in 2013. His love for meteorology, both
the science and its practical application, is unmatched. He constantly
works to find ways to improve the science leading to better forecasts
that can inform businesses and the public of accurate daily conditions
as well as significant weather events, improving safety and driving
efficiencies. Neil has been involved in all aspects of meteorology
during the time I've known him from lecturing at forums such as the
American Meteorological Society and the World Meteorological
Organization, to driving forecast model improvements and new business
opportunities as senior scientist at Panasonic Weather. He has a solid
grasp of science, innovation and business, which is a powerful
combination.
I know Neil to be an intelligent, honorable person with the
commitment to serve the public with integrity, bringing vision and
passion to the role. I strongly urge his confirmation.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Chris Lundquist,
Vice President,
Corporate Planning and Business Development.
______
Koniag, Inc.
Kodiak, AK, October 30, 2017
Chairman John Thune,
Ranking Member Bill Nelson,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
SUBJECT: Confirmation Hearing for NASA Administrator
Dear Senators Thune and Nelson,
I am writing today to recommend the confirmation of Representative
Jim Bridenstine as our Nation's next Administrator for the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Koniag, Inc. is a regional Alaska Native Corporation formed under
the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Koniag,
Inc. has approximately 3,900 Alutiiq Shareholders. Our region
encompasses the Kodiak Archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska and a portion
of the Alaska Peninsula. Koniag supports responsible development of our
resources while respecting our rich heritage and culture and developing
sustained employment opportunities for our shareholders. With lands
located on Kodiak Island, we are neighbors to the Pacific Spaceport
Complex--Alaska (PSCA), a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
commercially licensed, state-of-the-industry spaceport that provides
access to planetary orbital space for commercial and government
interests.
PSCA has been underutilized since first developed in the late
1990s, yet it provides an ideal location for both government and
commercial launches that require access to low earth orbit, sun
synchronous orbit, polar orbit, and highly elliptical orbits,
complementing the equatorial capabilities offered by Cape Canaveral in
Florida and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia.
Representative Bridenstines strong interest to advance commercial space
would provide increased opportunities for NASA to further expand
affordable launches by utilizing PSCA, especially for launches of the
emerging small launch vehicle market that require access to polar
orbit.
Koniag, Inc. and Alaska Aerospace have a long relationship and we
are pleased that Representative Bridenstine shares our vision for the
future of expanding commercial launch capabilities of our great nation
to once again secure leadership in space. We heartily recommend his
confirmation as the next NASA Administrator.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Perry, PhD,
CEO,
Koniag, Inc.
Cc: The Honorable Dan Sullivan, United States Senate
______
Data--Analysis--Solutions, LLC
October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee:
It is with the utmost of pleasure that I send this letter of
endorsement in support of the nomination of Dr. Neil Jacobs for
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I am highly
confident that Dr. Jacobs possesses the scientific knowledge, business
management and leadership skills to help strengthen the National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in working to improve
NOAA's critical services to the safety and economic well-being of the
Nation.
As the former Chair of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (8 years on
the FACA Board, with 6 as the Chair, during the Bush Administration), I
can speak, from in-depth knowledge of NOAA, that Dr. Jacobs is an
absolutely superb choice to help provide NOAA with industry's
perspectives on the further enhancement of its observational networks
and its prognostic capabilities. Moreover, as the former Commissioner
of the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) Weather, Climate and
Water Enterprise, which brought together Private Industry, Federal
Agencies and Academia, I again can attest to Neil's involvement in the
Commission activities and to his commitment to the enterprise of
engaging the three communities to work together to improve weather and
water related safety from natural hazards and to improving the delivery
of NOAA's vital services to the Nation.
During the period when I served as the Head of the Department of
Marine, Earth & Atmospheric sciences at North Carolina State
University, I also served as the Chair of Dr. Jacob's Master's and
Doctoral graduate research and education committees. Over a several
year period, I came to know Neil very well and to know that he
possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of the interactive
coupling of observations, data and modeling of environmental systems;
which were the topics of both his M.S. thesis and his PhD dissertation.
Both studies were related to measuring and modeling atmospheric storms,
both from the atmospheric and oceanographic perspectives. Neil
possesses the knowledge base and qualifications to see the value of
observations and modeling from both sides of the air-sea interfaces and
has a very probing mind, always pushing for the facts as well as they
could be revealed via observations and modeling. At that time, Neil
also became intrigued with the possibility of making weather
observations from aircraft and of the next possibility of using those
data to be assimilated into prognostic weather forecast models in real-
time. We discussed this possibility at length. This interest served him
well in his professional career and endeavors following his graduation
from NC State.
In his employment with the Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Dr.
Jacobs has directed the underlying research and the subsequent
development of both the airborne meteorological data reporting system
(known as TAMDAR), as well as the numerical models run by Panasonic.
Neil introduced that capability to the NOAA National Weather Service
(NWS) which now includes those data and model outputs as part of the
NWS portfolio. I worked with Neil on brokering that relationship with
the Office of the Director of the NWS.
Presently Neil is the chair of the AMS's Forecast Improvement Group
(FIG), and also serves on the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO)
aircraft based observing systems expert team. Prior to joining
Panasonic Inc., Dr. Jacobs worked on various analyses and modeling
projects including the National Aeronautics & Space Administration's
(NASA) Earth Systems Science Program, the NOAA GOES satellite imagery,
the Department of Energy's (DOE) Ocean Margins Program (in which I was
the PI), and the NWS's Atlantic Surface Cyclone Intensification Index.
Obviously Neil has developed cross-cutting multiple Federal agency and
international experience and interactions as well.
In closing I can only say that this is a unique opportunity for the
Department of Commerce, for NOAA and for the Nation to have a scientist
of Dr. Jacob's caliber in this important position. Neil is collegial,
thoughtful, and a team player and will be an outstanding leader for
NOAA. I urge his confirmation.
Respectfully,
Dr. Leonard J. Pietrafesa, Ph.D.,
Professor Emeritus,
North Carolina State University.
Burroughs & Chapin Scholar,
Coastal Carolina University.
2nd Chair, NOAA Science Advisory Board (FACA)
3rd Commissioner, AMS Weather & Climate Enterprise
1st Chair, American Geophysical Union Focus Group on Science & Society
1st Chair, Association of Public & Land-grant University's Board on
Oceans & Atmosphere
CEO of Data-Analysis-Solutions (DAS) LLC
______
GeoOptics, Inc
Pasadena, CA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
It is my great pleasure to endorse the nomination of Neil Jacobs
for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I believe that
he possesses the scientific knowledge, business management and
leadership skills to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical
services to the Nation.
Over the past 8 years I have had many conversations with Neil
within the American Meteorological Society and in regard to mutual
business interests. He is one of today's most intelligent and
accomplished scientists. In addition to his keen understanding of
meteorology, model building and high-performance computing, he is well
acquainted with Federal Government operations and priorities and will
be an excellent addition to the Commerce and NOAA leadership team.
As a former NOAA Administrator from 2001-2008, and now involved in
leading an environmental data enterprise, I view Neil as a perfect fit
for this assignment. Neil will be an outstanding leader for NOAA. I
urge his confirmation.
Sincerely,
Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. VADM, USN ret
CEO,
GeoOptics, Inc.
______
WeatherFlow Inc.
Scotts Valley, CA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee:
It is with great pleasure and conviction that I offer my support,
and the support of the WeatherFlow team, for the nomination of Dr. Neil
Jacobs for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA.
Dr. Jacobs is a preeminent leader within the Weather Enterprise, and he
has both the scientific knowledge and business management skills to
help NOAA evolve and thrive in the face of pressures on many fronts.
WeatherFlow is a commercial leader in providing decision tools
based on a need for an accurate understanding of past, current, and
forecasted weather conditions. As CEO of WeatherFlow, I have worked
closely with Dr Jacobs in his position at Panasonic Avionics over the
last several years and been familiar with his work for the past decade.
Both Panasonic and WeatherFlow have provided crucial data to NOAA, at a
fraction of the cost of production of that data, under NOAA's National
Mesonet Program. I have seen Neil work tirelessly to help shape this
NOAA program to be both fair to Panasonic and fair to the US taxpayer.
He has played a large role as this program has evolved to be
increasingly beneficial to NOAA's mission.
Our working cooperation has afforded me a first-hand view of Dr.
Jacobs' work in the academic, government and business spheres. He is
first and foremost a scientist, but even beyond his tremendous
knowledge in the field of numerical weather prediction, he possesses a
deep intellect that further allows him to broadly apply his knowledge,
that in recent years has become evident in his strategic business
management. He has consistently shown that he can apply his scientific
knowledge to both business and government challenges, and to note where
cooperation between those sectors can further benefit the nation. As a
member of the private sector, Neil has consistently relied on a strong
sense of fairness and has provided a consistent moral compass
throughout Panasonic's cooperation with government, and I know he will
show that same spirit and fortitude as one of NOAA's senior leaders.
I have worked with many others in the academic and business worlds
for the past twenty years, and I can unequivocally state that Dr.
Jacobs is unique in terms of both his combination of scientific and
practical capabilities and his natural skill as a leader. When applied
to the breadth and depth of challenges facing NOAA, this combination is
likely to pay important dividends to the citizens and economy of our
nation.
In view of his skills and accomplishments, it is again with great
conviction that I endorse Dr. Jacobs' confirmation. Having someone of
Neil's knowledge, skill, and character in the NOAA leadership is a
great opportunity for the country.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Buck Lyons,
Chief Executive Officer,
WeatherFlow Inc.
______
Surfline/Wavetrak Inc.
Huntington Beach, CA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
I'm writing to give my support and endorsement for Neil Jacobs to
become the next Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA.
In the years I have known Neil, I've been impressed with his zest for
science, particularly in the realm of improving the scale and quality
of weather observations throughout the world as a source of truth and
as a source of inputs into sophisticated atmospheric modeling. Neil is
a savvy combination of scientist, computer programmer and business
manager and his efforts at improving global wind modeling in founding
Air-Dat, now part of Panasonic Weather, have been extraordinary.
Entrepreneur, scientist and manager are generally not words used in the
same sentence to describe an individual, but in Neil's case they're
apropos.
Possibly more important from my perspective, is Neil's love for the
ocean. Like many Floridians who discover surfing, Neil's zeal for
finding good surf wherever he might be and employing a natural
curiosity for protecting the ocean color much of his world view. I have
witnessed that in my interactions with Neil both professionally and
personally.
As the Chairman and CEO of Surfline/Wavetrak Inc., I oversee a
business entity that serves millions of surfers and ocean enthusiasts
throughout the world and care deeply about the state of weather
modeling and the organizations and agencies that advance global climate
models. Our team is always on the look out for the best ways of helping
ocean enthusiasts ``know before they go'' and science is at the root of
that. It's this quest that led us to the work Neil was doing at
Panasonic.
Neil's connection to science, sophisticated ensemble modeling based
upon new modes of observation and his zeal for the ocean make him the
ideal person, in my opinion, to advance the mission of NOAA in the
coming years. I can't think of a better person to represent the U.S. in
advancing our interests as the world's leader in weather prediction
than Neil Jacobs and heartily endorse him. If you have any questions or
need more information, please feel free to call or write me to discuss
this endorsement at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Jeff Berg,
Chairman and CEO,
Surfline/Wavetrak Inc.
______
Loeb Holding Corporation
New York, NY, October 31, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
It is my great pleasure to endorse the nomination of Neil Jacobs
for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I believe that
he possesses the scientific knowledge, business management and
leadership skills to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical
services to the Nation.
Neil is a man of extraordinary personal and scientific integrity. I
would be delighted to have him represent the United States with the
discharge of his responsibilities as the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction and Deputy
Assistant Administrator of NOAA.
I am Managing Director of Loeb Holding Corporation. I was also
Chairman of AirDat LLC, a weather data and forecasting organization for
which Neil was Chief Scientist.
This is a unique opportunity for the country for NOAA to have a
scientist of his caliber. Neil will be an outstanding leader for NOAA.
I urge his confirmation.
Sincerely,
Bruce L. Lev,
Managing Director,
Loeb Holding Corporation.
______
Space Frontier Foundation
Arlington, VA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. C. William Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
We thank you for this opportunity to weigh in on the issue of
President Trump's nomination of Congressman James Bridenstine to be
NASA administrator. The Space Frontier Foundation is a grass roots
organization, with more than 30 years of history as advocates for the
emerging commercial space industry. We represent a growing body of
professionals, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors
who are helping to develop this rapidly growing new business sector,
and as a 501c3, we are dedicated to educating and informing our
community, and the world, about this growing economic opportunity. We
appreciate this opportunity to share our thoughts on Congressman
Bridenstine's nomination.
Congressman Bridenstine has a history with space and NASA. In 2007,
he started the Rocket Racing League team known as Bridenstine Rocket
Racing. Later, he became the executive director of the Tulsa Air and
Space Museum. During his Congressional tenure, he has worked
extensively on space issues, including writing the Space Renaissance
Act. However, while this history demonstrates significant involvement
and interest in space, to us the most important question is whether he
shares the vision that our organization has cultivated after 30 years
of leading this industry, which is summarized in the three parts of the
Space Frontier Foundation's Credo.
1) The Space Frontier Foundation is an organization of people
dedicated to opening the Space Frontier to human settlement as
rapidly as possible
Our nation's citizenry is dealing with many issues--recovery after
a series of natural disasters, economic uncertainty, and a growing
political divide. Last year, NASA's budget was almost $20 Billion. If
we are going to continue to spend that much money on spaceflight, we
must have a clear vision of what we want from our Federal space
investment, and how to actually use space to help our citizenry and the
world.
This is why the Space Frontier Foundation strongly believes that
the issue of space settlement MUST be the driving vision and force
behind our human spaceflight endeavors. In our view, human spaceflight
must directly serve the needs of every human in a way that allows
individual humans to easily reach for space. It must not be just a
political tool to make symbolic gestures. Nor can our activities in
space be focused only on scientific discovery. Space is awash in
resources and opportunities. And the surest way to access these
opportunities is by creating and enabling industrial space development
that leads directly to space settlement. Indeed, if we are unwilling to
build towards space settlement, then we should reconsider whether we
want to continue spending public money to place humans in space at all.
Within Congressman Bridenstine's Space Renaissance Act, he proposed
an addition to the organic law that established NASA, which, when
combined with existing law, would state:
The Aeronautical and space activities of the United States
shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or
more of the following objectives:
(1) The expansion of the human sphere of influence throughout
the Solar System.
(2) To be among those who first arrive at a destination in
space and to open it for subsequent use and development by
others.
While that language doesn't explicitly use the word ``settlement'',
it clearly articulates a settlement-aligned vision. Thus, when it comes
to the first part of our credo, Congressman Bridenstine seems to share
our vision.
2) Our goals include protecting the Earth's fragile biosphere and
creating a freer and more prosperous life for each generation
by using the unlimited energy and material resources of space.
The Space Frontier Foundation recognizes the uniqueness of planet
Earth, and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.
However, we also would like to find options that do not limit our
opportunities and quality of life. This is why we see space as so
important. If human beings create a society that develops space for the
betterment of humanity, where Space and Earth are both helping each
other, (as opposed to space as an escape or backup as some have
suggested), we'll ensure that humanity's future is bright.
We do acknowledge that, when it comes to the issue of protecting
Earth's biosphere, there has been some controversy regarding
Congressman Bridenstine's record. However, the Space Frontier
Foundation recognizes that NASA's primary job is not focused on issues
of climate change, and believe that the checks and balances that are
part of our government will ensure that when it comes to these issues,
NASA's Earth Science programs will be protected.
Finally, as item #2 of our credo states, part of protecting Earth
means pursuing activities to actively use space resources. Congressman
Bridenstine co-sponsored the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness
Act, which included the Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act.
Additionally, Congressman Bridenstine's Space Renaissance Act includes
as a national objective:
(3) To create and prepare infrastructure precursors in support
of the future use and development of space by others. . ..
So here too Mr. Bridenstine seems to align with our vision.
3) Our purpose is to unleash the power of free enterprise and lead a
united humanity permanently into the Solar System.
Economic growth and commercial expansion have been key to America's
success. By utilizing technology to create economic opportunities for
individuals, new jobs, companies, and even industries have been created
and grown. Thus, if we wish to tap into the new resources of space, we
must encourage commercial expansion into the solar system.
To enable space development and space settlement, the government
must encourage economic growth, through a combination of favorable
regulations, intelligent investment, and supportive policy. NASA stands
at a unique position for this, and its activities going forward should
focus on enabling development and space settlement.
When it comes to these issues, Congressman Bridenstine has been on
the forefront by proposing positive new ideas and initiatives, and many
can be seen in the Space Renaissance Act. Here are two examples where
the Congressman's efforts have demonstrated such leadership:
The International Space Station has provided a good starting
point for enabling the commercial development of Low Earth
Orbit. However, the ISS does not have an indefinite life, and
the Space Frontier Foundation and other organizations have been
concerned about how to utilize its remaining operation to
enable the development of commercial space stations as soon as
possible. Section 204 of The Space Renaissance Act both
supported this in policy and proposed a pilot commercial
habitation program at ISS.
Congressman Bridenstine worked with other members of the
House Science committee to develop H.R. 2809, the American
Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act, which would help grow the
commercial remote sensing industry, and also create a
supervisory framework for new space activities to ensure that
the United States remains in compliance with international
treaties.
Given this, we are quite excited at the prospect of Congressman
Bridenstine serving as NASA administrator. We believe that if he is
able to execute on his space vision, the United States would see the
growth of new industries and new sectors of the economy. Similar
visions led to the development of the computer industry and the
internet, and we believe that if NASA becomes focused on space
development and space settlement, in partnership with the business
community, we could see similar breakthroughs in the space industry.
And so we are optimistic that, if confirmed, Jim Bridenstine would
enable NASA to advance U.S. space activities in a very positive
direction.
We thank you for providing us this opportunity to provide our
thoughts, and we look forward to working with the Congress and the
Administration on these and other important space issues.
Sincerely,
Jeff Feige,
Chairman of the Board,
Space Frontier Foundation.
Aaron Oesterle,
Policy Director,
Space Frontier Foundation.
______
Planetary Resources
Redmond, WA, October 31, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Edward J. Markey,
Ranking Member,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen Thune and Cruz, and Ranking Members Nelson and Markey:
I write to you to express our support for Jim Bridenstine's
nomination as NASA Administrator.
Commercial space activities, including our focus on asteroid
mining, present an opportunity for the U.S. to create high-value jobs,
develop new technologies and markets, and enhance the standard of
living for people all over the world. As NASA, other government space
agencies, and private space exploration endeavor s move forward they
will need the resources and fuel derived from asteroids.
Mr. Bridenstine continues a tradition of nonpartisan approaches to
space activities and has worked with Members across the political
spectrum on defense, civil/commercial space, and appropriations
legislation. I believe as NASA Administrator Mr. Bridenstine will
continue his open and non-partisan approaches.
Mr. Bridenstine has taken a leadership role in promoting commercial
activities and coordinating these activities to the mutual benefit of
government and industry. Mr. Bridenstine has shown that he has a vision
for where he wants our Nation to go in space and the leadership role
that the government and U.S. industry can take on Earth and in the
Solar System.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our input. I welcome any
questions you have about Planetary Resources' support for Mr.
Bridenstine. We look forward to working with you as the confirmation
process advances.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Chris Lewicki,
CEO,
Planetary Resources.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Majority Whip John Cornyn
______
October 31, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson:
As leading American commercial satellite operators, we write today
to express our support of Representative Jim Bridenstine's nomination
to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
NASA is at one of the most critical inflection points it in its
history. Yet, NASA has been without a confirmed administrator for the
past 284 days. Continued policy uncertainty has the potential to
undermine the agency's long-term ability to carry out its mission,
which is ``to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific
discovery and aeronautics research.''
Representative Bridenstine is the leader NASA needs today. He has
exhibited a passion for furthering our country's pre-eminent status and
global leadership in space. He is an experienced and competent
professional who has demonstrated a keen understanding of the complex
policy and budgetary challenges NASA faces while also recognizing the
role commercial entities can play in an era of surging technological
advancements in space-based capabilities.
As Representative Bridenstine has articulated how ``traditional and
new space companies are both critical to accelerating America's space
renaissance.'' We stand ready to work with NASA to further its mission
and we urge the Senate to confirm Representative Bridenstine's
nomination to be the agency's next administrator.
Sincerely,
Michael Rapelyea,
ViaSat, Inc.
Marcy Steinke,
Maxar Technologies.
Mariah D. Shuman,
OneWeb.
Jennifer Manner,
Echostar.
______
American Pacific
Cedar City, UT
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Thune,
I write to you today to support Rep. Jim Bridenstine's candidacy to
be the next Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. Rep. Bridenstine is a hardworking and passionate
individual with a deep and abiding interest in space exploration.
During his time on Capitol Hill, Rep. Bridenstine has taken the lead on
multiple legislative priorities involving space, including the American
Space Renaissance Act. Rep. Bridenstine also serves as a U.S. Naval
Reserve aviator and previously oversaw the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
In the time that I have known him, I have found Rep. Bridenstine to be
a thoughtful and driven member of Congress with regard to issues
involving space.
As we look forward to a new frontier of space exploration, one that
will involve the rapid development and acquisition of new and
revolutionary technologies, additional automation and integration of
artificial intelligence, and the return of human spaceflight to NASA,
an able administrator with proven relationships on Capitol Hill could
be a major asset. I believe that Rep. Bridenstine is the sort of
political leader that NASA will need to withstand the budgetary and
policy challenges that it is likely to face in the future.
AMPAC is a proud supporter of NASA programs, including the Space
Launch System. Though we look forward to working with any Administrator
nominated by the President and consented to by the Senate, we encourage
you to approve the current nominee, Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who would be
an excellent addition to the NASA team.
Thank you,
Paul Huntsman,
Chairman,
American Pacific Corporation.
______
February 2, 2018
Hon. Mitch McConnell,
Majority Leader,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Charles Schumer,
Minority Leader,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators:
The undersigned organizations congratulate the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science and Transportation for again approving the
nominations of Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle to serve as chairman
and separately to serve a new term as commissioner on the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as for approving the
nomination of Dana Baiocco to serve as a CPSC commissioner. We ask that
you now move promptly to confirm them in those roles. We believe these
two nominees are critically important to restoring the CPSC's ability
to act in a balanced and effective way to support consumer safety.
We represent manufacturers of consumer products, their suppliers,
retailers, and other parties regulated by the CPSC. Our members are
committed to producing and selling safe products, and we support
effective regulation and oversight by the CPSC as an important
complement to our shared commitment to safety and excellence. Until
these nominations are confirmed by the Senate, the Commission will
remain in a state of transition, which we believe compromises its
ability to effectively regulate and to advance product safety and
consumer protection initiatives.
It is vital that the Senate immediately devote the attention
necessary to confirm the pending CPSC nominations to ensure the agency
is fully functional and protecting consumers. On behalf of our members,
and for the benefit of consumers, we respectfully ask you to confirm
the nominations of Acting Chairman Buerkle and Dana Baiocco as soon as
possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
American Apparel & Footwear American Sportfishing Association
Association
American Association of Exporters American Supply Association
and Importers
American Chemistry Council Architectural Woodwork Institute
American Cleaning Institute The Art and Creative Materials
Institute
American Fiber Manufacturers Associated Industries of Florida
Association
American Fireworks Standards Association of Home Appliance
Laboratory Manufacturers
American Home Furnishings Alliance Baby Carrier Industry Alliance
American Pyrotechnics Association Bicycle Product Suppliers
Association
Builders Hardware Manufacturers North Carolina Chamber
Association
Consumer Healthcare Products Off-Road Business Association
Association
Consumer Specialty Products Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Association
Consumer Technology Association Pennsylvania Manufacturers'
Association
Cookware Manufacturers Association Plastic Shipping Container
Institute
Fashion Accessories Shippers Plastics Industry Association
Association
Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Polyurethane Foam Association
Association
Gemini Shippers Association Portable Fuel Container
Manufacturers Association
Halloween Industry Association Portable Generator Manufacturers'
Association
Home Furnishings Association Power Tool Institute
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
Fabrics Industry Association
Information Technology Industry Resilient Floor Covering Institute
Council
Institute of Scrap Recycling Retail Industry Leaders Association
Industries
International Housewares Security Industry Association
Association
International Light Transportation Society of Chemical Manufacturers
Vehicle Association and Affiliates
IPC--Association Connecting Specialty Equipment Market
Electronics Industries Association
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Specialty Graphic Imaging
Association Association
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Specialty Vehicle Institute of
Association America
Lighter Association Sports & Fitness Industry
Association
Mississippi Manufacturers State Chamber of Oklahoma
Association
National Association of Home Synthetic Turf Council
Builders
National Association of The Toy Association
Manufacturers
National Association of Printing Travel Goods Association
Ink Manufacturers
National Candle Association U.S. Chamber of Commerce
National Confectioners Association Upholstered Furniture Action
Council
National Council of Textile The Vinyl Institute
Organizations
National Fireworks Association Window Covering Manufacturers
Association
National Retail Federation Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Writing Instrument Manufacturers
Association
______
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I would like to add my voice to the chorus of industry,
professional, civil, and national security space leaders, affirming my
strong support for the confirmation of Congressman Jim Bridenstine as
our Nation's next Administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). During this tumultuous time, and as the Nation
aims to once more leap from low earth orbit and inspire the next
generation of future American space travelers, I can think of no better
person to guide NASA on that journey than Jim Bridenstine. Let me tell
you why.
I first met Jim Bridenstine while I served as the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Space Policy in the Pentagon from 2013 to
2017. You'll recall this was a tough time for DoD space activities as
we tried to come to grips with the three new realities of national
security space--a burgeoning but under utilized U.S. entrepreneurial
space sector, a rapidly evolving threat from our peer competitors, and
a time of budget sequester that stymied our actions on both fronts.
Close cooperation between DoD and our overseers in Congress was clearly
the only way to make progress in that new and uncertain environment.
From my knothole in DoD space policy, that meant finding the kind of
leader on the Hill who had the vision to see beyond both the narrow
confines of traditional DoD space practices and pure budget numbers,
and the initiative to take up the fight.
I found that person in Congressman Jim Bridenstine. What impressed
me most about Jim was not only his drive and passion for all things
space--a passion that quite frankly made little apparent political
sense given its limited impact to his home constituency--but his true
interest in hearing the arguments on both sides of any issue. Even more
important was his desire to truly understand levels of detail well
below the surface so he could judge the issue not only by who yelled
the loudest, but rather who supported it with facts, analysis, and good
old common sense. For example, he's the first legislator on either side
of the aisle to ever (and I've been doing this for over 30 years) ask
me to explain how military protected communications worked. The
nation's spent 100s of billions of dollars on that technology and never
once had any legislator or even staff member ever asked me how it
worked-but Jim did! He did, because he knew if he was going to push in
one direction or the other, he'd better know what could break; and that
required more than inch-deep opinion--it required knowledge.
He did the same thing when he wrote the American Space Renaissance
Act. He met with players from across the entire space spectrum, made
sure he understood the details, and then put it all together in an
aspirational document that is still viewed by many as a guidebook to
the problems we must solve, and a way to get there. Again, to my
knowledge, no single individual has ever even tried to build as bold a
compendium that straddles the divide between civil, national security,
and commercial space much less to put it into law--but Jim did.
These examples show precisely the reason why we need Jim
Bridenstine at NASA' s helm. NASA is not just a narrow civil space
player--it is the Nation's leader in space impacting the civil,
national security, international, and commercial divide. It needs a
leader who can speak to all sides of space and integrate it together in
a cohesive fashion. It needs a leader who will take the time to
understand not just the opposing sides to the argument, but the details
below from which good decisions spring. It needs a leader who can steer
the agency not for political expediency, but for the Nation's good. And
it needs a leader who can create an aspirational vision that will not
only drive us deeper into space, but deeper into the hearts and minds
of our children and encourage them in the same way that I was
encouraged by Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. To my mind, Jim Bridenstine
is that man. I strongly urge you to confirm his nomination for NASA
Administrator, so he can put us on that road.
Sincerely,
Col (Ret) Douglas L. Loverro, USAF,
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Space Policy.
______
NanoRacks LLC
Webster, TX
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
NanoRacks is an entrepreneurial company that was the first to
market its own hardware and services onboard the International Space
Station. By providing a commercial pathway to using the Space Station,
we have helped usher in a new chapter of the space frontier: making
space just another place to do business. As CEO of NanoRacks, I
strongly support Congressman Jim Bridenstine's nomination to be the
Administrator of NASA.
The United States needs to articulate and execute a clear vision
for space. Congressman Bridenstine has established himself as a
visionary who gets results--someone who can identify challenges,
propose solutions, and build consensus. He takes a balanced approach to
NASA's priorities, finding places for each of NASA's objectives within
a cohesive whole. Importantly, he also promotes NASA effectively before
his congressional colleagues, the Administration, and the public at
large.
I am most familiar with Congressman Bridenstine's approach to the
commercialization and transition of the International Space Station. He
has approached those issues thoughtfully, with the goal of ensuring
that our permanent presence in space is not disrupted.
Having gotten to observe Congressman Bridenstine over the years, I
can say that I have been impressed with his commitment to inclusion and
constructive dialogue. I am confident that he will continue to employ
such an approach if confirmed as NASA Administrator.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Manber,
Chief Executive Officer,
NanoRacks LLC.
______
Axiom Space
Webster, TX
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
I am writing to you today to convey my full and unwavering support
for the appointment of Congressman Jim Bridenstine as the next NASA
Administrator.
In my capacity as the Manager of the International Space Station
(ISS) Program for ten years, and indeed throughout my 27-year tenure
with NASA, I had the unique opportunity to understand firsthand both
the incredible complexity of the ISS implementation, as well as the
brilliance and passion of the many dedicated scientists and staff on
our team who worked tirelessly to make the program a reality and a
success. Perhaps more to the subject, I have worked closely with the
last four NASA administrators throughout my career and understand the
impact of their leadership on the Agency' s missions, industry and
indeed governments around the world. As we approach the end of the
lifespan of the ISS and its pending retirement, Representative
Bridenstine is uniquely positioned to provide the nuanced
administrative support and leadership that will be required in the
corning years for this key program, and indeed, for so many others
under the NASA umbrella. Each of these program's must fulfill the
mandate of the U.S. National Space Policy by completing a successful
structural transition from the auspices of fully-government-run
entities, to a new era that embraces commercialization and
entrepreneurship. This newest stage can and must result in the
development of a competitive and robust private space sector, one
capable of continuing the brilliant historical legacy of U.S.
preeminence at the forefront of global innovation and exploration.
Throughout the course of his distinguished flight and combat
experience as a naval pilot, his time as a cultural and educational
leader as the Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium,
and his dedicated track record as a U.S. Congressman, Representative
Bridenstine has demonstrated a singular combination of service,
insight, advocacy, and involvement in the aerospace and aviation
fields. Now more than ever our industry needs his commitment to
building bipartisan support, to engaging actively in the work to evolve
new U.S. legislation to grow the portfolio of opportunities, and to
bridging the tension sometimes experienced between traditional space
entities, and the budding entrepreneurial landscape.
In my newest role as CEO of Axiom Space, LLC, I have more recently
had the inspiring occasion to view the world via this entrepreneurial
lens, including many of the commercial challenges now confronting
America's growing private space sector, both as they directly impact
our organization, as well as for the many companies we seek to partner
with in low Earth orbit. From this it has become clear that a key
driver of the future success of the industry will be the skill,
experience and insights the next NASA Administrator possesses. This
understanding must span the business and economic considerations
driving not only the space industry, but the broader economy, the flow
of investment dollars, the perspectives of the business owners, and the
delicate balance between all of these viewpoints and the public
interest. With his background in economics, MBA from Cornell
University, experience as an aerospace contractor, and his time
dedicated to the management and stewardship of a large public entity,
Representative Bridenstine is uniquely prepared to understand the
landscape and the hard work that lies ahead for the aerospace field,
and to meet these challenges head on.
Congressman Bridenstine's clarity of message and track record in
support of the growth of the American space sector offers a glimpse
into his visionary, yet disciplined approach to the subject.
Representative Bridenstine repeatedly demonstrates his understanding of
the nuances and complexities of this field, witnessed in his advocacy
across multiple branches of the sector in order to bolster the full
space ecosystem. Examples of this are evident as he champions not only
deep space exploration, but also endeavors nearer to home in support of
lunar exploration and even earth observation (including severe weather
prediction). All of these furthermore demonstrate his understanding of
the incredible value of this critical work and its inherent capacity to
stimulate the economy, create jobs, contribute to capital markets, and
to provide new innovations and life-saving technologies, all while
stimulating the hearts and minds of the public and the next generation
of Americans.
For all of these reasons, please accept my gratitude for the
opportunity to submit these perspectives in support of Congressman
Bridenstine as the next NASA Administrator, and ultimately, in support
of the future of American entrepreneurship, innovation and exploration.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Suffredini,
CEO and President,
Axiom Space, LLC.
______
The Hill
Jim Bridenstine is the leader NASA needs
By Sean O'Keefe, Opinion Contributor--09/26/17
Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), the president's nominee for NASA
administrator, is facing criticism regarding his qualifications for the
job. These concerns seem to be rooted in a clear preference instead for
a nominee possessing skills or experience as a scientist, engineer or
technologist. Perhaps most critically, some have dismissed
Bridenstine's experience as inadequate given that he is an elected
politician.
But if history is any guide, technical skills are not necessarily
requisites for success leading this storied agency. While several
previous NASA leaders were credentialed or experienced in such
disciplines, this was not a clear determinant for success. And contrary
to the critical view, Bridenstine arguably has the best qualifications
for success given the challenges ahead.
Of the dozen previous NASA administrators, perhaps the most
extraordinary and historically noteworthy of them served during the
Apollo era. James Webb possessed a diverse base of experience, but none
of the technical skills extolled in some of the current dialogue. Webb
earned an undergraduate degree in Education, served in the Marine
Corps, earned a law degree and served as a congressional staffer before
a brief time in industry.
A registered Democrat and moderately active in politics, Webb
served in the Truman administration at the Treasury Department, as the
Director of the Bureau of the Budget at the White House--the precursor
agency to the modern 0MB--and as an under secretary of State during the
contentious McCarthy era. Having served in a Democratic administration,
he resigned when Truman left office and moved to Oklahoma to work for
the leadership of the Kerr McGhee Oil Company during the Eisenhower
years.
He resurfaced in government service after newly elected President
Kennedy appointed him to serve as the second NASA administrator. His
tenure lasted through the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. The
rest, of course, is history. Actually, an incredibly remarkable history
that yielded perhaps NASA's greatest achievement so far--landing on the
Moon.
Webb's contribution was not his scientific or engineering know how.
But he did have a wide breath of experience in finance, business
management, the art of negotiating outcomes and making decisions in the
very emotionally charged public policy arena.
In short, Webb was, by any standard, a politician and an awfully
good one. He successfully marshaled an exceptional team of engineers
and scientists, none of which suffered low self-esteem. Choosing among
a multitude of diametrically opposite ``right answers'' advanced by
those with technical expertise, it was up to Webb to achieve consensus
among them to forge a path forward.
He also needed to secure the president's support for a strategy,
devise management plans to achieve the outcomes and somehow convince
Congress to appropriate funds to finance the endeavor. To do so
required exceptional leadership, management and political skills drawn
from an array of experiences and professional training to yield the
heralded achievements of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.
He was a most remarkable public servant. But to listen to the
critics today, it seems some might consider Webb to be a marginally
qualified nominee.
Consider the pending NASA nominee relative to the qualifications
Webb possessed when he was nominated. In that light, Bridenstine may
have just the skill set necessary to lead NASA to the next level. He
received a Rice undergraduate degree and a Cornell MBA, is a former
naval aviator and National Guard pilot who served in Iraq and
Afghanistan, managed a non-profit and is a Republican presently serving
his third term in Congress.
He's learned the legislative and budgetary processes, exercised
oversight of Federal management, worked with varied and diverse
constituencies to forge his legislative agenda and understands the art
of Washington politics. In short, he's now an elected politician--a
public servant with an array of skills that could contribute to
effectively leading this Federal agency.
NASA has a rich history derived from multiple professional,
academic and technical disciplines. Its centers are spread across the
Nation in locations derived from political legacies--many of which
originated in the Webb era. NASA's diversity of talent, lineage,
pedigrees and cultures are united by strong egos and great dedication
to public service. To have any hope of motivating all the talent
internal to the agency to turn the institution's oars in the same
direction requires a NASA administrator who knows how to lead people
and manage things.
Externally, it would be handy if the next NASA leader had the
president's confidence, knew the players in the White House, be a
colleague of other decision makers in the administration, understands
the workings and levers of Congress, could work with a variety of
constituencies and just for good measure--possess the patience of Job.
I'm not sure if Bridenstine has the last attribute, but arguably he
gets more than a passing grade with the others.
It is impossible to tell if Jim Bridenstine will have the kind of
success that Webb achieved. But in pursuit of this parallel prospect,
it's altogether possible he has exactly the skills and experience to
position the agency to make that possible. His policy views, voting
record and insights on how he may choose to use skills honed as a
politician and elsewhere will surely be revealed in the upcoming
confirmation hearing. But if past is prologue, he's qualified to clear
the hurdles for Senate confirmation. And I'm willing to bet he'll prove
to be a fine choice as the 13th NASA administrator.
Sean O'Keefe served as the 10th NASA administrator in the George W Bush
administration, 2001-2005, and is presently a professor of public
administration at the Syracuse University Maxwell School.
______
Space . . . The Final Frontier
U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter
Jim Bridenstine has been nominated to lead the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) as its 13th Administrator. It is my
honor to support his nomination.
NASA's mission is to go where no one has gone before, explore the
unknown, and reveal the secrets of the universe for the benefit of
America and the world. This iconic agency has been at the forefront of
scientific discovery for almost 60 years. Jim Bridenstine is well-
equipped to lead NASA as it develops return missions to the moon, sends
Astronauts to Mars, explores distant planets and their moons, looks
into deep space from the Hubble and soon-to-be launched James Webb
Space Telescopes, and assists with understanding the sun and both short
and long term weather patterns.
I serve with Jim on the House Science, Space, and Technology
Committee. My first real interaction with him occurred a number of
years ago when he visited Colorado to meet with scientists, engineers,
and technicians from a number of our universities, national
laboratories, and aerospace companies. I found him to be a good
listener and well adept at understanding a lot of technical jargon. His
background as a naval aviator made it easier for him to absorb and
understand the concepts being discussed by the scientists and
engineers. He was particularly attentive to the representatives of the
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and their research
about the climate and long term weather patterns.
Since that meeting Jim and I have worked on a number of bipartisan
measures involving space exploration and scientific research and
discovery. He understands the role commercial space companies will play
in the ensuing years as well as the national and international effort
it will take to send our astronauts to Mars by 2033. Jim has proven
time and time again that he will put in the work necessary to
understand an issue and reach across the aisle to get things done.
Over the next decade, NASA will be presented with countless
opportunities to advance our understanding of Earth and the solar
system. Our exploration goals require a leader committed to NASA's
diverse directorates supporting technological and scientific
development. Jim Bridenstine has a firsthand perspective on the need to
better understand our Earth and the behavior of the atmosphere. He has
a keen awareness of the important Earth Science missions NASA is
undertaking and wants to continue to advance our understanding of the
planet.
Despite our different political parties I am convinced Jim will
lead the brilliant scientists, engineers, technicians and outstanding
personnel at NASA as it embarks on a new era of space exploration and
scientific discovery. Jim fought for our country on the battlefield and
fought for commonsense space policy in Congress. Now is the time for
Jim Bridenstine to take command and grow NASA's capabilities and
American leadership in space as NASA Administrator.
______
SpaceRef
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Statement on NASA Administrator
Nomination
Press Release From: Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (http://
www.exploredeepspace.com)
Posted: Tuesday, September 5, 2017
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (Coalition) welcomes the
Trump Administration's continuing commitment to human space
exploration, space science, and the economic development of space with
the nomination of U.S. Representative Jim Bridenstine for NASA
Administrator.
``Together with the establishment of the National Space Council
chaired by Vice President Pence, this step advances the framework for
U.S. leadership in space,'' said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, President and
CEO of the Coalition. ''Rep. Bridenstine has been an active and vocal
advocate for space on Capitol Hill. We look forward to working with
NASA's new leadership team to support NASA's development of a deep
space infrastructure for human spaceflight, beginning with the Space
Launch System, Orion crew vehicle and Exploration Ground Systems. Other
exciting developments include the launch of the James Webb Space
Telescope and Mars Insight in 2018, progress on future deep space
exploration and science platforms such as Mars 2020, Europa Clipper and
the Wide Field Infrared Space Telescope, and ongoing science,
exploration, international cooperation and economic development enabled
by the International Space Station, leading to the eventual extension
of new ventures and technology into deep space.''
``The Coalition-representing thousands of Americans working in the
space industry, including many small business suppliers and
manufacturers across the country-stands ready to support the new NASA
leadership team and looks forward to working together as we embark on
this exciting new era of deep space science and human exploration.''
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization
of more than 70 space industry businesses and advocacy groups focused
on ensuring the United States remains a leader in space, science and
technology. Based in Washington D.C., the Coalition engages in outreach
and education reinforcing the value and benefits of human space
exploration and space science with the public and our Nation's leaders,
building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic
direction for our Nation's space program.
______
SpaceNews
Buzz Aldrin and Greg Autry: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to run
NASA
by Buzz Aldrin and Greg Autry--September 20, 2017
U.S. Rep. James Bridenstine (R-Okla.) discussed his American Space
Renaissance Act during an industry breakfast at the 32nd Space
Symposium in April 2016. Credit: Tom Kimmell
President Trump called for ``unlocking the mysteries of space'' in
his inaugural address and then envisioned ``American footprints on
distant worlds'' in his speech before a Joint Session of Congress.
Addressing a crowd at the Kennedy Space Center this summer, Vice
President Pence confidently stated that ``our nation will return to the
Moon, and we will put American boots on the face of Mars.'' Such an
audacious agenda II require inspired engineering, committed financial
support and bold leadership of the kind that Administrator James Webb
supplied to NASA during the glory days of Gemini and Apollo.
Finding another Webb was no easy task. The president considered
several excellent candidates, some of whom we personally admire, but in
the spirit of Webb's leadership, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine is the
president's nominee for NASA administrator. Rumors of Mr. Bridenstine's
appointment have been swirling in the space community since the spring
and during that time, the two of us have come to know him and his
record. The more we learned, the happier we've become. We have found
that Rep. Bridenstine possesses a remarkable understanding of the
science, technology, economics and the policies that surround NASA. He
is highly qualified to lead the world's finest scientific and
exploratory organization.
Anyone who doubts that should look closely at Mr. Bridenstine's web
page for his American Space Renaissance Act (H.R. 4945) at http://
spacerenaissanceact.com/. The ASRA offers a clear and workable plan to
ensure that the benefits of space technology and resources continue to
support exploration, science, American national security and economic
development. As a space explorer and an academic we both applaud this
integrated approach. Criticisms of Mr. Bridenstine's nomination have
centered around three themes, each of which are easily refuted.
He's a leader, not a politician
Firstly, it has been suggested that a ``politician'' shouldn't run
NASA. We share a healthy skepticism of politicians and the suggestion
of a congressman as administrator initially gave us pause. However, his
record revealed that Jim Bridenstine is far from being a character out
of House of Cards. He served with distinction as a Naval aviator in
Afghanistan and Iraq. He continued to serve his country in the Naval
Reserve and then the Air National Guard. He had no political career
before launching a surprisingly successful 2012 campaign against an
incumbent Republican in Oklahoma's first district. Personally, we can
tell you Mr. Bridenstine is an American patriot and a man of integrity
who shares our passion for a vibrant NASA.
We'd remind those insisting that only a scientist or astronaut
could run a space agency that James Webb was a lawyer by training and
spent his entire career in the bowels of governmental bureaucracies.
Apollo succeeded, because Webb understood people and practiced
effective management.
Jim Bridenstine has a triple major from Rice University that should
serve him well in leading NASA: psychology, economics and business. He
also holds an MBA from Cornell, an educational tool that former NASA
Administrator Mike Griffin applied well when defining the successful
Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. Griffin's
business school approach to plugging the launch gap NASA faced after
the retirement of the space shuttle lead to two new commercial rockets
supplying the International Space Station and launched a revived
American commercial launch sector. Jim Bridenstine's innovative
thinking promises to extend that record of success.
He's an Earth sciences advocate, not a climate change denier
Secondly, there has been a great deal of froth over Mr.
Bridenstine's position on climate change. He has always been a strong
advocate of Earth sciences, commercial remote imaging, as well as
robust weather and climate-data collection. He notes that, ``My
constituents get killed in tornadoes.'' Mr. Bridenstine has clearly
stated that he believes the climate is changing, that human activities
are a contributing factor and that we have a national interest in
understanding its causes and outcomes. He has supported several
programs to collect additional climate data including championing the
Weather Forecasting Improvement Act and support for efforts to launch
satellites aimed at measuring atmospheric gasses via occultation
(interference) of GPS signals. He also supported the requirement that
climate trends be investigated as part of the 2018 Defense
Authorization Act. His interests should be great news for firms like
California based imaging firm Planet and small launch startups like
Virgin Orbit.
He's a peacemaker in the space wars
Finally, some advocates of traditional space programs may be
concerned about Jim's intentions toward NASA's contracting model. We
are happy to see that Bridenstine offers a uniquely balanced approach.
He rejects the either/or battles over policy and funding that have
plagued our space program for the last generation and kept us from
going as far as we could. These battles have pitted human spaceflight
against robotic missions, astrophysics against Earth Science and
positioned traditional exploration programs against emerging
entrepreneurial endeavors. The American public celebrates our space
agency's success in all these realms and deserves a NASA Administrator
who shares their joy.
Jim Bridenstine is deeply interested in innovative engineering and
business techniques that can help NASA do more with the public's money.
He is committed to continuing the SLS/Orion program and in integrating
it into longer-term transportation systems. He also understands that
while we must recapture the glory of Apollo we cannot afford another
series of disposable missions. He supports public-private partnerships
to develop economically sustainable solutions that will support
scientific research and commercial development for generations to come.
Specifically, we have spoken to Jim Bridenstine about permanent
transportation systems to both the Moon and Mars. He understands that
such a service, based on the Aldrin Cycler model, would change the
economics of space exploration and resource exploitation.
We heartedly support the president's nomination of Mr. Bridenstine
as the next NASA administrator wish him Godspeed during the Senate
confirmation process. We encourage you to join us in uniting the space
community and our Nation behind this nominee so NASA can return to its
job of boldly exploring the final frontier.
Buzz Aldrin is an engineer, former U.S. Air Force pilot, former NASA
Astronaut, lunar explorer and advocate for Mars exploration.
Greg Autry studies space entrepreneurship at the University of Southern
California and former White House Liaison to NASA.
______
9/7/2017--The Mars Society
Robert Zubrin: New NASA Administrator Appointee ``A Good Choice''
Mars Society Founder & President Dr. Robert Zubrin has called for
the approval of Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) as the new NASA
administrator.
Bridenstine has focused heavily on space policy during his tenure
in Congress, stating ``[o]ur very way of life depends on space, the way
we communicate, the way we navigate, the way we produce food and
energy, the way we conduct banking.'' In April 2016 at the 32nd Annual
Space Symposium, Bridenstine introduced H.R. 4945, the American Space
Renaissance Act, comprehensive reform legislation with provisions
affecting national security, civil, and commercial space policy.
In addition, Bridenstine has proposed legislation related to the
regulatory process overseeing certain non-traditional space activities,
and helped secure funding for the Federal Aviation Administration's
Office of Commercial Space Transportation. Recognizing his efforts, in
2015 SpaceNews named Bridenstine as one of five game changers in the
world in space.
Commenting on the appointment and the controversy it has aroused,
Dr. Zubrin said: ``The fracas over the Bridenstine nomination for NASA
administrator is unfortunate and unnecessary. Bridenstine is actually a
rather good choice for NASA administrator. He is not only a Navy
reserve pilot, but a long-time strong space advocate who really wants a
space program that is going somewhere, which is exactly what NASA
needs. His appointment should be welcomed.''
The Bridenstine nomination now goes to Congress for approval. If
you wish to have input into the decision, you can reach out to your
congressman and Senators through the Capitol Hill switchboard. The
number to call is 202-224-3121.
______
9/13/2017--Daily Planet--Air & Space Magazine
AirSpaceMag.com
A Pioneering NASA Administrator
The nominee to head NASA has an exciting vision for the agency.
Rep. Jim Bridenstine outlines his proposed American Space
Renaissance Act at a recent Space Foundation Symposium
(spacerenaissanceact.com)
By Paul D. Spudis
While celebrated by many segments within the space community, the
recent nomination by the White House of Congressman James Bridenstine
(R-OK) to become the twelfth administrator of NASA also drew unexpected
criticism. Now in his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives,
Bridenstine has demonstrated an extraordinary interest in American
space programs, both military and civilian. He is the author and
sponsor of a bill called the American Space Renaissance Act, an
ambitious re imagining of America's space program and a re-writing of
the agency's charter around the ``Pioneering Doctrine.'' This doctrine
encompasses three principal objectives for the agency: 1) The expansion
of the human sphere of influence throughout the Solar System; 2) To be
among those who first arrive at a destination in space and to open it
for subsequent use and development by others; and 3) To create and
prepare infrastructure precursors in support of the future use and
development of space by others. I will examine each objective in turn.
The expansion of the human sphere of influence throughout the Solar
System. Expanding human ``reach'' is an activity that I've always
believed formed the core of NASA's mission. A human ``sphere of
influence'' encompasses the projection and use of both robotic and
human assets, and the presence of one does not obviate the other. This
might seem self-evident, but in the past it generally has not been part
of the NASA modus. The robotic program, as currently configured, exists
mostly to address the wants of scientists who produce long wish lists
of missions and experiments in ``decadal studies''--outlining their
desires for the coming ten years. On the human side, some attention is
given to developing ``precursor'' robotic missions that gather
scientific and engineering data designed to assure the safety and
success of subsequent human missions. But in broad terms, both streams
tend to operate separately and independently. What if these two streams
were integrated into one?
The question should not be ``Robot or human mission?'' but, ``How
shall we best utilize the unique capabilities of each to accomplish our
space goals?'' One approach might be to tightly integrate robots and
humans into mission plans, whereby they work together to accomplish new
and previously unreachable objectives. As an example, the architecture
that Tony Lavoie and I published in 201 l (and revised in 2016) to
explore the potential of resource utilization establishes an outpost on
the Moon using both machines and people to create a permanent,
sustainable space transportation system. In this architecture, robots
set up and begin the initial work on the Moon; people follow later,
when the facility is operational and mature. Such a symbiotic
relationship between robotic and human spaceflight was utilized and
proven during assembly of the International Space Station and should
now be applied to missions beyond low Earth orbit.
To be among those who first arrive at a destination in space and to
open it for subsequent use and development by others. The second
objective encapsulates the imperative of keeping NASA a ``cutting
edge'' entity that pushes the envelope of spaceflight. But more than
simply ``going where no one has gone before,'' it also charges the
agency with enabling the subsequent exploration and use of new
destinations by a variety of users, both public and private. For
example, an outpost emplaced at one of the poles of the Moon by NASA
would demonstrate that it is possible for such an enterprise to be
undertaken and operated, and would serve as the nucleus of a commercial
operation through proof-of-concept demonstrations of techniques and
technology. Structured like this, NASA's goal is not to ``mine the
Moon,'' but to establish that the Moon can be mined, and to open the
window on what new technology development is needed for such a task.
This type of activity reflects one of the classic agency missions of
technology transfer--one of the principal reasons for the existence of
a civil space program.
To create and prepare infrastructure precursors in support of the
future use and development of space by others. The third objective
helps to enable and incentivize the second objective. A variety of
assets in near-Earth space must be developed and deployed in order for
significant commercial activity to occur. As an illustration of this,
consider that reliable navigation and communication is required for
assets in space, on Earth and on the lunar surface. Because of the
highly oblique solar illumination and the extensive local topographic
relief at the Moon's poles, it is particularly difficult to know
exactly where you are in the polar regions of the Moon. These
conditions impede reliable communication between individual surface
units and with control centers on Earth. The solution to both these
problems is the deployment of a constellation of communication and
navigation satellites in lunar orbit. Ideally, these assets would
become part of a cislunar GPS system, available for use by any entity
to navigate throughout cislunar space and for use in conducting complex
surface operations on the lunar surface. The development of this kind
of permanent, sustainable spacefaring infrastructure serves both
government and societal interests.
These three ``Pioneering Doctrines'' embrace a bold statement of
purpose for NASA: to extend our reach with machines and people beyond
low Earth orbit, into deep space and to the objects of the Solar
System. Under such a charter, the mission of the agency becomes nothing
less than the opening up of the entire space frontier to exploration,
use and development. This was one of the original purposes behind the
Vision for Space Exploration in 2004, a goal that got lost in
bureaucratic make-work minutiae of objectives and roadmaps. By
maintaining and holding firm to a clear vision of space development
beyond low Earth orbit, NASA can push the envelope while at the same
time offering practical value for its cost.
Of course, these ``doctrines'' are part of Jim Bridenstine's
proposed legislation, which has not yet been formally adopted as law,
and thus is not presently a new code for NASA. However, they do shine a
light on his thinking, and they give us some insight into his
philosophical preferences for the space program. I contend that the
Pioneering Doctrine is exactly what NASA has desperately needed for
over a decade-reachable goals against which progress can be measured,
while offering value for expenditure. By pursuing these ends, we can
begin to move humanity off the planet and into deep space, surely a
worthy goal for any space program.
I think that a NASA administrator who strives for these ends will
be an asset to the Nation and just might be able to save a faltering
program from collapse. We've had a decade of the fraudulent ``Journey
to Mars''-spending over $26 billion for no real achievement or new
capability. In fact, by discarding the Space Shuttle in favor of
``commercial crew transport,'' we lost capability and saved nothing.
This ongoing chaos stems from strategic confusion over what the NASA
mission is, where it is going, and how it is executing its programs. An
administrator with a clear vision oriented toward the creation of new
capabilities is a good first step toward fixing NASA's problems. Jim
Bridenstine needs to be rapidly confirmed by the Senate. The sooner he
gets on the job, the better for America's future in space.
About Paul D. Spudis
Paul D. Spudis is a senior staff scientist at the Lunar and
Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. His website can be found at. The
opinions expressed here are his own and do not reflect the views of the
Smithsonian Institution or his employer.
______
25 October 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Subject: Support for Congressman Jim Bridenstine to be next NASA
Administrator
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:
I have been in the Space business for 49 years. Over these years I
have met and worked with many superb leaders in the Air Force, NASA,
and the NERO. I am proud to have met and had the chance to work with
Congressmen Jim Bridenstine. During my interface with Congressman
Bridenstine, I have been impressed with his ability to grasp complex
problems and issues, calmly assess options, and then have the will and
courage to make a decision and not let a problem get worse.
He is a passionate advocate for Space, and what Space can do
for our Nation and our economy.
He is a realistic and pragmatic decision maker, and
strategic thinker who makes decisions based on facts and by
soliciting a wide array of advice before formulating an
informed decision.
He is a strong manager who understands that resources are
the most valuable commodity and matches goals and solutions to
available resources.
He is a charismatic leader that is focused on creating more
resilient space architecture to support the United States
National Security and Economic imperatives.
He is a team player and coalition builder. This is obviously
going to be essential as the costs of what we should do in
space outpace the resources we have available. He can build and
encourage international partnerships.
He is an innovative thinker who introduced the American
Space Renaissance Act to jump start our commercial and national
security space enterprise. It's one of the most significant
pieces of legislation I've seen in my lifetime and will help
secure the United States as the preeminent nation for the
peaceful use of space.
Finally, he is simply the right person at the right time for NASA.
He is a class act, and a true professional. As we face an expanding set
of goals and objectives, in a shrinking resource environment, he can
help make quality decisions that are in the best interest of our
Nation. His knowledge of space is unrivaled in the Washington DC arena.
This knowledge, coupled with his natural leadership skills and
abilities, position him well to become the next NASA Administrator.
Thomas D. Taverney,
Major General USAF ret.
______
Sep 06, 2017--Space Florida News
Space Florida Statement on NASA Administrator Nomination
Space Florida is pleased that after many months and consideration
of a many candidates, the Administration has nominated Congressman Jim
Bridenstine to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA).
Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello said, ``I have had the great
pleasure of working with Congressman Bridenstine throughout his tenure
in the US. Congress. I have found Jim to be a dedicated student of the
industry and a passionate champion in Congress for the maturation of
the space economy. He will no doubt apply the same knowledge,
dedication. and passion to the leadership of NASA, for the benefit of
all space stakeholders New leadership at NASA, combined with the
regeneration of the National Space Council and passage of the NASA
Transition Authorization Act of 2017, will provide the guidance and
stability necessary for NASA to continue to explore new frontiers.
advance technology and sustain U.S. leadership in space We look forward
to his timely confirmation and working with him in the future.''
______
Alaska Aerospace Corporation
Anchorage, AK, September 5, 2017
Hon. Jim Bridenstine,
United States House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Congressman Bridenstine,
Congratulations on your appointment to serve as the next
administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA). Outstanding choice! Your strong support for commercial
development in our Nation's space industry bodes we11 for the United
States to regain leadership in space exploration and development.
You may recall that we first met at the 2016 FAA Commercial Space
Transportation Symposium in DC. I am the retired Alaska Air National
Guard General Officer, who also served as Alaska's tenth Lieutenant
Governor, graduated from TU in 1974, and earned a Master Degree at the
Naval War College in 1999.
At the time we met, I mentioned my enthusiastic support for your
efforts with the American Space Renaissance Act. Your new role will
provide you the opportunity to advance NASA into the twenty-first
century with this bold vision. So I am writing to offer my services as
you prepare for your confirmation hearings. Specifically, I would
appreciate the time to talk with you, or your staff, about the
importance of non-federal commercial spaceports to our Nation and your
vision of American leadership in space based, in part, on low cost,
reliable, and responsive launch capabilities.
Our Pacific Spaceport Complex--Alaska (PSCA) is the Nation's only
high latitude full service spaceport. It features all indoor, all
weather, processing and was designed specifically to provide optimal
support for space launches to low earth orbit, sun synchronous orbit,
polar orbit, and highly elliptical orbits. Operating without Federal or
state sustainment funding, PSCA is a proven example of how commercial
spaceports can provide tremendous flexibility for U.S. access to space.
What we are already doing is important to NASA and future efforts to
increase U.S. space exploration and pursuits.
I am attaching copies of letters I sent last November to our Alaska
Senate delegation in support of your nomination. If there is anything I
may be able to offer to support your confirmation and advancement of
NASA in the coming years, please do not hesitate to contact me direct.
Sincerely,
Craig E. Campbell,
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Alaska Aerospace Corporation.
______
Alaska Aerospace Corporation
November 23, 2016
Hon. Dan Sullivan,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation--Representative Jim Bridenstine
Dear Senator Sullivan:
The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United
States presents our nation with a tremendous opportunity to reverse the
policies and programs of the past decade that have stifled commercial
space development and caused the U.S. to lose market share in space
exploration.
I am writing to strongly endorse the appointment of Representative
Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) for the position of Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Rep. Bridenstine
has been a steadfast supporter of increasing opportunities for
commercial development of the U.S. space industry and is sponsor of the
American Space Renaissance Act, which includes a specific provision to
establish within the Office of Commercial Space Transportation, an
Office of Spaceports. We believe that Rep. Bridenstine's initiative
presents a positive boost for the U.S. commercial space industry. He is
exactly the type person this nation needs to reenergize NASA and lead
America's resurgence into space.
Your solid support of our business development efforts for the
Pacific Spaceport Complex--Alaska (PSCA) resulted in our securing the
multi-year contract with the Missile Defense Agency (DA). I am firmly
convinced that part of the reason MDA has selected the PSCA for their
future mission is our ability to operate as a commercial spaceport,
with the agility to meet their specific price and scheduling
requirements. Expanding commercial space and regaining leadership in
space exploration are cornerstone goals of Rep. Bridenstine which will
be good for both our state and nation.
I trust you concur with me that Rep. Bridenstine is exactly what
this nation needs at this time to bring leadership back to NASA, so I
request you support the appointment of Rep. Bridenstine as the next
NASA Administrator and advise the Trump transition team of your support
and my specific endorsement. Please do not hesitate to contact me
direct should you need any additional information concerning my support
for this very important appointment.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig E. Campbell,
President and CEO.
______
Commercial Spaceflight Federation
Washington, DC, 19 September 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Edward J. Markey,
Ranking Member,
Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen Thune and Cruz, and Ranking Members Nelson and Markey:
I write to you on behalf of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
(CSF), which represents more than 70 commercial spaceflight companies
and organizations across the United States, to express our strong
support for Representative Jim Bridenstine's nomination as NASA
Administrator. As NASA and American industry continue to work together
to ensure that the United States remains the leader of space
exploration and the global space economy, NASA needs the effective
leadership that Mr. Bridenstine has already shown in so many endeavors.
CSF appreciates this Committee's longstanding support for America's
space enterprise and NASA since the Agency was established. As part of
your confirmation proceedings, we are pleased to share the commercial
spaceflight industry's views regarding this nomination.
Mr. Bridenstine's service as naval aviator and decorated combat
veteran demonstrates his commitment to public service and his
leadership. Since arriving in Congress, Mr. Bridenstine has taken on
many of the challenging policy issues facing the U.S. space industry. A
true champion of American leadership in space, his service on the House
Committee of Science, Space, and Technology as well as the Committee on
Armed Services reflects his numerous contributions to space-related
legislation and oversight, often working across the aisle to achieve
bipartisan change.
As the former chairman of the House Science Committee's
Subcommittee on the Environment, Mr. Bridenstine spent much of his time
in Congress seeking to dramatically improve U.S. weather research and
forecasting, ultimately enacting a significant piece of legislation.
Finally, Mr. Bridenstine has a clear vision of America's future in
space. Mr. Bridenstine knows that expanding our civilization into space
requires the innovation and economic engine of American free
enterprise, as well as the resources and expertise of the U.S.
Government.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our input. We look
forward to working with you as the confirmation process advances.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Stallmer,
President,
Commercial Spaceflight Federation.
cc: Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Majority Whip John Cornyn
______
Moon Express Inc.
Cape Canaveral, FL, October 23, 2017
Senator Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Nelson,
There were many factors that motivated me to move Moon Express to
the Space Coast from California and Alabama in 20 l 5: a good business
climate, the opportunity to partner more closely with NASA and the Air
Force, support from Space Florida, and the chance to come to work every
day at a historic Cape Canaveral Launch Complex. But another benefit of
moving to Florida was knowing that our senior Senator would not only be
one of the strongest advocates in Congress for U.S. economic and
scientific leadership in space, but arguably the ``conscience of the
Senate'' on space policy issues. I knew that we would have a champion
in the Senate, and at the helm of the Commerce Committee, who knows
that America's future in space requires a strong civil agency in NASA
and a strong commercial sector to develop the economic opportunities
NASA has made possible.
It is with that knowledge of and appreciation for your unique role
in space policy that I write to you in strong support of Jim
Bridenstine's nomination as NASA Administrator.
During his five years in Congress, Rep. Bridenstine has been a
thoughtful advocate of improvements in America's military, commercial,
and civil space enterprises. He has championed new ideas without
bashing traditional institutions. He has helped coalesce a new
generation of bipartisan space supporters in Congress to promote a
multi-mission NASA that does everything from improving aviation safety
to monitoring the environment to leading the world in human and robotic
space exploration. He has supported Defense Department studies on the
effects of climate change on military installations and operations. And
as a museum director and space entrepreneur, he has worked to inspire
young people in his state and investors in new rocket planes.
Jim radiates the same youthful passion for space that you have
shown since your early days on the House Science Committee. Of course,
his patriotic service as a naval aviator has also given him a
warfighter's appreciation for the space products and services that have
been essential to American national security since the first Gulf War.
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mr. Bridenstine as
we seek to return America to the surface of the Moon next year.
Although he has no constituent interest in Moon Express, he has helped
us find solutions to our policy challenges and has advocated for our
Federal authorization to fly the first commercial mission to the Moon,
which opens new realms of commercial space activity that can support
NASA's exploration and science programs.
In short, Jim has indispensable qualities that are rarely found
together: a personal passion and vision for America's future in space;
the ability to lead peers as well as team members to achieve a goal; a
proven track record of policy innovation; and the trust and support of
a U.S. President.
You have raised important concerns since the White House announced
Jim's nomination. As a new Florida business and personal resident, and
lifelong space advocate, I am glad you want the best for NASA, and for
our Nation's space enterprise. I sincerely believe Jim Bridenstine
could be one of the greatest leaders of the U.S. space program. I
believe that if you give Jim every consideration, you will come to
appreciate why I and so many long-time leaders in the U.S. space
community have been inspired by his knowledge, enthusiasm and vision
for space over the past five years, and the immense contribution he
could make to our national interests and space leadership as NASA
Administrator.
Sincerely,
Robert (Bob) Richards,
Founder and CEO.
______
Rocket Craters, Inc.
Titusville, FL
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
As a former astronaut and current CEO, I have had the privilege of
working in the Space industry for over three decades. During those
years, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of impressive
leaders, but none more so than Congressman Jim Bridenstine. In our
first meeting, we talked extensively about our Country's need for new
rocket technology to launch satellites more economically and safely to
space. I found the Congressman's depth of knowledge on this topic to be
impressive.
During my tenure with the Air Force, NASA, and our National
Laboratories, I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing people,
but Congressman Bridenstine stood out for a number of reasons. His
depth of understanding of commercial and defense space, rocket
propulsion, and satellites was remarkable. He has a passion for the
continuation of America's mission into space and our Country's
important role globally as its leader. He understands that for the
United States' to maintain its preeminent role in space research and
exploration, NASA is critical to this mission.
As the CEO of a launch services company developing new, advanced
rocket technology, I have briefed many impressive people on our
approach and technology, but our meeting with the Congressman was
different. He understood the science, peppered us with questions and
offered valuable suggestions. It was a discussion, not a presentation.
He was a Congressman from Oklahoma and we were a small aerospace
company from Florida; but he was eager to engage us in his effort to
move the Country forward in Space.
Congressman Bridenstine is an exciting and outstanding choice to be
the next NASA Administrator. His vision and passion for everything
Space is exactly what this country and NASA needs as we move forward.
With Congressman Bridenstine as NASA's next Administrator, I am
convinced the partnership between NASA and the growing U.S. Commercial
Space industry will accelerate and flourish--collectively bringing the
benefits that Space offers to America and the world.
Sincerely,
Sid Gutierrez,
CEO,
Rocket Crafters, Inc.
The Chairman. And then, I also have four letters of support
for the nomination of Dr. Neil Jacobs, including a letter of
support from Dr. Elizabeth Weatherhead, a senior scientist at
the University of Colorado.
So I will enter those without objection.
[The information referred to follows:]
Data-Analysis-Solutions, LLC
October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee:
It is with the utmost of pleasure that I send this letter of
endorsement in support of the nomination of Dr. Neil Jacobs for
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I am highly
confident that Dr. Jacobs possesses the scientific knowledge, business
management and leadership skills to help strengthen the National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in working to improve
NOAA's critical services to the safety and economic well-being of the
Nation.
As the former Chair of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (8 years on
the FACA Board, with 6 as the Chair, during the Bush Administration), I
can speak, from in-depth knowledge of NOAA, that Dr. Jacobs is an
absolutely superb choice to help provide NOAA with industry's
perspectives on the further enhancement of its observational networks
and its prognostic capabilities. Moreover, as the former Commissioner
of the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) Weather, Climate and
Water Enterprise, which brought together Private Industry, Federal
Agencies and Academia, I again can attest to Neil's involvement in the
Commission activities and to his commitment to the enterprise of
engaging the three communities to work together to improve weather and
water related safety from natural hazards and to improving the delivery
of NOAA's vital services to the Nation.
During the period when I served as the Head of the Department of
Marine, Earth & Atmospheric sciences at North Carolina State
University, I also served as the Chair of Dr. Jacob's Master's and
Doctoral graduate research and education committees. Over a several
year period, I came to know Neil very well and to know that he
possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of the interactive
coupling of observations, data and modeling of environmental systems;
which were the topics of both his M.S. thesis and his PhD dissertation.
Both studies were related to measuring and modeling atmospheric storms,
both from the atmospheric and oceanographic perspectives. Neil
possesses the knowledge base and qualifications to see the value of
observations and modeling from both sides of the air-sea interfaces and
has a very probing mind, always pushing for the facts as well as they
could be revealed via observations and modeling. At that time, Neil
also became intrigued with the possibility of making weather
observations from aircraft and of the next possibility of using those
data to be assimilated into prognostic weather forecast models in real-
time. We discussed this possibility at length. This interest served him
well in his professional career and endeavors following his graduation
from NC State.
In his employment with the Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Dr.
Jacobs has directed the underlying research and the subsequent
development of both the airborne meteorological data reporting system
(known as TAMDAR), as well as the numerical models run by Panasonic.
Neil introduced that capability to the NOAA National Weather Service
(NWS) which now includes those data and model outputs as part of the
NWS portfolio. I worked with Neil on brokering that relationship with
the Office of the Director of the NWS.
Presently Neil is the chair of the AMS's Forecast Improvement Group
(FIG), and also serves on the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO)
aircraft based observing systems expert team. Prior to joining
Panasonic Inc., Dr. Jacobs worked on various analyses and modeling
projects including the National Aeronautics & Space Administration's
(NASA) Earth Systems Science Program, the NOAA GOES satellite imagery,
the Department of Energy's (DOE) Ocean Margins Program (in which I was
the PI), and the NWS's Atlantic Surface Cyclone Intensification Index.
Obviously Neil has developed cross-cutting multiple Federal agency and
international experience and interactions as well.
In closing I can only say that this is a unique opportunity for the
Department of Commerce, for NOAA and for the Nation to have a scientist
of Dr. Jacob's caliber in this important position. Neil is collegial,
thoughtful, and a team player and will be an outstanding leader for
NOAA. I urge his confirmation.
Respectfully,
Dr. Leonard J. Pietrafesa, PhD,
Professor Emeritus,
North Carolina State University.
Burroughs & Chapin Scholar,
Coastal Carolina University.
2nd Chair, NOAA Science Advisory Board (FACA)
3rd Commissioner, AMS Weather & Climate Enterprise
1st Chair, American Geophysical Union Focus Group on Science & Society
1st Chair, Association of Public & Land-grant University's Board on
Oceans
& Atmosphere
CEO of Data-Analysis-Solutions (DAS) LLC
______
October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
It is my great pleasure to endorse the nomination of Neil Jacobs
for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA.
I believe that Neil possesses the scientific knowledge, curiosity,
interpersonal and communication skills, business management, and
leadership to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical services to
the Nation.
As a former Senior Partner at The Parthenon Group, a strategic
consulting company in Boston, for six years I worked closely with Neil,
who was Chief Meteorologist at Airdat. This was a breakthrough weather
forecasting company with a unique technology in which he was
instrumental in developing. This work was highly recognized by his
peers at the National Meteorological Society.
In my position at Parthenon, I worked with Neil on the
commercialization of the technology, involving presentations to high-
level executives in a variety of industries: power generation and
transmission; financial services; logistics companies; insurance
companies, etc. Neil is not only a true scientist, but is an unusually
proficient communicator, creating great demand for his verbal
presentations and discussions.
It is my opinion that a scientist of his caliber is not only very
smart, but will contribute at a high level befitting a post such as
this, serving the United States Government, as well as for NOAA. It is
for these reasons that I highly recommend Neil for this assignment.
Sincerely,
Frank J. O'Connell.
______
SmartSky Networks LLC
Charlotte, NC, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
It is my great pleasure to endorse the nomination of Neil Jacobs
for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I believe that
he possesses the scientific knowledge, business management and
leadership skills to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical
services to the Nation.
My relationship with Neil dates to 2004, when acting as CEO of
AirDat LLC, I hired Neil for the role of Chief Scientist. I have worked
closely with Neil over the past 13 years, developing advanced weather
systems to benefit both the public and private sectors of the global
weather enterprise. While historically interests of public and private
sectors can diverge, Neil always found solutions that enabled both to
benefit and progress forward; this ability to merge diverse interests
into a common goal is a rare skill that would benefit NOAA with its
current need to advance its capabilities while reducing expenditures.
I founded and served as CEO of AirDat LLC from 2003-2013, at which
point AirDat became part of Panasonic and now operates as Panasonic
Weather Solutions. AirDat developed and deployed sophisticated aircraft
based atmospheric sensors to help supplement the observational
deficiencies in our current global data stream. As Chief Scientist at
AirDat (and now Panasonic Weather Solutions), Neil is responsible for
creating quality standards and performance verification of this
important supplemental data stream and all related operating systems.
This is a unique opportunity for the country for NOAA to have a
scientist of his caliber. Neil will be an outstanding leader for NOAA.
I urge his confirmation.
Sincerely,
James E. Ladd,
Senior Vice President,
SmartSky Networks LLC.
______
October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
RE: Dr. Neil Jacob's nomination as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Environmental Observation and Prediction
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
I have known Dr. Neil Jacobs as a professional colleague for almost
ten years. He has demonstrated extreme intelligence, innovation, work
ethic and leader in the extremely difficult fields of weather
forecasting and environmental monitoring. Dr. Jacobs is respected
across the community for his ability to work constructively between the
private and public sector to promote a healthy collaboration.
Dr. Jacobs has the intelligence, motivation, and skills to work
with high-level NOAA leadership, including the National Weather
Service, to lead the U.S. to significant improvements in weather
forecasting. Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated this ability within his role
as chief scientist of Panasonic Avionics, creating arguably the best
weather forecasts in the world, including forecasts for extreme events.
With a formidable record of success by creating innovative
approaches to difficult challenges, Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated this
capability through his work within the academic community including his
term as a professor at UNC. His business experience has allowed him to
lead complicated teams of researchers to successful collaborations.
He can work across a variety of communities to address the most
important challenges for environmental monitoring and prediction
services. Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated his outstanding ability to work
with public, private and academic sectors on a number of individual
projects with the National Weather Service and Department of Defense.
He has consistently shown his ability to work with the public, private
and academic sectors in his leadership as the head of the American
Meteorological Society's Forecast Improvement Group, working with over
200 community leaders to identify paths for the U.S. to achieve the
highest possible prediction capabilities.
Dr. Jacob's expertise extends far beyond numerical weather
prediction. As a joint recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for
climate change, I have interacted with Dr. Jacobs on observations that
are needed to address climate research and climate impacts, including
coastal flooding and severe weather. He is well respected
internationally for his intelligence, hard work and foresight on
important issue related to weather forecasting and environmental
observations.
I have great confidence that Dr. Jacobs is prepared for the breadth
of the responsibilities he will face in his future role as Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction.
I fully support his nomination and I urge his confirmation.
Elizabeth C. Weatherhead, Ph.D.,
Senior Scientist,
U. Colorado at Boulder.
Co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
______
GeoOptics, Inc.
Pasadena, CA, October 30, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
It is my great pleasure to endorse the nomination of Neil Jacobs
for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and
Prediction and Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA. I believe that
he possesses the scientific knowledge, business management and
leadership skills to help strengthen NOAA and improve its critical
services to the Nation.
Over the past 8 years I have had many conversations with Neil
within the American Meteorological Society and in regard to mutual
business interests. He is one of today's most intelligent and
accomplished scientists. In addition to his keen understanding of
meteorology, model building and high-performance computing, he is well
acquainted with Federal Government operations and priorities and will
be an excellent addition to the Commerce and NOAA leadership team.
As a former NOAA Administrator from 2001-2008, and now involved in
leading an environmental data enterprise, I view Neil as a perfect fit
for this assignment. Neil will be an outstanding leader for NOAA. I
urge his confirmation.
Sincerely,
Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.
VADM, USN ret, CEO,
GeoOptics, Inc.
______
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, CO, October 31, 2017
Hon. John Thune, Chairman,
Hon. Bill Nelson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
RE: Dr. Neil Jacob's nomination as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Environmental Observation and Prediction
Dear Senators Thune, Nelson and Members of the Committee,
I have known Dr. Neil Jacobs as a professional colleague for almost
ten years. He has demonstrated extreme intelligence, innovation, work
ethic and leader in the extremely difficult fields of weather
forecasting and environmental monitoring. Dr. Jacobs is respected
across the community for his ability to work constructively between the
private and public sector to promote a healthy collaboration.
Dr. Jacobs has the intelligence, motivation, and skills to work
with high-level NOAA leadership, including the National Weather
Service, to lead the U.S. to significant improvements in weather
forecasting. Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated this ability within his role
as chief scientist of Panasonic Avionics, creating arguably the best
weather forecasts in the world, including forecasts for extreme events.
With a formidable record of success by creating innovative
approaches to difficult challenges, Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated this
capability through his work within the academic community including his
term as a professor at North Carolina State University. His business
experience has allowed him to lead complicated teams of researchers to
successful collaborations.
He can work across a variety of communities to address the most
important challenges for environmental monitoring and prediction
services. Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated his outstanding business acumen
and ability to work with public, private and academic sectors on a
number of individual projects with the National Weather Service and
Department of Defense. He has consistently shown his ability to work
with the public, private and academic sectors in his leadership as the
head of the American Meteorological Society's Forecast Improvement
Group, working with over 200 community leaders to identify paths for
the U.S. to achieve the highest possible prediction capabilities.
Dr. Jacob's expertise extends far beyond numerical weather
prediction. As a joint recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for
climate change, I have interacted with Dr. Jacobs on observations that
are needed to address climate research and climate impacts, including
coastal flooding and severe weather. He is well respected
internationally for his intelligence, hard work and foresight on
important issue related to weather forecasting and environmental
observations.
I have great confidence that Dr. Jacobs is prepared for the breadth
of the responsibilities he will face in his future role as Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction.
I fully support his nomination and I urge his confirmation.
Elizabeth C. Weatherhead, PhD,
Senior Scientist,
U. Colorado at Boulder,
Co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Chairman. Senator Schatz is up next.
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you to all of you for your willingness to serve.
Congressman Bridenstine, I want to read to you a short
statement, and you can let me know if you agree or disagree.
``Climate warming trends over the past century are extremely
likely due to human activities.''
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes.
Senator Schatz. I want to read to you a short statement. I
want to see whether you agree with it. ``Global warming
theories should not drive national energy policy without clear
evidence.''
Rep. Bridenstine. So I do believe, and I do not know what
the context of that.
Senator Schatz. This is you.
Rep. Bridenstine. OK.
Senator Schatz. Just so you know.
Rep. Bridenstine. Sure. So I will tell you what I believe.
I believe carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. I believe that
humans have contributed to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Senator Schatz. To what extent?
Rep. Bridenstine. That is a question I do not have an
answer to, but I do know that humans have absolutely
contributed to global warming.
Senator Schatz. Right. But just because I only have 5
minutes here, I want to just be clear about what happens now.
The testifiers have been essentially given permission to
say, ``Climate change is real. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse
gas,'' and then they get into, ``It is really impossible to
decipher how much of these are natural and cyclical, and how
much of this is man-caused.'' But only in the halls of Congress
is this is a live debate.
And what concerns me the most, in addition to everything
that Senator Nelson said, is that this is a science agency. And
I get that you do not have a scientific background, and I do
not begrudge you that, although it is true that previous
Administrators had extraordinary scientific backgrounds.
But I do not begrudge you that because I do not have a
scientific background. But you know what I do is I defer to
scientists. I rely on the scientific consensus. And the
scientific consensus is not that it is really difficult to tell
how much of climate change is attributable to human activity.
The scientific consensus is that climate change is primarily
caused by human activity.
Do you agree with the scientific consensus?
Rep. Bridenstine. If that is the scientific consensus that
it is primarily driven by human activity, what I will tell you
is that human----
Senator Schatz. You do not know that that is the scientific
consensus?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I would say human activity
absolutely is a contributor to the climate change that we are
currently seeing.
Senator Schatz. What is the scientific consensus about
climate change?
Rep. Bridenstine. I think right now, we are just scratching
the surface as to the entire system of the Earth, and one of
the great missions of NASA is the Earth Science Division of the
Science Mission Directorate. And with your help and support, we
want to make sure that we are getting the absolute best
science.
Senator Schatz. Right.
Rep. Bridenstine. NASA is the only agency in the world that
can do this kind of science, and really the best agency in the
world, and we need to make sure that we are understanding it
better every day.
Senator Schatz. I just want to get clear. Are you
disagreeing with the scientific consensus, or are you saying
that you do not know what the scientific consensus is, or are
you saying that the scientific consensus does not exist yet?
Which is it?
Rep. Bridenstine. I believe that the scientific consensus
is that humans are contributing and have contributed to the
climate change that we have seen.
Senator Schatz. Are they the primary cause?
Rep. Bridenstine. Well, it is going to depend on a whole
lot of factors and we are still learning more about that every
day.
Senator Schatz. OK.
Rep. Bridenstine. In some years, you could say absolutely,
and other years during sun cycles and other things, there are
other contributing factors that would have maybe more of an
impact.
Senator Schatz. OK. I got my answer. Thank you.
To NASA's main three goals under the statute, earth
science, space exploration, and aeronautical research, as you
know, on April 14, 2016 you introduced legislation, your
American Space Renaissance Act actually had some pretty good
things in it.
But one of the things in it is that you eliminated one of
the three statutory goals earth science.
Why?
Rep. Bridenstine. That was not what I did in the bill. Some
have construed that to be the case, but it is absolutely not
the case. And, in fact, there are provisions in there to help
us get even better Earth science.
That provision, I think, you are talking about is----
Senator Schatz. Where you struck the goal?
Rep. Bridenstine. No, in fact I said in there, there is
another line that specifically says that we absolutely must get
the best science that NASA can get. And that line is in there
as well.
And so, what I would say is at the time when I was drafting
that bill, the objective was to basically create a pioneering
doctrine for NASA for Deep Space. And ultimately, that was what
I was working on in that bill.
We did not address in that bill aeronautics in any way. We
did not address Earth science in that bill, although, we did
talk about the importance of NASA acquiring science.
So that was not my intent, if that was the way it was read.
Senator Schatz. Well, it is not just the way it was read.
It is the way it reads.
Here is the line, ``The expansion of human knowledge of the
Earth and the phenomena in the atmosphere and space,'' that is
the Earth science statutory role for NASA and that line was
struck.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Schatz.
Senator Udall.
STATEMENT OF HON. TOM UDALL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Udall. Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman and the
Ranking Member for holding this hearing and, I think, a very
important hearing with important nominees here.
During our meeting, and this question is to Congressman
Bridenstine, during our meeting, you discussed the importance
of scientific research being free from political interference
and the need for the NASA Administrator to allow scientists to
pursue research that may run counter to the Administration's
views on climate change.
Scientific integrity is embedded in the rules and
requirements that govern NASA's professional behavior across
all technical disciplines and should be a high priority for the
agency.
While we had constructive dialogues about the need for
scientists to be unencumbered by politics, I am, nonetheless,
concerned with some of your previous statements and I think
they have been examined already; previous statements on climate
change.
I am asking you here, I think these can be pretty simple
yes or no answers.
Will you commit to ensure that the research and science-
based activities by NASA employees are protected from political
interference including science related to climate change?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Udall. And will you commit to maintaining a culture
at the agency that does not compromise the integrity of
rigorously researched or tested scientific findings?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Udall. Thank you for that commitment.
How will you ensure that NASA's agency scientists maintain
the highest standards of scientific integrity?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you, sir, for that question.
When we think about the various Science Mission Directorate
divisions, each one of them is guided by a decadal survey that
comes from the National Academy of Sciences.
That decadal survey ultimately is what enables us to
prevent the science from becoming partisan. It prevents it from
becoming impassioned. It keeps it, in my estimation, it keeps
it just consensus-driven. That is the objective.
And when we follow the guidance of those decadal surveys,
whether it is the Earth Science Division, the Planetary Science
Division, Heliophysics, or Astrophysics, it is incumbent upon
us as leaders, you and me both, to follow this guidance of the
decadal survey.
When it comes to Earth science, in particular, sir, and
this is important to me. I am a guy from Oklahoma and I have
constituents every year that die in tornadoes. The challenge we
have with----
It is not a challenge with the decadals. My point is we
need to follow the decadals.
The decadal survey from 2007 came up with a number of
objectives that we needed to accomplish.
Number one, we needed to understand the composition of the
atmosphere.
Number two, and this is important to the guy from Oklahoma,
we have to better understand weather.
Number three, we have to understand the climate.
We also need to follow the carbon cycle and how it affects
ecosystems.
We also need to understand the water cycle.
And finally, the surface and subsurface of the Earth.
Now, from that decadal survey of 2007, NASA has created an
architecture of satellites. I am thinking about a system of
systems that is a constellation of satellites ultimately that
feed the data so that we, as policymakers, can make good
decisions. When I say ``we,'' I mean all of us.
By following those decadal surveys that is how we keep it
so that the previous administration followed it. The next
administration follows it, and the next administration. That
would be my objective.
Senator Udall. You are going to follow it?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Udall. Now, I am going to just ask the same
question that Senator Schatz asked in a little different way.
I have summarized here what I think the scientists are
saying about climate change, and I want to see if you agree or
disagree.
Ninety-seven percent of the scientists with articles in
peer reviewed journals have concluded that climate change is
real, is caused by human activity, and is already causing
devastating problems in our country and around the world.
Do you agree or disagree?
Rep. Bridenstine. I agree with that.
Senator Udall. Yes.
How would you address the arguments of outside entities,
and those serving in the current Administration, who refute
NASA's scientific research on climate change?
Rep. Bridenstine. So I think, sir, what we have to do is
make sure as leaders that we keep the debate dispassionate.
That it is driven by the science.
And should I be confirmed as the NASA Administrator, it
would be my highest ambition that science would drive the
direction of NASA and the Science Mission Directorate.
Senator Udall. Yes.
And my question, see, is you are working in an
Administration. You have a lot of people who disagree with what
you just agreed climate change is all about.
And if they come to you to try to influence the scientists
within your agency, what are you going to do?
Rep. Bridenstine. I would tell them the same thing that I
am going to tell you right now. That carbon dioxide is, in
fact, a greenhouse gas and because of that greenhouse gas,
there is more water vapor in the atmosphere than we have ever
seen in the past. And that water vapor ultimately has to
release its energy and it does so through cloud formation and
rain, and we are seeing precipitation effects from it. And all
of that is very real and happening.
I am happy to say that to you. I am happy to say that to
anybody else because it is the truth.
Senator Udall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Udall.
Senator Lee.
STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE LEE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM UTAH
Senator Lee. Thank you, Congressman Bridenstine. It is good
to have you here and it is great to have your family here as
well.
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you.
Senator Lee. I want to begin by noting that there was a
discussion a moment ago about climate change and whether or not
you regard climate change as being primarily caused by human
activity.
It is my understanding that it is not even the position of
NASA at this point, that there is a consensus on that point.
And so, I think it was entirely appropriate for you to defer
and acknowledge your viewpoint that it is an issue. It is a
factor, but defer to answer the question as to whether or not
it is the primary driver of it.
I would like to address some of the comments that have been
made with regard to your nomination and your qualifications.
The Ranking Democrat on the Committee has suggested that
you are somehow unqualified to serve as the Administrator of
NASA because you have taken a number of positions that he deems
controversial.
If that were the standard, then anyone who has served in
public life, certainly anyone who has served in the U.S. Senate
or House of Representatives could, arguably, be disqualified.
Among those things that the Ranking Democrat on the
Committee has raised is the fact that you cut a television ad,
or a series thereof, in a Presidential campaign. One in which
there were several other Republicans running and one, in which,
you endorsed one particular Republican.
One, in which, you criticized positions taken by a sitting
incumbent Republican Senator who was, at the time himself,
running for President of the United States.
I consider wildly inappropriate the suggestion that this
somehow disqualifies you. And with all due respect to my
colleague, I cannot, for the life of me, understand why that
would be something that would disqualify you.
We have had other Presidential candidates run from the
United States Senate in the past. We have had other members of
the Senate criticize them.
Senator Nelson, himself, was heavily involved in the Hilary
Clinton for president campaign. And at that same time, Hilary
Clinton as a presidential candidate was criticizing Bernie
Sanders, a member of the United States Senate from the same
party. She criticized him quite aggressively.
And yet, I do not think Senator Nelson would have suggested
that Hilary Clinton was unfit to be President as a result of
the fact that she criticized a Member of the United States
Senate from her own party.
Nor do I think it would be appropriate for us--if the
tables were turned and we were considering Senator Nelson to
head NASA--for us to raise the fact that he had supported
Senator Clinton in her bid for the presidency, even though
Senator Clinton attacked Senator Sanders.
As to your support for the Senate Conservatives Fund, your
criticism of other Republican officials on a variety of issues,
I think it is important to point out here that these are the
words of a brave person who does not simply follow the flow.
These are the words of someone who came to Washington to
make a difference and to not simply do whatever everybody else
told them to do.
The fact that he has been willing to stand out is a reason
I support this nominee. Not a reason anyone should consider
doubting his qualifications for that office.
As to your suggestion that there is often bipartisan
collusion in Congress, I could not agree more. In fact, much of
what masquerades as compromise in this town is, in fact,
collusion and there is a difference.
Compromise occurs when two or more people get together and
come to a mutually agreeable solution that enters into
everyone's benefit.
Collusion is what happens when two or more people get
together and come up with something that is good for them that
makes them look good or feel good at the moment, but harms
many, many others.
And I applaud you, sir, for willing to call out collusion
for what it is.
You have also been criticized for your refusal to vote for
the so-called Gang of Eight amnesty bill in 2013. And yet, this
too is an indication of the fact that you are wiling to be a
free thinker. Not everyone has to share your view.
And how on earth your position on matters of immigration
policy would relate to, or have any significant negative
bearing on, your ability to head NASA is beyond my ability to
understand.
Finally, we have the fact your contribution to, and support
of, a particular United States Senate candidate should somehow
tie you to anything and everything that that Senate candidate
had ever previously said or might subsequently say. I simply do
not know what to do with this accusation. This is wildly
inappropriate and I respectfully suggest that my colleague
withdraw that as a criticism because it is not one.
I want to make very clear to my colleagues, Jim Bridenstine
is one of the most heroic people I have ever known. He is a
military leader. He is someone who has bravely fought, and
worked to defend, and protect our country in a way that very
few others I have ever known have done.
He is exactly the kind of person you would want in your
neighborhood. He is a Scout Master and an Eagle Scout. He is
trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind,
obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
I cannot imagine a better person to head this or any other
agency.
Thank you. I see my time has expired.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Lee.
Senator Wicker.
Senator Wicker. Well, I was going to ask Mr. Bridenstine
about issues such as the Stennis Space Center. So I guess I
will ask you to do that on the record, Mr. Bridenstine. And the
future of rocket propulsion and the in-kind contributions that
we make there, and also the space launch system, and the Orion
system. So I guess I will just ask you to comment on the record
about that.
I appreciate Senator Lee engaging on this issue. Let me
just say, this is what I believe about climate change, and I
will not even ask you if you agree with it, Mr. Bridenstine.
Climate change has been occurring for millions and millions
of years. And anyone who disputes that is simply not looking at
the evidence. And only in the last few decades has it been
suggested that it is human activity that is causing climate
change.
Now, you have acknowledged that human activity may be
contributing to climate change. But there have been wild swings
in the climate for millions of years, and only recently have we
had the audacity to think that we are so important that we are
causing that climate change, and some other reason has just
vanished from the universe.
Let me say this about scientific consensus. It has not
always been right. So now, scientific consensus is
unassailable. As a matter of fact, Galileo challenged
scientific consensus. Copernicus challenged scientific
consensus at their peril, and it turns out, they were right.
But they were alone for a while.
Here is where there is not scientific consensus. If we do
everything the Left has advocated with regard to climate,
combating climate change, if we outlaw coal, and if we make
people cold in their homes, and raise their power bills 300
percent, what will the effect be? Will sea level be any
different?
At the end of 100 years, if we do everything the Left has
advocated and there is a scientific difference, there is a
scientific debate about whether that will actually occur.
I think, and Senator Udall is my good friend, I think your
answer, Mr. Bridenstine, to Senator Udall's question is the
operative matter.
Will you make sure that politics and your own personal
philosophy is not injected into the scientific work being done
by NASA? And you have solemnly assured this Committee that you
will see that politics is not inserted.
And to me, we can continue to have this debate, and Senator
Udall and I have had it all over the country and all over the
world, and we will continue to on a friendly basis.
But you have said, and I am satisfied with that answer,
that politics will not be part of the scientific decisions in
NASA.
So thank you and I will ask you to reiterate on the record
your great support for the Stennis Space Center and the fact
that it is a vital part going forward in the mission of NASA.
I yield back.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Wicker. I think we all
assume that is just a given.
Senator Wicker. I will await his answer.
The Chairman. OK.
Next up is Senator Peters.
STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN
Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
And thank you to all of you for your willingness to serve
the public in these positions. We appreciate all of you being
here today.
Congressman Bridenstine, you have had a few questions here
today. You seem to be getting all of the action, and I am going
to join in, and ask you some questions as well.
One statement that you made, in fact, a proposal that, I
think, you put forward was to advocate removing the NASA
Administrator from the Presidential political cycle. Proposing
a 5-year term instead of what is currently the case where the
Administrator comes in with a President and leaves with a
President. And I believe your motivation was to try to
depoliticize this position.
Is that correct?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Peters. So basically we should depoliticize the
Administrator of NASA. You would agree with that?
Rep. Bridenstine. I think that the NASA Administrator
should not be driven by political influence. I would say that--
--
Senator Peters. I appreciate that. So I guess the question
is, you would agree that we need to depoliticize it.
But would you also agree with the statement that actually
appointing an actual politician who has been actively in the
political process, who has taken some pretty active political
positions, reference Senator Lee?
I do think it is appropriate to be looking at political
positions when you have said yourself, we should depoliticize
this office. It is what we have always done with NASA, the
folks who have been NASA Administrators have been scientists.
They have been astronauts. They have been folks with incredible
credentials in the scientific community that have that gravitas
to do it, so that we do not get into this give and take, and
back and forth of politics.
How do you reconcile that with an appointment of a
politician who has been as active as you have, and you are
right to have your positions? I take those positions as well.
We both have our positions. That is fine. But that is different
than what this position has always had in the past.
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I would say that serving in a
political capacity does not disqualify somebody from serving as
the NASA Administrator.
I would say in some cases, while NASA should not be driven
by politics, we have seen people from the political arena do
very well at NASA.
One of the people that, I think, most recognized as maybe
the best NASA Administrator ever would be James Webb, who led
the effort to get to the Moon in the 1960s. Of course, he
served as a staffer in the Senate, and then at OMB, at the
time, it was the Bureau of the Budget, and then he spent a time
at Treasury as well.
He spent 5 years in my home state of Oklahoma. We are very
proud of him. But he certainly did great work on behalf of this
country coming from a political environment. And I think he did
it honorably without politicizing or making it partisan. And
that would be my model.
I want to be clear. I am not comparing myself to James
Webb. But I will say that I think it can be done and I do not
think that service in Congress is disqualifying.
Senator Peters. Well, again, we have been able to avoid
that kind of debate because of the folks in recent years that
we have put into this position.
And I think part of the reason why NASA is, without
question, and you have mentioned it yourself, one of the
preeminent scientific organizations in the world.
And that integrity, that reputation is so important, I
think, for the future of this country that we want to make sure
that it is depoliticized, which gives me some pause when we
appoint a politician to this position.
But it is also a position where you have to manage a very
large budget and this is a very complex budget. NASA has a
$19.5 billion budget with many, many employees. From looking at
your background, you have not had that kind of management
experience. I think there are more offices at NASA than there
are folks in your congressional office, for example.
I also wanted to just get your reaction in reviewing some
of the circumstances surrounding your tenure as Executive
Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
At the Museum, you had four employees, which is much
different than the 18,000 employees and 80,000 contractors that
you will oversee if confirmed as the NASA Administrator.
And at the Museum--and this is the information that I have
and would love to have your comments--at the Museum, you
started your term as the Executive Director with a $70,000
annual spending surplus in the bank. You left a short 21 months
later with more than a $300,000 annual deficit.
As a guy who spent a lot of time in private business and
managing budgets, that is a concerning trend from a $70,000
surplus to a $300,000 deficit.
What is more, I know we have a quote here from a board
member of the Museum that has recounted your tenure as a time,
and I quote the member, ``Member numbers were down. Employee
and volunteer morale was very low, and the finances, and
certainly the financial reporting, were arguably the worst that
they have been in recent years.'' This is a board member that
served.
Would you please tell me a little bit about your time at
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and how that prepares you for
this job?
Rep. Bridenstine. Well, sir, I enjoyed my time very much at
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum as its Executive Director.
The comments that you are referring to were from a very
hotly contested political campaign in 2012 and those
accusations were widely refuted by the Board of Directors,
which was, at the time, not going to get involved in the
campaign. But when these accusations came out, they did get
involved. Their attorney got involved and wrote these
statements. I can provide this for the record, Mr. Chairman, if
you would like.
Senator Peters. Well, if those were part of the campaign, I
will take that for what that is worth. I appreciate that.
Please explain how you started with a $70,000 annual
operating surplus and ended with $300,000 in debt.
Rep. Bridenstine. It is not true.
Senator Peters. Those are not accurate numbers?
Rep. Bridenstine. That is not true. What that was from in
the campaign, there was a, I am trying to remember, there was a
noncash loss from the depreciation of capital assets. And from
a document based on that, they tried to accuse me of having
lost money for the Museum, which is absolutely not the case.
The Museum is in great shape and, in fact, I had my 40th
Birthday Party a couple of years ago at the Museum. Senator Ted
Cruz actually came to it. Senator Inhofe flew in the air show
that we had at the Museum.
Those accusations are not accurate.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Peters.
Senator Inhofe.
Senator Inhofe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Well, I think some of the things I was going to say have
been articulated in a more effective way, I think, by my
friend, Senator Lee, and I agree with all of his comments.
I also would say, it seems like, and I have served for many
years as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works
Committee, you cannot have a hearing anymore without everyone
bringing up global warming. I mean, that is the issue they like
to bring up.
I have to say this because I do not have a better friend on
the other side of the aisle than Senator Udall, but this 97
percent stuff has been debunked completely, and everybody knows
that.
So I like to listen to when you talked about this
consensus.
Richard Lindzen from MIT is one of the most knowledgeable
people in this area. He is a scientist and in characterizing
the problem, he said, ``Controlling carbon is a bureaucrat's
dream. If you control carbon, you control people.''
So we can have that debate anytime you want to and we have
had it over and over again. It is interesting, though, the
people of America have caught on.
I can remember back when they had the polling. It used to
be back in about 2002 and 2003, it was the Number 1 or Number 2
issue on the Gallup Poll, the March Poll that they would have.
That has dropped down to Number 15 now. And so, the people have
caught on.
I think there are some things I would like to get back to
that, I think, are significant having to do with your pursuit
of this position.
When they talk about the Members of Congress, it is easy to
be an asset to have, I think, someone who has been a Member of
Congress.
You have to keep in mind, NASA has to come to Congress to
get their funding, to get their appropriation, to get their
authorization. And I would think that all of us here, the
common thread is, we are all very excited about the future of
NASA and what we could do.
I am concerned. I want to be ahead of some of these other
countries out there that, I believe, have passed us up in many
areas. That is the passion that I have.
So I think that--and we have talked about James Webb and,
of course, what he did--and I think we all understand that.
But I will just say this. I think it is a positive
particularly when you are trying to get the attention of
Congress to support NASA, to have been a Member of Congress.
What do you think?
Rep. Bridenstine. Well, I think that is accurate, sir.
I think one of the benefits that I could bring to the
agency is the fact that I have worked in these halls with many
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to accomplish
very important strategic objectives for our country.
And when you think about what the NASA Administrator's role
will be in the coming years, working with the National Space
Council and working with the Office of Management and Budget,
and working with the White House, and of course, working to
build a consensus agenda with Members of Congress on both
sides, the Senate and the House. I think that my experience has
prepared me well to be able to accomplish those things.
And certainly, it would be a high honor if I were to be
confirmed to do that.
Senator Inhofe. Yes.
We both served, you served on the House Armed Services
Committee. I have served on and have been the Ranking Member of
the Senate Armed Services Committee.
I really believe, and I have heard in statements even from
you that looking at the threats that we face today, we are in
the most threatened position, I believe, in the history of our
country.
You look back at the days of the Cold War, two superpowers.
We knew what they had. They knew what we had. It is not that
way anymore.
And so I look at one of the functions of NASA to be
concerned with and working on the fact that we have a real
threat out there.
Do you have any ideas on what you, as an Administrator,
should you be confirmed, could draw upon your experience as a
member of the House Armed Services Committee that would be
helpful in working on our national security?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir. And not just from my time on
the Armed Services Committee, but also as a Navy pilot.
I can tell you one of the greatest risks we have in the
world today, from an aircraft carrier perspective, is
hypersonics. Basically, what we call anti-access/aerial-denial
weapons that can reach our assets at far distances, and at
velocities that are very dangerous.
So where NASA plays, and I want to be really clear, NASA is
not a military agency. It is an agency that is necessary for
the peaceful uses of outer space. But the research that NASA
has done can lead to capabilities that can be used by the
Department of Defense.
Hypersonics in my view, sir, is probably the most important
right now and the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at
NASA is responsible for that. If I could ask you for anything,
sir, it would be that we need to make sure that that is
adequately funded.
Basic research is what NASA does for its own purposes, but
there are national security implications from hypersonics.
Senator Inhofe. Good.
Rep. Bridenstine. I would also say one of the areas I have
had a lot of focus on in the House of Representatives is the
challenge we have with space debris.
There are a lot of threats in space, but it is not just
hostile threats. It is not just co-orbital anti-satellite
devices or direct assent anti-satellite missiles. It also
includes just debris that was launched in the 1960s.
And so what we have to do is we have to create a
situational awareness domain to where we can mitigate the
effects of that debris.
Right now, and this is a big piece for the Armed Services
Committee, it is all done by the JSpOC, the Joint Space
Operations Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base, and it is done
by them, our Air Force. I should say it is a joint command
because it's under Strategic Command. So it is joint, but it is
predominantly Air Force.
The challenge that we have is that the Air Force is
providing space situational awareness to the entire world for
absolutely free. And that includes our foreign partners, but
also countries that are sometimes not friendly to the United
States and all of the commercial assets.
In essence, the Air Force right now is acting as the FAA
for space. I want to be clear. The Air Force must continue to
do space situational awareness, but as far as providing
conjunction analysis and reporting, that should be done by a
civilian agency that has international support, primarily
because it is not the job of the American taxpayer to protect
the assets of countries that are often hostile to the United
States.
Senator Inhofe. Yes. I know my time has expired; just one
comment.
There has been a lot of talk about Jim Bridenstine from
people who do not really know him very well. I have the
distinction of knowing him better than anyone else at this
table.
And let me just say to my friends on both sides of the
aisle, I support him because I believe he is going to be the
very best Administrator that we will have. I think we will look
back at this time someday.
And I would just say to you that if you knew him as I know
him, you would be very supportive.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Inhofe.
I know the other three nominees are sitting there today
going, ``Wow, these confirmation hearings are a breeze.''
[Laughter.]
The Chairman. I have Senator Gardner, but Senator Hassan
has returned and she is up next.
Senator Hassan.
STATEMENT OF HON. MAGGIE HASSAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE
Senator Hassan. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Ranking Member
Nelson.
And thank you to the witnesses. Congratulations on your
nominations, and thank you to your families as well because
this is a family affair, and we appreciate their willingness to
help you serve.
I want to start, Mr. Bridenstine, with you, please.
From our research, it appears that you are a big fan of
transparency, and so am I.
On numerous occasions, you have called on Federal agencies,
including the EPA, and Health and Human Services to be more
transparent.
Yet, in the period leading up to your nomination hearing,
you went through your public records and scrubbed them clean of
your most controversial statements--interviews, press releases,
and other materials--that would show this panel, and the
American public, who you are. In total, it appears that at
least 575 items were deleted.
So please briefly explain for us why these materials were
deleted.
Rep. Bridenstine. I am not certain which materials you
might be referring to, but I will tell you this. We have not
scrubbed anything. That was an accusation, but it has not
happened.
What I will tell you as a Member of Congress, I said that I
am not going to run again, and I said that many, in fact, I
said it the day that I announced for my first race that I was
going to serve three terms and no more.
All of my campaign material did come down and that was from
many, many, many months ago. I do not know how many months.
Senator Hassan. Well, let me then turn to your Committee
questionnaire, where you left off several op-eds, political
donations, and memberships that you hold.
So what happened here, it really does appear to many of us,
that you were trying to hide information from yourself, about
yourself from the American public.
So what happened on your questionnaire?
Rep. Bridenstine. I do not know what op-eds. We scrubbed
everything we could to deliver everything that we had
available. And, of course, we searched the Internet and did
other things to try to make sure we delivered everything that
the Senate has asked for. And as far as I know, we have done
that.
Senator Hassan. Well, I just want to let you know that it
does not appear to some of us that you have, and you are asking
the American people to trust you with the operation of NASA in
a transparent way that complies with all existing Government
ethics rules.
How can we trust you to do that?
Rep. Bridenstine. If there are any op-eds or public
statements that I did not deliver, certainly, I would like to
know what those are so that I can deliver them. But it sounds
like you might already have them.
Senator Hassan. It is my understanding we have them, but
not because you shared them with us.
Rep. Bridenstine. OK.
Senator Hassan. So let me move onto another question.
As you know, there have been troubling reports and
allegations about widespread sexual assault and sexual
harassment. This issue particularly plagues the scientific
community as well.
In fact, a 2017 study published in the ``Journal of
Geophysical Research'' found that 54 percent of female
scientists surveyed were subject to sexual remarks and
harassment.
Eighteen percent of women of color and 12 percent of white
women skipped professional events because they did not feel
safe attending, identifying a significant loss of career
opportunities due to a hostile environment.
Last year, you defended Donald Trump's remarks in the
leaked Access Hollywood tape about assaulting women.
You also voted against the Violence Against Women Act in
the past, while stating that this bill, and its programs,
misallocate ``scarce Federal resources.'' That really concerns
me.
As NASA's leader, you will set an example for the entire
agency and the larger scientific community. You will manage
thousands of employees.
So do you stand by your assessment, and I am quoting from
the Access Hollywood tapes here, that grabbing women or talking
about doing so is defensible?
Rep. Bridenstine. I do not think that is defensible.
Senator Hassan. And what steps will you take to better
address sexual harassment issues in the scientific community,
and ensure that your employees feel safe?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you for that question.
It is a big deal across the Government at whole. It is a
big deal in the House of Representatives. I am sure it is a big
deal in the Senate.
I currently serve in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. We
get training on this regularly as well.
I think the number one thing that a NASA Administrator
could do in relation to that is make sure that everybody is
educated and aware as to what is sexual harassment, and to not
even get close to it, and let everybody know that there will be
zero tolerance for that.
Senator Hassan. So because I am just about out of time, I
just want to, I appreciate that answer.
But I do have to say to you that when you make statements
defending somebody who has bragged about harassing and
assaulting women, that it does not give people, particularly
women, confidence that you are going to protect them, stand up
for a fair and equal workplace.
It is good that you said that you do not defend those
comments here today, but that is not what you said at the
height of the campaign. We do need to have leaders who are
consistent and do not change their positions from time to time.
So I am concerned about your record in that regard.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.
I see I am over. I will submit my questions for Dr. Jacobs
for the record.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Hassan.
Senator Cortez Masto.
STATEMENT OF HON. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you all for your willingness to serve and welcome to
your family members. I appreciate that.
Let me just start with you, Congressman Bridenstine. And
thank you so much for taking the time to visit with me. I
appreciate that.
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, ma'am.
Senator Cortez Masto. And I think my colleague may have
touched on this, comments that you have made regarding the
LGBTQ community. And I just have a question. And can you just
follow up for me?
How is it that NASA employees who are LGBTQ or have
children in gay marriages, how should they feel about your
leadership when you have taken these positions?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you for that question, ma'am.
And what I would share with you is that I do believe, from
my heart, that every human being has dignity and worth, and
that each person needs to be treated as though they are a
valued member of the team. And certainly, equal opportunity
would be my highest objective as the leader of NASA.
And when it comes to standards, they need to be uniform,
and people need to know what those standards are, and be held
to it in a uniform way. And that is how I would conduct myself.
The Defense of Marriage Act has been overturned by the
Supreme Court. The law is now different and I will absolutely
follow the law, should I be confirmed, ma'am.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
And I think we talked a little bit about this when we met.
I am a lead sponsor on the Safe Drone Act, which among
other things, requires the FAA to develop an implementation
plan to achieve full operational capabilities of unmanned
aircraft systems, traffic management, ensure the safety and
security of all aircraft.
The plan must include a timeline, certification criterion,
establish industry and Government rules, and include an
assessment of various necessary components.
NASA is taking a joint lead in UAS traffic management
systems.
Can you commit to continued progress and timely pursuit of
UAS air traffic management technologies, which include
utilizing the important UAS test site, like the one in Nevada?
Rep. Bridenstine. Without question and, in fact, I have
been to Stead Field, the Reno Air Races. I used to be stationed
at Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nevada. I flew there at the
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center.
I can tell you that the UAS, enabling UAS to integrate into
the national airspace system is absolutely a critical part of
America's, not only national security, but economic
development. We have to be better at that than anybody else in
the world, and I am absolutely committed to that.
NASA is a technology provider for that, which a lot of that
technology is being developed and tested at Stead Field. And
you have my commitment that I will absolutely, that will be a
high priority for me, for the interest of our country, not just
for NASA, but for the economy.
Senator Cortez Masto. OK. Thank you.
And then is it Baiocco?
Ms. Baiocco. Baiocco.
Senator Cortez Masto. Baiocco. Thank you very much.
I know the CPSC is focused on many things that create more
of an immediate physical risk of serious injury or death like
cribs and power tools. But in your statement, you mentioned
technology and new products.
Do you think we are prepared on the consumer protection
side of the Internet of Things? And what can we do, and what
can you do in your role to really address that new technology,
and what it means for consumer safety as well as when we are
talking about the Internet of Things?
Ms. Baiocco. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
I do not know if we are prepared for those things. I think
that type of, the Internet of Things, and the products that are
coming onto the market every day--I have a teenage daughter--I
do not know anything about them.
And it seems like every time you look at a product on the
market, it is new. It is faster. It is doing things that we do
not understand in a day-to-day basis.
So I think that we are going to have to, as an agency, make
sure that we are working with staff to make sure that they are
getting ahead of the curve understanding these products, how
they work, and how they interact with each other. I think those
are things that we have not looked at close enough as a
society.
But as far as the agency goes and, of course, I am not
inside yet, so I cannot comment on what they may or may not
have done, but I think one of the things that, if confirmed,
once I get there, I think that is something that we need to
move a little quickly on.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
I appreciate that because we are in the Technological Age
and, I think, everything we do, when it comes to consumer
safety, is an important component or guiderail when it comes to
embracing this new technology as well. So I appreciate your
comments.
I know my time is almost up. I will submit the rest of my
questions for the record.
Again, thank you all for your willingness to serve. Really
appreciate it. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cortez Masto.
Senator Moran.
STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS
Senator Moran. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.
Let me address my comments or questions to Ms. Baiocco. But
first, let me thank all of the potential, let me say, the
nominees for their willingness to serve, if confirmed.
I appreciate your interest in public service and want to
see that we have highly qualified, motivated individuals to
fill the jobs that you are willing to assume. So I wish you
well.
Ms. Baiocco, thank you for our conversation recently.
In your testimony, you mentioned the important issue of
recall effectiveness. I chair the Subcommittee on Consumer
Protection of this Committee. We all believe that the
Commission has an important role in spotting emerging hazards
and removing dangerous products from the marketplace, and to do
so as quickly as possible.
I chaired a hearing on the effectiveness of voluntary
recalls with panels from both CPSC and industry stakeholders in
the last Congress. I think the message that we largely received
during that hearing was that the Commission needed to
strengthen its efforts to engage and communicate with
stakeholders to improve the speed and efficacy of recalls.
I wanted to give you a moment to speak as the importance of
voluntary recalls, in particular, but voluntary versus
mandatory. The Commission has the opportunity to do both.
And how important is it, in your view, for the agency to
have engagement with stakeholders when it comes to improving
the value of those recalls?
Ms. Baiocco. Thank you, Senator, for asking me that. And I
also enjoyed our conversation yesterday.
As far as voluntary recalls go, I think that is one of the
most effective programs that the CPSC has. In my experience in
private practice, I have come across situations where companies
have said, ``Look. We have identified something here, and so,
let us let the consumers know.''
Reaching the consumers and having a program where they can
reach the consumers without having to go through a whole series
of regulations, and hoops, and so forth is very important to
get that message out there to the people. And it is what the
goal of the CPSC is to begin with.
Second, I think that we still do not have a complete handle
on why consumers, when they learn of a recall or they learn of
a product flaw, if you will, do not take advantage of it.
We have so many ways to communicate. I mean, we are all on
our phones and doing a ton of things. But what is it that we
are missing, that we are not reaching consumers and getting
them to respond?
So I think those are all important things that we have to
study. There has got to be more information out there that we
can be more effective.
As far as working with the CPSC and making it move in a
quicker manner, not getting bogged down, for example, in the
details of the written message sometimes could benefit the
speed of which a voluntary recall gets out on the market. That
would be something that comes to mind.
But I think that that program is very valuable. I would
certainly encourage the continuation of that program. I would
like to see the CPSC work with stakeholders in that regard and
make sure that we focus on how to even make it stronger.
Senator Moran. Do you have the understanding that
statutorily, it is the initial responsibility of the, I want to
say, the initial effort at a recall should be voluntary as
compared to mandatory at the CPSC? Is that the preferred way?
Ms. Baiocco. Well, I believe that it is the preferred way.
It is also, there is a complicated statutory framework that
directs the CPSC to follow. And when, in the very beginning, we
are supposed to work with stakeholders to make sure that we can
come to a voluntary consensus to make products safer or to get
the message out there.
And it is only when those voluntary situations fail that
the CPSC should engage in some type of mandatory rulemaking.
But that brings us full circle back to the effectiveness
and the speed of things, because that does take time.
Senator Moran. Let me change the topic just a bit.
It has often been said, I have heard Commissioners say that
they are, the CPSC is a data-driven agency.
In my experience, I have seen instances, at least in my
view, where that is seemingly avoided or underdeveloped in
rulemakings with the goal of, at least seeming to me, that in
the rulemaking process the data did not fit the desired outcome
and therefore the data became less important.
Would you speak as to your willingness to let data drive
your decisions?
Ms. Baiocco. The data must drive the decision, Senator.
In any type of, when you are dealing with any type of
product that has been designed and manufactured, for example,
there has to be a concern that there is a product hazard. There
has to be some type of data. There has to be data, science,
statistics, and a real basis before you engage in some type of
decisionmaking process.
You cannot jump to the end simply because it seems like
this is something that we want to promote or it happens to be
something that, perhaps, you are getting pressure from outside
advocacy groups.
You have to understand what you are dealing with. My
philosophy always has been to put the product in my hand, touch
it, tear it apart, bring it together. Find out what it does,
what it can do, and what it cannot do.
So I am a big supporter of understanding all of the
aspects, particularly the supportable aspects.
Senator Moran. Thank you. I look forward to working with
you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Moran, for following
through on that.
I have Senator Markey. I have five people left to ask
questions. We have a vote at noon. It is two votes, a series of
votes, so we might be able to get everybody in, if we proceed
in a fairly expeditious way.
So Senator Markey is up next.
STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, very much.
Congressman Bridenstine, in an interview with the Family
Research Council in 2013, which has been designated as a hate
group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, you said that,
``People should be tolerant of the fact that I believe that sex
is between one man and one woman, between the institution of
marriage, and that marriage should be for a lifetime. I think
that the idea, that concept, our culture, our Nation would be
better off if we commended organizations that had that
philosophy.''
Well, NASA has actually officially stated that diversity
and inclusion are integral to mission success. And of the
18,000 people who work at NASA, they identify as gay, as
lesbian, as transgender, as queer. And they are wondering with
some fear in their heart, what does it mean that you could be
confirmed here by the United States Senate?
What are the assurances that you are going to give to them
that they do not have to worry for a second?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I will give the assurance to you
and, of course, to them as well.
I absolutely believe that every human being has value and
every person has worth. And it is my commitment to you, and to
the Senate, and to those employees that they will be treated
fairly and equally.
That standards will be, everybody will know what the
standards are for the work that they do, and they will be
judged according to equal standards, and they will be given
equal opportunity.
NASA has a history, sir, of attracting the absolute best
and the brightest. It has a history of being the best place to
work in the U.S. Government. And it would be my highest
ambition to make sure that those qualities all remain.
And so, I would commit that to you, sir.
Senator Markey. All right.
Well, I think that is important because, obviously, they
would see your earlier comments and they would be worrying
about their own personal life, their own ability to be who God
created them to be.
And I think that is absolutely imperative that we ensure
that they understand that they are going to be fully protected.
And you guarantee they will be fully protected?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Markey. OK.
Now, I want to continue with an additional conversation
that is important, the subject of climate change.
In 2016, you said, ``I would say that climate is changing.
It has always changed.'' So that is kind of an explicit casting
of doubt upon the role of human beings.
Now, in response to Senator Schatz's question, you
responded that, in your opinion, that humans play some role in
the warming of the planet.
Here is the problem again for the employees at NASA. These
are our top scientists in doing the climate modeling for our
country, and preparing us for the future, and preparing the
planet for the future.
And I know, because I have been told by scientists that
fear is rampant amongst our Government's scientists that they
are going to be punished if they speak publicly about their
work on climate change science.
Will you pledge that you will not in any way punish any
NASA climate scientist for speaking publicly about their own
views, their own science in terms of how they view climate
science?
Rep. Bridenstine. Without question.
Senator Markey. You will not punish them?
Rep. Bridenstine. I will not punish them.
Senator Markey. OK. And will you promise that you will not
reassign any NASA scientists working on climate change?
Rep. Bridenstine. Well, they might want to be reassigned.
Senator Markey. No, I am saying involuntary reassignment.
Rep. Bridenstine. If that is deemed as punishment for based
on what they might have said about climate change, I can commit
to you that I am not going to reassign anybody based on that
because that would be punishment.
So yes, sir, I would agree to that.
Senator Markey. OK. And again, I want to assure you, that
fear is rampant. That people are worried that they are going to
be punished.
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir.
Senator Markey. That is just a fact of the matter and the
world depends upon, we are the supreme court of climate
modeling and these people are the people who we are all relying
upon to get these scientific facts correct.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Markey.
Senator Blumenthal.
STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT
Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Baiocco, I understand that you have signed an agreement
with the ethics authorities and agreed to reserve the right to
seek a waiver as to companies that you have represented in the
past after one year.
Is that correct?
Ms. Baiocco. I have signed an agreement with the Office of
Government Ethics that they actually asked me to do. I did not
affirmatively seek that.
Senator Blumenthal. Would you agree to recuse yourself for
as long as you serve in any matters representing Mattel,
Yamaha, or R.J. Reynolds?
Ms. Baiocco. Senator, I will follow the agreement that I
have signed.
Senator Blumenthal. So you will not agree to recuse
yourself?
Ms. Baiocco. I did not say that either. I think that before
I can make that type of decision, I need to know what it is
that is before the Commission, whether or not I have any
conflict on those issues. I will seek the guidance of the
designated ethics officer, and I will follow that guidance.
Senator Blumenthal. Let me ask you whether I am correct in
this statement. You represented Mattel involving lead
containing toys, Yamaha for deadly all terrain vehicles, and
R.J. Reynolds.
Are you not of the view that you should recuse yourself in
matters involving those companies after representing them in
these types of matters?
It is a fairly simple thing to do and one that would remove
any taint that will follow you for as long as you are a
Commissioner if you fail to recuse yourself, and if you fail
now to commit yourself to doing so?
Ms. Baiocco. Well, thank you for asking me, Senator,
because I think that the public confidence here on this issue
is very important.
First of all, with regard to R.J. Reynolds, I do not see
that being an issue because cigarettes are not within the
jurisdiction of the CPSC.
With regard to Mattel, I was part of a very large team that
worked on Mattel and it was a very narrow issue that dealt with
some experts. So I do not have in my head information that is
necessarily information that was before the CPSC.
But I do believe the American public is entitled to have
five Commissioners who actively post and participate. And where
there is a situation where I need not recuse, and I am told
that----
Senator Blumenthal. Well, the American people are entitled
to Commissioners who avoid any perception, as well as reality,
of conflict of interest.
By the way, R.J. Reynolds is among the tobacco industry
representatives that have been instrumental in encouraging the
extensive use of flame retardant chemicals in un-upholstered
furniture to deflect pressure on cigarette makers to make a
fire-safe cigarette. Smoldering cigarettes, as you well know,
often cause fires and kill people.
So R.J. Reynolds is very relevant to the CPSC. R.J.
Reynolds also owns companies that make e-cigarettes and liquid
nicotine is very relevant to the CPSC.
So I strongly suggest that as a threshold matter, you take
the very simple, straightforward step--assuming that you will
not be beholden to R.J. Reynolds, or Mattel, or Yamaha--of
recusing yourself and committing to do so in any matters
involving it, and thereby removing any potential taint or
conflict of interest.
Let me ask you, Mr. Bridenstine, about a statement that was
made to you in a town hall that you hosted in 2014. You are
familiar with this statement, I am sure.
Rep. Bridenstine. I am.
Senator Blumenthal. A member of the audience loudly
exclaimed to you that President Obama should be, ``Executed as
an enemy combatant.'' The video is available online, as you
know.
Your response was, ``Look. Everybody knows the lawlessness
of this President. He picks and chooses which laws he is going
to enforce,'' and then you went on.
Do you regret your failure to disagree with that member of
the audience?
Rep. Bridenstine. If I had to do it again, I would have
interrupted immediately. I did not.
At the time, my best judgment was to just let her vent, and
she went on for a number of minutes, and then ultimately I
focused my comments on the last piece, the last part of what
she said.
But I would do it differently next time.
Senator Blumenthal. So you do regret your decision not to
interrupt?
Rep. Bridenstine. I should have interrupted.
Senator Blumenthal. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Senator Gardner.
STATEMENT OF HON. CORY GARDNER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very
much for this.
Thanks to the witnesses for your willingness to serve our
country today and to participate in this process.
Dr. Jacobs, I would suggest, whether or not people are
scientists has been a regular theme this morning. I am not a
scientist, but I would suggest if you are looking to escape
hurricanes, Colorado Springs still remains a very good place to
escape hurricanes.
[Laughter.]
Senator Gardner. Thank you for your service and for being
here today as a Coloradan as well, thank you.
To Congressman Bridenstine, I would ask you, are you or
have you ever been a Republican?
[Laughter.]
Senator Gardner. Are you, or have you ever had an opinion
different than other Republicans?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes.
Senator Gardner. Have you ever criticized Marco Rubio for
his choice in music?
Look. This, I think, hearing at times has gone into places
where it is a little bit disgusting throughout this nomination
hearing this morning, as well as previous nomination hearings
this Congress has held this year.
We have had nominees questioned over their Catholic faith.
We have had nominees questioned over their Christian faith. In
fact, one Senator said of a Christian nominee that this nominee
is really not someone who is what this country is supposed to
be about because they adhered to their Christian faith.
Now, that did not come up in this hearing this morning. I
am a little surprised it did not, though, based on some of the
things that I have heard today.
Your children are here. Your family is here. Thank you to
them for their service as well. Thanks to all of you for your
service.
What I heard Ms. Baiocco say was that if the law requires
you to do so, that you will do so. If the agreements you have
signed require you to do so, you will do so. No doubt about it.
You are not going to try to wiggle out of that, try to avoid
the law.
Is that correct?
Ms. Baiocco. That is correct, sir.
Senator Gardner. Thank you.
Mr. Bridenstine, a couple of questions for you on what I
had hoped would be the focus of this Committee hearing and that
is a little bit of work that we are doing in Colorado on things
like the Orion Project.
Before I do that, I actually was reminded of an editorial
op-ed that was put in the record by Chairman Thune earlier
today, but I will just read the headline of this op-ed.
``Bridenstine Wins a Democrat's Support for NASA's Top Job.''
That is the headline of this.
Ed Perlmutter, my colleague from Colorado, said, ``I serve
with Bridenstine on the House Science, Space, and Technology
Committee. My first real interaction with him occurred a number
of years ago when he visited Colorado to meet with
scientists.''
Did you meet with only Republican scientists?
Rep. Bridenstine. No, sir.
Senator Gardner. You probably did not ask that. Right?
Rep. Bridenstine. I have no idea what their----
Senator Gardner. Thank you, thank you. ``His background as
a Naval aviator made it easier for him to absorb and understand
the concepts being discussed by scientists and engineers.
Despite our political differences, our parties, different
parties, I am convinced Bridenstine will lead the brilliant
scientists, engineers, technicians, and outstanding personnel
at NASA as it embarks on a new era of space exploration and
scientific discovery.''
That was not Senator Lee. That was not Senator Cruz. That
was not Donald Trump. That was a Democrat Congressman from
Colorado who said that, who has your support.
You and I had the pleasure of meeting when you got elected
to Congress. We served together in the House of Representatives
for a couple of years, but we also had a chance to meet while
you were in the House. I was in the Senate.
You came over to my office. You talked about space policy.
You did not come over to my office to talk about space policy
from the standpoint, ``Boy, we can really get rid of Democrat
scientists if we do this.'' You did not talk about how we can
pursue this policy or that policy in a partisan purpose.
What you came to my office to talk about was a plan that
you had put together for reaching greater distances in space; a
plan to embolden the mission of NASA. To actually give an
agency that has probably wandered far too long without a
mission some substantive mission to get to back to what it is
supposed to be doing. That is exploration. That is science.
You did not come at it and try to say, ``This is how we are
going to extinguish scientific research, values, and
exploration.'' You came and you talked about how you are going
to expand it and further that reach.
Not everybody agreed with your approach, but I commend you
for having a vision that, unfortunately, far too long this
administration, the previous administration did not have and
other administrations did not have either when it comes to
NASA.
So I will ask you about Orion, Mr. Bridenstine. Are you
able to say today whether you support the Orion project moving
forward?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir, one hundred percent.
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Bridenstine.
I have a meeting that is in the lobby. They have waited for
10 minutes so that I could let this opportunity occur. So I do
not want to go any further without messing their schedule up.
So thank you very much, the nominees, for being here, and I
am sorry if I seemed a little irritated. It is because I am
just sorry that you have gone through what you have gone
through today.
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you, sir.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Gardner.
Senator Booker.
STATEMENT OF HON. CORY BOOKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY
Senator Booker. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
There was some discussion as to the factual nature of
Senator Peters' questions about the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
I was given the records here for the Museum that was the basis
for Senator Peters' questions. I was asked to see if I could
enter them into the record.
I would like to ask that they be entered into the record.
[The information referred to follows:]
The Colpitts Law Firm
Tulsa, OK, June 20, 2012
Re: Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Subject: Statements and Allegations Made by John Sullivan
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I am a board member and member of the Operating Committee of the
Tulsa Air and Space Museum. I am also the legal counsel for the Tulsa
Air and Space Museum, and as such, I have been requested to respond to
certain recklessly false allegations made by John Sullivan for Congress
about the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
The Official Statement of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is
attached, and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum stands by that statement.
In a mass mailing made by John Sullivan for Congress in support of John
Sullivan's bid to seek reelection as the Congressman for the 1st
District of Oklahoma, certain statements were made which the Tulsa Air
and Space Museum adamantly denies and require correction. Neither John
Sullivan nor Sullivan for Congress has contacted the Tulsa Air and
Space Museum Board of Directors or the Board Chair for comment on or
validation of these allegations, and these allegations are
categorically false:
1. TASM adamantly denies that ``right after [Jim Bridenstine] began
managing the museum, things started falling apart''.
2. TASM adamantly denies that ``museum attendance declined 44
percent'' during Jim Bridenstine's tenure. In fact, attendance
at the museum increased.
3. TASM adamantly denies that the ``finances [of TASM] were a
disaster'' before, during or after Jim Bridenstine's tenure.
4. TASM adamantly denies that the museum was ``nearly ruined'' by
Jim Bridenstine or anyone else.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum always has been under the management
of a sound and active Board of Directors to which each executive
director reports. With its feet firmly planted in the present and an
eye to the future, the Board of Directors of TASM has always taken
steps to ensure the sound management of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum will be here for years to come.
The allegations made by John Sullivan for Congress regarding the
Tulsa Air and Space Museum were a reckless denial of the facts, and the
Tulsa Air and Space Museum demands that Sullivan for Congress publicly
withdraw the allegations made by it.
Respectfully,
Gregory J. Colpitts.
______
TULSA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is neither for nor against any
candidate in any election. Certain statements have been made by others
outside of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and the Tulsa Air and Space
Museum wishes to clarify certain facts: Jim Bridenstine was employed at
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum as its Executive Director from December
2008 through August 20, 2010. While at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum,
Jim Bridenstine developed the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show and
the Land the Shuttle Campaign, both of which garnered tremendous
visibility for the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. While Mr. Bridenstine
was executive director attendance increased at the museum. In August
2010 Mr. Bridenstine voluntarily resigned from bis position as
Executive Director at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum in order to follow
bis orders in the Navy Reserves. Mr. Bridenstine was not terminated
from the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
Barbara Smallwood,
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
______
Senator Booker. And perhaps, just a question for the
record, you do not have to answer it now, but could you address
these concerns? I did not know about them before the hearing
and I think that it would be valuable to hear your discussions.
This is a very large budget.
As a guy who went from just being a legislator to running a
billion dollar operation, I could write a book about all the
mistakes I made in the first year, but learned to be a really
good manager. And I think that this is a valid question and a
line of questioning, and you should explain this before folks
vote.
Will you do that for us?
Rep. Bridenstine. I would be happy to.
Senator Booker. Thank you very much.
Senator Lee is a friend of mine. He claimed that you were
clean. I have no evidence to that or not. He said that you were
thrifty, but he also said that you were brave. And clearly,
sitting here through all this questioning, you are brave in
putting yourself up, and I appreciate it.
And I really want to note to you how much I appreciate your
visit with me. You came with humility and just a real earnest
sense and desire to serve your country, which I think is valid
and very true. Clearly, you are an American that seeks to serve
and try to make our Nation better.
I do not have that much in terms of questioning and some of
it is just repeating because I thought it was interesting, the
questions from two of my colleagues about LGBT issues. And
again, I think you were very sincere when you said you are
going to follow the letter of the law. And obviously, as a
manager, you know that there are laws regarding the treatment,
and the honor of folks.
But I guess what I want to hear from you is coming from a
family who, stories around the dinner table, about how
difficult it was to see people in positions of power who did
not see and believe in their worth, how hurtful that is.
And you are going to be in a position, not just managing
people, but you are one of the more, at least in my eyes, one
of the more inspire, you are up for an office to be one of the
more inspiring leaders in the United States of America where
children will look to you.
I am just wondering to read things saying that
homosexuality is immoral. Same sex couples are ill-suited for
raising children. These are comments you have made.
Correct?
Rep. Bridenstine. Not that I remember.
Senator Booker. OK. So I have quotes here that I would like
to enter for the record that the nominee has made regarding
gays and lesbians. I think it is important.
May I enter them for the record?
The Chairman. In what form?
Senator Booker. Just quotes from various articles and
interviews.
The Chairman. If you submit the whole article, without
objection.
Senator Booker. Thank you very much.
[The information referred to follows:]
______
Senator Booker. And so, I am wondering if you are a child
and you have quotes, some of us in America still believe in the
concept of sexual morality.
Tell me how you think a child will view a leader who thinks
that they are immoral or engaging in immoral acts? Can you just
tell me how you think a child will view your leadership?
Really, it is in terms of their dreams, and aspirations, and
perhaps even one day be an astronaut.
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I will tell you this. I believe that
every person has dignity and worth, and every person has value.
The personal views I have on sexual morality are my personal
views.
As leader, should I be confirmed to be the NASA
Administrator, certainly I can tell you NASA is unique in its
ability to inspire and educate young folks. And you and I had
this conversation in your office.
Senator Booker. And forgive me for interrupting you, I have
limited time and there is a vote that has been called.
So if you are NASA Administrator, let us picture you there,
and someone asks you questions about sexual morality, you are
going to stay consistent with your past statements in how you
view same sex couples raising children, and the hundreds of
thousands of children in America that are being raised in that
way. You are going to stick to your past statements?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sir, I will tell you this. I believe
every person has value and worth, and I absolutely believe
that. And I will be committed to making sure that there is
equal opportunity and standards will be uniform. And that
absolutely is my position and will continue to be my position.
I want to see everybody who works at NASA be able to excel
based on the merits of their work exclusively.
Senator Booker. Well, my time is running out and I just
want to say you and I are both Christians. We both believe in
the radical love of Christ.
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Booker. But I just want you to know that I am a big
believer that before someone tells me about their religion, I
want to see it in how they treat other people, how they talk
about other people, how they talk about the despised or the
hated. Do they visit people in prison? Do they care about those
people who are put down in society?
And it is coming from one of the cultures in America where
you see people sometimes in power and the way they talk about
groups. It is very hurtful and it is very discouraging.
And I just want you to know because I am not sure whether
you will be confirmed or not, but this is a beautiful country,
and I am glad that you affirmed the dignity and worth of all
folks. But it is critically important, should you have the
privilege of serving in this position that it is about
inspiration. It is about elevating the potential and
possibility of all human beings.
It is very, very important that you are not seen as someone
who stands in judgment of people because of who they are. And
that, in fact, can speak to the aspirations of all folks
whether they are gay, straight, black or white, or what have
you.
I am grateful for your willingness to put yourself forward
for this, but I am really hoping, in my opinion, that you can
give some more assurances to all those people that you will be
responsible for not just managing, but inspiring.
Thank you very much.
The Chairman. Senator Duckworth.
STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS
Senator Duckworth. Thank you, and I thank my colleague from
New Jersey for his very moving remarks.
Mr. Bridenstine, NASA is a diverse institution of
scientists, engineers, and mathematicians from all backgrounds
and walks of life who come together to achieve the agency's
very unique mission.
And Americans rightfully take pride in NASA's achievements
and NASA's scientific progress is indeed intertwined with the
progress of becoming more inclusive and more diverse within
NASA itself. Not less.
It is incumbent on the NASA Administrator to foster an
environment where our brightest, our very best are valued for
their innovative ideas no matter their gender, race, or sexual
orientation.
Yet, Mr. Bridenstine, you have appeared on Frank Gaffney's
radio show, not once, not twice, but seven times. This is a man
who called for one of your House colleagues, Congressman Andre
Carson, to be removed from the House Intelligence Committee
because of his religious faith.
What is your relationship with Mr. Gaffney and were you
aware that his organization has been identified as extremist by
the Anti-Defamation League and as a hate group by the Southern
Poverty Law Center?
Rep. Bridenstine. Ma'am, I am not aware of that. I have
seen Frank Gaffney around the House of Representatives. He gets
involved in national security issues and I have gone on his
radio program, as you have said.
Senator Duckworth. OK. So yes or no, do you believe that
Congressman Carson represents a national security risk to the
United States because of his religion?
Rep. Bridenstine. Not at all. I know him and I think he is
a good man.
Senator Duckworth. OK. Did you dispute Mr. Gaffney's
calling for him being removed from the Committee because of his
religion at any time in the seven interviews you gave or in any
of the times that you have met him in the halls of Congress?
Rep. Bridenstine. I did not know that he had ever made
those comments. If I did know that, I would have refuted it.
Senator Duckworth. OK. Thank you.
In November 2014 and December 2016, you spoke at the
Restoration Weekend Conference at the David Horowitz Freedom
Center in Palm Beach, Florida where you praised the work of Mr.
Horowitz and the Center. So that is twice, 2014 and 2016.
Are you aware that the Southern Poverty Law Center has
identified David Horowitz's Freedom Center as a hate group, and
Mr. Horowitz himself as a hate group leader for their anti-
immigrant and anti-Muslim far right rhetoric?
Rep. Bridenstine. I am not aware of that.
Senator Duckworth. So, OK.
It is troubling to me that you would have associations, not
casual, but multiple meetings and multiple events, and attend
things like seven radio shows, two major events with people
that you do not know that they have been identified by multiple
groups as being hate groups. That is troubling.
There are dedicated NASA employees who are, or may be,
deeply concerned about their futures at the agency given your
history of offensive statements against LGBTQ Americans and
seeming comfortable with hate groups, or at least willful
ignorance is what it sounds like to me now, about hate groups.
To begin addressing these concerns, yes or no, if confirmed
as NASA Administrator, would you treat discrimination against a
NASA employee on the basis of sexual orientation, or gender
identity, or religion as a prohibited personnel practice?
Rep. Bridenstine. Discrimination based on that, prohibited,
absolutely. It should be prohibited.
Senator Duckworth. So gender identity, sexual orientation,
as well as religious affiliation?
Rep. Bridenstine. Absolutely, yes, ma'am.
Senator Duckworth. OK.
When we met to discuss your nomination, you had not yet
read the Rogers Commission Report, which was published after
the Challenger disaster. In my opinion, this would be mandatory
and basic reading for anyone seeking a management job at NASA,
let alone becoming the NASA Administrator.
So I was quite taken aback that not only did you know about
it, had not read it, you did not even know about it, and I
suggested that you read it before you came today.
Have you read the Report since our meeting?
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, ma'am, I have read it a number of
times since our meeting.
Senator Duckworth. OK.
Rep. Bridenstine. And I did not identify it as the name,
the Rogers Commission Report, but when I read it, I recognized
that when I did my MBA at Cornell, I had read it before.
Senator Duckworth. But did not remember the lessons from
it, which is a great concern for someone who is looking to lead
NASA.
The Report indicates that not only were there technical
failures that led to the disaster, but there were also
contributing management failures because of political
motivations.
I hope you will consider, as you said, rereading the report
multiple times and thank you for your service to this Nation,
both in uniform and in Congress.
But I truly do not think you are ready to be Administrator
for NASA. Thank you.
I yield back.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Duckworth.
Senator Klobuchar just wants to say something.
STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Senator Klobuchar. Yes, thank you. I am just going to put
my questions on the record because we have the vote.
But I had some questions, Mr. Bridenstine, for you about
the work that Senators Capito, Scott, and I have done on
Diversifying Tech and, of course, that relates to NASA and how
important that is.
And then we had a good meeting, Ms. Baiocco, yesterday,
which I appreciated.
And I will put some more questions on the record about the
various consumer issues that we discussed including the
importance of the pool safety law, and the CPSC's continuing
involvement.
And then I will put the other questions on the record.
So I just want to thank you for being before us today.
Thank you.
Ms. Baiocco. Thank you, Senator.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Klobuchar.
And let me just say that if associating with organizations
like the Family Research Council disqualifies you for serving
any public position, I think every Republican senator, and some
Democrat senators, would be disqualified.
Senator Cruz.
STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Congratulations to each of the nominees for your
nominations. To the three folks on the right, I congratulate
you for the good judgment of joining Representative Bridenstine
and letting him play the role of a blocking back.
[Laughter.]
Senator Cruz. Let me say, as Chairman of the Space
Subcommittee, I am proud and deeply gratified that President
Trump has nominated Representative Bridenstine to lead NASA.
And I will say, this Committee's sorry performance during
the confirmation hearing may not be surprising in the current
environment, but it is disappointing nonetheless.
Senator Booker said a few minutes ago that the leader of
NASA should be inspirational. I agree with that. And I can
think of very few people I have known who are more
inspirational than Jim Bridenstine.
We have seen, sadly, Democrats attempting to malign your
character. And yet, you have spent your entire adult life in
public service.
You are a War hero. Now, you are too modest to say that
yourself, but I am perfectly happy to say that. Your record of
defending this Nation is remarkable including flying combat
missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Air Medal, and
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' for
your heroic achievements.
Your combat missions included Airborne Battlefield Command
and Control, and tactical air control flights in support of the
liberation of Iraq, controlling over 180 kill box interdiction
and close air support missions resulting in the destruction of
countless tanks, armored vehicles, and time sensitive and fixed
targets.
You later transitioned to the F-18 Hornet, while on active
duty serving at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Top
Gun Command, where you flew both the E-2 and F-28. There
receiving fitness reports from your Commanding Officers which
rated you as, quote, ``The Number One Hawkeye pilot, and
weapons and tactic instructors.'' And, quote, ``The most
tactically skilled pilot in the E-2 community.''
That is a remarkable record and then you have had an
honorable service in the U.S. Congress. You are friend, a
personal friend, and I will tell you, and I want to tell this
Committee that Jim Bridenstine is a man of deep character and
integrity.
I will also note, and I met this morning with an astronaut
who had spent over 100 days on the Space Station. Quite a
number of the astronauts at NASA have backgrounds very much
like yours.
In terms of someone who can lead NASA, who can look in the
eyes of an astronaut and understand what they are being asked
to do, I think you bring exceptional fitness to this job.
Now, some of my colleagues on this Committee seem to be
putting forward the notion, essentially, that a Member of
Congress cannot be expected to lead NASA, especially not a
Member of Congress who was actually, God forbid, a Republican
and even a conservative Republican.
I would like to ask you, Representative Bridenstine, in
your view, what is the difference between the job of a Member
of Congress and the job of Administrator of NASA?
Rep. Bridenstine. Well, thank you for the question,
Senator.
I see it as the same as the difference between my job, as
you mentioned, as a Navy pilot and my job as a Member of
Congress.
As a Navy pilot, politics really did not come into it. In
fact, we were a very diverse group of people trying to
accomplish a very specific mission at various times. And it was
apolitical.
I know what it is to serve as a Member of Congress, and I
know what it is to serve in the Executive Branch. I understand
how the two are very different and, should I be confirmed as
NASA Administrator, I would conduct myself in a very
nonpartisan way doing what is in the best interest of the
United States of America exclusively.
Senator Cruz. I will note the Ranking Member of this
Committee has a deep and abiding interest in space going back a
long time, and he and I have worked together very closely.
This Committee has managed to avoid some of the partisan
wrangling that other committees get drawn into. And one of the
reasons why we have been able to pass in the last couple of
years, two major pieces of space legislation is because of the
bipartisan cooperation on space, both NASA and commercial
space.
I believe you are going to get confirmed, but I would say
to my Democratic friends on this Committee that if the
confirmation ends up going down as a party line vote, I think
that would be deeply unfortunate for NASA and for the space
community.
I understand the political pressures Democratic members of
this Committee feel and Democratic members of the Senate feel,
but I believe the bipartisan cooperation we have had has been
integral to space, and I hope it continues.
And I hope we see Democrats courageous enough to recognize
your extraordinary record of service and personal integrity,
and can come together.
I enthusiastically support your nomination and look forward
to voting to confirm you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cruz.
I think, Senator Nelson, you have a couple of follow-up
questions.
Senator Nelson. A couple of questions on safety,
Congressman. The dragon spacecraft and the Starliner commercial
crew capsules are nearing their first test flight.
It was originally stated in NASA's authorization of 2010
and recently affirmed in NASA's transition authorization of
2017, the NASA bills 2010 and 2017. The NASA Administrator in
those two bills, now law, is responsible for ensuring the
safety of NASA's astronauts aboard these vehicles.
This Senator has lived through the loss of two space
shuttles in which, in the case of one, the final go was by an
Acting Administrator who was not technically up to date. It was
an Acting Administrator. Interestingly, the Administrator, Jim
Beggs, was in his office having stepped aside because he had
been indicted for something that he did not do, and later
proved that.
And he is on the phone to the Kennedy Space Center begging
them, when he is seeing on his NASA TV in his office, which he
had not vacated because he knew he would vindicate himself of
the charges, but nevertheless, he was out of the decisionmaking
loop.
And he is on the phone. He is seeing the icicles and he is
calling the Cape, and he knows what rubberized gaskets called
O-rings are, and he is begging the Space Center not to proceed
with the launch.
And yet, it went right down to the final decision made by
the then Acting Administrator. And the launch was made and 10
miles high in the Florida sky the space shuttle Challenger
exploded because of the cold weather.
Now, since you do not have an engineering or scientific
background, and as NASA Administrator you would make that final
decision, how do you think that you can fulfill that
responsibility?
Rep. Bridenstine. Thank you for that question, sir.
When we think about the organizational structure of NASA,
there are independent technical authorities that have
responsibility over various areas of safety. And I want to be
clear before I even start, sir.
I understand that the NASA Administrator is responsible for
human safety, and I understand that those decisions ultimately
will be mine and that I will be accountable. I understand that.
These independent technical authorities, whether it is
safety or engineering, there is another one that is health and
medicine, those independent technical authorities provide
independent guidance to the NASA Administrator, and they are on
the same level within the organization as the programs.
It would be my goal, should I be confirmed as the NASA
Administrator to, of course, have those independent technical
authorities remain independent. And what I mean by that is that
they are not funded by the programs themselves, which sometimes
has been the case. But they need to remain independent.
And ultimately if there is some kind of technical
discrepancy, there will absolutely be a decision made on the
ninth floor of the NASA building, and it would include myself
as the NASA Administrator, but it would also include the COO of
the organization, the associate administrator, and the
associate administrator for human exploration and operations.
And people, like Robert Lightfoot and Bill Gerstenmaier,
will continue at the organization. And I know that there is no
way of knowing how long or what their life ambitions are beyond
NASA. But people like that will be very involved in informing
the decisions going forward.
Senator Nelson. Those independent technical authorities
that you mention, such as the NASA Chief Engineer and the Chief
Safety Officer.
Rep. Bridenstine. Yes, sir.
Senator Nelson. You may ponder what, if you received
advice, that was in conflict from both of them, and thus a NASA
Administrator has to make that judgment.
Right as we are on the cusp of major decisions of going
back into space with humans on American rockets and, of course,
the launching of the Mars program.
I wanted you to see what Senator Booker had early referred
to and had entered into the record in response to your previous
statement.
If you will look, this is the income tax return of the
Tulsa Air and Space Museum and what it shows in 2009, the prior
year, it had a total revenue of $1.2 million and in the current
year, it had, meaning the current year of 2009, $977,000
revenue.
But when you subtract the expenses, the revenue less
expenses, it was exactly what you were asked earlier that the
income in the prior year was $73,000 and the income in the year
2009 was a negative $311,000.
And so do you want to comment on that?
Rep. Bridenstine. Sure.
Senator Nelson. Instead of a statement later, but if you
want to do it in writing, that is OK.
Rep. Bridenstine. So just to be clear, this is an income
tax return from 2009. The last time I would have seen this
would have been 2010, and I am seeing it right now again for
the first time in 7 years.
I am just going to recall, to the best of my ability, what
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum was up to back then.
We had a number of big, big projects that we were investing
in. And yes, we had cash reserves to do that. And working with
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum Board of Directors, we did big
projects.
Now, some of those projects include an effort to acquire a
retiring space shuttle for the City of Tulsa that would be at
the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. And in that effort, working
with the City of Tulsa, and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and
the Board of Directors, we made an intentional investment to
try to make that happen.
At the time, we also had an air show that attracted 40,000
people and that was an investment. The goal here was to
increase, at the time, the attendance at the Tulsa Air and
Space Museum.
But I want to be really clear. I was making these decisions
with a Board of Directors that was very involved in all of
these decisions.
As far as the cash loss, these were intentional at the time
and I presume all of this is accurate. I trust that it is all
accurate. We were making those investments.
I will tell you that when this came up as an attack piece
in the campaign, which I am not new to this kind of activity.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum got involved, and the Board of
Directors, and they rejected this notion that somehow I did
something wrong entirely.
And because they were willing to do that, quite frankly,
sir, it backfired on my opponent in a way that got me elected
to the House of Representatives, which is why I am here before
you today.
So that is to the best of my recollection what occurred. I
will tell you this, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is an
absolute jewel for the City of Tulsa. It continues to educate
and inspire young folks.
The folks there that run the Museum are exceptional,
exceptional people. Like I said, when I turned 40 years old two
and a half years ago, I had my birthday party at the Tulsa Air
and Space Museum. Senator Cruz actually came to it.
And so I am very proud of my service there. In fact, I had
lunch with one of the Board Directors just last week. It is an
exceptional organization.
And I will tell you this, and I think this is important as
well. Museums like this are all across the country and they
serve NASA very well. NASA is an organization that does inspire
young people and these kinds of institutions that are
nonprofits.
Remember, the goal here was not to make a business. This is
a nonprofit institution. We were investing in the education and
inspiration of young people. And yes, we had donors that were
enabling us to do this.
It is a great organization. NASA should be encouraging this
kind of activity all across the country because they are among
NASA's greatest promoters.
I will also tell you that the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
just recently invited me to be the Honorary Chairman of their
big event every year called ``The Aviator Ball.''
So this is kind of an attack piece from many years ago and
it does not accurately represent my tenure there at all.
Senator Nelson. OK. I will submit additional questions for
the other members of the panel, of which you have not had a lot
of questions. I will submit those questions for your
consideration.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
And I want to thank, again, our panelists for being here
today. We respect your public service.
Congressman, you are a combat veteran. We respect your
service to our country and the sacrifices that you, and your
family, have made in that regard, and your public service
since.
And all of you who have had stints in public service, we
appreciate that and your willingness to continue to serve.
These are tough jobs and these confirmation hearings probably
are not real fun but nevertheless, it is a part of the process.
And so, thank you for your responses to our questions.
My guess is that the other three of you may get more
questions for the record, probably, than perhaps you got here.
But I would ask our members to submit those questions as
quickly as possible. And, if possible, for you to get those
responses to us because we are trying to close out the record
of this hearing by Friday, which will be, I know, a little
challenging.
But if Senators get their questions in, get their written
answers to the Committee, we will try and do that by November
6, which would be, I guess, Monday next and then we will try
and move forward with all of your nominations here at the
Committee level.
Again, thank you for being here; appreciate you all coming.
And with that, I'll adjourn the hearing.
[Whereupon, at 12:40 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
United States Senate
Washington, DC, October 26, 2017
Hon. John Thune,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bill Nelson,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson,
I write today to express my deep concern over Representative Jim
Bridenstine's nomination to be Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Rep. Bridenstine's
background makes him an extremely concerning choice to lead this
critical agency and its 19,000 diverse employees. Rep. Bridenstine's
denial of climate science and consistent opposition to equal rights for
women, immigrants, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer
(LGBTQ) individuals should disqualify him from consideration. Given his
very public statements and positions, it is clear Rep. Bridenstine
would move us backwards not forwards, and I urge you to vote against
his nomination.
Rep. Bridenstine has repeatedly rejected the overwhelming
scientific consensus on climate change. In a June 2013 speech delivered
on the floor of the House of Representatives, Rep. Bridenstine repeated
the debunked claim \1\ that ``global temperatures stopped rising 10
years ago.'' \2\ A March 2013 tweet from Rep. Bridenstine failed to
recognize the difference between local weather conditions and the
broader planetary climate, a basic scientific concept: ``Today's House
Science Committee Hearing On Global Warming Was Cancelled Because Of
Snow!'' \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Mark Fischetti, ``No Pause in Global Warming,'' Scientific
American, Jan. 4, 2017, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-
pause-in-ocean-warming/.
\2\ US. House of Representatives Floor Speech, C-SPAN, June 11,
2013, retrieved from YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=GUcsAFnwC7k.
\3\ Jim Bridenstine, @RepJBridenstine, ``Today's Science Committee
hearing on global warming was cancelled because of snow!'' Twitter,
Mar. 6, 2013, https://twitter.com/RepJBridenstine/status/
309370680489672704.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Given that NASA's Fiscal Year 2018 budget requested $1.8 billion
for Earth-observing and climate science missions,\4\ Rep. Bridenstine's
failure to accept fundamental scientific truths about Earth's climate
make him an ill-suited and dangerous choice to lead the agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ NASA FYI 8 Budget Request, https://www.nasa.gov/news/budget/
index.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rep. Bridenstine is an outspoken opponent to the rights of LGBTQ
individuals, immigrants, and women. In a May 2013 speech, Rep.
Bridenstine suggested that LGBTQ individuals were sexually immoral,
stating, ``Some of us in America still believe in the concept of sexual
morality, that sex is intended for one man and one woman within the
institution of marriage.'' \5\ In response to the Supreme Court's
marriage equality ruling in 2013, Rep. Bridenstine stated that ``the
court's decision was a disappointment'' and that he would ``continue to
fight for traditional marriage.'' \6\ Bridenstine has also been a guest
on 16 separate occasions and twice co-hosted Washington Watch with Tony
Perkins, a daily radio show published by the Family Research Council
(FRC), which has been designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center
(SPLC) as a hate group for its anti-LGBTQ remarks. FRC has stated,
``homosexual conduct is harmful to the persons who engage in it and to
society at large, and can never be affirmed. It is by definition
unnatural, and as such is associated with negative physical and
psychological health effects.'' \7\ Tony Perkins, FRC's President, has
declared that gay activists are ``intolerant, hateful, vile, spiteful
pawns of the Devil.'' \8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ Zack Ford, ``Oklahoma Congressman: The Left is 'Intolerant' for
Wanting Gay Boy Scouts,'' Think Progress, May 23, 2013, https://
thinkprogress.org/oklahoma-congressman-the-left-is-intolerant-for-
wanting-gay-boy-scouts-3bb9c4931144/.
\6\ ``In Support of Traditional Marriage,'' JIM'S BLOG, Office of
Rep. Jim Bridenstine, July 3, 2013, accessed Oct. 25, 2017, https://
bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/in-support-of-
traditional-marriage.
\7\ ``Homosexuality,'' Family Research Council, accessed Oct. 25,
2017, http://www.frc.org/homosexuality.
\8\ Kyle Mantyla, ``Perkins: Gay Activists Are Intolerant, Hateful,
Vile, Spiteful, Pawns of the Devil,'' Right Wing Watch, May 3, 2011,
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/perkins-gay-activists-are-
intolerant-hateful-vile-spiteful-pawns-of-the-devil/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rep. Bridenstine has a history of supporting anti-Muslim groups and
has consistently defended a number of President Trump's discriminatory
and unconstitutional policies on immigration, including the thrice-
struck down Muslim Travel Ban.\9\ On seven separate occasions,
Bridenstine has appeared on Secure Freedom Radio with Frank Gaffney,
the founder of the Center for Security Policy (CSP), a far-right think
tank that advocates anti-Muslim views. SPLC considers Gaffney ``one of
America's most notorious Islamaophobes.'' \10\ CSP has promoted
conspiracy theories related to Islam, including suggesting that
Representative Andre Carson and Huma Abedin and her family have ties to
the Muslim Brotherhood. Bridenstine has also spoken at conferences at
the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC), a far-right, anti-Islam group
that, in their own words, ``combats the efforts of the radical left and
its Islamist allies to destroy American values and disarm this country
as it attempts to defend itself in a time of terror.'' \11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Aaron Blake, ``Whip Count: Here's where Republicans stand on
Trump's controversial travel ban,'' Washington Post, Jan. 31, 2017,
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017
/01/29/heres-where-republicans-stand-on-president-trumps-controversial-
travel-ban/?utm_term
=.81901b71a504.
\10\ ``Frank Gaffney Jr.'' Southern Poverty Law Center, accessed
Oct. 25, 2017, https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/
individual/frank-gaffney-jr.
\11\ ``About David Horowitz Freedom Center,'' David Horowitz
Freedom Center, accessed Oct. 25, 2017, http://
www.horowitzfreedomcenter.org/about.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2013, Rep. Bridenstine voted against the reauthorization of the
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), while claiming that VAWA and its key
anti-domestic violence programs ``[misallocate] scarce Federal
resources.'' \12\ Additionally, after then-candidate Donald Trump's
comments about sexual assault became public in October 2016, Rep.
Bridenstine actively downplayed the comments and criticized individuals
who condemned them.\13\ On multiple occasions when provided with the
opportunity to reject President Trump's comments, Rep. Bridenstine
instead said they amounted to nothing more than ``locker room talk.''
\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Jim Bridenstine, @RepJBridenstine, ``Today's Science Committee
hearing on global warming was cancelled because of snow!'' Twitter,
Feb. 28, 2013, https://twitter.com/RepJBridenstine/status/
307212538129567744.
\13\ Randy Krehbiel, ``Rep. Jim Bridenstine would consider Federal
appointment if offered by Trump,'' Tulsa World, Nov. 11, 2016, http://
www.tulsaworld.com/news/elections/rep-jim-bridenstine-would-consider-
federal-appointment if-offered-by/article_91615f2f-38da-515e-a97b-c6
14e2822c37.html.
\14\ The Lead With Jake Tapper, CNN, Oct. 12, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since its creation, NASA has played a singular role in American
life. The agency has inspired countless young people to pursue careers
in science, technology, engineering, and math, and has stirred
curiosity in billions of individuals across the world. Rep.
Bridenstine's denial of fundamental scientific facts and long record of
bigoted and hateful statements run counter to this legacy. I urge you
and your colleagues on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation to oppose his nomination.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray,
United States Senator.
______
Climate Hawks Vote, Hip Hop Caucus, League of Conservation
Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, NextGen America,
Public Citizen, Sierra Club, Students for a Just and Stable
Future
October 31, 2017
Dear Senator,
On behalf of our millions of members, we write to urge you to
oppose the nomination of Representative Jim Bridenstine (OK-01) to be
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA). Rep. Bridenstine lacks the historical qualifications to lead
NASA, has spoken against some of its core activities, and has a voting
record at odds with parts of NASA's scientific mission.
Due to the scope and importance of the agency's mission, nominees
to lead NASA historically have come from scientific backgrounds and
have not previously held elected office. Rep. Bridenstine not only
lacks a scientific background, but has been worked against sound
science, denied the human contribution to climate change, consistently
voted against environmental progress, and sought to cut climate
research funding. Bridenstine also holds inconsistent views on earth
science funding, a core part of NASA's mission. Although he recently
expressed support for continued earth science funding, Bridenstine
earlier this year expressed an openness to ``rebalance'' NASA by moving
earth science work to another agency. This is in line with the current
Trump administration budget proposal that cuts over $100 million from
earth science missions, including ending the Radiation Budget
Instrument (RBI), which measures sunlight and emitted radiation; the
PACE mission, which monitors clouds and interactions between the
atmosphere and oceans; the OCO-3 program, which monitors atmospheric
carbon levels; the CLARREO Pathfinder mission, which measures
atmospheric heat; and earth-viewing instruments on the Deep Space
Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite.
Rep. Bridenstine's voting record demonstrates a dangerously skewed
view of science. Bridenstine has opposed numerous science-based
environmental and health standards, supported weakening the ability of
agencies to rely on science to inform decision-making, and supported
numerous appropriations bills and budget proposals that would
eviscerate basic science programs.
NASA's mission is too important to entrust to a nominee who lacks
the requisite scientific qualifications. The research produced by
NASA's earth science mission is critical to the continuance of
scientific progress to understand the planet we live on, particularly
as we grapple with the consequences of a changing climate.
Representative Bridenstine's record casts doubt on his ability to lead
NASA in the fulfillment of the full scope of its mission. We request
that you vote to oppose his nomination.
Sincerely,
Climate Hawks Vote
Hip Hop Caucus
League of Conservation Voters
Natural Resources Defense Council
NextGen America
Public Citizen
Sierra Club
Students for a Just and Stable Future
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger F. Wicker to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. At Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, NASA and its
industry partners are testing the next generation rocket engines for
space exploration and national security space. They have already
completed final test and assembly for the 4 RS-25s that will launch the
first mission of SLS and Orion, known as Exploration Mission-1. And as
of October 19, they have already begun final assembly and testing for
the RS-25s to be flown on the second launch of SLS and Orion.
Are you committed to continuing these efforts at Stennis to ensure
we don't once again fall behind other nations when it comes to space
launch and exploration?
Answer. Yes. Not only is Stennis Space Center NASA's primary rocket
testing facility, but it is also in high demand for rocket testing by
NASA's commercial partners. I am looking forward to the full-scale test
of the SLS first stage, with the RS-25s integrated, at Stennis,
expected late next year.
Question 2. What do you see as the long-term role of SLS and Orion
within NASA's strategic vision for deep space human exploration?
Answer. SLS and Orion will serve as the backbone to our country's
Deep Space exploration architecture. In order to go back into Deep
Space, we need the ability to throw tens of metric tons of mass to
trans-lunar injection as well as carry wide pieces of hardware, which
the SLS will be uniquely suited to do.
Additionally, in order to travel to Deep Space, we need the Orion
Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Among other features, the Orion is designed
with ECLSS to support astronauts for longer missions, is more hardened
against radiation, and is designed to withstand the heat of re-entry
from trajectories that accompany missions to Deep Space.
Question 3. Do you agree that long-term, consistent funding for
these programs is essential to achieving our Nation's deep space
exploration goals?
Answer. Yes, I do. When it comes to NASA's biggest science and
exploration missions we are discussing timelines of decades. Without
long-term, consistent funding and support, progress and discovery could
be prevented, taxpayer dollars wasted, and agency morale eroded. This
is why it is crucial that NASA maintain its broad bipartisan support,
and if confirmed I intend to work with Congress, the Administration,
industry, scientists, academia and non-profits to develop a consensus
agenda that is sustainable.
Question 4. Stennis Space Center was a vital element to our deep
space exploration goals during the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle
programs. It continues to provide critical rocket propulsion testing
for the SLS program. Do you agree that Stennis is the premiere Rocket
Propulsion Test (RPT) center in the country? Do you also agree that
keeping Stennis at that level of capability is vital to our national
and long-term space exploration interests?
Answer. There is no question that Stennis the premier Rocket
Propulsion Test center in the nation, and if I am confirmed as
Administrator I will work to make sure that it stays the premier Rocket
Propulsion Test center in the Nation.
Question 5. I am concerned of reports that NASA is prioritizing
funding to the maintenance and upgrades of other space centers while
the rocket testing facilities at Stennis are in serious need of
upgrades. What are your plans to fix this disparity and ensure Stennis
remains at the forefront of our Nation's propulsion testing capability?
Answer. For NASA to remain an agency on the cutting edge of
technology and engineering development, it must be constantly
reinventing itself and finding new efficiencies. To do this, NASA must
do a careful accounting of its resources to determine what new
acquisitions are needed, which old facilities can be mothballed or
converted, and which aging facilities need upgrade investments. Should
I be confirmed as Administrator, I will be my intention to make sure
that every NASA center, including Stennis, has the resources it needs
to accomplish the mission.
Question 6. With the presence of more than 20 private sector
entities, the Stennis Space Center is an excellent example of a
successful public-private venture. Space centers across the country are
benefiting from co-location with commercial companies. However, NASA
currently has limited authority to lease its property, and this
authority will expire at the end of 2018.
Long-term leasing authority will allow NASA to enter into more
cost-effective agreements. Expanding NASA's current leasing authority
to include in-kind contributions will also allow space centers greater
flexibility to pursue these public-private partnerships.
Do you see value in granting NASA's space centers this long-term,
enhanced use leasing authority? Please explain.
Answer. If confirmed as Administrator, I will seek to utilize
public-private partnerships that are in the best interests of NASA.
Tools such as enhanced use leasing have been a valuable for NASA, and I
look forward to working with Congress to determine how these tools
might be improved or enhanced.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Deb Fischer to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. Representative Bridenstine, you have been strong
proponent of the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act and other
measures to support commercial space exploration. Commercial space
exploration will likely be what takes us back to the Moon and
ultimately to Mars. I am encouraged by measures the House and Senate
have taken to spur these innovations. Going back to the moon in a
meaningful way and manned travel to Mars will require the realization
of innovations currently in their early stages, such as asteroid mining
to produce fuel in space, with support from both the private sector and
NASA.
As such, the use of water and fuel in space, harvested from
asteroids, has the potential to greatly reduce the cost and complexity
of lunar and Mars missions. Will the use of commercially provided
asteroid resources be part of NASA's exploration plans?
Answer. In order to move sustainably into Deep Space, in-situ
resource utilization will be required. We must exploit the vast
resources that are available throughout the Solar System. For instance,
water ice on the Moon, could be split into oxygen and hydrogen for
spacecraft fuel and life support. Water ice is available in large
quantities throughout the Solar System. Should I be confirmed, NASA
will look to study and characterize the amount and nature of the water
ice on the Moon, as well as other celestial bodies. The capabilities
needed to extract and utilize this resource would be a focus of the
space technology program I plan to lead, if confirmed.
We must also recognize the private sector entities with stated
objectives to harvest resources from asteroids and other celestial
bodies. In the future, they could play a role in NASA's exploration
plans. If confirmed, NASA will examine and consider opportunities for
partnership with these commercial entities.
Question 2. Earlier this year, the President signed into law the
NASA Transition Authorization Act. This law seeks continuity in NASA's
core programs, such as the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Do
you intend to continue NASA's work on SLS and Orion?
Answer. Yes, I am absolutely committed to continuing NASA's
valuable work developing SLS and Orion, which will serve as the
backbone of our architecture to return humans to the Moon, on to Mars,
and further into Deep Space.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Dean Heller to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question. Ensuring continued U.S. access to critical materials used
to support both NASA and the DOD is important for our national
security. Among those materials is ammonium perchlorate, which is used
as a propellant for rockets, missiles, and manned spaceflight. What is
your view on ensuring ammonium perchlorate is domestically sourced so
that the U.S. continues to have a steady supply of this chemical?
Answer. Our contractor for the rocket boosters is Orbital ATK.
Although the agency does not have a requirement to purchase ammonium
perchlorate, NASA does have a requirement that our prime contractor ask
for consent to subcontract in amounts greater than $750,000. NASA only
consents to the request and does not approve or consent to which
company the subcontract is issued.
Ammonium perchlorate is a crucial material for NASA's human
exploration plans. Each SLS launch will feature two solid rocket
boosters which use ammonium perchlorate as their oxidizer. Each SLS
launch will use close to two million pounds of ammonium perchlorate.
That said, it would be inappropriate for NASA to directly intervene
between a contractor and a sub-contractor. However, I am committed to
ensuring our Nation has a robust domestic industrial base, and should I
be confirmed I look forward to working with Congress to achieve this
objective.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jim Inhofe to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. Some have expressed opposition to your nomination
because Members of Congress are too political. It would be an asset to
have an Administrator of NASA who can articulate a vision to Members of
Congress responsible for authorizing and funding that agency. James
Webb, was political--he was also a military pilot and worked in
Oklahoma--and he successfully lead NASA during the Gemini and Apollo
Missions from 1961-1968. How do you believe your service as a Member of
Congress will help you as the next Administrator of NASA?
Answer. While in Congress, my committee assignments have allowed me
to be involved in a wide array of space policy on a bipartisan basis.
On the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, I served on the
Space Subcommittee which oversees NASA as well as commercial space
policy. I also served as the Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee
during the 114th Congress, where we oversaw NOAA and did a lot of work
on NOAA's satellite programs. Additionally, I was a member of the House
Armed Services Committee, subcommittee on Strategic Forces, where we
focus on the country's national security space enterprise. My time on
these committees allowed me to develop an expertise and understanding
of the United States' space program.
My time as a member has given me firsthand knowledge of the
legislative and budget processes. The next Administrator will be
required to work with Congress, the National Space Council, the Office
of Management and Budget, the White House, and international partners.
An understanding of these entities, and relationships with those
leading them, will be critical to maintaining America's preeminence in
space.
Question 2. As the Senator for Oklahoma, I serve on the Senate
Armed Services Committee. I know that we face threats today that we
have never faced before, something you know as a Member of House Armed
Services Committee. What do you see as NASA's role in national security
and how will you work with the Department of Defense as NASA
Administrator?
Answer. NASA is an agency dedicated to the peaceful exploration of
space, technology development, and utilization of science. It is also a
wonderful tool of foreign policy and diplomacy for the United States.
When relationships with certain countries become strained, NASA is able
to maintain partnerships between civil space programs. It is important
we continue and strengthen those partnerships, and this would be a
priority of mine should I be confirmed. NASA is uniquely suited to
enable partnerships in space that can decrease misperceptions and
prevent catastrophic kinetic warfare in space.
It is also true that the Department of Defense can benefit from
technology development that NASA has undertaken for civilian purposes.
For instance, NASA is currently pursuing the development of hypersonic
technology. This will be a paradigm shifting proposition for our
national security. Additionally, a partnership between NASA, the Air
Force, and industry delivered the Automatic Ground-Collision Avoidance
System to reduce the incidence of distracted or incapacitated pilots
colliding with nearby terrain. This technology also has the potential
to reduce collision threats to vehicles on land, at sea, or in space.
Question 3. In March, the President signed into law the NASA
Transition Act. This legislation passed Congress without a single no
vote. It outlined a roadmap for NASA's core missions: space science,
space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, and
education. Would you agree that these are NASA's core missions? How
will you work to advance these core missions as Administrator?
Answer. Yes, I agree. I was involved, with many members of the
Senate Commerce Committee as well as the House Science Committee, in
the crafting of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017. I fully
support the core missions of NASA that it identified.
In order to advance these core missions, we cannot look at NASA's
various mission directorates and divisions as siloed or mutually
exclusive. NASA's programs often serve multiple purposes. Take the
International Space Station as an example. It is operated under the
Human Exploration and Operations directorate, and important research on
long term spaceflight is being done to inform explorations deeper into
space. Synergistically, the ISS also has science payloads that observe
both the Earth and the cosmos. And of course, ISS astronauts often do
downlinks with school children, a unique educational experience that
excites like no other.
There are many synergies within NASA's mission directorates. We can
make resources go farther if we do not view missions and programs as a
zero sum game. Should I be confirmed, I will seek to maximize those
synergies in order to advance NASA's core missions.
Question 4. President Trump reestablished the National Space
Council, to ensure all aspects of our Nation's space power--national
security, commerce, foreign relations, exploration, science--are
coordinated and aligned at the highest levels of government. What role
do you see for National Space Council in the development of America
space policy?
Answer. Multiple agencies are involved in space either as
policymakers, regulators, or operators. If the United States is to
remain the preeminent spacefaring nation, we must take a whole of
government approach to the space enterprise with a formal method of
interaction. This warrants an entity that can facilitate a discussion
at the principals' level, which is the most important role the National
Space Council (NSpC) can play. I am encouraged by what we saw at the
first meeting of the NSpC in October of 2017. Should I be confirmed, I
look forward to actively participating as a member of the NSpC.
Question 5. Our nation's investment in NASA has spurred innovation
across our industrial base and the wider economy. In fact the
``Aeronautics'' part of NASA has helped drive research leading to more
fuel efficient and streamlined airframe and wing designs. Today, NASA
is working to develop the X-57 Maxwell, an all-electric powered
airplane. I know you are familiar with the X-57 Maxwell program, do you
believe it represents how Congressional investment in NASA can pay
dividends in the private sector and throughout the economy?
Answer. Yes I do. NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics.
These advancements have allowed the United States to become the world
leader in aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. As technology continues
to progress, NASA's research in this area will play a key role in
maintaining our industry's lead. This will be a priority of mine should
I be confirmed.
Question 6. December 14, 1972 was the last time someone walked on
the surface of the Moon, almost 45 years ago. Since then, we have seen
major investments by NASA to build launch the Hubble Telescope and the
International Space Station. More recently, the private sector has made
major investments in research and development in support of low-earth
orbit launches. As NASA Administrator, will you work as to promote a
``unity of effort'' across all space stakeholders to leverage public
and private sector resources to support NASA's core missions?
Answer. In order to promote a unity of effort, NASA must start with
guidance from Congress, the Administration, and science decadal
surveys, then design the architectures to meet our national interests.
Should I be confirmed NASA will determine how to fill out those
architectures through a combination of government backbone, commercial
partnerships, and international partnerships. Flexibility in the
architectures that allows for the greatest use of resources will be my
goal, should I be confirmed.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Mike Lee to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. Mr. Bridenstine, in the documents you presented to the
Committee, you stated that you believe that one of NASA's top
challenges is ``Bringing together traditional space companies and new
space entrepreneurs into a comprehensive NASA vision to maximize
resources and efficiencies.'' What role do you envision the private
sector playing in helping NASA fulfill its mission? How will continued
private sector involvement make NASA more efficient and allow it to
fully maximize resources?
Answer. We must recognize that NASA currently has more mission than
it has budget. The days when NASA's budget represented 3 to 4 percent
of the Federal budget are not likely to return. Nor would we want to
necessarily replicate that model, as it proved to ultimately be
unsustainable.
Fortunately, times have changed and great advancements have been
made. The American space industry is more capable than ever before. A
lot of this is due to advancements in research and technology
development made by NASA decades ago that entrepreneurial Americans
have taken and advanced further.
Should I be confirmed, NASA will develop exploration and science
architectures that leverage everything the United States has to offer.
This includes the private sector. This way, we will maximize resources
and ensure NASA can carry out its mission.
Question 2. As you know, our current strategy for deep space
exploration includes the development of the Space Launch System (SLS)
and Orion space capsule. I'm proud to say that many Utahns have worked
on several of the components for these projects.
A. What is your view on the SLS and Orion Programs?
B. How do you anticipate using the SLS and Orion in the National
Space Council's call for a plan to refocus our human spaceflight
efforts on a return to the Moon?
C. What are your thoughts on the establishment of a Deep Space
Gateway as part of the exploration architecture?
Answer.
A. SLS and Orion will serve as the backbone of our country's Deep
Space exploration architecture.
B. SLS and Orion have the ability to deliver large payloads and
humans further out into space than any other operating rocket and
spacecraft. As such, they will be the backbone of any plan to return
humans back to the Moon.
C. The idea of a platform beyond LEO and in cislunar space provides
a lot of opportunities for the United States. These opportunities
include: partnerships with both the international community and
commercial industry, staging area for lunar surface and Martian
missions, testing life support systems outside of the Van Allen Belt,
and more. Should I be confirmed, I look forward to working with
Congress to determine if the Deep Space Gateway or other Deep Space
architectures enable sustainable deep space exploration.
Question 3. What criteria would you recommend using in determining
whether to extend United States support of the ISS beyond 2024 and when
should that determination be made?
Answer. I believe continued presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) is in
our national interest, and should I be confirmed, the decisions NASA
makes will be influenced by this objective. The International Space
Station has been a crowning achievement of diplomacy in space, and has
facilitated great advancements in science and research as well as the
development of the LEO economy.
The decision of whether to extend United States support of the ISS
beyond 2024 is a complicated challenge. We must weigh several key
factors. For one, we must consider what the LEO research needs are of
NASA and its partners like CASIS. Second, we must weigh NASA's needs
for astronaut activities and training in LEO. Third, we must weigh
whether the market exists for a profitable commercial LEO platform.
Fourth, we must weigh how we can best maintain the international
partnerships which are so crucial to our current ISS program. Fifth, we
must weigh how much money we can afford to continue spending on a human
platform in LEO, and how we can make sure that we have a sustainable
budget wedge for Deep Space Exploration.
If I am confirmed as NASA Administrator, I intend to work with
Congress to weigh the options and to determine the best path forward
for the ISS.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Shelley Moore Capito
to Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. Our nation's civil, military, and commercial satellites
are more vulnerable than ever before to interference from potential
adversaries around the world. The ability to engage with and refuel our
satellites adds years to their lives, which means our orbital assets
are more robust. I am proud that the West Virginia Robotic Technology
Center (WVRTC) at West Virginia University is leading the effort in
developing this capability as part of NASA's Restore-L mission. I am
deeply concerned by efforts to re-scope the mission to a ground
demonstration, which will likely end the program and deprive us of a
critical capability. Unfortunately, the Administration wanted to
eliminate this mission and I am glad that we were able to continue
funding the mission in CJS FY'18 appropriations bill. NASA and the
WVRTC can utilize robotics for on-orbit assembly, orbital debris
removal, planetary resource utilization, and habitat construction for
Moon or Mars exploration. Do you see robotics and astronaut-robot
collaboration as critical capabilities for NASA's exploration
objectives?
Answer. Yes. Robotics, both for satellite servicing and in-space
robotic assembly, will be critical to sustain and advance satellite
architectures, decrease costs, and mitigate space debris. Satellite
servicing missions have the ability to upgrade existing satellite
infrastructure and extend crucial science missions for years. If
confirmed, working with Congress, I plan to continue NASA technology
development for satellite grappling, rendezvous and proximity
operations, transferring propellant, and robotic modification and
replacement of satellite payloads.
Deep Space exploration also requires robotic technology to conduct
sample return operations from distant planets. West Virginia University
recently won NASA's Sample Return Robot Centennial Challenge. This was
a five-year competition among citizen inventors that will inform NASA
as it develops a new generation of autonomous rovers.
Question 2. NASA's Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)
Program is a world leader in systems and software engineering. IV&V
provides the NASA's highest achievable levels of safety and cost-
effectiveness for mission critical software. Other government agencies
are seeking and purchasing their services because of their quality and
the value they add. Do you support an appropriate and stable budget for
NASA's IV&V Program and will you work with me to help save government
resources by maximizing IV&V's capabilities across other government
agencies?
Answer. Yes. As a former Navy pilot and current Air Force pilot, I
am keenly aware that software is essential to safety and mission
assurance. Software is also often on the critical path for systems
development, so delays result in disproportional cost increases. NASA's
IV&V facility has proven itself capable of improving safety, keeping
projects on track, enhancing system development, and even providing
valuable research opportunities and training for young STEM students.
It serves a critical role within the Office of Safety & Mission
Assurance, providing independent safety oversight for NASA
Headquarters. If confirmed as Administrator, I will work with Congress
to make sure that the IV&V program retains an adequate and stable
budget, and to exploit its capabilities wherever possible.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Todd Young to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question. Representative Bridenstine, though it doesn't receive as
much public attention as NASA's exploration missions, the agency's
Earth Science mission provides data critical for both scientific
research and practical application. In fact, Indiana companies
contribute to these missions by building sophisticated instruments to
measure certain properties and conditions in the atmosphere. In turn,
this data in part feeds into weather forecasting models to help create
longer term and seasonal forecasts utilized by a variety of industries,
such as agriculture and energy. I'm focused on making sure we retain
the capability to perform these science missions that have a
significant real-world application. Would you explain your view of
NASA's Earth Science mission and whether you intend to prioritize it in
future NASA budget submissions?
Answer. I support NASA's Earth Science mission. As a Representative
from and resident of the state of Oklahoma, I have a keen appreciation
for the role space plays in helping us save lives, protect property,
and produce energy and food. NASA's Earth Science mission is critical
to facilitating these activities, both through the programs that NASA
operates itself as well as acting as the procurement agent for NOAA's
weather satellites.
If confirmed, NASA will continue to follow the guidance of the
Earth Science decadal surveys and I will advocate within the
Administration and with Congress to see that the agency is able to
carry out the recommendations of those decadal surveys.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Contracting. NASA has used a range of traditional and non-
traditional contracting approaches in the past.
Question 1. To what extent, and under what circumstances, do you
believe NASA should use Space Act Agreements, fixed price contracts,
and cost plus contracts for advancing the agency's human exploration
objectives?
Answer. For NASA to best utilize its limited resources, it must be
creative and flexible with regards to acquisition and procurement. If
confirmed as Administrator, I will be focused on delivering projects on
time and under budget and will pursue whichever forms of contracting
work best for each particular acquisition.
Cost plus contracts are appropriate when significant changes are
anticipated or there is no government baseline. This type of vehicle is
often used for research and development contracts with universities or
labs. It is also appropriate on a project when cost and schedule are
unknown. NASA will always have a need for cost plus contracts as it
pushes exploration beyond where it has gone before.
Fixed price contracts expose the financial risk to the contractor
and provide the maximum incentive for the contractor to control costs
and deliver on time. This contracting mechanism is appropriate when
purchasing supplies, services, or capabilities for which the technology
is mature and has a low risk on delivery. As the burgeoning commercial
space industry grows, there will be more opportunities for fixed price
contracts for human exploration.
Space Act Agreements provide flexibility for the Agency and can
advantage both sides of the agreement.
If confirmed as Administrator, I will work to pursue acquisition
strategies appropriate to each particular need and will be certain to
follow all FAR regulations and NASA policy directives, in concert with
NASA's procurement officers and the Office of General Counsel.
Question 2. Similarly, under what circumstances should contracts
and partnership opportunities be competed and under what circumstances
is it acceptable or preferable to not openly compete a contract or
partnership opportunity (for example, employ a sole-source contract)?
Answer. In most cases, it is preferable for partnership
opportunities to be competed in order to allow NASA to choose the
partner that best meets its needs for the most appropriate price.
However, there are some cases where NASA will use sole source
contracting. These could include but are not limited to: (1) only one
contractor offers a viable option, (2) immediate urgency, or (3)
international agreement. If confirmed as Administrator, I will be
certain to follow all FAR regulations and NASA policy directives in
concert with NASA's procurement officers and the Office of General
Counsel.
Question 3. Describe the causes and contributing factors common to
both the Challenger and Columbia accidents. If confirmed, what you
would do as NASA Administrator to make sure these are not repeated?
Answer. The Challenger and Columbia accidents both resulted from
accepting known, systemic risks outside the scope of specifications.
The Challenger accident occurred as NASA continued to fly with known O-
ring erosion problems. Similarly, the Columbia accident occurred as
NASA continued to fly with known foam debris strike problems. In both
cases, these technical deviations were accepted despite the concerns of
engineers.
From the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, common contributing
factors to both accidents include: Original design compromises
necessary to gain Shuttle Program approval, years of constrained
resources, changing priorities, schedule pressure, lack of a consensus
national vision, reliance on past successes, organizational barriers
preventing communication of critical safety information, lack of
integrated management across program elements, and an informal chain-
of-command and decision-making processes that operated outside the
Agency's rules.
If confirmed, I will advocate tirelessly for the necessary
resources to conduct a human spaceflight program characterized by
consensus and safety. I will work to ensure that the technical
authorities responsible for safety, engineering, and health and medical
remain independent of the program authorities responsible for cost and
schedule. The Flight Readiness Review process will have clear ``go/no
go'' communications from the various program elements and be required
to review technical problems arising during previous missions.
Independent technical authorities will establish requirements and
exclusively grant waivers if necessary.
Independent Technical Authorities. In the wake of the Columbia
accident, one of the key recommendations was that so-called
``Independent Technical Authorities''--that is, NASA's Chief Engineer
and Chief Safety Officer--report directly to you.
Question 4. What will you do when, in following the post-Columbia
protocol, these technical authorities raise differing opinions to you
on safety of flight matters?
Answer. The NASA Administrator is responsible and accountable for
safety of flight. The process to resolve such a conflict will include a
review by the Administrator, the Associate Administrator, the Associate
Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, the program
manager, and the technical authorities. The objective would be to
resolve the conflict by mitigating the risk through modification,
procedure, testing, or another process to arrive at a consensus
decision. The final responsibility rests with the Administrator.
Question 5. How will you come to resolution when these technical
experts do not agree on whether it is safe to fly?
Answer. Should I be confirmed, I will promote a culture where the
Mission Management Team knows that the only factors they need to
consider for a ``go/no go'' decision are technical risks. It will be my
responsibility as Administrator to shield them from schedule and cost
pressures. Should disagreements arise after the Flight Readiness
Review, the Mission Management Team will have my full support in
placing a hold on a launch until disagreements are resolved.
China. For years NASA has been considerably restricted from
cooperating with China in space.
Question 6. Do you believe these restrictions are appropriate and
should continue?
Answer. It is time to reexamine if this policy is still benefitting
the United States. In the past, it was to our benefit to exclude China
from our spaceflight endeavors, given the Chinese government's history
of irresponsible behavior in space, flouting of international law,
theft of intellectual property, and human rights violations.
Despite this exclusion, China has made advancements in spaceflight
and expanded partnerships with the international community. Our policy
is not stopping their progress and in some cases is shifting the
balance away from our interests on the international stage.
Whether the restriction remains in place will ultimately be up to
Congress to determine. Congress places the restriction on NASA in
annual appropriations legislation. If confirmed as NASA Administrator,
I will follow the law.
Question 7. Do you believe there could be advantages of expanded
cooperation with China in space, particularly in the area of human
space flight?
Answer. There could be. The International Space Station has been a
crowning achievement of diplomacy in space. Even when relationships
with certain countries become strained, NASA has been able to maintain
partnerships between civil space programs.
Were NASA to be given the flexibility by Congress to work more with
China, larger foreign policy interests would need to be considered at
levels above the NASA Administrator. But partnership with China in
human spaceflight could be a piece of a larger policy consideration.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Climate Change. Just last week, the GAO released a study that found
that Climate Change will cost American taxpayers more than $1 trillion
by 2039. The report reviewed Federal costs in response to extreme
weather, decreased agricultural yields, damage to public utilities and
infrastructure. Taxpayers will be on the hook for trillions of dollars
in climate related costs if we do not act.
Question 1. What is the state of the science on climate change?
Answer. On November 3, 2017, the U.S. Global Change Research
Program released its latest Climate Change Special Report. This report
stated that it is extremely likely that human activities are the
dominant cause of the global warming of one degree Celsius over the
last 115 years. If I am confirmed as Administrator of NASA, the world
class experts in NASA's Earth Science Division will continue
contributing to important reports such as this.
Question 2. What are NASA's climate related missions, and how will
you work to bolster them to reduce the cost of climate on taxpayers?
Answer. In order to properly study the Earth's climate, we must do
integrative science. Scientists cannot understand or model the
atmosphere if they cannot understand and model the oceans, ice sheets,
cloud formation, precipitation, soil, biological life, the sun, and
more. As such, every Earth Science mission that NASA operates
contributes to our understanding of the Earth's climate. Even NASA's
Heliophysics and Planetary Science missions, by helping us better
understand the sun and other atmospheres in our Solar System, help us
to better understand the Earth's climate.
The growth of the smallsat and cubesat economy has opened up
tremendous opportunities for NASA to do more Earth Science for less
money. I look forward to the upcoming National Academies Decadal Survey
for Earth Science and Applications from Space (ESAS 2017), which will
help guide NASA's Earth Science Division in this new era.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Richard Blumenthal to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Climate Change.
Question 1. Do you agree with the scientific community that the
Earth is warming?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Do you agree with the scientific community that human
activity contributes to the warming of the planet?
Answer. Yes.
Question 3. Do you agree that the human activity is primarily
responsible for the warming of the planet?
Answer. On November 3, 2017, the U.S. Global Change Research
Program released its latest Climate Change Special Report. This report
stated that it is extremely likely that human activities are the
dominant cause of the global warming of one degree Celsius over the
last 115 years. If I am confirmed as Administrator of NASA, the world
class experts in NASA's Earth Science Division will continue
contributing to important reports such as this.
Question 4. Did you ever state on the House floor that hurricanes
have ``been on a slow decline''?
Answer. Yes, in June 2013.
Question 5.What did you mean by your statement regarding
hurricanes?
Answer. In May 2013, 25 Oklahomans died in a tornado in Moore,
Oklahoma. I was speaking to advocate for increased funding for tornado
forecasting and research. In the end, we passed the bipartisan Lucas/
Bridenstine/Bonamici Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act,
which increased funding for research for both hurricanes and tornadoes.
Question 6. In light of recent events--Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and
Maria--do you stand by your statement on the House floor regarding
hurricanes?
Answer. NOAA noted that as of June 2017 there had been 140 straight
months without a major hurricane (Category 3+) making landfall in the
United States. This was the longest stretch in recorded history, and my
speech in 2013 was observing this fact. The previous longest stretch
was 96 months from 1860-1869.
NASA contributes directly and importantly to weather research. I
believe that improved weather research and forecasting will save lives.
Question 7. In a speech on the House floor in 2013, did you state
that President Obama ``spends 30 times as much money on global warming
research as he does on weather forecasting and warning''?
Answer. Yes.
Question 8. Did Congress play any role in authorizing and
appropriating the funds your reference in your 2013 statement on the
floor regarding global warming research?
Answer. Congress authorizes and appropriates the funds spent by
Federal agencies.
Question 9. Did Politifact review the 2013 statement referenced
above?
Answer. Yes.
Question 10. How did Politifact characterize the statement
referenced above?
Answer. Politifact concluded: ``Bridenstine does have a point that
climate change research exceeds weather forecasting expenditures, but
he's overstated the discrepancy. We rate his statement Mostly False.''
Question 11. How much should be spent annually on ``global warming
research''?
Answer. The United States should allocate an amount necessary to
accomplish the objectives of the Earth Science Decadal Survey.
Question 12. How much should be spent annually on ``weather
forecasting and warning''?
Answer. NOAA and the NWS should be allocated the amount needed to
ensure the mission of protecting lives and property of the public is
met.
Question 13. Is there a difference between weather forecasting and
warning and weather forecasting and warning research?
Answer. Yes. There is a difference between research and operations
for weather forecasting and warning. Research involves improving data
collection and modeling, which then aids the operational organizations
that put those data and models into action to provide the timely
weather forecasting and warnings which are crucial not just for the
safety of humans and infrastructure but also to aid commerce.
Question 14. Does NASA have a role to play in climate research?
Answer. Yes. NASA is the premiere agency in the world studying our
climate.
Question 15. Do you agree that climate change could lead to more
tornadoes in your district?
Answer. It could. NASA's research could help us learn more.
According to the Climate Science Special Report released on November 3,
2017, ``[tornadoes] are exhibiting changes that have been linked to
climate change, although the current state of the science does not yet
permit detailed understanding.''
Experience.
Question 16. What is largest number of employees you have ever
overseen and where, and how does it compare numbers-wise to the number
of employees at NASA?
Answer. As a Navy pilot and instructor, I have been responsible for
training, evaluating, and certifying large force exercises that include
hundreds of Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers. As a Command and
Control pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have been responsible for
hundreds of airplanes in theater, constituting billions of dollars of
airborne hardware, as well as thousands of lives on the ground in
addition to tanks and armored personnel carriers. Prior to that, I was
the Division Officer of my squadron's Airframes Division. I had
approximately 30 aircraft maintenance personnel reporting to me. In the
same squadron, I was the Naval Air Training and Operations Procedures
Standardization (NATOPS) Officer. In this capacity, I was responsible
for the management of training for 25 Naval Aviators and Naval Flight
Officers. I recognize that this experience is different from overseeing
the day to day operations of a large Federal agency. If confirmed as
NASA Administrator, I will be the head of a highly capable leadership
team.
Question 17. What is the largest budget you have ever managed and
how does it compare percentage-wise to the budget at NASA?
Answer. As a Member of Congress, I have been involved in developing
and passing budgets for the United States of America. NASA's budget is
about 0.5 percent of the Federal Budget.
Question 18. What formal training do you have in safety?
Answer. Safety is embedded in the culture and training of United
States Naval Aviation. I have completed the following courses that
focus on safety: U.S. Navy Primary Flight Training; U.S. Navy
Intermediate Flight Training; U.S. Navy Advanced Flight Training; E-2C
Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training; F-18 Fleet Replacement
Squadron (FRS) training; Crew Resource Management Facilitator (CRM)
training; Naval Air Training and Operations Procedures Standardization
(NATOPS) instructor training; Advanced Mission Commander (AMC) Course;
Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course.
Question 19. What formal training do you have in science?
Answer. My undergraduate majors at Rice University include
economics, business, and psychology. While at Rice, I took courses in
chemistry, calculus, physics, and statistics. I also earned an MBA at
Cornell University which included economics and statistics. Naval
Aviation ground school courses I took include aerodynamics, propulsion,
physiology, weather, and navigation.
Question 20. What assurance can you give to families of astronauts
that you are qualified to ensure the safety of their loved one?
Answer. As a Naval Aviator, I have been personally responsible for
making life and death decisions in the most challenging and time
sensitive situations. I have been trained to establish processes that
manage risk, empower people working at all levels to call out unsafe
practices and innovate to keep people safe. If confirmed, I intend to
bring this safety culture to NASA and build on NASA's already
established processes.
Astronauts and their families are treasured by the people of the
United States of America and are heroes to the world. When we lose an
astronaut, the entire world stops. The President of the United States
addresses the Nation. International partners do the same. The gravity
of such an event burdens the entire country unlike anything else and is
destructive to the NASA family and its mission. I will do everything
possible to protect NASA astronauts and other Agency personnel.
Judicial oversight.
Question 21. In March 2013, you stated the following: ``Just
because the Supreme Court rules on something doesn't necessarily mean
that that's constitutional.'' What did you mean by this statement?
Answer. The Supreme Court has often overruled itself throughout our
country's history. We've also amended the Constitution to counter
Supreme Court decisions. A court ruling on constitutionality is not
necessarily permanent. If confirmed, I will always follow the laws
passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Question 22. Do you agree that the Supreme Court decides the
constitutionality of laws?
Answer. Yes.
Associations.
Question 23. Are you familiar with the Family Research Council?
Answer. Yes.
Question 24. Have you ever spoken before the Family Research
Council?
Answer. Yes.
Question 25. Are you familiar with Tony Perkins?
Answer. Yes.
Question 26. What due diligence did you perform into Tony Perkins
and the Family Research Council before appearing publicly before the
organization?
Answer. I am familiar with some of their work. As a Member of
Congress, I have done hundreds of interviews and spoken at many events.
I do not speak only to people who agree with me.
Question 27. Tony Perkins has called gay people ``intolerant,
hateful, vile, spiteful pawns of the Devil''? Do you condemn this
statement?
Answer. I am not aware of nor do I take on responsibility for
everything said by people who interview me. As NASA Administrator, if
confirmed, I will treat all people with dignity and respect and fully
uphold the law. Standards will be uniform and opportunities will be
equal.
Question 28. Tony Perkins has equated homosexuality with
pedophilia. Do you condemn that point of view?
Answer. I do not believe the two can be equated. I am not aware of
nor do I take on responsibility for everything said by people who
interview me.
Question 29. The Family Research Council claims homosexuality is a
choice. Do you condemn that point of view?
Answer. I am not aware of nor do I take on responsibility for
everything said by people who interview me. As NASA Administrator, if
confirmed, I will treat all people with dignity and respect and fully
uphold the law. Standards will be uniform and opportunities will be
equal.
Question 30. Is the Southern Poverty Law Center wrong in calling
the Family Research Council a hate group?
Answer. I don't believe derogatory labeling contributes positively
to political discourse. Should I be confirmed as NASA Administrator, I
intend to promote and maintain a nonpartisan, inclusive work
environment.
Question 31. If you're confirmed, what message would that send to
members of the scientific community--who happen to be members of the
LGBTQ community--who want to start careers at NASA?
Answer. As NASA Administrator, should I be confirmed, I intend to
promote and maintain an inclusive work environment. I commit to follow
the law, to encourage and empower employee effectiveness, and to
maintain NASA's reputation of being the best place to work within the
Federal Government.
Question 32. Should it be legal for employees of NASA to be fired
for no other reason than their sexual orientation?
Answer. No.
Question 33. Are you familiar with Frank Gaffney?
Answer. Yes.
Question 34. Have you ever appeared on a radio show hosted by Frank
Gaffney?
Answer. Yes.
Question 35. Are you aware that the Anti-Defamation League
considers Frank Gaffney's group, the Center for Security Policy, an
extremist group?
Answer. No.
Question 36. What due diligence on the Center for Security Policy
did you undertake before working with the group?
Answer. I did not undertake formal due diligence. As a Member of
Congress, I have done hundreds of interviews and spoken at many events.
I do not speak only to people who agree with me. I do not take on
responsibility for everything said by people who interview me.
Question 37. Are you aware that the Southern Poverty Law Center
considers the Center for Security Policy a hate group?
Answer. No.
Transparency.
Question 38. Have you or your staff deleted any links to floor
speeches from your House website since you were nominated?
Answer. No.
Question 39. Have you or your staff deleted any of your press
releases from your House website since you were nominated?
Answer. No.
Question 40. Have you or your staff deleted any links to any videos
from your House website since you were nominated?
Answer. No.
Question 41. Have you or your staff deleted any tweets from any of
your personal or professional Twitter accounts since you were
nominated?
Answer. No.
Question 42. For questions 38 through 41, please provide all
content that you deleted.
Answer. Not applicable.
2014 Town Hall.
Question 43. As I mentioned during your hearing, at a town hall you
hosted in 2014, a member of the audience loudly exclaimed in a question
that President Obama should be ``executed as an enemy combatant.'' You
stated at the hearing you would have handled the situation differently
and would have interrupted the constituent. If you had interrupted her,
what would you have said?
Answer. I would have said: ``Your statement is wholly
inappropriate. No one should threaten violence against the President of
the United States.''
NASA priorities.
Question 44. Employers in my state are working with NASA to develop
the next-generation space suit that could serve astronauts for decades
to come. The current design will be obsolete by 2024. There is no
program in place yet for replacement. How will you prioritize this
effort?
Answer. NASA's Enhanced Mobility Units (EMU) are aging and limited,
and have long outlasted their original design life. While there are
options to refurbish existing EMUs, there is certainly a need for a
robust plan to develop the next generation of space suits--for EVA,
launch, landing, and also for surface exploration of celestial bodies.
As we develop a roadmap for Deep Space exploration, it is essential
that our spacesuit development plans line up with exploration
schedules. If confirmed as Administrator, I will work to see that NASA
develops a sustainable long-term plan for spacesuit development.
Question 45. Employers in my state are dependent on work with NASA
on aeronautics, the science behind making aircraft fly more
efficiently. Have you ever proposed legislation that would eliminate
NASA's involvement in aeronautics?
Answer. No. As a pilot, I am looking forward to leading NASA
through its next generation of X-Planes if confirmed as Administrator.
Question 46. What role should NASA play in aeronautics?
Answer. Aeronautics has always been, and must remain, a key piece
of NASA's portfolio. NASA's fundamental aeronautics research has led to
technologies which have made commercial aviation significantly safer,
quieter, cleaner, and more fuel efficient. Aviation is a rapidly
growing, multi-trillion dollar per year global industry. NASA
innovation in aeronautics will help fuel the American economy. If
confirmed as Administrator, I look forward to helping lead NASA through
its next era of X-planes, beginning with a low-boom supersonic
demonstrator and the X-57 Maxwell.
Question 47. At what level should Congress annually fund
aeronautics efforts at NASA?
Answer. It is crucial for NASA's mission that its Aeronautics
Mission Directorate receive adequate funding to achieve the goals set
out for it by Congress. If confirmed as NASA Administrator, I pledge to
work with Congress on finding the right level of funding for each
directorate. Working with Congress, I would support additional funding
for aeronautics.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Hon. James Bridenstine
INSPIRE Women Act. I worked with Senator Heller on the Inspiring
the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers
(INSPIRE) Women Act to authorize the NASA Administrator to encourage
women to study in STEM fields and the Promoting Women in
Entrepreneurship Act to support women researchers looking to take their
ideas into the commercial world. Both bills were signed into law by the
President in February.
Question 1. Representative Bridenstine, how would you plan to
increase the recruitment and retention of women and minorities at NASA?
Answer. NASA's most valuable resource is its personnel. In order
for the agency to meet its goals as effectively as possible, it must
tap into the smartest, most creative, and hardest working Americans.
This simply is not possible if NASA is struggling to recruit and retain
women and minorities. If confirmed as Administrator, I will work to
find new and creative ways to attract women and minority talent, and I
will do everything in my power to make all NASA employees feel welcome
and valued. If there are legislative pathways to achieve these goals,
such as the INSPIRE Act, then I will look forward to working with
Congress on this very important issue.
STEM. As a co-chair of the Senate Diversifying Tech Caucus (with
Senators Capito and Scott) and Women's High-Tech Coalition (with
Senator Fischer), I have been working to increase traditionally
underrepresented minorities in STEM careers. Women make up nearly half
the national workforce, but less than 25 percent of STEM workers.
NASA's Office of Education is doing important work to inspire students
to pursue STEM careers.
Question 2. Representative Bridenstine, are you committed to
supporting NASA's Office of Education?
Answer. As the former Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space
Museum, I have seen firsthand the exceptionally unique capability NASA
has to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and
engineers. As such, I am committed to supporting NASA's Office of
Education if confirmed as Administrator.
Every single division and directorate of NASA must work together
with the Office of Education to increase women in STEM as well as
increase the representation of women within NASA's workforce. If
confirmed as Administrator, I will support NASA's Office of Education.
Question 3. What role do you believe the office can play in
increasing the amount of students going into STEM fields?
Answer. The most valuable way that NASA can increase the number of
students in STEM is to have a vibrant and inspiring set of NASA
missions. The Apollo missions to the Moon inspired millions of
Americans to enter STEM fields, and most of them ended up working for
employers other than NASA. In addition to the programs themselves, if
confirmed as NASA Administrator, I will look to increase outreach to
Americans, and young Americans in particular.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. Many commercial companies are preparing to offer
spaceflight services not only for tourism, but also for science and
technology development. As we discussed in our meeting, New Mexico's
Spaceport America is one of the best places for this kind of activity.
How do you see these platforms--many of which have already manifested
payloads--fitting into NASA's overall mission? And could these vehicles
be a viable opportunity to expand the agency's science and human
spaceflight opportunities?
Answer. A vibrant and growing commercial space industry will help
NASA maximize its own resources. Commercial spaceports have the
potential to be major commercial hubs of the future. Commercial space
vehicles can provide flight opportunities for astronauts in the future
and also fly scientific payloads for NASA. If confirmed as NASA
Administrator, I will look forward to working with commercial space
businesses which can help NASA achieve its objectives, including those
businesses which launch from commercial spaceports.
Question 2. During our discussion in Committee, I stated the
following ``97 percent of the scientists with articles in peer-reviewed
journals have concluded that climate change is real, is caused by human
activity, and is already causing devastating problems in our country
and around the world.'' The data I cited is from NASA's own website,
found here--https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/. A copy of
the landing page is attached as well. As you can tell, the information
on this site is a robust discussion about the amount of consensus
around climate change. Will you commit to keeping this section of the
website up-to-date and reflective of the scientific discussion?
Answer. Yes.
Question 3. Congressman, in the summary of your American Space
Renaissance Act, you state that, ``NASA must not be a jack-of-all-
trades, but committed to a space pioneering doctrine with a purpose to
retire risk and commercialize programs. Landing humans on Mars in not
possible with NASA's current priorities, strategies, and missions.''
What exactly do you mean by this statement? Were you suggesting that
landing humans on Mars should be the priority--even at the expense of
National Academy-endorsed science missions and next generation
hypersonic research? What of NASA's current programs are you proposing
to ``commercialize'' in order to refocus NASA on Mars?
Answer. The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 identified
space science, space technology, aeronautics, human spaceflight and
exploration, and education as NASA's core missions. I enthusiastically
supported this legislation and fully support the core missions of NASA
that it identified.
The intention of the civil space title of the American Space
Renaissance Act was to propose ideas to ensure continuity in NASA's
priorities and funding when administrations change, particularly when
it comes to human spaceflight. I drew the inspiration, and in some
cases direct language, from the Space Foundation's Pioneering Report.
This report calls for NASA to arrive first at locations in space,
lowering barriers to access and leaving behind infrastructure that can
be utilized by other actors. This was what was meant by
``commercialize.'' This is similar to how NASA's use of low Earth orbit
has facilitated the growth of markets.
In the bill, I was seeking to primarily focus on the human
spaceflight facet of NASA. That said, I did have several references to
some of NASA's critical science missions in the bill. I did not intend
to suggest that landing humans on Mars should be the priority at the
expense of National Academy-endorsed science missions and next
generation hypersonic research.
After introducing the bill, I received feedback and constructive
criticism. Before being nominated for this position, I had planned to
introduce an updated version of the legislation addressing concerns
similar to yours.
Further, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 addressed
constancy of purpose for human spaceflight in an appropriate manner. I
enthusiastically supported this legislation.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. NASA scientists were among the first to raise awareness
of global warming as a result of greenhouse gases and NASA Earth
Science programs have played a major role in bettering our
understanding of the climate and climate change. Alarmingly, you
deleted ALL references to science from NASA's founding objectives in
your 2016 American Space Renaissance Act. You are now publicly
expressing support for NASA's science mission, but this flip-flop has
me concerned. How will you handle pressure and criticism from your
former colleagues in the House, and particularly in the Freedom Caucus,
as well as pressure from the President, who don't share your current
view of how important NASA's scientific research is, especially the
agency's study of the Earth?
Answer. In authoring and introducing the American Space Renaissance
Act, I was seeking to primarily focus on the human spaceflight facet of
NASA. That said, I did have several references to some of NASA's
critical science missions in the bill. I have crafted and voted for
other legislation, including the NASA Transition Authorization Act of
2017, which included NASA's science mission. I have been supportive of
NASA's science mission during my time in Congress.
As a Member of Congress, I have stood up to members of my own party
on many occasions, including members of the Freedom Caucus. Should I be
confirmed, I will have no issue passionately advocating for NASA's
mission with policymakers who might disagree with the mission.
Question 2. As I'm certain you are aware, the NASA Reauthorization
of 2017 passed with strong bi-partisan support. While there were
certain similar provisions in the NASA Reauthorization and your
American Space Renaissance Act, there were also glaring differences
between the two bills. Of concern for me, is a provision included in
your bill that was left out of the NASA Reauthorization that directs
NASA to streamline its programs and efforts so it is focused on one
thing--getting to Mars. Your bill's website says ``NASA must not be a
jack-of-all-trades, but committed to a space pioneering doctrine'' and
says that ``landing humans on Mars is not possible with NASA's current
priorities, strategies, and missions.'' The role of the NASA
Administrator is to advocate for all of NASA's missions and directives,
and indeed many of your statements since your nomination seem to do so.
Can you tell the Committee what caused you to change your opinion? If
confirmed as NASA Administrator, will you follow the NASA
Reauthorization Act of 2017 and advocate with equal voice for all NASA
missions, or will you pursue reorganization, refocusing, and
elimination of, as you call them, extraneous activities?
Answer. The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 identified
space science, space technology, aeronautics, human spaceflight and
exploration, and education as NASA's core missions. I enthusiastically
supported this legislation and fully support the core missions of NASA
that it identified. Should I be confirmed, I will advocate for them.
The intention of the civil space title of the American Space
Renaissance Act was to propose ideas to ensure continuity in NASA's
priorities and funding when administrations change, particularly when
it comes to human spaceflight. I drew the inspiration, and in some
cases direct language, from the Space Foundation's Pioneering Report.
In the bill, I was seeking to primarily focus on the human
spaceflight facet of NASA. That said, I did have several references to
some of NASA's critical science missions in the bill. I did not intend
to suggest that landing humans on Mars should be the priority at the
expense of National Academy-endorsed science missions.
After introducing the bill, I received feedback and constructive
criticism. Before being nominated for this position, I had planned to
introduce an updated version of the legislation addressing concerns
similar to yours.
Further, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 addressed
constancy of purpose for human spaceflight in an appropriate manner. I
enthusiastically supported this legislation.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Cory Booker to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. What is the most important thing that we, in Congress,
should do right now to start tackling the issue of space debris?
Outside of Congressional action, what should our Federal agencies be
prioritizing?
Answer. I would recommend Congress work with the National Space
Council, which can bring together FAA, FCC, NOAA, Commerce, DoD, State,
NASA and others to create a comprehensive legal framework that can
become the international norm of behavior. The legal and regulatory
frameworks governing spacecraft delivery, on-orbit management, and
disposal need to be examined as we prepare for many large
constellations of Low Earth Orbit satellites. Responsibilities of
agencies that currently have roles (assumed by default) in regulating
space objects should be reconsidered.
Question 2. Do you have any plans to address the issue of space
debris?
Answer. The issue of space debris requires three separate areas of
focus:
1. Mitigation--preventing additional space debris from being created
2. Remediation--removing space debris that already exists
3. Space Situational Awareness and Traffic Management--preventing
space debris from interfering in missions
NASA technology development can support space debris remediation
efforts. There are already hundreds of thousands of objects in space,
many dating from eras when responsible end of life and debris
mitigation practices were not the norm among spacefaring nations. These
continue to pose a danger to activity in space. The cost and difficulty
of removing space debris is significant and will require a government-
wide effort.
While NASA excels at technology development, it is not a regulatory
agency and should not become the ``FAA for Space.'' If confirmed, I
would like to leverage the resources of NASA and work with Congress and
the National Space Council in devising a solution to this problem.
Question 3. Managing the space environment to limit space debris
could mean we have to devise ways to limit or control access to space--
we could eventually run out of room. If this turns out to be the case,
how can we address issues of equitable use of the space environment by
interested parties--both in the U.S., and internationally?
Answer. The goal should be to improve technology and space
situational awareness so that access will not be limited. As a Member
of Congress, I have suggested we need to change how we conduct space
situational awareness. Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense,
through the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), provides space
situational awareness and conjunction analyses to foreign governments
and the commercial sector as a byproduct of its mission to monitor
national security assets in space. Given the unique capabilities of the
JSpOC, this was the right approach in times past.
However, as more nations and commercial operators have entered the
market, providing this data, information, and services to commercial,
civil, and foreign actors is distracting JSpOC from its core national
security mission at a time when threats are proliferating. The JSpOC
needs to use its resources for national security. I have heard time and
time again from DoD leadership that they do not want to be the ``FAA
for Space.''
Instead, a civil agency should provide information and certain
services to commercial, civil, and foreign space actors. I have
proposed that the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation
should be that agency. We should create a conjunction analysis and
warning center with a single integrated space picture that fuses
unclassified data from the DoD, international, and commercial sensors,
as well as data emitted from satellites. This conjunction analysis and
warning center should heavily utilize commercial sensor networks as
well as commercial software and programming, and be subject to the FAA/
AST's oversight.
The United States should lead this effort since it has the
preponderance of assets in space and the technology to implement such a
program. In the long run, the effort should be international with
partners contributing data and financial resources. This paradigm will
engender greater partnerships between various private companies and
various governments.
I believe setting up a regulatory regime is important lest we lose
our ability to access space, but we have to get it right so that it is
not overly burdensome for our industry. If confirmed, I intend to work
closely with the National Space Council, Congress and the wider
stakeholder community in order to reach consensus.
Question 4. You have stated that the Federal Government should have
no role in education. Do you agree with the President's FY18 budget
request, which would defund NASA education programs like EPSCoR \1\,
space grant, and the Minority University Research and Education
program?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ EPSCoR enhances research competitiveness of targeted
jurisdictions (states, territories, commonwealths) by strengthening
STEM capacity and capability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer. As the former Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space
Museum, I have seen firsthand the exceptionally unique capabilities of
NASA to inspire and educate children. I support funding for NASA
education programs like EPSCoR, Space Grant, and the Minority
University Research and Education Program.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. During your confirmation hearing, I asked whether you
would treat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender
identity as a prohibited personnel practice:
``To begin addressing these concerns, yes or no, if confirmed as
NASA administrator, would you treat discrimination against a NASA
employee on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or
religion as a prohibited personnel practice?''
You responded to my question by stating:
``Discrimination based on that, prohibited, absolutely. It
should be prohibited.''
Please clarify your response on how, if confirmed to be NASA
Administrator, you would treat discrimination against a NASA employee
on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Did you mean
that if confirmed, you would follow existing guidance (``Addressing
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination in Federal
Civilian Employment'') that was jointly issued by the U.S. Office of
Personnel Management, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC), U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the U.S. Merit Systems
Protection Board to provide Federal agencies with guidance on
employment rights, protections and responsibilities under the law?
Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the guidance in ``Addressing
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination in Federal
Civilian Employment'' and in accordance with that guidance will treat
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity as
a prohibited personnel practice.
Question 2. If confirmed as NASA Administrator, would you follow
EEOC's legal interpretation that the prohibition on sex discrimination
included in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides
protections for persons who have been discriminated against based on
sexual orientation and gender identity?
Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the guidance in ``Addressing
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination in Federal
Civilian Employment'' and in accordance with that guidance will treat
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity as
a prohibited personnel practice.
Question 3. If you would not treat discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation or gender identity as a prohibited personnel
practice pursuant to section 2302(b)(1) of title 5 of the United States
Code, please clarify your response that ``It should be prohibited.''
Did you mean that if confirmed as NASA Administrator, you would
publicly support amending section 2302(b)(1) of title 5 of the United
States Code to explicitly clarify that discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited by the first
prohibited personnel practice?
Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the guidance in ``Addressing
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination in Federal
Civilian Employment'' and in accordance with that guidance will treat
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity as
a prohibited personnel practice.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maggie Hassan to
Hon. James Bridenstine
Question 1. To follow up from our hearing questions, you noted you
were not aware of materials being deleted or removed from your online
sources prior to your nomination and confirmation hearing. However, CNN
has reported on this topic and it appears items were deleted from your
campaign website and campaign social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter,
and YouTube), Congressional website blog posts and releases, and
official Facebook posts, SoundCloud tracks, and YouTube videos.
Items deleted include floor speeches opposing President Obama and
denying climate change, radio interviews with conservative media
personalities, and blog posts from your official House website
detailing conservative views. It appears at least 575 items were
deleted. Please describe why these items were removed. Please provide a
list of any deleted materials for the Committee record.
Answer. My Digital Director managed my social media accounts. When
a reporter inquired about the management of my political and official
digital accounts, my Digital Director let him know that my campaign
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube were deleted because our office was
getting questions about my term limits pledge. Because I was no longer
a candidate, he took down the accounts. This was prior to and
unconnected to my eventual nomination.
My Digital Director also informed the reporter that the videos
referenced were publicly available in many places including the
committees I sit on.
Question 2. As discussed in your confirmation hearing, several
items were not disclosed on your questionnaire. This includes three op-
eds, ten donations to political campaigns and organizations, and eleven
organization memberships. Please provide this information to the
Committee along with an explanation of why it was excluded from your
questionnaire initially.
Answer. Some political contributions made by my campaign were
categorized differently at the time of the contribution by my Campaign
Treasurer. They were unintentionally left out of the initial report.
After further review, my Campaign Treasurer identified additional
contributions and these are provided as an attachment.
Some additional memberships were listed under my campaign, Friends
of Jim Bridenstine, Inc., as opposed to me personally. These are
provided as an attachment. The Wagoner County Disabled American
Veterans and National Federation of Independent Businesses were simply
overlooked.
I am not certain which op-eds might be missing. I have provided all
I can locate.
Question 3. Universities are a critical part of NASA's scientific
ecosystem. By working with NASA through competitively selected,
Principal-Investigator driven missions in Explorer, Venture, New
Frontiers, and Discovery programs, universities lead robotic space
exploration efforts, design and build instruments for satellites and
probes, analyze the data that these missions yield, and develop the
scientific workforce that sustains NASA's vitality. Researchers in my
home state at the University of New Hampshire play a central role in
this ecosystem by expanding our knowledge of both solar physics and
Earth systems. With support from NASA's Heliophysics Division, their
investigations have yielded profound insights into the inner workings
of our sun. The knowledge gained helps NASA protect astronauts from
solar radiation, informs the design of more resilient spacecraft, and
will lead to improvements in our energy infrastructure. University of
New Hampshire researchers are also helping to advance Earth Science as
well. By using NASA's Earth-facing remote sensing missions, UNH
researchers have been studying the evolution of the Arctic. These
investigations have implications for commerce, navigation, and national
security.
If confirmed, what do you see as the role of universities under
your leadership in these and other important NASA science missions; and
do you believe there are ways NASA can better leverage the unique
capabilities of these institutions?
Answer. It is crucial to the future of NASA that it has a healthy
supply of universities leading and building science missions. This is
not just because universities have skilled scientists, engineers, and
students who can do great work, but also because these missions help
teach a new generation of students how to design and build spacecraft
and also how to perform science in space. Without university-led
missions, the well of STEM talent could run dry. It is certainly
possible that NASA can leverage universities even more than it already
is. If confirmed as NASA Administrator, I would like to work with you
on this issue.
Question 4. The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 supports
missions for SLS and Orion over the long term. The Act states that the
Administrator ``shall manage human space flight programs, including the
Space Launch System and Orion, to enable humans to explore Mars and
other Destinations.'' The Act also directs the Administrator to develop
a sustainable stream of missions, beginning with the Exploration
Missions for SLS and Orion, in order to extend human exploration from
the Moon to the surface of Mars. The SLS and Orion program are supplied
by over 20 different companies in New Hampshire, which support a
vibrant high-tech manufacturing sector that creates good, high paying
jobs.
Do you support a long term program of Orion, SLS, and associated
efforts for human deep space exploration; and do you support manned
missions to Mars as required by the NASA Transition Authorization Act
of 2017?
Answer. Yes. I supported the NASA Transition Authorization Act of
2017. I support crewed missions to Mars and using the Moon as a proving
ground to get there. I believe that Orion and SLS will be the backbone
of our Deep Space exploration architecture.
Question 5. What is your view of past attempts to cancel authorized
programs that enjoyed bipartisan and bicameral support from Congress,
such as the Constellation Program?
Answer. It is crucial for NASA to have consistent long-term plans
for major programs. Inconsistent program funding and support leads to
budget overruns, schedule slips, and cancellations that are costly and
erode morale. If confirmed as NASA Administrator, I pledge to work with
Congress on a bipartisan plan for NASA's budget which will ensure
continuity and be able to maintain steady bipartisan and bicameral
support well into the future.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Hon. James Bridenstine
Foreign-Sourced Propellant. Rep. Bridenstine, I'd like a written
response from you on the source of our solid rocket propellant. As I'm
sure you're aware, foreign solid rocket propellant may be used to power
NASA's Next-Gen Space Launch System; however, the costs to test and
otherwise qualify the foreign propellant will certainly be costly,
possibly as much as a billion dollars. Meanwhile, domestic producers
that supplied the Space Shuttle are available to support not only the
SLS but also DoD's strategic rockets, but without the costly testing.
Question 1. As Administrator, would you favor moving to domestic
sources of fuel and halt this expensive and unnecessary requalification
for foreign sourced propellant?
Answer. Ammonium perchlorate is a crucial material for NASA's human
exploration plans. Each SLS launch will feature two solid rocket
boosters which use ammonium perchlorate as their oxidizer. Each SLS
launch will use close to two million pounds of ammonium perchlorate.
That said, it would be inappropriate for NASA to directly intervene
between a contractor and a sub-contractor. However, I am committed to
ensuring our Nation has a robust domestic industrial base, and should I
be confirmed I look forward to working with Congress to achieve this
objective.
Potential Conflict of Interest. Rep. Bridenstine, in pre-hearing
questions, you admitted to asking numerous organizations in the space
industry for letters of recommendation or support. Presumably, these
companies will be competing for NASA contracts under your supervision
as administrator.
Question 2. Given this, can you explain how these requests don't
represent an inherent conflict of interest?
Answer. During my time in Congress as a member of two committees
with oversight over our country's space enterprise, I have come to know
and work with a many space policy experts and a great number of
industry, academic, tribal, association, and NGO representatives. Many
expressed support for my nomination and I requested letters from those
supporters.
Question 3. Do you believe you should recuse yourself from
decisions regarding the companies that have lobbied on behalf of your
nomination?
Answer. The letters were provided as a matter of courtesy without
any expectation of future consideration. I will follow the guidance of
NASA's Office of General Counsel and any applicable laws and
regulations.
Friends of Jim Bridenstine, Inc.
DONATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Amount Entity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/13/2012 1,000.00 Mullin for Congress
4/1/2014 5,000.00 Oklahoma GOP
4/3/2014 150.00 Oklahoma GOP
5/12/2014 1,000.00 Loudermilk for Congress
5/12/2014 1,000.00 Mooney for Congress
6/16/2014 2,000.00 Friends of Harvey Sparks
7/22/2014 2,000.00 Steve Daines for Montana
8/13/2014 2,000.00 Steve Russell for Congress
8/15/2014 1,000.00 Oklahoma First Ladies
10/24/2014 500.00 Tulsa 9.12
4/9/2015 250.00 Oklahoma GOP
4/23/2015 1,250.00 Southern Republicans Leadership
Conference
9/29/2015 2,000.00 Ron Desantis
4/14/2016 400.00 Oklahoma Young Republicans
2/24/2017 5,000.00 Oklahoma GOP
6/22/2017 500.00 Oklahoma Young Republicans
========================================================================
25,050.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends of Jim Bridenstine, Inc.
MEMBERSHIPS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entity Term
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Federation of Independent 01/2013 to Present
Businesses
Tulsa Chamber of Commerce 02/2012 to Present
Bixby Chamber of Commerce 12/2011 to Present
Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce 04/2013 to Present
Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce 12/2011 to Present
Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce 12/2011 to Present
Marine Corps League 10/2014 to 10/2016
Brookside Business Association 10/2012 to 10/2013
Glenpool Chamber of Commerce 02/2015 to Present
Wagoner County DAV 10/2014 to Present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
Dana Baiocco
Portable Generator Safety. As you know, carbon monoxide poisoning
from portable generators is a very serious problem. In the wake of
Hurricane Irma, we saw at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries in
Florida due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
For years, I have asked the CPSC to take a tougher stance and adopt
a mandatory safety standard that will either reduce the carbon monoxide
output from generators or turn them off when carbon monoxide
concentrations get too high.
Last November, the CPSC voted 4 to 1 to adopt a proposed rule that
would limit carbon monoxide emissions from generators--and save lives.
Question 1. If confirmed, will you support adoption of this final
rule?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding portable generators.
Given the recent hurricanes and their impact on Florida, I recognize
that you are particularly engaged on this matter. As you know, the CPSC
published a proposed rule to set a safety standard regarding carbon
monoxide (CO) emissions rates for portable generators in an effort to
reduce the risk of injury or death from using a generator in an indoor
or confined space. If confirmed, I will work hard to learn the details
surrounding this proposed rule as well as the related issues and
concerns so that I will be as well informed as possible. I look forward
to working with you, the other CPSC Commissioners, industry
stakeholders, and consumers on this important issue.
Ethics. Ms. Baiocco, you have spent part of your career defending
consumer product companies from lawsuits and investigations. If
confirmed, you will now be representing the American people--and
protecting them from unsafe products.
To do this effectively, I believe you must be free of all ethical
conflicts and the public should know the identity of all current and
former clients that manufacture consumer products.
Question 2. Please provide this committee with a list of all
consumer product manufacturers you have represented, including in an
advisory role or in actions before the CPSC, other state or Federal
agencies, or in any civil or criminal action in any local, state, or
Federal court.
Answer. As a lawyer, I am duty-bound to maintain the confidential
nature of legal advice sought by or provided to any client. The clients
that my firm represented in litigation are a matter of public record
and have been provided in accordance with the disclosure requirements
that govern my nomination. If confirmed, I will effectively and
zealously execute my duties as a Commissioner on behalf of the American
people, and consistent with the statutory duties under the CPSA and
other applicable statutes. Further, and in connection with my
nomination, I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and
the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics Officer to identify potential
conflicts of interest. I have signed an ethics agreement that will
govern the potential conflicts that have already been identified and I
will recuse myself in those instances, in accordance with Federal
ethics laws. If faced with any other potential conflict of interest, I
will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer and follow that advice.
Recusals. Your profile on the Jones Day website notes that you have
represented, among other clients, Mattel in activities related to toy
recalls for high levels of lead paint, Yamaha against product liability
claims involving its Rhino off-road vehicles (ROVs), and Vibram for
claims involving its footwear products.
Question 3. Do you agree to recuse yourself from Commission actions
involving these former clients, including votes on civil penalties,
corrective action plans (CAPs), or rulemakings, during your term on the
Commission? If not, why not?
Answer. I am not aware of what issues are currently before the CPSC
or that may be before the CPSC at any point during my term, if
confirmed. In connection with my nomination, I have consulted with the
Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have signed an
ethics agreement that will govern the potential conflicts that have
already been identified and I will recuse myself in those instances, in
accordance with Federal ethics laws. If faced with any other potential
conflict of interest, I will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's
Designated Agency Ethics Officer and follow that advice.
Recusals. Various media reports have indicated that your husband,
Mr. Andrew Susko, has defended Ikea in a product liability lawsuit
concerning dresser tip-overs. Former Republican Commissioner Ann
Northup agreed to recuse herself from all Commission matters involving
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and ROVs because of her husband's past work
in that industry.
Question 4. If confirmed, do you intend to follow former
Commissioner Northup's lead by recusing yourself from all Commission
matters involving furniture tip-overs during the term of your service
on the Commission? If not, why not?
Answer. I am not familiar with the facts and circumstances
regarding former Commission Northup or her spouse. In connection with
my nomination, however, I have consulted with the Office of Government
Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics Officer to identify
potential conflicts of interest. I have signed an ethics agreement that
will govern the potential conflicts that have already been identified
and I will recuse myself in those instances, in accordance with Federal
ethics laws. The agreement also addresses my spouse. If faced with any
other potential conflict of interest, I will seek the advice and
counsel of the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics Officer and follow that
advice.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Dana Baiocco
Phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften materials such
as plastic and are used in a wide array of consumer products including
toys. Phthalates have well documented associations with significant
adverse health effects. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA) passed in 2008, banned three specific phthalates and required
the CPSC to form an expert panel to evaluate additional phthalates. The
CPSC just finalized a rule, based on the expert panel's recommendation,
to ban children's toys and child care articles that contain
concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of 5 additional phthalates
(diisononyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-pentyl phthalate, di-
n-hexyl phthalate, and dicyclohexyl phthalate.
Question 1. Do you support this phthalate rule? How else would you
address childhood exposure to known toxic chemicals?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding phthalates. I am not
fully aware or privy to the steps taken internally by the CPSC and I
look forward to getting fully up to speed on all issues. If confirmed,
I plan to follow the duties and requirements set forth in the Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and other relevant statutes
applicable to the Commission. I do know that the Commission voted to
issue a final rule prohibiting the use of specified phthalates (a class
of plasticizing chemicals found in virtually all soft plastics) in
children's toys and child care articles. I look forward to learning
more about this rule and the consideration that went into the
Commission's adoption of it. With regard to addressing other exposures,
I will evaluate the issues that come before the CPSC, consistent with
the applicable science, data and applicable rules, regulations and
laws, and work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other
Commissioners to find best practices to protect America's children. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with you, the other CPSC
Commissioners, industry stakeholders, and consumers on this important
issue.
Question 2. At Jones Day, you have been involved in high-profile
cases where you defended major companies against accusations of selling
faulty or dangerous products, wrongful death suits, and fraud. Given
this history, how can the public rest assured that you are fit to serve
at an agency charged with protecting consumers?
Answer. If confirmed, I will effectively and zealously execute my
duties as Commissioner on behalf of the American public, and consistent
with the statutory duties under the CPSA and all other applicable
statutes. I see my role, if confirmed, as one on behalf of the American
people and not on behalf of any particular sector or stakeholder.
Hazardous Substances. As you know, one of the key statues the CPSC
is charged with implementing is the Federal Hazardous Substances Act or
FHSA. Under the FHSA, a ``hazardous substance'' must be labeled with a
warning, but if it is a children's product, or if a warning would not
be effective, a ``hazardous substance'' must be banned. Toxicity is one
of the characteristics that can lead a product to be ``hazardous.''
Under the FHSA, a product is a hazardous substance based on toxicity if
it meets two criteria. 1. It must have the capacity to produce illness
or injury through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through any body
surface. And 2. It ``may cause'' substantial illness as a result of
customary use.
Question 3. Are you committed to regulating consumer products based
on their capacity to produce illness or injury as a result of customary
use?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding the regulation of
hazardous substances in consumer products. I am committed to following
the mandates of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and all relevant
laws, regulations, and rules that govern the issues over which the CPSC
has jurisdiction. The issues that come before the CPSC are often
complicated and require the study and analysis of laws, regulations,
science, and the application of common sense. If I am confirmed, I look
forward to working with you, the other CPSC Commissioners, industry
stakeholders, and consumers on this important issue.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Dana Baiocco
Product Recalls. After Ted McGee, a 22-month old from Apple Valley
was killed by a falling Malm dresser, I worked with the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and IKEA to recall these dangerous
products. A previous repair program had not been effective, and I
called on Ikea to issue a full recall, stop selling the dressers and
offer full refunds for consumers. In June 2016, IKEA stopped selling
the dressers and issued a recall of 29 million chests and dressers
making it the largest furniture safety recall in history. Despite the
recall, a two-year-old California boy was recently killed by a falling
Malm dresser.
Question 1. Ms. Baiocco, As Commissioner, what tools would you like
to see used to assure an effective response to recall announcements--
both from the agency and the recalling company? Do you believe that the
CPSC has been successful at achieving acceptable recall return and
repair rates on children's products?
Answer. Thank you for these questions about recalls. I know that
CPSC experts have been analyzing these issues and I would like to study
their findings regarding how to more effectively use the tools
available to the CPSC and to the recalling company to assure the
highest response to any recall announcement. I will continue to work
with stakeholders to find ways to reach consumers, not just in terms of
notice, but in terms of encouraging those who receive notice to take
steps to participate in the recall. If confirmed, I look forward to
learning more about CPSC's successes and challenges with regard to
return and repair rates. This would include working with the
Commission's enforcement staff to review and evaluate the relevant
recall effectiveness data. This is certainly an area worthy of
attention and, if confirmed, I look forward to studying this issue in
depth.
Pool Safety. After six-year old Abagail Taylor from Edina,
Minnesota was killed by a drain in a public pool, I worked with former
Senators Allen, Pryor and Stevens and former Secretary of State James
Baker on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. In
committee, I added an amendment to make the safety requirements for
public pools retroactive, so new, safer drain covers had to be
installed at all public pools. Not a single child has died from drain
entrapment in a public pool since the bill went into effect.
Question 2. Ms. Baiocco, the CPSC has also played an important role
in the success of pool safety efforts. Are there elements of this
campaign that could be applied to other areas of the CPSC's work?
Answer. This has been a successful campaign and I would like the
opportunity to learn more about it. The successful elements of this
campaign can be and should be examined so that the CPSC can draw upon
the lessons learned here and use them and/or variations on them to
benefit consumers in other safety related circumstances. I will commit
to discussing this issue with the other Commissioners and CPSC staff,
if confirmed. Given your leadership on VGBA, and the issue of pool
safety in general, I would also welcome the opportunity to discuss this
further with you and to hear your thoughts on how best to apply
elements of the pool safety campaign to other areas of the CPSC's work.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Richard Blumenthal to
Dana Baiocco
General.
Question 1. What is your interest in serving as a CPSC
Commissioner?
Answer. The mission of the CPSC is a very important one that
touches every American family. The CPSC has jurisdiction over 15,000+
types of products, and many of the issues that come before the CPSC are
complicated in terms of sciences and the related legal aspects that
govern them. I have been asked by the President of the United States to
use my skills as a lawyer on behalf of the American people. I am
honored to have such an opportunity and accept it with enthusiasm and
commitment. I am committed to work on behalf of the American public and
to use my abilities to promote safety and protection for them.
Question 2. There appears to be some gaps in your resume. Please
provide information regarding any and all employment between when you
graduated from college in 1988 and when you began the four-year evening
program at Duquesne University School of Law (presumably in 1993)?
Please provide information regarding any and all employment while you
were in the part-time evening program at Duquesne University School of
Law.
Answer. My resume shows my legal experiences and employment over
the last 20 years, beginning with my Federal clerkship. From late 1988
through 1993 when I began the four-year evening program at Duquesne
University School of Law in 1993, I worked in sales and promotions for
American Modeling, Inc., in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and also taught
modeling, make-up, and photography courses at its affiliated modeling
school. I worked on a part-time basis for a short while after starting
law school in the same capacity. In approximately 1994, I began working
as an unpaid intern in Federal district court in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. I worked as a Summer Associate at the law firm of Eckert,
Seamans Cherin & Mellott in Pittsburgh during the Summer of 1995. I was
hired as a law clerk to the Honorable Gustave Diamond in the District
Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in 1996 and served in
that role until I accepted a position as an associate with Jones Day in
1998.
Ethics. You have extensive experience working with companies
seeking to escape liability from allegations of product safety
violations. They may believe that you will be an advocate for them on
the Commission, even though your role as a Commissioner will be very
different from your role as an advocate.
Question 3. Please list all of your current or former clients who
have had matters involving the CPSC or in front of the CPSC. In your
Ethics Agreement, you agree that the interests of your spouse are
imputed to you. Accordingly, please list all of your husband's current
or former clients who have had matters involving the CPSC or in front
of the CPSC. Will you commit to recuse yourself from all matters
involving any of your and your husband's former or current clients for
the entire duration of your service as Commissioner? Will you
voluntarily commit to not seek, or accept, any waivers? If you answered
``No'' to the previous question, under what circumstances would you
seek a waiver to participate in matters at the CPSC where you or your
husband have a previous or current interest? How can you assure Members
of Congress and the public that you will uphold the mission of the
agency and not the interests of your previous clients? What will you do
to go above and beyond your ethics agreement as it relates to contacts
with your current employer and former clients to ensure that there is
no conflict or appearance of conflicts well beyond the one year
prohibition?
Answer. As a lawyer, I am duty-bound to maintain the confidential
nature of legal advice sought by or provided to any client. The clients
that my firm represented in litigation are a matter of public record
and have been provided in accordance with the disclosure requirements
that govern my nomination. If confirmed, I will effectively and
zealously execute my duties as Commissioner on behalf of the American
people. Further, and in connection with my nomination, I have consulted
with the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency
Ethics Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have
signed an ethics agreement that will govern the potential conflicts
that have already been identified and I will recuse myself in those
instances, in accordance with Federal ethics laws. The agreement also
addresses my spouse. If faced with any other potential conflict of
interest, I will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated
Agency Ethics Officer and follow that advice.
If confirmed, my job as a Commissioner will not be to represent a
particular sector or stakeholder. Rather, it will be to hear and work
on behalf of the entire American public. I have been asked by the
President of the United States to use my skills as a lawyer on behalf
of the American people. I am honored to have such an opportunity and
accept it with enthusiasm and commitment. I am aware of my obligations
to the American public and intend to carry out those obligations with
integrity and consistent with the high standards that the American
people, and this Committee, expect from their public servants.
Portable Generators. Consumer education and warning labels have not
proven effective at reducing the 70 deaths per year on average from CO
poisoning from portable generators.
Question 4. Shouldn't CPSC require the product to be redesigned?
The technology necessary to reduce CO emissions and save lives is
readily available. Do you agree that the CPSC can require portable
generator manufacturers to lower CO emission rates to prevent death and
serious injuries from CO poisoning? Do you agree there should be a rule
to require all companies incorporate this life saving technologies?
Answer. Thank you for your questions about portable generators. I
am not familiar with the details of the technologies you reference, or
the available or proposed options regarding portable generators, but I
am committed to getting fully up to speed. The CPSC is, of course, an
independent agency created by Congress in 1972 by the Consumer Product
Safety Act. Its authority is governed by this Act, and it is bound by a
complex set of rules and regulations that Congress promulgated and
Courts have interpreted in some instances. The statutory framework
provides direction on how to address issues such as those referenced in
your series of questions relating to portable generators and requires
the CPSC to employ voluntary standards first and, if unsuccessful, then
the Agency can call for mandatory standards. The statute requires that
if voluntary standards can address a hazard and if they are
substantially complied with, the Agency may not proceed with mandatory
rule making. If confirmed, I will protect consumers in accordance with
these directives. I can also commit to being responsive to you and your
office on this or any other issue that you want to discuss and/or on
any ideas or new ways to promote the goals of the CPSC or the statute.
Flame Retardants. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently
voted to grant a Petition requesting the CPSC initiate rulemaking to
ban toxic flame retardants in children's products, upholstered
furniture, electronic casings, and mattresses. Organohalogen flame
retardants have well-documented associations with significant adverse
child health effects. These chemicals are known to leech from those
products, resulting in widespread human exposure.
Question 5. Do you or do you not support the CPSC moving forward to
develop a proposed rule to ban this chemical class in children's
products, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and electronics casings?
Given your work for R.J. Reynolds, if you are confirmed, do you commit
to recusing yourself from matters at the CPSC relating to flame
retardant chemicals in consumer products for the entire duration of
your service as CPSC Commissioner?
Answer. Thank you for your questions regarding flame retardants. I
am not currently in a position to comment on the petition or any plans
regarding the initiation of any rulemaking procedure because I am not
part of the Commission, and I am neither aware of nor privy to the
steps or analyses taken internally by the CPSC. I do, however, look
forward to getting fully up to speed on the issues. If confirmed, I
intend to follow the duties and requirements set forth under the
Consumer Product Safety Act and all other applicable statutes. I am
committed to evaluating these issues, if confirmed, based on the
science, data, and after hearing the relevant information and I will
work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other Commissioners, in
accordance with the governing rules, regulations, and applicable laws
to reach a conclusion.
In private practice, I have never worked on issues relating to
flame retardants. However, in connection with my nomination, I have
consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's
Designated Agency Ethics Officer to identify potential conflicts of
interest. I have signed an ethics agreement that will govern the
potential conflicts that have already been identified and I will recuse
myself in those instances, in accordance with Federal ethics laws. If
faced with any other potential conflict of interest, I will seek the
advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics Officer and
follow that advice.
Window Coverings. In your questionnaire, you state that one of the
top three challenges for the CPSC is: ``Protecting the American public
from unreasonable risks of harm while balancing the American public's
right to have access to a range of affordable product choices and
recreational activities.'' In fact, if CPSC were to institute mandatory
minimum safety standards, simple economies of scale informs us that
this would bring down the cost of safe products for all consumers--
allowing for their more widespread adoption in all homes. Today, safe
products--like cordless window coverings--are often only available at a
premium. For the past two decades and nearly every month, a child has
died from dangerous window covering cords.
Question 6. Don't you agree that establishing mandatory minimum
safety standards for products would help make safe products more
affordable for the American public--and not keep them out of reach for
only those who can afford it?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding cordless window
coverings. You correctly note that I believe in protecting the American
public from unreasonable risks of harm while balancing the American
public's right to have access to a range of affordable product choices
and recreational activities. If confirmed, I intend to follow the
duties and requirements set forth under the Consumer Product Safety Act
and all other applicable statutes. At this time, it would be
inappropriate for me to comment on whether mandatory standards would be
appropriate, as I do not want to prejudge a matter on which I may be
required to vote, if confirmed. I do, however, look forward to working
with you, the other CPSC Commissioners, industry stakeholders, and
consumers on this important issue.
Views on Standards. One of the most effective tools CPSC has is to
issue mandatory safety standards.
Question 7. What is your view of regulation? When are safety
regulations necessary? Where do you draw the line for the need for
mandatory safety standards to protect children?
Answer. Congress set forth a statutory framework that governs when
a mandatory safety standard should be invoked. This statutory framework
provides direction on how to address issues such as those referenced in
your series of questions and requires the CPSC to employ voluntary
standards first and if unsuccessful, then the Agency can call for
mandatory rule making. That is what Congress directs and, if confirmed
to the Commission, I will follow these directives. I also commit to
being responsive to you and your office on this or any other issue that
you want to discuss and/or on any ideas or new ways to promote the
goals of the CPSC or the statute.
Civil Penalties. The Consumer Product Safety Commission can issue
civil penalties against companies that violate section 15(b) of the
Consumer Product Safety Act.
Question 8. In your view, what is the purpose of civil penalties?
If civil penalties represent just a drop in the bucket for companies,
what good are they? Do you believe that it is appropriate for the CPSC
to assess civil penalties up to the permissible cap? Under what
circumstances do you believe the Commission should seek the maximum
penalty? If confirmed, what factors or principles would guide you when
you are voting on civil penalties? Will you recuse yourself from voting
on any civil penalty item where you have previously represented the
company involved?
Answer. Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA) to, among other things, ``provide the CPSC with better
enforcement tools, including the power to impose higher penalties'' as
a deterrent. (See H. Rep. 110-501--Consumer Product Safety
Modernization Act). If confirmed, I will execute my duties as
Commissioner consistent with the framework provided in this statute and
as interpreted by courts. I look forward to learning more about the
Commission's experience in assessing civil penalties, including the
extent to which such penalties have worked as a deterrent. With respect
to recusals, in connection with my nomination, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have signed an
ethics agreement that will govern the potential conflicts that have
already been identified and I will recuse myself in those instances, in
accordance with Federal ethics laws. If faced with any other potential
conflict of interest, I will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's
Designated Agency Ethics Officer and follow that advice.
Crumb Rubber. The CPSC is a part of the multi-agency task force
known as the Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used
on Playing Fields and Playgrounds, which is charged with answering
concerns by the public regarding the safety of crumb rubber used in
synthetic turf fields and playgrounds.
Question 9. If confirmed, would you support CPSC's role in this
task force and seek for CPSC's research on this issue to be fully
funded and allocated sufficient resources (in terms of both funding and
personnel)?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding crumb rubber in
consumer products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission plays an
important role in the safety of our Nation's consumers. This issue,
like so many others that have come before the agency, is complicated
and requires the study and analysis of laws, regulations, and the
science. The issue of crumb rubber is no exception and, if confirmed, I
look forward to working with you, the other CPSC Commissioners,
industry stakeholders, and consumers on this important issue to ensure
it receives the attention it deserves.
Recall Effectiveness.
Question 10. Do you believe that the CPSC has been successful at
achieving acceptable recall return and repair rates on children's
products? What tools would you like to see used to assure a robust
response to recall announcements--both from the agency and the
recalling company?
Answer. Thank you for this important questions regarding recall
effectiveness. I know that CPSC experts have been analyzing these
issues and I would like to study their findings regarding how to use
more effectively the tools available to the CPSC and to the recalling
company to assure the highest response to a recall announcement. I will
continue to work with stakeholders to find ways to reach consumers, not
just in terms of notice, but in terms of encouraging those who receive
notice to take steps to participate in the recall. If confirmed, I look
forward to learning more about CPSC's successes and challenges with
regard to return and repair rates. This would include working with the
Commission's enforcement staff to review and evaluate the relevant
recall effectiveness data. This is certainly an area worthy of
attention and, if confirmed, I look forward to studying this issue in
depth.
Section 6(b). Under Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety
Act, the CPSC is limited in its ability to share product specific
safety information with consumers without express permission from the
company in question. It is often felt that this delays consumer getting
vital information they could use to keep their families safe.
Question 11. What do you think of Section 6(b) and how will you
seek to lessen its negative impact on safety?
Answer. Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), 15
U.S.C. Sec. 2055(b), establishes procedures for and restrictions on the
Commission's public disclosure of information. Section 6(b) prohibits
the Commission from disclosing information about a consumer product
that identifies a manufacturer or private labeler unless the Commission
has taken ``reasonable steps'' to assure: 1) that the information is
accurate; 2) that disclosure of the information is fair in the
circumstances; and 3) that disclosure of the information is reasonably
related to effectuating the purposes of the CPSA and of the other laws
administered by the Commission. Before disclosing such information, the
Commission must provide the manufacturer or private labeler with the
opportunity to comment on the accuracy of the information. The
Commission may not disclose the information for at least 15 days after
sending it to the company for comment. Congress codified these
procedures and restrictions into the statute, in part, because it
recognized that ``the Commission has a responsibility to assure that
the information which it disseminates is truthful and accurate.'' (See
H.R. Rep. No. 1192, 92 Cong., 2nd Sess. 31, 32 (1972)). That is what
Congress directs and, if confirmed, I will protect consumers in
accordance with these directives.
SaferProducts.gov. Saferproducts.gov is a consumer incident
database that CPSC implemented in 2011. It has been a useful tool for
consumers who are researching products and an important mechanism for
consumers and health care professionals to report incidents of harm.
Question 12. What do you see as the role of this database and how
would you make it even more effective?
Answer. This database is a very important tool for consumers and
good place for a consumer to start. To make it most effective, the
agency needs to ensure that it is up to date and contains useful
information that is easily accessible. I look forward to learning more
about the database and how it is managed by the agency in order to
assess its overall effectiveness.
All-Terrain Vehicles. The issue of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety
is currently before the commission. Deaths and injuries have been
rising and the voluntary standard that requires education and warning
labels is failing to prevent the deaths and injuries. The CPSC has also
engaged in a rulemaking to address the stability and safety of ROVs.
Congress passed a rider to prevent the CPSC from moving forward on that
rulemaking. You have previously represented Yamaha in several lawsuits
over its two-person Rhino ATV.
Question 13. Given your previous representation of Yamaha, would
you recuse yourself from consideration for these rulemaking
proceedings? Would you recuse yourself from involvement in recall or
civil penalty discussions involving Yamaha or any other ROV or ATV
manufacturers?
Answer. In connection with my nomination, I have consulted with the
Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have signed an
ethics agreement that will govern the potential conflicts that have
already been identified and I will recuse myself in those instances, in
accordance with Federal ethics laws. If faced with any other potential
conflict of interest, I will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's
Designated Agency Ethics Officer and follow that advice.
Furniture Tip-Over. As you know, Ikea is facing multiple lawsuits
against the company based on dressers that topple over and that have
killed or injured multiple children. Recently, we just learned of an
eighth death related to these defective dressers. The vast majority of
recalled IKEA dressers are still in people's homes, posing potential
risks to consumers. Your husband, Andrew Susko, represents IKEA in
these cases--raising serious conflict of interest concerns.
Question 14. Will you recuse yourself from any CPSC work to address
the tip-over hazard posed by Ikea dressers or unstable dressers in
general?
Answer. In connection with my nomination, I have consulted with the
Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have signed an
ethics agreement that will govern the potential conflicts that have
already been identified and I will recuse myself in those instances, in
accordance with Federal ethics laws. The agreement also addresses my
spouse. If faced with any other potential conflict of interest, I will
seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated Agency Ethics
Officer and follow that advice.
Safe Sleep. While much progress was made on sudden unexplained
infant death, or SUID, in the 1990s, we have seen very little progress
in reducing SUID in a decade or more, and in some high-risk groups the
rates are going in the wrong direction. The CPSC is in a unique
position to help address the public health problem of SUID through its
jurisdiction over infant products and opportunities to communicate with
families, caregivers, and health care providers.
Question 15. What will you do to push CPSC to use its mandatory
rulemaking authority to increase safe sleep among high-risk families,
and to reduce the hazard posed by certain infant sleep products such as
crib bumpers and other untested products?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding the serious issue of
sudden unexplained infant death. In the CPSA, Congress set forth a
statutory framework that governs when a mandatory safety standard
should be invoked. This statutory framework provides direction on when
the Commission may use its mandatory rulemaking authority. Congress
directs the CPSC to employ voluntary standards first and if
unsuccessful, then the Agency can call for mandatory rule making. That
is what Congress directs and, if confirmed, I will follow this
framework. I will commit to being responsive to you and your office on
this issues or any other issue you want to discuss and/or on ideas or
new ways to promote the goals of the CPSC or the statute.
Phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften materials such
as plastic and are used in a wide array of consumer products including
toys. Phthalates have well documented associations with significant
adverse health effects. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA) passed in 2008, banned three specific phthalates and required
the CPSC to form an expert panel to evaluate additional phthalates. The
CPSC just finalized a rule, based on the expert panel's recommendation,
to ban children's toys and child care articles that contain
concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of 5 additional phthalates
(diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-pentyl
phthalate (DPENP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP), and dicyclohexyl
phthalate (DCHP).
Question 16. Do you support this phthalate rule and how else would
you address childhood exposure to known toxic chemicals?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding phthalates. I am not
fully aware of or privy to the steps taken internally by the CPSC and I
look forward to getting fully up to speed on all issues. If confirmed,
I plan to follow the duties and requirements set forth in the Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and all other relevant statutes
applicable to the Commission. I know that the Commission voted to issue
a final rule prohibiting the use of specified phthalates (a class of
plasticizing chemicals found in virtually all soft plastics) in
children's toys and child care articles. I look forward to learning
more about this rule and the considerations that went into the
Commission's adoption of it. With regard to addressing other exposures,
I will evaluate the issues that come before the CPSC, consistent with
the applicable science, data, and applicable rules, regulations, and
laws and work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other
Commissioners to find best practices to protect America's children. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with you, the other CPSC
Commissioners, industry stakeholders, and consumers on this important
issue.
Organohalogen Flame Retardants. On September 20, 2017, the
Commission voted to grant a Petition regarding the use of additive,
non-polymeric organohaogen flame retardants (OFRs) in certain consumer
products that directed staff to convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel
(CHAP) to assess OFRs and issue a report on the possible risk to
consumer health and safety from the use of OFRs.
Question 17. Do you support the Commission's action to convene a
CHAP to study and assess the possible risk of OFRs to consumer health
and safety?
Answer. I am not fully aware of or privy to the steps taken
internally by the CPSC on this issue and I look forward to getting
fully up to speed on all issues, if confirmed. I support the study of
science, data, and viewpoints from as many experts as possible so that
the agency can be as well informed as possible.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
Dana Baiocco
Tobacco Cases. It was the practice at some large law firms that
represented cigarette companies in tobacco litigation to give
associates the choice whether or not to work on those cases.
Question 1. Were you afforded that choice at Jones Day? If no: If
you had been provided that choice would you have still chosen to
represent R.J. Reynolds Tobacco? If yes: Why did you choose to
represent big Tobacco as a defense counsel when you could have declined
to do so? Did you not have any moral or ethical concerns about
representing a cigarette company?
Answer. I have represented all clients and worked on all matters
with equal commitment and zeal and carried out my obligations to the
best of my ability. I will continue to carry out my duties to the best
of my ability on behalf of the American people, if confirmed.
Product Design v. Consumer Misuse. Scientific research has found
that the most effective way to reduce product-related injuries is to
change product design, not to try to change human behavior. In fact,
CPSC laws are not concerned with ``individual responsibility'' or
whether consumers have acted responsibly. Instead the key question
posed to CPSC is whether a ``reasonably foreseeable'' use of a product
has resulted in death or injury. This is a very different mindset than
that of a product defense lawyer.
Question 2. Assuming costs and disruption to consumers is minimal,
will you personally make a commitment to take action against companies
that make dangerous products even where consumer misuse is a
contributing factor?
Answer. If confirmed, my job as a Commissioner will not be to
represent a particular sector or stakeholder. Rather, it will be to
hear from and work on behalf of the entire American public. In
addition, as a Commissioner, I will be required to follow a particular
set of rules promulgated by Congress to set safety standards and I will
follow those rules and statutory directives. If confirmed, I will be
guided by the rule of law, I will promote transparency between the
Commission and stakeholders, and I will encourage an open-door policy
between the Commission and advocacy groups. I am aware of my
obligations to the American public and intend to carry out those
obligations with integrity and consistent with the high standards that
the American people, and this Committee, expect from their public
servants.
IKEA Dressers. An ongoing recall that CPSC is in the midst of
overseeing is the IKEA dresser recall that involved almost 30 million
dressers that posed risks to children due to their instability. Just
recently we found out about an 8th death of a child caused by a tip
over of one of these dressers. Your husband has defended IKEA against
claims that the company is responsible for those deaths.
Question 3. How could the CPSC work to make this recall more
effective to prevent other children from being injured or killed from
these unstable dressers? Will you recuse yourself from any issues
before the Commission related to IKEA given your husband's work for
this company?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about CPSC's
successes and challenges with respect to return and repair rates,
including working with the Commission's enforcement staff to review and
evaluate the relevant recall effectiveness data. This is certainly an
area worthy of attention and, if confirmed, I look forward to studying
this issue in depth. In connection with my nomination, I have consulted
with the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's Designated Agency
Ethics Officer to identify potential conflicts of interest. I have
signed an ethics agreement that will govern these potential conflicts
that have already been identified and I will recuse myself in those
instances, in accordance with Federal ethics laws. The agreement also
addresses my spouse. If faced with any other potential conflict of
interest, I will seek the advice and counsel of the CPSC's Designated
Agency Ethics Officer and follow that advice.
Phthalates. After nearly a decade, the CPSC has finally finalized a
rule on the use of phthalates in certain children's products.
Question 4. What is your perspective on this rule? Would you
support CPSC vigorously defending the rule if it is challenged in
Court? Would you oppose efforts to withdraw or reopen rule or other
efforts to overturn it?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding phthalates. I am not
in a position to comment on any future actions that may come before the
Commission. I have no pre-determined thoughts or perspectives on this
issue and I do not see my role as a Commissioner, if confirmed, as
promoting a particular viewpoint. I do, however, look forward to
getting fully up to speed on the issues, if confirmed. Further, the
Consumer Product Safety Act sets forth a complex set of regulations
that, if confirmed, I will follow. I will evaluate these issues, if
confirmed, based on the science, data, and after hearing the relevant
information, and work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other
Commissioners, in accordance with the governing rules, regulations, and
applicable laws to reach a conclusion.
Government Organization. There have been discussions and
legislative proposals that would eliminate CPSC's independent nature
and instead be put under the authority of OMB.
Question 5. What is your view on this proposed arrangement?
Answer. Thank you for your question. As we discussed during our
meeting prior to my confirmation hearing, I believe that independence
is beneficial. That said, it will be up to Congress to decide how the
Commission is structured and whether or not there will be a change in
how the Commission conducts its business. I will commit to you that I
will review any proposed legislation and work with my fellow
Commissioners, if confirmed, to find a consensus position on any such
proposals, if required.
Flame Retardants. Recently the CPSC issued a new warning on a class
of flame retardants that have been linked to a list of serious health
issues including learning deficits and hyperactivity and has taken
initial steps to ban these flame retardants in certain products. The
CPSC has voted to convene a CHAP (Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel) to
advise on a ban.
Question 6. What are your views on this issue? Do you or do you not
support the CPSC moving forward to develop a proposed rule to ban this
chemical class in children's products, upholstered furniture,
mattresses, and electronics casings? Do you or do you not support the
establishment of a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel? If such a panel is
established, will you follow its recommendations?
Answer. Thank you for your questions regarding flame retardants. I
am not fully aware of or privy to the steps taken internally by the
CPSC and I look forward to getting fully up to speed on the issues, if
confirmed. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets
forth a complex set of regulations that, if confirmed, I will follow.
With regard to CHAP, the Commission voted to convene a CHAP to study
this issue. I support the study of science, data, and viewpoints from
as many experts as possible so that the agency can be as well-informed
as possible.
Portable Generators. Despite the importance and harm caused by
portable generators, the CPSC has yet to finalize a mandatory standard
for these products. I appreciate the work that the Commission has done
to educate consumers and to require warning labels on portable
generators. However, as the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in
Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands has shown people are still
dying from CO poisoning from the use of portable generators that are
critical to providing a sense of normalcy after wide spread
devastation. The CPSC can step in and require a mandatory standard for
a product when the voluntary standard is not sufficient. It is clear
from the average of about 70 deaths and several thousand injuries
annually that the voluntary standard is not sufficient.
Question 7. What are your views on this issue? Why hasn't the CPSC
acted sooner to promulgate a mandatory safety standard for portable
generators? How much of a priority do you think this should be for the
commission? If confirmed as Commissioner, what will you do to ensure
that people who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters aren't
killed by the very product they are using the rebuild their homes and
lives?
Answer. Thank you for your questions regarding portable generators.
I am not familiar with the reasoning used by the current Commissioners
regarding the decisions about portable generators, or the available or
proposed options regarding portable generators, but I am committed to
getting fully up to speed on these important issues. The CPSC's
authority is governed by the Consumer Product Safety Act and it is
bound by a complex set of rules and regulations that Congress
promulgated and the courts interpreted in some instances. The statutory
framework provides direction on how to address issues such as those
referenced in your series of questions relating to portable generators
and requires the CPSC to employ voluntary standards first and, if
unsuccessful, then the Agency can call for mandatory standards. The
statute requires that if voluntary standards can address a hazard and
they are substantially complied with, the Agency may not proceed with
mandatory rule making. That is what Congress directs and I will follow
these directives. I will also commit to being responsive to you and
your office on this or any other issue that you want to discuss and/or
on ideas or new ways to promote the goals of the CPSC or the statute. I
have some ideas regarding educational initiatives that might help those
who are suffering through a hurricane or other natural disaster and I
will discuss with my fellow Commissioners, if confirmed, to determine
their feasibility.
Recalls. One important role of the CPSC is to ensure compliance
with corrective action plans as part of recalls, as well as compliance
with CPSC rules and laws, including reporting requirements.
Question 8. What do you see at CPSC's biggest compliance challenges
and how would you address them? If confirmed as Commissioner, what
tools would you like to see used by both the Commission and the
recalling company to assure a more robust consumer response to recall
announcements?
Answer. I know that the CPSC's experts have been analyzing these
issues and I would like to study the CPSC's staff's findings on how to
use more effectively the tools available to the CPSC and to the
recalling company to assure the highest response to any recall
announcement. I will continue to work with stakeholders to find ways to
reach consumers, not just in terms of notice, but in terms of
encouraging those who receive notice to take steps to participate in
the recall. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about CPSC's
successes and challenges with regard to return and repair rates. This
would including working with the Commission's enforcement staff to
review and evaluate the relevant recall effectiveness data. This is
certainly an area worthy of attention and, if confirmed, I look forward
to studying this issue in depth.
Section 6(b). Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act that
prevents CPSC from sharing product specific safety information with
consumers without express permission from the company in question. Many
have argued that this delays consumers getting vital information they
could use to keep their families safe.
Question 9. What do you think of Section 6(b)? What can you do as
commissioner to lessen its impact on safety?
Answer. Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), 15
U.S.C. Sec. 2055(b), establishes procedures for and restrictions on the
Commission's public disclosure of information. Section 6(b) prohibits
the Commission from disclosing information about a consumer product
that identifies a manufacturer or private labeler unless the Commission
has taken ``reasonable steps'' to assure: (1) that the information is
accurate; (2) that disclosure of the information is fair in the
circumstances; and (3) that disclosure of the information is reasonably
related to effectuating the purposes of the CPSA and of the other laws
administered by the Commission. Before disclosing such information, the
Commission must provide the manufacturer or private labeler with the
opportunity to comment on the accuracy of the information. The
Commission may not disclose the information for at least 15 days after
sending it to the company for comment. Congress codified these
procedures and restrictions into the statute, in part, because it
recognized that ``the Commission has a responsibility to assure that
the information which it disseminates is truthful and accurate.'' (See
H.R. Rep. No. 1192, 92 Cong., 2nd Sess. 31, 32 (1972)). That is what
Congress directs and, if confirmed, I will follow these directives.
SaferProducts.gov. Saferproducts.gov is a consumer incident
database that CPSC implemented in 2011. It has been a useful tool for
consumers who are researching products and an important mechanism for
consumers and health care professionals to report incidents of harm.
Question 10. If confirmed as Commissioner, what steps would you
want to take to make this website even more effective?
Answer. The CPSA directs the Commission to develop a database of
publicly-available information on incidents involving injury or death.
This database is an important tool for consumers and a good place for
consumers to start their research. If confirmed, I commit to following
the requirements set forth in statute, including those relating to the
database. I also look forward to learning more about how the database
is managed by the agency in order to assess its effectiveness and
learning more about the Commission's experience with saferproducts.gov.
Question 11. What do you think is the best way to protect
vulnerable consumers as new products enter the market without
standards--such as some infant sleep products or connected products?
Answer. The CPSC plays an important role in the safety of our
Nation's consumers. A central challenge for the Commission is to remain
vigilant about emerging hazards from new products, including those you
note here. I am aware of the ``Emerging Threats and Hazards'' tool that
the Commission has its disposal and, if confirmed, I will want to see
if there are ways to strengthen or update the existing program. It is
important that the Commission work closely with U.S. retailers in this
regard as they often are the first to identify potential hazards.
China. At least 2/3 of all product recalls are manufactured in
China. The CPSC has signed a memorandum of understanding with China.
Question 12. Do you think that this MOU has been effective? What
role should American manufacturers play in ensuring that their
products, no matter where they are made, meet safety standards?
Answer. I am not privy to the internal agreements that the
Commission has pursued with China. However, as more products
manufactured in China enter our market, we must ensure that they are
meeting U.S. safety standards. If confirmed, I commit to working with
manufacturers to ensure products are meeting the high expectations of
the American consumer. Additionally, I commit to reviewing the MOU to
see how it may be used to put a greater emphasis on safety.
Conflicts of Interest. Your entire professional career has been
spent representing companies seeking to escape liability from
allegations of product safety violations. These same companies may
believe that you will be an advocate for them on the Commission, even
though your role as a Commissioner will be very different from your
role as an advocate. As a Commissioner, your client will be the
American people and their continued safety.
Question 13. What will you do to go above and beyond your ethics
agreement as it relates to contacts with your current employer and
former clients to ensure that there is no conflict or appearance of
conflicts well beyond the one year prohibition you have outlined in
your September 2017 ethics agreement?
Answer. If confirmed, my job as a Commissioner will not be to
represent a particular sector or stakeholder. Rather, it will be to
hear and work on behalf of the entire American public. I have been
asked by the President of the United States to use my skills as a
lawyer to work for the American people. I am honored to have such an
opportunity and accept it with enthusiasm and commitment. If confirmed,
I will effectively and zealously execute my duties as a Commissioner on
behalf of the American people. In addition, as a Commissioner, I will
be required to follow a particular set of rules promulgated by Congress
to set safety standards and I will follow those rules and statutory
directives. If confirmed, I will be guided by the rule of law, I will
promote transparency between the Commission and its stakeholders, and I
will encourage an open-door policy between the Commission and advocacy
groups. I am aware of my obligations to the American public and intend
to carry out those obligations with integrity and consistent with the
high standards that the American people, and this Committee, expect
from their public servants.
Safe Sleep. Much progress was made on sudden unexplained infant
death (SUID) in the 1990s, however that progress has largely stalled
over the last decade and for certain high-risk groups the trend is
increasing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimate that in 2015 there were about 3,700 SUID cases. The FDA has
warned against sleep positioners and baby nests and the American
Academy of Pediatrics and other safe sleep advocates warn against the
use of crib bumper pads. Unbeknownst to many consumers, many of these
products meet no mandatory or voluntary standard. The CPSC is in a
unique position to help address the public health problem of SUID
through its jurisdiction over infant products and opportunities to
communicate with families, caregivers, and health care providers.
Question 14. If confirmed as commissioner, what will you do to use
CPSC authority to increase safe sleep among high-risk families, and to
reduce the hazard posed by certain infant sleep products such as crib
bumpers and other untested products?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding the serious issue of
sudden unexplained infant death. SUID is incredibly tragic and impacts
many families across the United States. If confirmed, I will immerse
myself fully in this issue and will work collaboratively with
stakeholders and my fellow Commissioners, in accordance with the
governing rules, regulations and applicable law, to protect our
Nation's children. I want to explore how to use most effectively
technology, social media, and the Commission's public relations
capabilities to reach families. I look forward to getting fully up to
speed on these issues and understanding the extent of the current
safety standards. If confirmed, I am committed to studying the issues
and concerns expressed by this question and discussing with my fellow
Commissioners their thoughts and plans in this area.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Dana Baiocco
Question 1. Your questionnaire and opening statement state that you
hope to balance protecting the American Public from ``the unreasonable
risks of harms'' while balancing the American public's right to have
access to a range of affordable product choices and recreational
activities. However, are you aware that under the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act, products are hazardous, and therefore must be
regulated, based on the POTENTIAL or CAPACITY to cause harm, not based
on ``unreasonable risks of harm''--as your questionnaire and opening
statement suggest? Are you committed to regulating consumer products
based on their capacity to produce illness or injury if they may cause
substantial illness or injury as a result of customary use? Do you
believe the current CPSC rulemaking process does not give Americans
sufficient access to a ``range of affordable product choices and
recreational activities?
Answer. Thank you for allowing me to clarify this point. My opening
statement was not intended to adopt, expand, or exclude any applicable
legal or statutory language. I am committed to following the Federal
Hazardous Substances Act, and all relevant laws, regulations and rules
that govern the issues over which the CPSC has jurisdiction.
The statutory framework that governs the CPSC provides direction on
how to address issues that come before the agency. As you know, that
framework requires the CPSC to employ voluntary standards first and if
unsuccessful, then the Agency can call for mandatory standards. The
statute requires that if voluntary standards can address a hazard and
they are substantially complied with, the Agency may not proceed with
mandatory rule making. That is what Congress directs and I will follow
those directives. I am also committed to listening to all points of
view and working with you and my fellow Commissioners and staff, if
confirmed, to make sure that the goals of the applicable statutes are
promoted.
Question 2. Organohalogen flame retardants have well-documented
associations with significant adverse child health effects. These
chemicals are known to leach from products, resulting in widespread
human exposure. Given the demonstrated hazard of these chemicals to
children and their prevalence in these product categories, CPSC is
positioned to act on this public health threat through its FHSA
authority. However, I am concerned that you may seek to overturn or
slow down the Commission's recent work on organohalogens. Do you
support the CPSC moving forward to develop a proposed rule to ban this
chemical class in children's products, upholstered furniture,
mattresses, and electronics casings?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding flame retardants. At
this juncture, I am not in a position to comment on the Commission's
plans regarding its rulemaking procedure because I am not part of the
Commission, and I am neither aware of nor privy to the steps or
analyses taken internally by the CPSC. I do, however, look forward to
getting fully up to speed on the issues. If confirmed, I intend to
follow the duties and requirements set forth under the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and all other applicable statutes. I
support the study of science, data, and viewpoints from as many experts
as possible so that the agency can be as well informed as possible. I
will evaluate the issues that come before the CPSC, consistent with the
applicable science, data and applicable rules, regulations and laws,
and work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other Commissioners
to find best practices to protect the American public.
Question 3. I have been working for years to bring attention to the
problem of concussions in youth sports. While we have made progress, I
am still concerned about the prevalence of equipment falsely labeled to
prevent concussions. Will you commit to doing everything within your
authority to clamp down on products that fail to meet the necessary
standards--including establishing mandatory standards?
Answer. Thank you for raising the issue of concussions in youth
sports. Youth concussions are a very serious topic and there needs to
be more awareness on this issue for families who have children who play
sports. I played many sports growing up and I have a daughter who plays
sports. My family and I have had our own experiences with this serious
issue. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the sports
equipment you mention as well as the existing standards. I am
interested in these issues and will commit to being responsive to you
and your office on these matters.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Dana Baiocco
Recalls.
Question 1. Ms. Baiocco, do you believe that the CPSC has been
successful at achieving acceptable recall return and repair rates on
children's products? As Commissioner, what tools would you like to see
used to assure a robust response to recall announcements--both from the
agency and the recalling company?
Answer. Thank you for your questions regarding recalls. I would
like to answer these two questions together because I believe they are
related. First, I know that CPSC experts have been analyzing these
issues and I would like to study their findings regarding how to use
more effectively the tools available to the CPSC and to the recalling
company to assure the highest response to any recall announcement. I
will continue to work with stakeholders to find ways to reach
consumers, not just in terms of notice, but in terms of encouraging
those who receive notice to take steps to participate in the recall.
Second, if confirmed, I look forward to learning more about CPSC's
successes and challenges with regard to return and repair rates. This
would include working with the Commission's enforcement staff to review
and evaluate the relevant recall effectiveness data. This is certainly
an area worthy of attention and, if confirmed, I look forward to
studying this issue in depth.
Question 2. Do you believe it is appropriate to criticize a firm
conducting a recall as uncooperative?
Answer. Positive interaction and cooperation are generally more
effective than criticism for the sake of criticism. It should be the
goal of the Commission to work cooperatively with and to assist
stakeholders to ensure the safety of the American public. A firm that
makes a commitment to the agency should be held to its commitment. I
would be my duty as a Commissioner to use all tools available to ensure
that a recall is as productive and effective for the consumers as
possible.
Toxic Chemical Flame Retardants. Ms. Baiocco, organohalogen flame
retardants have well-documented associations with significant adverse
child health effects. These chemicals are known to leech from those
products, resulting in widespread human exposure. Given the
demonstrated hazard of these chemicals to children and their prevalence
in these product categories, CPSC is well-positioned to act on this
public health threat through its FHSA authority.
Question 3. Do you or do you not support the CPSC moving forward to
develop a proposed rule to ban this chemical class in children's
products, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and electronics casings?
Answer. Thank you for your question. I am not in a position to
comment on the petition or any plans regarding the initiation of any
rulemaking procedure because I am not part of the Commission, and I am
neither aware of nor privy to the steps or analyses taken internally by
the CPSC. I do, however, look forward to getting fully up to speed on
the issues. There is a complex set of statutory regulations that, if
confirmed, I will follow. I will evaluate these issues, if confirmed,
based on the science, data, and after hearing the relevant information,
and work collaboratively with stakeholders and the other Commissioners,
in accordance with the governing rules, regulations and applicable laws
to reach a conclusion.
Phthalates. Ms. Baiocco, phthalates are chemicals used to soften
materials such as plastic and are used in a wide array of consumer
products including toys. Phthalates have well documented associations
with significant adverse health effects. The Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act (CPSIA) passed in 2008, banned three specific
phthalates and required the CPSC to form an expert panel to evaluate
additional phthalates. The CPSC just finalized a rule, based on the
expert panel's recommendation, to ban children's toys and child care
articles that contain concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of 5
additional forms of phthalate.
Question 4. Do you support this phthalate rule and how else would
you address childhood exposure to known toxic chemicals?
Answer. Thank you for your question regarding phthalates. I am not
fully aware or privy to the steps taken internally by the CPSC and I
look forward to getting fully up to speed on all issues. If confirmed,
I plan to follow the duties and requirements set forth in the governing
statute and other relevant statutes applicable to the Commission. I
know that the Commission voted to issue a final rule prohibiting the
use of specified phthalates (a class of plasticizing chemicals found in
virtually all soft plastics) in children's toys and child care
articles. I look forward to learning more about this rule and the
considerations that went into the Commission's adoption of it. With
regard to addressing other exposures, I will evaluate the issues that
come before the CPSC, consistent with the applicable science, data, and
applicable rules, regulations and laws and work collaboratively with
stakeholders and the other Commissioners to find best practices to
protect America's children. If confirmed, I look forward to working
with you, the other CPSC Commissioners, industry stakeholders, and
consumers on this important issue.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Hurricane Hunters. By flying into and above storms, hurricane
hunter aircraft collect critical data for NOAA's forecasts. Although
these aircraft are critical to NOAA's forecasting capabilities, they
are growing old and there is no backup capability. That is why, this
year, I worked with colleagues in the Senate and the House to pass a
law to require a backup for the hurricane hunters. There have been
multiple emergency repairs this season. In September, I learned that
the main cabin door on the Gulfstream started leaking at forty-five
thousand feet, and the aircraft had to make an emergency landing during
reconnaissance for Hurricane Maria. Despite all this, NOAA has still
not come up with the statutorily required backup plan.
Question 1. Will you commit to providing this plan by the end of
the year?
Answer. Coming from the aviation industry, I can assure you how
deeply concerning events like cabin depressurization, or any other
mechanical issue that jeopardizes crew safety, are to me. The Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act requires this, and I do commit
to providing this plan as fast as possible if confirmed--certainly well
in advance of the 2018 hurricane season.
Climate and Weather Satellites (NOAA). When a hurricane like Irma
strikes, we need satellite data to accurately predict the hurricane
track, effects, intensity, and to conduct search and rescue efforts.
However, several of our satellite systems are aging and must be
replaced. In the administration's budget, they propose severely
reducing funding for many of our satellite systems.
Question 2. What will you do as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere to ensure that we maintain a fully operational
weather satellite system for future generations?
Answer. Satellite data is critical to maintaining and improving
forecast skill. When it comes to the satellite programs, if confirmed,
the following would be my plan of action:
(1) I would examine NOAA's planning and budget processes to ensure
every penny NOAA programs for satellites is effectively and
efficiently used. Former NOAA Administrator Dr. Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, Jr., VADM USN (ret.) did this with considerable
success.
(2) Explore public-private partnerships for acquiring satellite data
of equal quality for less cost. A cost-benefit analysis that
involves all three sectors should be performed.
(3) Continue and strengthen partnerships to share satellite data,
such as those with DoD, NASA, and EUMETSAT, and identify new
partners, including commercial satellite data providers, if
possible.
(4) Work with the Commerce Department, Congress, and the Office of
Management and Budget to follow recommendations from the
Government Accountability Office to request sufficient funding
for NOAA satellite systems in future budget submissions.
Polar Follow-on. In 2017, the NESDIS Independent Review Team found
that without accelerating the launches of JPSS-3/4 (the Polar Follow-On
program) there is a high probability of a gap in coverage from our
Polar-orbiting operational environmental satellite constellation.
However, the administration has proposed reducing funds for the Polar
Follow-on program.
Question 3. In light of this, how will you work to ensure we do not
have a gap in coverage?
Answer. It is critical that there not be a gap in coverage in data
from the polar-orbiting satellite constellation, and I intend to manage
this situation closely to minimize the risk of a gap. I understand from
the President's FY18 Budget that NOAA is developing PFO/JPSS-3 and
JPSS-4 instruments and spacecraft buses as copies of JPSS-2. This
allows NOAA to take advantage of JPSS-2 instrument development to
reduce cost and risk. In addition, NOAA has exercised simultaneous
instrument block buys for PFO/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 instruments on the
current contracts for the most efficient acquisition strategy. The PFO/
JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 spacecraft buses can be procured as options on the
JPSS-2 spacecraft contract, thereby reducing risk and cost.
National Weather Service Workforce. In order to save lives and
property, we must have good forecasts so that people can take action to
protect themselves. This is the core function of the National Weather
Service. As of July, however, the National Weather Service had over six
hundred vacant positions, out of a workforce of over four thousand.
Question 4. Will you commit to addressing the employment vacancies
and exempting weather service public safety employees from any hiring
delay or freeze?
Answer. If I am confirmed, I will take into account the recent
National Weather Service Operations Workforce Analysis (OWA) performed
by McKinsey & Co. to recruit, hire, train, and retain a robust and
highly skilled workforce that can most effectively accomplish the NWS
mission to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.
Question 5. What actions will you take to address these vacancies?
Answer. If confirmed, I would first consult with NWS Director Dr.
Louis Uccellini and his staff for their feedback on this important
issue, and would work to develop a plan.
Climate Change and Scientific Integrity. Two weeks ago the EPA
prevented three of its scientists from speaking at a conference about a
report that mentioned climate change's effects on the health of
Narragansett Bay, and the agency has begun to remove climate change
language from its websites. We have also heard concerns from NOAA
employees about feeling censored, especially in regard to climate
change research.
Question 6. What will you do to ensure scientific integrity and
protect NOAA's researchers from being muzzled?
Answer. I believe that federally funded scientific research should
be transparent, defendable, and reproducible, as should all research.
Research that follows scientific standards and uses the classic peer-
review process should be made publicly available. I will support the
Office of Management and Budget's Guidelines for Ensuring and
Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of
Information Disseminated by Federal Agencies (2001), Peer Review
Bulletin (M-05-03), NOAA Administrative Order on Scientific Integrity
(NAO 202-735D), and related information policies
Question 7. What should NOAA's role be in researching and
disseminating climate change data?
Answer. All climate-related data collected and produced by NOAA
should be made public. NOAA should maintain a leading role in producing
and disseminating both the historical observations, as well as the
predictions. In addition to this, NOAA should quantify and disclose the
degree of uncertainty associated with these observations and
predictions.
Question 8. Do you agree that human activity is the main driver of
climate change?
Answer. In the absence of various short-term natural forcings that
can often dominate the surface and lower-tropospheric temperature
measurements (e.g., El Nino, volcanic activity, etc.), humans do have a
significant impact through non-sustainable deforestation, development,
and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Weather Privatization. In your capacity as Chief Atmospheric
Scientist for Panasonic Weather Solutions, you testified twice in front
of the House Science Committee. At these hearings, you advocated for a
larger private sector role in our national weather program.
Question 9. Please list and describe specific services that the
National Weather Service currently provides that you believe would
benefit from a larger private sector role.
Answer. The primary components are observations and modeling. There
are many new weather observing systems being deployed by the private
sector that would add value to the NWS mission. There are also many
advancements in modeling that would add great value. These relate to
both model code, as well as high performance computing and
computational efficiency. Additionally, many of these are not actually
``private sector'', but are currently being developed within the
academic sector (with private sector investment). It would be extremely
beneficial to harness these private-academic innovations.
Question 10. Please list and describe National Weather Service
products that you believe should not be provided by commercial
companies.
Answer. The NWS has an obligation to the taxpayers to provide
essential products and services to protect life and property. It would
be beyond the scope of my position, if confirmed, to determine what
commercial companies should not provide to their customers.
Question 11. If NOAA elects to buy a greater percentage of data
from the private sector to supplement the agency's weather data as you
have advocated for in the past, how do you suggest balancing private
companies' propriety concerns with NOAA's ultimate goal of providing
the American public with the best available information to protect life
and property?
Answer. This will need to be addressed during the contracting/
acquisition process on a case by case basis. Each company may have
different and unique concerns regarding their intellectual property
(IP). To meet NOAA's goal of providing the American public with the
best possible forecast information to protect life and property, NOAA
would need to acquire the most data possible within its budget. If
addressing the IP concerns of commercial data providers results in NOAA
being able to obtain more data for less money, thereby advancing its
mission through improved forecasting, then it would be a win for NOAA,
the taxpayers, and the private sector.
Question 12. How would you ensure that Panasonic Weather Solutions
does not unduly benefit from your position as Assistant Secretary,
especially in the context of an increased private sector role in the
national weather program?
Answer. I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and
Department of Commerce ethics officials to identify conflicts of
interest. I have signed an ethics agreement and conflicts of interest
will be avoided in accordance with my ethics agreement. I understand
that my ethics agreement has been provided to the Committee.
Question 13. In a House Science Committee hearing in July, you
discussed how private companies like Panasonic can move more quickly
than NOAA in improving their models and processes because they do not
have to go through the years of quality and reliability testing that
NOAA requires when implementing major model upgrades. Unlike private
companies, NOAA bares ultimate responsibility and liability for
protecting U.S. citizens' lives and property. How would you balance
streamlining the implementation of major weather model upgrades with
the need for robust quality and reliability testing?
Answer. Under no circumstances should corners be cut when it comes
to robust debugging, parallel monitoring, and reliability and stability
testing. There are many areas that can be improved when it comes to the
research to operations (R2O) process from initial development work on
similar compute architecture to unifying the model suite. These are
upstream of final pre-production testing. Much of this is inherently
part of the new NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS), which is a
shared, portable, high performance software superstructure and
infrastructure underlying a coupled modeling system that supports
predictions of Earth's environment at a range of time scales. The
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act requires an R2O plan to
be defined, and in addition to this, O2R should also be considered.
Several of the suggested efficiency improvements and community model
outreach are outlined in the University Corporation for Atmospheric
Research Community Advisory Committee for NCEP (UCACN) Model Advisory
Committee (UMAC) report.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question. This year the United States is enduring one of its most
costly years for extreme weather--a near-record of 16 billion-dollars
in weather disasters have ravaged the Nation. Reliable, accurate, and
publically available weather modeling and forecasts are critical in
saving lives and protecting our country's infrastructure. I am
concerned that we continue to rely on the European model during extreme
forecasts. Even the nightly news compares the ``U.S. model'' to the
European one. What can we do to bring U.S. weather prediction and
forecasting up to the level it needs to be to protect Americans?
Answer. Over the years, NWS numerical weather prediction (NWP) has
made significant improvements; however, it is true that the U.S. lags
behind the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
model in general forecast skill. At a high level, implementation of a
strategic plan and roadmap to reach the skill goals is already being
rolled out. This hinges on the community-based unified global modeling
system, which can be managed similarly to how the Developmental Testbed
Center (DTC) managed the WRF model code. The point of this is to have a
fully integrated framework for coupled, ensemble-based modeling and
data assimilation.
All NWP begins with observations, which can be divided into
satellite and conventional. There are many existing feeds that power
the global modeling system including ATOVS, AQUA/TERRA, Suomi NPP
(VIIRS), HIMAWARI-8, Megha-Tropiques (SAPHIR), ISSRAPIDSCAT, GCOM-W
(Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2), MODIS, etc., which are
still being refined and optimized. There are also many new feeds that
will be available soon, such as GOES-R atmospheric motion vectors and
radiances, JPSS-1 (ATMS, CrIS, VIIRS), COSMIC2 and commercial GPS-RO
(conventional). In-situ observational data feeds are growing as well,
such as more aircraft data, land surface, as well as radar.
How these observations are assimilated is critical, and this has
largely been where ECMWF has held a lead. ECMWF uses a true 4D-Var
technique versus our present 4DEnVar and previous 3DEnVar and 3D-Var.
The next-generation data assimilation (DA) system, which will be
integrated into the unified modeling package is the Joint Effort for
Data assimilation Integration (JEDI). This is a more efficient way to
manage the code, and the modular structure allow for use across
different models, grids, and can employ different DA solvers.
Of similar importance is the new dynamic core: Finite-Volume Cubed-
Sphere Dynamical Core (FV3), which is highly scalable and flexible, and
can be run as non-hydrostatic (the current GFS is hydrostatic). This
will allow the global modeling system to run at very high spatial
resolutions that are capable of resolving convective activity. It also
has the capability of moving nests, which is very useful for tropical
modeling. In addition to the horizontal resolution, shifting to 128
vertical levels, which ECMWF runs now, will also be a large leap
forward. At these resolutions, it is also critical to have improved
physics, and the new Common Community Physics Package allows for
stochastic, scale-aware convection and PBL, and double-moment cloud
microphysics.
I am barely scratching the surface of these upcoming advancements.
ECMWF is a moving target, and they are constantly upgrading their
modeling system too. Much of what needs to happen is already mapped out
in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. Among
the various components are the need for streamlined R2O, an O2R plan,
community outreach to harness the innovations occurring at universities
and private industry, and a much needed visiting scientist program at
NCEP. ECMWF has had a long-standing visiting scientist program to bring
in outside expertise to help develop different aspects of their
program. Many U.S. scientists have been part of ECMWF's visiting
scientist program including myself, and the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act (section 404) makes this possible for NCEP.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Richard Blumenthal to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Conflicts of Interest.
Question 1. As you know, Panasonic Avionics Corporation sells its
data and model outputs to NOAA. You have been the chief atmospheric
scientist at Panasonic for the past four years. How will you ensure
that your connections to the industry will not influence your
procurement of Panasonic byproducts?
Answer. I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and
Department of Commerce ethics officials to identify conflicts of
interest. I have signed an ethics agreement and conflicts of interest
will be avoided/resolved in accordance with my ethics agreement. I
understand that my ethics agreement has been provided to the Committee.
Question 2. In a 2016 House hearing on private sector weather
forecasting, you testified in support of strengthening relationships
between the private and government sectors in the field. What did you
mean by that?
Answer. There is rapid innovation in private industry in the areas
of observing systems, modeling, analytics, and high performance
computing. Some of these advancements are occurring at many
universities as well, but are funded with private sector investment. If
NOAA can harness these advancements through public-private
partnerships, there is potential to greatly advance NOAA's mission of
protection of life and property, as well as enhancing the national
economy through incentivizing additional private investment and growth
of the entire Weather Enterprise. This concept is also stated in the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
Question 3. Do you believe in privatizing our Federal weather
forecasting programs?
Answer. Public-private partnerships and ``privatization'' are two
very different business models. I have always advocated for public-
private partnerships.
Climate Change.
Question 4. Nighty-seven percent of scientists agree that climate
change is real. If confirmed, you will have to deal with issues
directly related to climate change. Do you believe that our Earth is
warming?
Answer. Yes.
Question 5. Do you believe that human activity is responsible for
climate change?
Answer. Humans do have a significant impact through non-sustainable
deforestation, development, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
There are other forcings that factor in as well, such as El Nino
Southern Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, volcanic activity,
and solar irradiation.
Question 6. Do you commit to ensuring that decisions at NOAA are
executed based upon scientific evidence and not politics?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. What are your views on climate change and climate
research?
Answer. The observational data show steady warming, rising sea
level, reduced ice coverage, and increasing CO2 over time.
Deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to the
increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. While water vapor, which
is the most abundant greenhouse gas, is naturally occurring, the
Clausius-Clapeyron equation shows that CO2-driven warming
can have an indirect role in increasing water vapor. There are also
many natural sources for these gasses, as well as many other natural
terrestrial forcing mechanisms influencing the temperature (e.g.,
volcanic activity, El Nino Southern Oscillation, Pacific Decadal
Oscillation, etc.). In addition to direct forcings, there are also many
positive and negative feedbacks, most of which are nonlinear in nature.
Dozens of papers have been published in peer-reviewed journals over
the last 18 months showing that solar irradiance might have a greater
influence than originally thought. The continuous emergence of new
findings related to our knowledge of climate change show that while we
do have a solid understanding of certain aspects, there are many
aspects that are still not well understood. Thus, climate research in
NOAA must be continued to better understand these processes, and to
isolate anthropogenic influence from natural variability.
To further advance all aspects of the research, a more climate-
specific observing system should be a focus, as NOAA's role is to
produce reliable and accurate environmental observations and
predictions. Additionally, the level of uncertainty associated with the
historical data and predictions of the future should be quantified and
shared, so that policy makers will have the best available information,
and associated confidence in them, on which to base their decisions.
Question 2. What are your views on the roles of NOAA and the
private sector in the weather enterprise? In your opinion, what is the
ideal relationship between them?
Answer. There is rapid innovation in private industry in the areas
of observing systems, modeling, analytics, and high performance
computing. Some of these advancements are occurring at many
universities as well, and many are funded with private sector
investment. If NOAA can harness these advancements through public-
private partnerships, there is potential to greatly advance NOAA's
mission of protection of life and property, as well as to enhance the
national economy through incentivizing additional private investment
and growth of the entire Weather Enterprise. This concept is also
affirmed in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017.
Question 3. What are your views on the free and public availability
of NOAA weather data--in particular any data that NOAA purchases.
Answer. This will need to be addressed during the contracting/
acquisition/licensing process on a case by case basis. Each company may
have different and unique concerns regarding their intellectual
property (IP). If addressing the IP concerns of commercial data
providers results in NOAA being able to obtain more data for less
money, thereby advancing their mission of protecting life and property
through improved forecasting, then it would be a win for NOAA, the
taxpayers, and the private sector. As for free and public
redistribution of commercial data to taxpayers, if we can do that
without driving up the cost to the taxpayers, I am in full support. If
additional costs are involved, then we will need to weigh that expense
against the reduced potential forecast skill improvement. In either
case, ``research only'' licenses agreements that would allow for free
and open access for universities should be encouraged.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Environmental
Observation and Prediction has played a major role in driving the
administration's priorities related to climate science. Will you commit
to maintaining NOAA's current critical role in climate change research?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. In your questionnaire, you outline the top three
challenges you see NOAA facing as improving weather forecasting and
modeling, increasing observational and predictive resource
capabilities, and managing satellite costs. Do you foresee any
challenges for maintaining the robust climate science work done at NOAA
in the current administration?
Answer. All branches of NOAA will face unique challenges; however,
climate research in NOAA must be continued to better understand the
fundamental processes, and to isolate anthropogenic influence from
natural variability. To further advance all aspects of the research, a
more climate-specific observing system should be a focus, as NOAA's
role is to produce reliable and accurate environmental observations and
predictions. Additionally, the level of uncertainty associated with the
historical data and predictions of the future should be quantified and
shared, so that policy makers will have the best available information,
and associated confidence in them, on which to base their decisions.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. Dr. Jacobs, in June of this year you testified before
the House Science Committee that ``the quickest way to advance NOAA's
mission is to harness the capabilities in the private sector and let
the private sector probably drive the pace.'' At that hearing you
testified in your capacity as Chief Atmospheric Scientists for
Panasonic Weather Solutions, a private weather company. If you are
confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction, you will be in a position to increase the
private industry's participation in NOAA's national weather program.
How do you plan to ensure that Panasonic Weather Solutions will not
unduly benefit from the increased influence of the private sector on
NOAA's weather program?
Answer. I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and
Department of Commerce ethics officials to identify conflicts of
interest. I have signed an ethics agreement and conflicts of interest
will be avoided in accordance with my ethics agreement. I understand
that my ethics agreement has been provided to the Committee.
Question 2. Dr. Jacobs, the airline industry collects important
weather data using instruments called TAMDAR systems. These systems can
capture vertical atmospheric profiles, critical to weather forecasts.
Your company, Panasonic Weather Solutions owns the data collected by
the TAMDAR systems, which you then sell to NOAA. From your experience
partnering with NOAA, can you discuss balancing private companies'
concerns with NOAA's ultimate goal of providing the American public
with the best available information to protect life and property?
Answer. This will need to be addressed during the contracting/
acquisition/licensing process on a case by case basis. Each company may
have different and unique concerns regarding their intellectual
property (IP). To meet NOAA's goal of providing the American public
with the best possible forecast information to protect life and
property, NOAA would need to acquire the most data they can within a
given budget. If addressing the IP concerns of commercial data
providers results in NOAA being able to obtain more data for less
money, thereby advancing their mission of protecting life and property
through improved forecasting, then it would be a win for NOAA, the
taxpayers, and the private sector.
Question 3. And, can you list and describe essential National
Weather Service products that should not be provided by commercial
companies?
Answer. The NWS has an obligation to the taxpayers to provide
essential products and services to protect life and property. It would
be beyond the scope of my position, if confirmed, to determine what
commercial companies should not provide to their customers.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. Dr. Jacobs: Your most recent employer, Panasonic, is a
company that generates and sells weather data and forecasts to the
public. In certain respects, it's a private company that competes with
NOAA. Congress has fended off corporate interest in moving certain
roles and responsibilities of NOAA to the private sector--including,
for example, NOAA's issuing of weather warnings. It is my belief that
it is in the American taxpayer's best interest for NOAA to continue to
communicate this information directly to the public.
Many are fearful that your past experience could influence your
decision making at NOAA and that you could advocate for restricting
public access to NOAA weather data and forecasts. What is your response
to these concerns?
Answer. All data, both observations and forecast products, that are
not subject to lawful redistribution restrictions, should be accessible
to the U.S. taxpayers.
Question 2. What are you going to do to mitigate these concerns and
ensure impartiality in your decision making?
Answer. I intend to work closely with both Congress and U.S.
weather enterprise stakeholders.
Question 3. Dr. Jacobs: According to NOAA, for the past four years,
we have experienced the warmest years on record with each year breaking
the proceeding year's record. We are on track for 2017 to be just as
warm. Previous assistant secretaries in this position have played a
major role in driving the administration's priorities related to
climate science. What do you believe is NOAA's role in measuring and
addressing the impacts of climate change?
Answer. Climate research in NOAA must be continued to better
understand the fundamental processes, and to isolate anthropogenic
influence from natural variability. To further advance all aspects of
the research, a more climate-specific observing system should be a
focus, as NOAA's role is to produce reliable and accurate environmental
observations and predictions. Additionally, the level of uncertainty
associated with the historical data and predictions of the future
should be quantified and shared, so that policy makers will have the
best available information, and associated confidence in them, on which
to base their decisions.
Question 4. Dr. Jacobs: The President's Fiscal Year 2018 Budget
Request for NOAA included major cuts to the agency's satellite program,
including NOAA's new generation of polar orbiting satellites. These
satellites provide critical data and information to a number of users
in both the public and private sector. Do you support these cuts? How
will you ensure that this important program will continue providing the
data that many people rely on to reduce the potential loss of human
life and property?
Answer. It is critical that there not be a gap in coverage in data
from the polar-orbiting satellite constellation, and I intend to manage
this situation closely to ensure any risk of a gap is minimized. I
understand from the President's FY18 Budget that NOAA is developing
PFO/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 instruments and spacecraft buses as copies of
JPSS-2. This allows NOAA to take advantage of JPSS-2 instrument
development to reduce cost and risk. In addition, NOAA has exercised
simultaneous instrument block buys for PFO/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4
instruments on the current contracts for the most efficient acquisition
strategy. The PFO/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 spacecraft buses can be procured as
options on the JPSS-2 spacecraft contract, thereby reducing risk and
cost.
Question 5. Dr. Jacobs: The United States weather models have led
the world for decades, but recently, improvements to European weather
models have given them an edge in performance over those produced by
the United States and NOAA. What will you do and how will you work to
improve NOAA's weather models so that we again lead the world in
weather modeling capabilities?
Answer. Over the years, NWS numerical weather prediction (NWP) has
made significant improvements; however, it is true that the U.S. lags
the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model in
general forecast skill. At a high level, implementation of a strategic
plan and roadmap to reach the skill goals is already being rolled out.
This hinges on the community-based unified global modeling system,
which can be managed similarly to how the Developmental Testbed Center
(DTC) managed the WRF model code. The point of this is to have a fully
integrated framework for coupled, ensemble-based modeling and data
assimilation.
All NWP begins with observations, which can be divided into
satellite and conventional. There are many existing feeds that power
the global modeling system including ATOVS, AQUA/TERRA, Suomi NPP
(VIIRS), HIMAWARI-8, Megha-Tropiques (SAPHIR), ISSRAPIDSCAT, GCOM-W
(Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2), MODIS, etc., which are
still being refined and optimized. There are also many new feeds that
will be available soon, such as GOES-R atmospheric motion vectors and
radiances, JPSS-1 (ATMS, CrIS, VIIRS), COSMIC2 and commercial GPS-RO
(conventional). In-situ observational data feeds are growing as well,
such as more aircraft data, land surface, as well as radar.
How these observations are assimilated is critical, and this has
largely been where ECMWF has held a lead. ECMWF uses a true 4D-Var
technique versus our present 4DEnVar and previous 3DEnVar and 3D-Var.
The next-generation data assimilation (DA) system, which will be
integrated into the unified modeling package is the Joint Effort for
Data assimilation Integration (JEDI). This is a more efficient way to
manage the code, and the modular structure allow for use across
different models, grids, and can employ different DA solvers.
Of similar importance is the new dynamic core: Finite-Volume Cubed-
Sphere Dynamical Core (FV3), which is highly scalable and flexible, and
can be run as non-hydrostatic (the current GFS is hydrostatic). This
will allow the global modeling system to run at very high spatial
resolutions that are capable of resolving convective activity. It also
has the capability of moving nests, which is very useful for tropical
modeling. In addition to the horizontal resolution, shifting to 128
vertical levels, which ECMWF runs now, will also be a large leap
forward. At these resolutions, it is also critical to have improved
physics, and the new Common Community Physics Package allows for
stochastic, scale-aware convection and PBL, and double-moment cloud
microphysics.
I am barely scratching the surface of these upcoming advancements.
ECMWF is a moving target, and they are constantly upgrading their
modeling system too. Much of what needs to happen is already mapped out
in the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. Among
the various components are the need for streamlined R2O, an O2R plan,
community outreach to harness the innovations occurring at universities
and private industry, and also a much-needed visiting scientist program
at NCEP. ECMWF has had a long-standing visiting scientist program to
bring in outside expertise to help develop different aspect of their
program. Many U.S. scientists have been part of ECMWF's visiting
scientist program including myself, and the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act (section 404) makes this possible for NCEP.
Question 6. Dr. Jacobs: The National Weather Service employs
thousands of people to process data, run models, and produce weather
forecasts that are critical to keeping Americans prepared and safe. The
staff of the National Weather Service are dedicated to providing
critical information to emergency managers and the public, often
working around the clock during natural disasters like the recent
string of hurricanes. Recent reporting by the Government Accountability
Office shows 11 percent of positions at NOAA are unfilled. According to
media reports, this thread-bare staffing has lowered morale across the
agency. What will you do to increase hiring at NOAA and the National
Weather Service and ensure it is properly staffed?
Answer. If confirmed, I will take into account the recent National
Weather Service Operations Workforce Analysis (OWA) performed by
McKinsey & Co. to recruit, hire, train, and retain a robust and highly
skilled workforce that can most effectively accomplish the NWS mission
to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. I will
also consult with NWS Director Dr. Louis Uccellini and his staff for
their feedback on this important issue and work to develop a plan.
Question 7. How will you improve morale?
Answer. Having a strategic plan and leading by example are two
important tools for improving morale. If confirmed, I will make it a
priority to visit as many facilities as possible to meet and discuss
the issues of concern with the staff. A byproduct of public-private
partnerships will be helping unify the U.S. weather enterprise. NOAA
can tap into these innovations and resources versus competing against
them. Working together, we can regain the position as the global leader
in weather modeling. I have found that a little friendly competition is
always helpful to unite the team and boost morale, and achieving the
skill of the European Centre is not out of reach.
Question 8. Dr. Jacobs: Our ability to observe and forecast weather
continues to improve, but there are still nearly 6,000 people killed
and over 400,000 injured every year in weather-related incidents.
Having improved physical science alone will not be a panacea for
reducing fatalities and injuries when extreme weather strikes. Studies
have shown a need to integrate social and behavioral sciences into
weather-related incident response in order to improve communication
amongst meteorologists, emergency managers and the public. How will you
build capacity throughout NOAA and the National Weather Service to
better integrate social and behavioral sciences into response plans,
improve the communication of scientific information, and increase our
understanding of the social dynamics and needs of vulnerable
subpopulations to help prevent weather-related injuries, fatalities,
and damage?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support further development of the
National Weather Service's Impact-Based Decision Support Services
(IDSS), which is an interpretative service provided to help core
partners, such as emergency personnel and public safety officials, make
decisions when weather, water and climate impacts the lives and
livelihoods of the American people. This is part of the NWS Weather
Ready Nation (WRN), and has well over 4,000 ambassadors (i.e., weather
enterprise partners).
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Cory Booker to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. Do you agree there is a link between climate and
weather?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Do you believe that a warmer climate is causing more
extreme weather events?
Answer. Many peer-reviewed studies have been published simulating
present-day ``extreme'' weather events under pre-industrial revolution
thermodynamic climatological conditions, and the results show weaker,
but not statistically significant differences. However, those same
present-day ``extreme'' events were also simulated under future
projected (yr 2100) warming scenarios using the IPCC Fifth Assessment
Report (AR5) representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5; the most
extreme greenhouse gas scenario), and the resulting storms were notably
stronger.
Question 3. Based on its own research and the research of thousands
of other climate scientists, NOAA states that climate data patterns
reveal that the planet's global surface temperature is rising. Do you
agree with this statement?
Answer. Yes.
Question 4. NOAA further states that this change is linked to, and
I quote, ``the dramatic increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
that has occurred over the past two centuries.'' Do you agree with this
statement?
Answer. The warming is linked to greenhouse gas (GHG)
concentration, yes; however, there are many additional forcings and
nonlinear feedbacks contributing to an extremely complex system.
Question 5. Do you believe that humans are primarily responsible
for this observed recent climate change?
Answer. In the absence of various short-term natural forcings that
can often dominate the surface and lower-tropospheric temperature
measurements (e.g., El Nino, volcanic activity, etc.), humans do have a
significant impact through non-sustainable deforestation, development,
and increased GHG emissions.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maggie Hassan to
Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Question 1. NOAA is a very diverse, science-based agency, with many
professionals aiding the day-to-day operations of the agency and its
goals. Recently, there seems to be an unfortunate pattern of stifling
the concerns of professional staff within agencies of the Trump
Administration. For example, on March 29, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott
Pruitt announced that his agency would decline to ban chlorpyrifos,
despite years of scientific study and deliberation indicating that the
pesticide poses a clear risk to children, farmworkers, and users of
rural drinking water. This was a 180-degree turn from the science-based
conclusion reached just a few months earlier by the EPA Office of
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, which found that chlorpyrifos
have harmful effects on children's brain development. Both EPA
scientists and the American Academy of Pediatrics have urged the EPA to
ban the insecticide.
Can you please explain how you view the professional staff at NOAA,
and do you commit to take seriously the recommendations of individuals
who have dedicated years of work to their specialty?
Answer. Yes. As I said in my opening statement: ``If confirmed, it
would be a tremendous honor to help lead such a distinguished
organization of scientists, engineers, forecasters and uniformed
officers. I can assure the Committee that I will do my absolute best to
ensure this team of 12,000 professionals have the resources and
leadership needed to produce transparent, objective and defendable
science, so that decisions based on this weather and climate
information can be made with confidence.
Question 2. It is well documented that you have continuously
advocated for the private sector to take the lead in atmospheric
modeling and similar processes. Should you be confirmed to this
position, how will you ensure that NOAA utilizes the best available
science without having to rely on outside information from private
industry?
Answer. I have advocated for NOAA to improve its utilization of
data and modeling produced by the private sector; however, it is
essential for NOAA to retain a core expertise in atmospheric modeling.
NOAA should not have to completely depend on outside sources for this
function.
Question 3. NOAA's core mission is ``to understand and predict
changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that
knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage
coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.'' With this mission in
mind, do you believe that human activity is the primary cause for
global climate change? And what is your opinion of how global warming
has affected severe weather?
Answer. In the absence of various short-term natural forcings that
can often dominate the surface and lower-tropospheric temperature
measurements (e.g., El Nino, volcanic activity, etc.), humans do have a
significant impact through non-sustainable deforestation, development,
and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Many peer-reviewed studies have
been published simulating present day ``extreme'' weather events under
pre-industrial revolution thermodynamic climatological conditions, and
the results show weaker, but not statistically significant differences.
However, those same present-day ``extreme'' events were also simulated
under future projected (yr 2100) warming scenarios using the IPCC Fifth
Assessment Report (AR5) representative concentration pathway 8.5
(RCP8.5; the most extreme greenhouse gas scenario), and the resulting
storms were notably stronger.
Question 4. How will you ensure that NOAA's office of Oceanic
Affairs will continue to provide valuable, accurate data when the Trump
Administration has proposed a significant cut of 32 percent to the
office?
Answer. I am not aware of the basis for the cuts in funding to the
Office of Oceanic Affairs. If confirmed, I hope to learn more about
this office and then re-evaluate the situation.
Question 5. This position is responsible for a multitude of issues
beyond meteorology, issues such as oceanography, ports and navigation,
and fisheries. Can you please provide examples of how your previous
industry experience prepared you for the undertaking of such a broad
portfolio?
Answer. My tenure at Panasonic included much more than meteorology.
I oversaw the research and development of many observing systems, from
aviation-based sensing ranging from wide-body commercial airlines to
unmanned aerial vehicles to maritime via a company called ITC Global
that we acquired specializing in satellite-based communications for
industrial operations in extreme environments, including deep-water
energy exploration, remote mining and transoceanic shipping. As part of
this, I am also familiar with satellite operations and deployment, as
well as radio frequency spectrum allocation and space weather hazards.
I was involved with three major corporate acquisitions, structured
multimillion dollar international business relationships with both
industry and international meteorological agencies, and five separate
procurement cycles of multimillion dollar high performance computing
hardware, storage, and data center facilities. I also managed day-to-
day operations, as well as oversaw external research and development
contracts at both the National Center for Atmospheric Research, as well
as several major universities, which have supported many researchers,
scientists, professors, and students over the years. These programs
ranged from code development to observing system cost-benefit analyses
to several observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs). I am deeply
familiar with research to operations (R2O) and production HPC, as our
global modeling program that supports many industry sectors operates
24x7x365. Last year, we had a respectable 99.9947 percent uptime. While
much of the ``wet side'' will fall under RDML Tim Gallaudet, I do have
experience in the fishery area as well. I have spent time working on
both charter fishing vessels, and doing satellite imagery processing of
sea surface temperature data for the commercial tuna fishery. I have
also been involved in the aquaculture of coral (Acropora species), and
even worked on NOAA's own Ron Brown.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Neil Jacobs, Jr.
Nevada specific--Western Regional Climate Center & ``Climate Change''.
Question 1. Inaugurated in 1986, the Western Regional Climate
Center (WRCC) a partnership with the Desert Research Institute in Reno,
Nevada, is one of six regional climate centers in the United States
that delivers high-quality climate data services in conjunction with
NOAA and national climate and weather partners. The WRCC serves as a
focal point for coordination of applied climate activities in the West,
including drought and climate monitoring, and conduct applied research
on the impacts of climate variability and climate extremes in the
western United States. As the western U.S. feels the impacts of greater
extremes in weather and climate and WRCC are tasked to study these
changes, are NOAA and the staff of WRCC under Administration guidelines
or edict discouraging the mention of global climate change when
discussing and conducting climate research?
Answer. I am not aware of any such edict.
Question 2. Would you ever condone any such guidance?
Answer. No.
Question 3. And can I get your commitment to advocate for the
efforts at the WRCC against any ill-conceived budget cuts that could
harm Nevadans, and others in the West?
Answer. I fully support studying the effects of climate change on
western states. It is my highest priority to improve the understanding
of droughts and other forms of severe weather through implementation of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act.
National Weather Service Inquiry.
Question 4. Dr. Jacobs, as you know, the National Weather Service
plays an indispensable role in protecting people from both routine and
severe weather events around the country. Every year, lives are saved
thanks to timely and accurate forecasts provided by skilled
forecasters. As the Weather Service continues to evolve it is critical
that all decisions that may impact its ability to provide reliable
forecasts be transparent, supported by evidence, and not result in a
degradation of current services. Recently, my colleagues in the House
have requested information relating to the NWS Operations and Workforce
Analysis. I have spoken with these colleagues, and as I understand it,
many questions still remain.
Will you commit to a fully transparent process, and completely
fulfill information requests from Congress, so that we can be assured
that any and all proposed decisions stemming from the Operations and
Workforce Analysis are indeed supported by evidence and will not result
in a degradation of current services and unnecessary impacts on the NWS
workforce?
Answer. Yes, I strive for full transparency and complete
information.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Todd Young to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
Question 1. Ms. Nikakhtar, Indiana is home to a significant number
of auto manufacturers and their suppliers. U.S. auto industry has
raised concerns regarding the European Union's effort to promote EU
auto standards abroad at the expense of U.S. auto standards. If
confirmed, I believe you would oversee the Automotive Team at the
International Trade Administration. The Auto Team is charged with
assisting automakers and their vast network of American suppliers to
ensure broad acceptance of domestic standards across the globe as the
European Union pushes their own standards. In recent years, ITA
Automotive Team have been beneficial in ensuring acceptance of U.S.
auto standards in regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and
Asia, where strides toward full acceptance of U.S. (FMVSS) auto
standards have recently been made. Will you pledge to continue these
efforts and ensure broad acceptance of domestic auto standards across
the globe? Do you believe the ITA currently has the resources to
effectively promote these standards globally? If not, I would like to
work with the Administration to ensure they can achieve this mission.
Answer. I am aware of and fully support the ITA Automotive Team's
efforts to advocate globally for the acceptance of vehicles and
automotive parts built to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements. I
am also well aware of the European Union's strategy to aggressively
promote its regulations in bilateral and regional trade agreements and
through its technical assistance programs. Third country adoption of EU
regulatory requirements acts as a barrier to the importation of U.S.-
made automotive products, and movement toward EU-style third party
certification requirements reduce the competitiveness of U.S. products.
Equivalent or greater safety or environmental performance can be
achieved with comparable U.S. regulations and certification measures.
As you reference, the ITA Automotive Team, in close coordination
with the ITA Standards Team, ITA's Standards Attaches in foreign posts,
and interagency partners, has successfully rolled back movement toward
the sole acceptance of EU regulations in various countries, including
Ecuador, Morocco, Israel, and Chile. Additionally, the ITA Teams have
been able to maintain acceptance of U.S. regulations in major markets
such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Colombia. The ITA
Automotive Team is also actively working to preserve or extend market
access in Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Brazil, Argentina,
and Costa Rica.
These efforts involve engaging our trading partners in technical
outreach on the U.S. regulatory system and advocating for acceptance of
U.S. compliant products. This work must be sustained and strengthened.
If confirmed, I will ensure that ITA continues to use every available
tool to combat the EU's influence on third country markets with respect
to its auto standards. I will also evaluate how resources are allocated
to maximize effectiveness of our mission.
I look forward to working collaboratively with your office and with
the ITA staff, interagency partners, and industry stakeholders to
continue to develop and strengthen our international strategy to
maintain acceptance of U.S. compliant vehicles and parts globally.
Question 2. The number of countries that accept motor vehicles
certified to U.S. auto safety standards has been declining in recent
years. This trend is due in part to successful efforts by the EU to
persuade other countries to accept vehicles certified to their
standards. I understand that the U.S. negotiators are making a
concerted effort to ``lock-in'' acceptance of U.S. vehicles in the
NAFTA talks and that the acceptance of U.S.-certified vehicles will be
one of the topics discussed during the KORUS talks. Will you work to
ensure U.S. auto safety standards are adequately addressed in future
free trade agreement negotiations?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that acceptance of U.S.
automotive safety standards is a priority in all ongoing and FTA
discussions. Better leveraging our FTA negotiations can be an effective
tool in combatting the EU's efforts to promote its auto safety
standards (to the detriment of U.S. standards), and to avoid broader
global automotive regulatory fragmentation.
I fully support U.S. negotiators' efforts to secure commitments to
accept automotive products engineered to U.S. safety standards as part
of the NAFTA renegotiations. Although both Mexico and Canada currently
accept U.S. automotive products, achieving this commitment as part of a
renegotiated NAFTA will set a vital precedent and model for future U.S.
FTAs, mirroring the approach used by the EU in all of its recent FTAs.
Doing so will also send an important commercial and political message
of North American solidarity and help facilitate efforts for the NAFTA
countries to jointly pursue recognition of those safety standards in
other markets.
I also recognize that, despite the existence of KORUS, U.S.
automotive exports continue to face significant regulatory hurdles in
South Korea. If confirmed I will closely monitor the ongoing KORUS
discussions and make sure that progress on automotive standards is a
top priority.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
U.S. Automakers. The U.S. and the EU have different approaches to
automobile safety. Not only do the safety standards differ themselves,
but the U.S. largely relies on self-certification, while the EU
requires prior regulatory approval.
Question 1. What will you do to help U.S. automakers overcome the
challenges of having to deal with two different sets of regulations?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the ITA Automotive and
Standards Teams continue to aggressively seek the acceptance of Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) worldwide. This includes
addressing regulations that emerge in individual countries and regions
that act as technical barriers to U.S. auto exports, both through
bilateral consultations and through multilateral forums like the World
Trade Organization's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.
I will also ensure that ITA's teams are in constant contact with
U.S. Government embassies to report early indications of any country
moving toward the acceptance of only EU regulations or other
regulations that are incompatible with FMVSS. I will also work to
include acceptance of U.S. and other globally recognized FMVSS-
compatible safety regulations in all U.S. FTAs, as U.S. negotiators are
currently doing in the context of NAFTA renegotiations and KORUS Joint
Committee discussions. Additionally, I will ensure that we continue to
proactively engage our trading partners in technical outreach on the
U.S. regulatory system to advocate for the acceptance of U.S. compliant
products.
Question 2. Do you believe the Commerce Department has sufficient
resources to do so?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that ITA continues to use every
tool available to combat the EU's influence over regulations in third
country markets. I will also evaluate how resources are allocated to
maximize the effectiveness of ITA's mission.
Question 3. How should the EU and other nations treat American-made
vehicles that are in compliance with Federal motor vehicle safety
standards (FMVSS)?
Answer. Motor vehicles built to FMVSS achieve the highest levels of
safety performance. If a manufacturer builds to FMVSS, it should be
able to sell that product worldwide. If confirmed, I will advocate for
the global acceptance of FMVSS, as doing so will be critical to
eliminating costly and redundant automotive testing and calibration
requirements that have no added safety benefit. By ensuring that
vehicles certified to FMVSS are accepted by our trading partners, we
will be able to ensure that U.S. vehicles are competitive abroad,
promote U.S. exports, strengthen the U.S. automotive industry, and
create new jobs.
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers. Florida fruit and vegetable
growers are being overwhelmed with below-cost fruits and vegetables
from Mexico--including bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and
cucumbers. We need to make this right for them--before they are forced
to close up shop and we to have to depend on Mexico for all of our
fruits and vegetables during the winter.
Question 4. What can you do to assist efforts to get the Commerce
Department to self-initiate a trade case and ensure a fair market for
winter produce?
Answer. A critical component of trade remedy cases is the statutory
component of injury to the domestic industry caused by unfairly traded
imports. If confirmed, I will ensure that Industry & Analysis provides
to ITA's self-initiating unit robust data concerning the impact of
subject imports on U.S. producers' production levels, prices, and
competitive position in the marketplace, accounting for the seasonal
nature of harvesting and selling produce in particular regions in the
United States. These critical data elements will factor into the self-
initiating unit's analysis of whether subject imports have caused
injury to U.S. industries or threatened U.S. industries with material
injury. I will additionally commit to working with the U.S. Government
to address Mexico's exportation of dumped and subsidized produce to the
United States through the ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement
negotiations as well as bilateral negotiations.
Exports to Latin America. Florida acts as a central hub for trade
with Latin America. In fact, Latin America makes up 3 out of the top 5
export markets for Florida. However, the value of goods exported to our
top South American trading partners declined from 2015 to 2016. Given
all the anxiety and rhetoric about trade that has been coming out, how
do you intend to ease tensions with our trade partners in Latin America
and increase opportunities for American exports in that part of the
world?
Question 5. Do you see statements by the President and others in
the Administration as counterproductive to that effort?
Answer. I appreciate the critical role Latin America plays in the
strength of Florida's economy and of the U.S. economy overall. It is
important that we maintain strong trade relations with our trading
partners in the region. President Trump has met with many of his Latin
American counterparts to discuss the expansion of our trading
relationships in ways that benefit both parties.
The United States maintains trade agreements with 11 Latin American
countries and is actively engaged in constructive trade dialogue with
other Latin American trading partners through trade and investment
framework agreements, unilateral preferential programs, bilateral trade
councils, and other initiatives. These activities--and most
particularly the President's priority on renegotiating and modernizing
NAFTA--demonstrate the Administration's commitment to a closer trading
relationship with our Latin American trading partners and to expanding
opportunities in the region for American businesses, farmers, ranchers,
workers and service providers.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with your office and
Florida producers to understand in detail the full range of challenges
concerning Florida's trade with Latin America--including the impact of
recessions in parts of South America, weak commodity prices, and price
suppression caused by unfair trade--and will commit to developing and
implementing trade policies to improve Florida's competitive trading
position.
Imported Consumer Products. One major issue with certain consumer
products imported from China is the failure of manufacturers to stand
behind their products in cases of defect or recall. In the case of
Chinese drywall, for example, Chinese manufacturers (including some
partially or wholly owned by the Chinese government) refused to provide
remedies or compensation to impacted homeowners for products that were
defective and caused substantial property damage and negative health
impacts. In addition, the Chinese government has generally refused to
assist in service of process (under the Hague Convention) for lawsuits
against Chinese manufacturers for defective products.
Question 6. How can the Commerce Department work to ensure that
U.S. consumers are made whole by Chinese and other foreign
manufacturers of defective products?
Answer. I have audited numerous Chinese companies across many
industries and have witnessed firsthand the lack of rigorous
manufacturing protocols that lead to the production of defective
products, many of which are exported to the United States. If
confirmed, I will commit to working tirelessly--through bilateral and
multilateral negotiations and by way of amendments to our trade
agreements--to ensure that all of our trading partners are held
accountable for their failures to expeditiously recall defective
products and for the damages (personal and property) caused by such
defective products. I also welcome the opportunity to work with your
office on these objectives.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
Question 1. The trade dispute between the U.S. and China creates
economic hardship for some high value, high tech American manufacturers
and exporters. The pressure on U.S. manufacturers of polysilicon
including one of my constituents REC Silicon has become acute and
threatens its continued existence if it is not resolved in the near
term. However, this dispute would also boost U.S. exports by several
hundred million dollars immediately and create high paying jobs in an
industry important to both semiconductor & solar industries. As
Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, how do you intend to
seek a comprehensive solution to this challenge so that our great
American manufacturing companies can fairly compete?
Answer. China's ongoing trade distortive practices, including
meritless retaliation policies, have caused significant injury and, in
many cases, irreparable harm to countless American companies. With
respect to polysilicon manufacturers in particular, China's retaliatory
tariffs (in response to the U.S.-China solar trade dispute) has
restricted market access for U.S. polysilicon exporters, which has
resulted in significant declines in U.S. producers' output and
workforce. Further, the prospect of the United States imposing measures
in response to the International Trade Commission's recent safeguards
decision and recommendations on tariff levels on solar cells and panels
could result in retaliation by the Chinese. If confirmed, I will ensure
that bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and China include pressure
on China to terminate its retaliatory practices and eliminate the
dumping and subsidization of exports. I will also work to secure
substantial and meaningful market access for U.S. polysilicon producers
in China and other countries.
Question 2. Industry and Analysis is the home of the International
Trade Administration's digital expertise and has an important role to
play in supporting ITA's Digital Attaches program. This initiative
gives America's digital exporters ``boots on the ground'' in some of
the most important and challenging markets for their products and
services. Specifically, I&A digital trade experts have helped equip
Foreign Commercial Service Officers with the knowledge needed to
advocate for openness to U.S. digital goods and services in a variety
of overseas markets. I&A's policy expertise is therefore crucial to the
success of these efforts. How will you ensure that your team continues
to contribute effectively to the attaches' efforts?
Answer. I share your assessment of the importance of the Digital
Attache Program and its role in ensuring that all U.S. companies have
access to the digital economy and can reach global markets. If
confirmed, I will ensure that the full complement of digital and
industry experts in Washington, D.C., and abroad have the support
needed to enhance their ability to address protectionist policies that
restrict the free flow of digital information and to advise companies
engaged in digital trade on how best to enter new markets. I will also
endeavor to raise the profile of our digital team to ensure that the
business community is aware of and encouraged to use ITA's Digital
Attaches.
Question 3. Ensuring data flows freely across the Atlantic promotes
economic growth for American Small and Medium Size Enterprises and
large companies alike, while giving consumers of digital goods and
services new ways to work, learn, and communicate. $260 billion in
digital services trade moves between the U.S. and the EU annually. In
2015, the European Court of Justice invalidated a core agreement that
governed the transfer of data between the EU and U.S. The successor
agreement, the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework, recently underwent its
first annual review, led by the European Commission and U.S. Department
of Commerce. While this concluded positively, Privacy Shield is under
its own legal threat in Europe and some implementation concerns remain.
Over 2,400 participating organizations, mainly in the U.S., would find
their ability to engage in transatlantic commerce endangered if Privacy
Shield is discontinued. The Industry and Analysis division houses the
Privacy Shield program office.
Can you assure me that you will provide all the resources and
support needed to ensure the Framework's smooth functioning? Will you
also commit to continue engaging as appropriate in the European policy
debates that affect the Privacy Shield's viability?
Answer. Yes. As you noted, by providing robust and enforceable
protections for the transfer of personal data between the U.S. and the
EU, the Privacy Shield Framework plays a critical role in promoting
digital trade across the Atlantic. If confirmed, I will ensure that the
smooth functioning of the Framework remains a top priority of Industry
& Analysis, and will commit to working with U.S. and EU stakeholders to
ensure that the Framework fosters, promotes, and develops international
commerce in a manner that complies with EU data protection requirements
and affords meaningful legal protections to users.
The Department of Commerce plays a key role in driving
international digital trade initiatives, whether it is market access
for U.S. digital products, standards, cybersecurity, emerging
technologies, cross-border data flows, privacy issues, or the impact of
digital trade on many other goods and services. Expanding the U.S.
economy by facilitating digital trade will remain at the top of ITA's
agenda if I am confirmed.
Question 4. The Internet sector now employs nearly 3 million
Americans and makes up 7 percent of U.S. GDP. Industry and Analysis
plays an important role in coordinating the trade advisory committees
that inform U.S. trade policy. I understand there are a number of
pending applicants waiting for Secretary Ross's approval. Given the
internet's widespread economic impact will you help ensure that
interested internet-based companies and associations are able to join
relevant ITACs without undue delay?
Answer. It is important that U.S. Government officials and trade
negotiators fully understand the concerns and interests of a broad
spectrum of U.S. business, including the Internet sector, and other
interests when formulating trade negotiating positions and trade
policy. One of the ways we seek input from the Internet sector is
through the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (``ITACs'') jointly
administered by the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade
Representative. The ITACs serve as an important link between industries
and government. U.S. Government policy makers rely on industry
representatives, including those from the Internet sector, to identify
obstacles and provide advice on how business is hindered by trade
issues. Currently, we do have representation from the Internet sector
serving on two our ITACs--the Information and Communications, Services,
and Electronic Commerce (ITAC 8) and on Intellectual Property Rights
(ITAC 15). I look forward to increasing membership on all of the ITACs
as our advisors are an important part of our trade policy process.
Question 5. Previously, I&A spearheaded several innovative digital
trade-related initiatives. These included the inaugural Innovation and
Investment Dialogue with the EU in March 2016. Such efforts helped
advance U.S. digital priority priorities in new and effective ways. Can
you assure us that you will provide I&A with the instruction, backing,
and resources to continue developing initiatives like the Dialogue?
Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will ensure that initiatives relating
to the advancement of U.S. digital entrepreneurship, competitiveness,
and investment are a top priority of the Department of Commerce. I will
also ensure that Industry & Analysis devotes substantial support and
resources to initiatives that promote innovation in digital trade.
Question 6. The Department of Commerce has an important role to
play in representing economic interests in national security
policymaking. We have witnessed this role in recent years in the
Privacy Shield and encryption contexts. Industry and Analysis' sector
expertise and industry relationships are critical sources of insight
for such discussions. How will you ensure that I&A remains a strong
voice when it comes to addressing these often-contentious issues with
interagency colleagues?
Answer. Inter-agency collaboration is critical to delivering
solutions that advance both the objectives of the U.S. Government and
industry stakeholders. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department
of Commerce--through the advice and expertise of the Department's
industry analysts and ITAC membership--has a leading voice in
developing and implementing policies that promote trade, advance
national security objectives, and protect digital transfers of data. I
will also ensure that such policies receive meaningful input and
support from other U.S. Government agencies including, inter alia, the
Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Intelligence Community, the United
States Treasury, as well as the Privacy Shield Ombudsperson.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
Tourism. The Industry and Analysis unit of the International Trade
Administration is tasked with creating a positive climate for growth in
travel and tourism by reducing institutional barriers to tourism. As
co-chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus with Senator Heller, I have
been working on policies to attract international visitors to the
United States. International tourists spend an average of $4,400 when
they visit and we need to continue to promote the United States as a
welcoming destination to international visitors.
Question 1. Ms. Nikakhtar, what can the Industry and Analysis unit
do to promote international tourism?
Answer. International tourism is critically important to the U.S.
economy. In 2016, total travel and tourism spending supported directly
and indirectly over 7.6 million jobs in 2016 (5.2 percent of total
employment), from $1.54 trillion in spending. International travel
accounted for $244.7 billion in U.S. trade, 33 percent of the overall
value of U.S. trade in services, supporting 1.2 million U.S. jobs, and
resulted in a $84 billion trade surplus. Given its sizeable impact, if
confirmed, I will work to ensure that the Department of Commerce
continues to promote international tourism to the United States while
reducing unnecessary barriers. I also welcome the opportunity to work
with your office to advance these objectives.
Iron Ore. More than 4,000 jobs in Minnesota are associated with the
iron ore and steel industries. Our steelworkers and iron ore miners can
compete with anyone in the world, but when foreign producers dump cheap
steel in our country, it undercuts our domestic industry and puts
American jobs at risk. American workers and businesses deserve a level
playing field and the Department of Commerce is essential to making
that happen.
Question 2. Ms. Nikakhtar, how will you help ensure that American
workers, including Minnesota's iron ore miners and steelworkers, can
compete on a fair playing field with foreign firms?
Answer. I have devoted my entire career to leveling the playing
field for U.S. industries, both within the U.S. Department of Commerce
and in the private sector. Through my extensive experience, I am
acutely aware of the fact that the leveling of any playing field
necessarily involves addressing trade-distorting practices both
domestically and internationally. China's global oversupply of dumped
and subsidized steel is a prime example.
If confirmed, I will advocate relentlessly for fair trade and, in
doing so, will assist the Department of Commerce and the U.S.
Government to:
(1) develop viable long-term U.S. trade policies that deter unfair
trade,
(2) engage in meaningful bilateral and multilateral negotiations
with our trading partners to discourage unfair trade,
(3) utilize all legal and practical trade remedy options to level
the playing field for U.S. industries, and
(4) provide assistance to U.S. industries injured by unfair trade
(including trade adjustment assistance).
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Richard Blumenthal to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
Export-Import Bank. The Export-Import Bank plays a vital role in
supporting our economy. It is critical to Connecticut's manufacturing
sector and helps to maintain our trade relationships with other
countries.
Question. Do you support the Export-Import Bank? What will you do
to ensure the success of the Export-Import Bank?
Answer. International trade is critical to the growth of our
economy, including the growth of small and medium-size enterprises.
Yet, many U.S. enterprises find it difficult to access export financing
through private sector lenders that are unable or unwilling to accept
risks--political or commercial--associated with a particular deal. In
this regard, the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank plays a critical role in
providing financing for transactions that would otherwise not occur.
I support practical, fair, and transparent initiatives that
facilitate the expansion of opportunities abroad for American companies
through export financing. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary of
Industry & Analysis, I will strive to ensure that our companies
continue to have access to reliable financing options. As the Secretary
of Commerce serves as a non-voting member of EXIM Bank's Board of
Directors, and this function has been delegated internally to Industry
& Analysis, my staff and I will give full consideration to Board-level
financing requests and promote continued interagency cooperation.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Nazakhtar Nikakhtar
Question. The Assistant Secretary serves as the primary liaison
between industry and the Department of Commerce. It is important for
businesses in my state of New Mexico to have an opportunity weigh in on
issues--without the expense of traveling to Washington. If confirmed,
how will you make sure you engage with businesses that do not have
representation in Washington, D.C.?
Answer. To be sure, representation in Washington D.C. is at times
lopsided, and U.S. firms' engagement with the Government sometimes
leans towards businesses that have the financial ability to have an
ongoing presence here. Government access for smaller companies needs to
be improved.
If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, I will promote outreach
initiatives to U.S. businesses to ensure that, inter alia, (1) they
have meaningful access to the agency in order to provide input on key
issues that are important to them, (2) they are able to benefit from
the vast trade-related resources and business networks of Industry&
Analysis, and (3) their collective voices are heard by the Department
of Commerce when shaping industry and trade policies. If confirmed, I
will work though my colleagues and partners, including our Commercial
Service representatives in New Mexico, to understand the issues facing
your constituents. We need to ensure all doors are open in order for us
to be successful in our mission to promote and protect U.S. industry in
a very competitive global marketplace.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
Nazakhtar Nikhaktar
Question 1. The U.S. auto industry has raised concerns regarding
the European Union's effort to promote EU auto standards abroad at the
expense of U.S. auto standards. If confirmed, you would oversee the
Automotive Team at the International Trade Administration. The Auto
Team is charged with assisting automakers and their vast network of
American suppliers to counteract the EU efforts on auto standards. In
recent years, ITA's Automotive Team and their colleagues at our
embassies around the world have led efforts to move toward full
acceptance of U.S. (FMVSS) auto standards. Will those efforts continue
under your leadership?
Answer. I am aware of and fully support the ITA Automotive Team's
efforts to advocate globally for the acceptance of vehicles and
automotive parts built to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements. I
am also well aware of the European Union's strategy to aggressively
promote its regulations in bilateral and regional trade agreements and
through its technical assistance programs. Third country adoption of EU
regulatory requirements acts as a barrier to the importation U.S.-made
automotive products, and movement toward EU-style third party
certification requirements reduce the competitiveness of U.S. products.
Equivalent or greater safety or environmental performance can be
achieved with comparable U.S. regulations and certification measures.
The ITA Automotive Team, in close coordination with the ITA
Standards Team, ITA's Standards Attaches in foreign posts, and
interagency partners, has successfully rolled back movement toward the
sole acceptance of EU regulations in various countries, including
Ecuador, Morocco, Israel, and Chile. Additionally, the teams have been
able to maintain acceptance of U.S. regulations in major markets such
as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Colombia. The ITA Automotive
Team is also actively working to preserve or extend market access in
Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Brazil, Argentina, and Costa
Rica.
These efforts involve engaging our trading partners in technical
outreach on the U.S. regulatory system and advocating for acceptance of
U.S. compliant products. This work must be sustained and strengthened.
If confirmed, I will ensure that ITA continues to use every available
tool to combat the EU's influence on third country markets with respect
to its auto standards. I will also evaluate how resources are allocated
to maximize effectiveness of our mission.
I look forward to working collaboratively with your office and with
the ITA staff, interagency partners, and industry stakeholders to
continue to develop and strengthen our international strategy to
maintain acceptance of U.S. compliant vehicles and parts globally.
Question 2. The number of countries that accept motor vehicles
certified to U.S. auto safety standards has been declining in recent
years. This trend is due in large part to the well-organized and
successful efforts by the EU to persuade other countries to accept
vehicles certified to their standards. I understand that the U.S.
negotiators are making a concerted effort to ``lock-in'' acceptance of
U.S. vehicles in the NAFTA talks and that the acceptance of U.S.-
certified vehicles will be one of the topics discussed during the KORUS
(Korean free trade agreement) talks. Will you pledge to support
including these provisions in all future U.S. FTAs?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that acceptance of U.S.
automotive safety standards is a priority in all ongoing and future FTA
discussions. Better leveraging our FTA negotiations can be an effective
tool to countering the EU's efforts to promote its auto safety
standards (to the detriment of U.S. standards), and to avoid broader
global automotive regulatory fragmentation.
I fully support U.S. negotiators' efforts to secure commitments to
accept automotive products engineered to U.S. safety standards as part
of the NAFTA renegotiations. Although both Mexico and Canada currently
accept U.S. automotive products, achieving this commitment as part of a
renegotiated NAFTA will set a vital precedent and model for future U.S.
FTAs, mirroring the approach used by the EU in all of its recent FTAs.
Doing so will also send an important commercial and political message
of North American solidarity and help facilitate efforts for the NAFTA
countries to jointly pursue recognition of those safety standards in
other markets.
I also recognize that, despite the existence of KORUS, U.S.
automotive exports continue to face significant regulatory hurdles in
South Korea. If confirmed I will closely monitor the ongoing KORUS
discussions and make sure that progress on automotive standards is a
top priority.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Nazakhtar Nikaktar
Tourism and Trade Work.
Question 1. Would you agree that trade and international
cooperation have a direct impact on tourism? What specifically will you
do on a regular basis in this role to help expand the interests of
bringing international visitors to one of America's best destinations
for both indoor and outdoor activities, namely Nevada--where we saw
over eight million international visitors in Las Vegas alone in 2016,
accounting for $11 billion in spending?
Answer. Yes, trade and international cooperation have a direct and
important impact on tourism in the United States, and indeed our
economic ties and alliances with the global community are strengthened
through international tourism.
If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, I will ensure that Industry &
Analysis's National Travel and Tourism Office continues to create a
positive climate for growth in travel and tourism to all states by,
inter alia, (1) coordinating efforts across Federal agencies through
the Tourism Policy Council to reduce international barriers to tourism,
(2) working with private and public stakeholders to administer joint
tourism marketing efforts, and (3) making available to our states and
businesses travel and tourism statistics to enhance targeted tourism
initiatives. I also welcome the opportunity to work with your office to
ensure that tourism to Nevada--a critical component of the state's
economy--continues to flourish, expand, and create jobs.
Question 2. And can you provide us a sense of how we can continue
to improve our outreach worldwide?
Answer. It is important that the Department of Commerce's National
Travel and Tourism Office continue to promote travel to the United
States by representing U.S. tourism interests through intergovernmental
organizations (e.g., OECD, APEC, United Nations). It is also important
to advance initiatives that facilitate travel to the United States,
such as aviation liberalization, the streamlining of visa application
processes, improvements to customer service at ports of entry, and the
enhancement of passenger screening. All such initiatives must also
ensure the security of our borders, the safety of the traveling public,
and the safety of Americans at home.
Question 3. What are the trends we are currently seeing in
international tourism, in spite of the rhetoric and policies of this
administration?
Answer. The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest
growing industries in the United States. For example, over 65 million
tourists visited the United States in 2016 and contributed over 1.5
trillion U.S. dollars to GDP (directly and indirectly, including the
wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income
impacts). The industry is forecasted to contribute 1.6 trillion dollars
to U.S. GDP in 2017, and more than 2.6 trillion dollars by the year
2027. On average in 2016, each visitor to the United States spent over
$4,000 per visit, and tourism spending supported directly and
indirectly over 14.2 million jobs in 2016 (9.4 percent of total
employment). These trends are projected to increase each year for the
next decade, making travel and tourism an integral component of the
U.S. economy.
Question 4. Also on the subject of tourism, can you please provide
me your thoughts on Brand USA? Do you support Federal funding of Brand
USA? If yes, please help me reconcile what your position will be as the
Trump Administration considers cutting funding for Brand USA again in
their FY19 budget?
Answer. Given the importance of travel and tourism to the U.S.
economy, if confirmed, I will commit to being a strong advocate for
public-private partnerships that promote the United States as a tourist
destination, and will do so based on the Administration's and
Congress's approved budgets and policies.
Small Businesses and Workers. In your remarks, you've raised U.S.
corporations, and how your previous experiences have prepared you for
this role.
Question 5. Since the President has often touted how badly workers
have come out from actions taken by our country, in trade, for example,
can you tell me how you balance preserving the trade interests of these
corporations, with protecting and staying true to American workers, and
American small businesses, who may have different needs or priorities?
Answer. It is critically important that the United States
Government continue to advocate for both fair trade at home and open
markets abroad. Those two objectives must coexist in order for the
United States and its trading partners to benefit from reciprocal,
mutually beneficial trade relationships.
For many years, however, U.S. industries' competitive positions
have been severely compromised by our trading partners' unfair trade
practices. For example, within the United States, the importation of
dumped and subsidized goods, market-distorting behavior of state owned
enterprises (``SOEs''), and the misappropriation of intellectual
property and technical know-how by foreign competitors have caused
substantial injury to U.S. firms, both large and small. Abroad, the
global oversupply of goods at unfairly low prices, barriers to market
access, and intellectual property and patent infringement have made it
exceedingly difficult for U.S. firms to export their goods and
services. These problems have caused countless U.S. industries to
contract or erode, and they threaten the extinction of many others.
Solutions are needed.
If confirmed, I will commit to working proactively with bureaus
within the Department of Commerce and collaboratively with other U.S.
Government agencies and industry leaders to assess the full range of
impediments that each of our industries face in trade, and will work
with President Trump's Administration, the United States Trade
Representative's office, and bilaterally and multilaterally with our
trading partners to ensure that playing fields are level for U.S.
industries at home and overseas. While short-term solutions may at
times involve utilizing trade remedy tools that are permitted under
U.S. and international trade laws (including trade adjustment
assistance), I will also commit to correcting distortions through trade
policy negotiations with our trading partners in order to effectuate
long-term solutions.
[all]