After months of waiting,?? ??? ?? ?? NASA finally has a leader again.
Oklahoma congressman Jim Bridenstine -- President Donald Trump's pick to lead the space agency -- was just confirmed by the Senate to become the next NASA administrator after an ugly battle that left NASA without a White House-appointed leader for about 15 months.
That marks the longest time NASA has gone without a presidential appointee leading the agency.
SEE ALSO: Trump's pick to lead NASA reveals controversial global warming viewsThe vote played out mostly along party lines, with 50 votes going for Bridenstine, and 49 against. This is a very partisan result for confirmation of a NASA administrator, and it could put him in a relatively weak position when taking over the agency.
Bridenstine's confirmation was spurred on by the fact that NASA's acting administrator Robert Lightfoot decided to retire at the end of April, potentially leaving a major leadership gap at the agency.
Bridenstine's appointment was met with resistance in the Senate from the beginning.
Senators on both sides of the aisle argued that Bridenstine is too politically divisive, wasn't qualified to lead such a large organization, and has no scientific experience to speak of.
Democrats were, for the most part, firmly against his appointment from the start. Even some Republicans were against Bridenstine before ultimately voting in favor of him.
Via Giphy“While I wish the President would have nominated a space professional to run NASA, the unexpected April 30 retirement of the Acting Administrator would leave NASA, an agency whose mission is vital to Florida, with a gaping leadership void unless we confirm a new Administrator," Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican, said in a statement ahead of the vote.
"Because of this I decided to support the nomination of Rep. Bridenstine. I expect him to lead NASA in a non-political way and to treat Florida fairly.”
The former congressman is known for his divisive politics and controversial views on climate change and LGBTQ rights.
A recent investigation by the Daily Beastalso found that Bridenstine mismanaged the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, using the nonprofit to financially benefit himself.
Democrats hammered Bridenstine for his views on LGBTQ rights during committee hearings.
"You're going to be in a position not just managing people, but at least in my eyes, you're up for an office to be one of the most inspiring leaders in America, where children will look to you," Sen. Cory Booker said during a November hearing.
"...Tell me how you think a child will view a leader who thinks they are immoral or engaging in immoral acts."
Bridenstine co-sponsored a bill that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, and he was against the order made by former President Barack Obama allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that most closely corresponds with their gender identity, not what's written on their birth certificates.
This record is particularly troubling in light of the fact that Bridenstine will be responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the approximately 18,000 public servants working for NASA, many of whom likely identify as something other than straight or cisgender.
While Bridenstine's views on climate change have evolved somewhat, they still don't fully align with the clear scientific consensus supported by data gathered by many NASA missions and scientists over the years.
In November, Bridenstine agreed that humans have contributed to climate change, but he stopped short of agreeing that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are the main cause of global warming.
As the already embattled leader takes on his new role, we'll see exactly how much his views evolve as the agency moves forward and what that means for those who work with him.
Topics Donald Trump Politics
Let’s Gather in Little Tokyo
New Peptoc hotline provides encouragement from elementary school students
Google's new Doodle celebrates International Women's Day
Segway's powerful new $4,000 e
AAPI Joy at L.A. Central Library
Russia's second
Russia cracks down on Zello walkie
More 'Wordle': There are 31 solutions in this unhinged viral game mashup
A Pioneer Remembered: Dr. Kanji Sahara
GoFundMe launches a Ukraine donation hub
Mayumi Kimura Named Calif. Deputy Secretary of Women Veterans Affairs
Airbnb is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus
More 'Wordle': There are 31 solutions in this unhinged viral game mashup
NASA will fly your name around the moon
blameF on becoming IGL: "I know my individual level is going to take a hit"
NASA shares new Mars photos from the Perseverance rover's rock sampling
Apple Event: Apple's new Mac Studio costs $8,000 maxed out — monitor not included
How to help refugees fleeing Ukraine
Grim: "When floppy is in the zone no one can stop him"
'Euphoria' is HBO's second most watched show behind 'Game of Thrones'
Web Premiere of ‘Garage Door Opener’Keiro to Host Bilingual Conference with Alzheimer’s L.A.L.A. County Expands Efforts to Combat AntiL.A. City Leaders Condemn Hate Against Asian Americans, Encourage Reporting6 Asian Women Among 8 Killed by Gunman in GeorgiaDecoration Conferment Ceremony Held for Glenn TanakaAtsuko Okatsuka’s ‘Ohayo’ on Aug. 30Looking Back at San Diego ObonCelebrating with Bento in NorwalkNavy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Daniel Inouye Runner's brave gesture at the Rio Olympics could cost him his life Uber facing massive $6.3 million bill in back taxes in Taiwan Fiji's stars of Rio return home to a hero's welcome and seas of blue Rihanna visited the massive, headless Rihanna statue in Germany Horrifying sorority recruitment video will haunt your dreams Intense video shows humpback whales breaching just feet from kayakers Chrissy Teigen keeps it real, jokes about her stretch marks on Snapchat Bella Hadid bares it all in Vogue Paris Ivanka Trump's unpaid interns share cringeworthy financial advice Joseph Schooling marks Olympic gold with new tattoo
0.1458s , 9847.4609375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【?? ??? ?? ??】Trump appointee Jim Bridenstine confirmed by Senate to lead NASA,Feature Flash
