Commentary: Bridenstine wins a Democrat's support for NASA's top job, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Orlando Sentinel

"Despite our different political 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. He fought for our country on the battlefield and fought for common-sense 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."

Trump's nominee as NASA chief would literally run it into the ground, Rachel Licker Senior Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists, Red, Green, and Blue

"Bridestine's public remarks suggest that his current understanding of Earth science is largely informed by politically-charged skeptics of climate change research. Given that Bridenstine would enter into the Administrator position with no formal science education, it is particularly important that members of Congress test his ability to differentiate science from politics."

Biographical Information and Qualifications, Rep. James Bridenstine

"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."

Sen. Patty Murray Calls On colleagues To Oppose Trump Nominee To Lead NASA



"In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Assistant Democratic Leader Patty Murray (D-WA) urged her colleagues to oppose the nomination of Representative Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to serve as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)."

Keith's note: Nearly all of this letter has to do with issues that have almost nothing to do with NASA. The incendiary quotes noted in Murray's letter were not even made by Bridenstine but instead by other people. Murray is not on the committee and is the only senator who has signed this letter. Meanwhile letters of support for Bridenstine are circulating in Congress and among industry representatives. The hearing will consider 4 nominees - Bridenstine and three Commerce Department officials. As such the time for questions for each nominee will be limited. Sen. Nelson is expected to bring up environmental issues and question Bridenstine's qualifications. Support from Sen. Cruz and Sen. Inhofe (who will introduce Bridenstine) is expected. There will also be support from Democratic members of the committee. In the end Bridenstine has the support and the votes to be confirmed by the Senate as the next Administrator of NASA.