    [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

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           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 navy8or@gmail.com 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 Kim-Teehee@cherokee.org 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 (yr2100) 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 (yr2100) 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.

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