[Senate Hearing 117-709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 117-709
NOMINATION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF COMMERCE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
MAY 20, 2021
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
53-093 PDF WASHINGTON : 2023
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota ROGER WICKER, Mississippi, Ranking
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii ROY BLUNT, Missouri
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts TED CRUZ, Texas
GARY PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada MIKE LEE, Utah
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia Virginia
RICK SCOTT, Florida
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
David Strickland, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
George Greenwell, Policy Coordinator and Security Manager
John Keast, Republican Staff Director
Crystal Tully, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Steven Wall, General Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on May 20, 2021..................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Fischer..................................... 54
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 56
Statement of Senator Warnock..................................... 58
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 59
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 61
Statement of Senator Rosen....................................... 63
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 64
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 66
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 68
Prepared statement...........................................
Witnesses
Hon. Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator from Arizona....................... 4
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D., Nominee to be Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; and Administrator, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce....................................................... 6
Prepared statement........................................... 7
Biographical information..................................... 8
Colonel Pamela A. Melroy (USAF, Ret.), Nominee to be Deputy
Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration... 29
Prepared statement........................................... 31
Biographical information..................................... 32
Carlos A. Monje, Jr., Nominee to be Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation... 40
Prepared statement........................................... 42
Biographical information..................................... 43
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Richard W. Spinrad,
Ph.D. by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 73
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 76
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 76
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 78
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 77
Hon. Rick Scott.............................................. 79
Response to written questions submitted to Col. Pamela A. Melroy
by:
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 80
Roger Wicker................................................. 81
Hon. Rick Scott.............................................. 82
Response to written questions submitted to Carlos A. Monje, Jr.
by:
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 83
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 84
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 84
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 87
NOMINATION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF COMMERCE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
----------
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:13 a.m., in
room SH-216, Hart Senate Office Building, Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cantwell [presiding], Klobuchar, Schatz,
Peters, Rosen, Lujan, Warnock, Cruz, Fischer, and Blackburn.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
The Chairwoman. Now we turn to our nominations hearing
today before the Committee. And we have a panel of nominees
here in very important positions for our Government. First, Dr.
Rick Spinrad is the President's nominee to Undersecretary of
Oceans and Atmosphere, and also known as the NOAA Administrator
at the Department of Commerce. Dr. Spinrad, welcome to you and
to your wife, Alanna.
Thank you for your willingness to serve. We are pleased
that Congresswoman Susan Bonamici of Oregon will be providing
introductory remarks for Dr. Spinrad as well. And we thank you
for your leadership on many of these policies in the House of
Representatives. Dr. Spinrad's career in academia, as well as
the Federal service at NOAA and in the U.S. Navy have made him
ready for success in running our Nation's premier client's--
workforce.
NOAA's sciences touch almost every aspect of our economy
from weather forecasting, the need to keep our communities
safe, to satellite data needed for precision agriculture, to
ensuring that millions of jobs in the United States supported
in the seafood industry are managed sustainably and on science.
Science is critical across NOAA's missions. But for us in the
Pacific Northwest, science based fisheries management is
paramount. Salmon are central to our coastal economy, to our
culture, to our treaty rights, and they are crucial to the
survival of our orca population.
So we have, on a bipartisan basis, secured investments in
salmon recovery and restoration. In 2018, Senator Risch and I
worked on the Endangered Salmon Predator Prevention Act, and
there are many things that we have done to focus on what we
need to do on habitat, on replacing blocked culverts, on
working on other barriers that prevent salmon from returning to
spawning grounds. So I plan to ask Dr. Spinrad important
questions about that, particularly as it relates to the urban
oasis that salmon in Puget Sound represent, and what are the
things that we need to do in reducing stormwater runoff,
pollution, and other things that are just like here in this
side of the country at the Chesapeake, impacting our fisheries.
So we need leadership on salmon recovery, and I look
forward to his comments. Next, we consider the nomination of
Col. Pam Melroy to be Deputy Administrator of NASA. I welcome
her and her husband, Doug. Senator Kelly will be here to
formally introduce Col. Melroy, who I believe they have worked
together, and he will have a unique perspective. I have spoken
about the importance of elevating women to science and
technical leadership roles, and I couldn't be more pleased to
see that President Biden has done that in nominating Col.
Melroy.
She has an impressive background, having served as the
Space Shuttle Commander and Astronaut and an Air Force officer
in the Commercial Space Office at FAA and at DARPA and as an
aerospace executive. So it is hard to imagine a more qualified
person for this role. Col. Melroy, should you be confirmed, we
will ask you to pay special attention in keeping the agency on
track on the Mars via Artemis program mission, using the
inspiration of potential NASA to inspire the next generation of
aerospace professionals, again, in the level of diversity that
we would like to see, and focusing on maintaining our
competitiveness and redundancy on our missions on issues like
the Human Lander Project.
Ranking Member Wicker and I put forth our vision of NASA,
an amendment adopted unanimously--put forth our vision in the
NASA--put forth in the Endless Frontier Act our NASA vision,
and I hope that this time our colleagues will help us get it
over the goal line in the House of Representatives so we can
have a clear congressional record for our intent about the
Artemis mission and how we expect NASA to move forward. So I
look forward to having those conversations.
And finally, we will consider the nomination of Carlos
Monje Jr. to be the Undersecretary of Policy at the Department
of Transportation. Welcome to you and to your wife, Ann. And
Mr. Monje will serve as the Acting Undersecretary and Assistant
Secretary of Transportation Policy for the U.S. Department of
Transportation. During the Obama Administration, he oversaw the
implementation of surface transportation programs, the
discretionary grant programs, and efforts to promote equity and
economic development. He also served as Chief of Staff of the
White House Domestic Policy Council and Special Assistant to
President--to the President during President Obama's
Administration.
So, again, thank you for your willingness to answer the
call to serve. Our transportation system, as we all know, is
the backbone of our economy, and getting people to and from
work is critically important. I can say in my state, it also is
very important in exports and the export economy. Getting our
products and products from other states through our ports into
their final destinations is a big economic driver, so making
sure that we continue to address the efficiency as we come out
of the pandemic is something we will be asking Mr. Monje about
during our questioning.
So I thank, again, our colleagues--I know that Senator
Wicker made the comments and is putting in a larger, longer
statement for the record. So we will now turn to our witnesses
to, or I guess I should say our guests, to help us introduce
our witnesses. And we will start with you, Congresswoman
Bonamici. Again, thank you for being here.
Ms. Bonamici. Thank you so much. Chair Cantwell, Ranking
Member Wicker, senators, it is my distinct honor to introduce a
fellow Oregonian and President Biden's nominee for
Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Dr. Richard Spinrad. Dr. Spinrad is an
internationally recognized scientist and leader with more than
35 years of experience. In 2014, President Obama appointed Dr.
Spinrad to serve as NOAA's Chief Scientist. Dr Spinrad co-lead
the White House committee that developed the Nation's first set
of ocean research priorities and oversaw the revamping of
NOAA's research enterprise.
From 2003 until 2010, he served as the head of NOAA's
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National
Ocean Service, demonstrating the breadth of his experience
across the agency. Today, Dr. Spinrad is a Professor of
Oceanography at Oregon State University, where he previously
served as Vice President for Research. If confirmed, Dr.
Spinrad would be the third person from Oregon State University
to lead NOAA, which we, even the University of Oregon ducks
like me, are very proud of back home.
Dr. Spinrad's passion for ocean and climate science has
been a lifelong endeavor. After studying Earth and planetary
sciences at Johns Hopkins University and Oceanography at Oregon
State University, Dr. Spinrad held leadership positions at the
U.S. Office of Naval Research and Oceanographer of the Navy. He
was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the
Navy's highest award for civilians. Dr. Spinrad also has
extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and in academia.
Throughout my time as co-chair of the bipartisan House Oceans
Caucus, I have relied on Dr. Spinrad's extraordinary expertise.
As an ocean scientist, he embodies the value of bipartisan
leadership through his demonstrated experience, working across
party lines and developing partnerships with Members of
Congress. Most importantly, he understands firsthand NOAA's
mission of science, service, and stewardship. During his time
at NOAA, Dr. Spinrad successfully negotiated efforts to
establish a global tsunami warning system, and he wrote key
components of the Administration's ocean action plan. He is
deeply familiar with NOAA's climate, weather, fisheries, and
ocean research and exploration efforts, which means that he is
prepared, if confirmed, to get to work on day one. Dr. Spinrad
was an integral player in developing NOAA's scientific
integrity policy.
I am confident that he will deter any suppression,
censorship, or manipulation of science at the agency and the
Department of Commerce. With Dr. Spinrad's leadership in
restoring scientific integrity policies, our efforts to inform
the public about extreme weather events, manage marine
resources, and solve the climate crisis will be informed by the
best available science. Dr. Spinrad also recognizes the
economic potential of the blue economy, which, according to
NOAA's estimates, contributes $7.6 trillion to the U.S. economy
annually.
As Congress and the Biden Administration work together to
build back better, I know we can count on Dr. Spinrad's
partnership to help revitalize our coastal communities and
create good paying jobs. We are at a critical juncture to
protect the health of our oceans and our planet in the climate
crisis. As our Nation's premier climate science agency, NOAA is
an important--in an important position to help deliver on the
Biden Administration's goals.
By confirming Dr. Spinrad, you can help raise the profile
of NOAA as a key player in those conversations. And as we begin
the U.N. decade of ocean science for sustainable development,
we can count on Dr. Spinrad's leadership to help rapidly
accelerate the collection, management, and dissemination of
ocean data to protect the health of our oceans and our coastal
communities. I strongly urge you and your colleagues to confirm
Dr. Spinrad promptly so he can get to work to protect the
health of our ocean, deliver the best possible weather data and
services to our communities, and help in our efforts to solve
the climate crisis. Thank you all for your time and
consideration.
The Chairwoman. Thank you, Congresswoman. We know you have
a busy schedule, so we so appreciate you being here. And again,
thank you for your leadership in the House of Representatives
on these very, very important issues. Thank you. Now we will
turn to Senator Kelly. Thank you for joining us this morning to
introduce Col. Melroy.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARK KELLY,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ARIZONA
Senator Kelly. Thank you, Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member
Wicker, for welcoming me here today to your committee hearing.
It is quite an honor for me to have the opportunity to
introduce my friend and my former boss, Col. Pam Melroy, as you
consider her nomination to be the Deputy Administrator at NASA.
Pam has a range of operational and program management
experience that makes her an outstanding choice for this job.
As many of you know, I spent 15 years at NASA. I was
selected as an astronaut in 1996, just two years after Col.
Melroy. We spent more than a decade working together where I
came to know her as an incredibly competent and hardworking
leader. We were both space shuttle pilots and then shuttle
commanders. Pam is one of only two women in our country's
history to command the space shuttle. That is a difficult job.
You spend 2 years at more or less training your crew, working
with a large team for this mission. You are responsible for
their lives as you launch into space and come back to Earth.
You are responsible for the success or failure of the mission.
Any number of things can go wrong, and you are trained to
handle them calmly and competently while leading a team in a
dynamic and challenging environment.
And you do all this while exiting or entering the
atmosphere or what, docking with the space station, orbiting
the Earth at 25 times the speed of sound. She excelled, and
from that experience, she understands the challenges that this
generation of astronauts will face as they test and deploy new
technology to get to the Moon and then to Mars. But here is the
thing, she also has experience managing the types of programs
that will be needed to get us there. Pam was my boss when she
was the Advanced Vehicles Branch Chief supporting the design of
new spacecraft and new systems.
She was a terrific boss and a great program manager. After
leaving NASA, Pam worked at the FAA and then at DARPA, where
she was Deputy Director of the Tactical Technology Office.
Again, she was managing complex programs that involved
developing and testing cutting edge technology. That experience
is critical if NASA is going to be successful in accomplishing
what we are asking them to do.
America's space program has a bright future ahead and bold
goals to get back to the moon and then put a human on the
planet Mars. Achieving these goals requires capable leaders who
can manage complex programs while also navigating operational
challenges posed by developing, testing, and deploying new
technology like new rockets, like space stations, or science
missions, and critical programs for our country's future. Col.
Melroy----
The Chairwoman. Senator Kelly, if you could just suspend
for a second. I think someone--someone is on our system. If
anybody who is online could mute.
Senator Kelly. Alright.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Kelly.
Senator Kelly. [Technical problems.] Well, Col. Melroy is
without a doubt the right person at the right time for this
job. No one is going to work harder or smarter at achieving the
goals we are putting in front of NASA than she will. So, Pam,
it is such an honor for me to introduce you at this
confirmation hearing today. I look forward to all of you on the
Committee getting to know Col. Melroy better through this
process. And then I look forward to working with her and the
great folks at NASA to reach new heights with our space
program. Thank you, and I yield back.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Kelly. Thank
you for being here. And we do treasure your membership in the
U.S. Senate at a time when we are expressing such an aggressive
agenda on space. So we love the fact that we have an expert in
our midst so we can consult with. So thank you for being here
today. So I now ask the nominees to please come to the table
and thank you again for your willingness to serve.
Please take an opportunity to introduce your families, if
you would like, and make your opening statements, and then we
will turn to questions. And I think, Dr. Spinrad, I think we
are starting with you first. And appreciate, again,
everybody's--trying to keep your presentations to 5 minutes and
then that will allow us the most amount of time to have
questions with our colleagues. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF RICHARD W. SPINRAD, Ph.D., NOMINEE TO BE UNDER
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR OCEANS AND
ATMOSPHERE; AND ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Mr. Spinrad. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, members
of the Committee, I am Rick Spinrad, a professor at Oregon
State University, and I am honored to be nominated by President
Biden for the position of Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans
and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. I am especially grateful to
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for her support of my
nomination.
I also want to thank members of the Committee for taking
time to meet with me and share their perspectives. And special
thanks to my wife of 41 years, Alanna, here today, whose love,
patience, and tolerance are the secret weapons for any success
that I have enjoyed. My passion for the ocean began early. As a
13 year old in the New York City public school system, I was
fortunate to have one teacher who ignited in me an unbridled
curiosity about the sea.
My subsequent studies afforded me the opportunity to spend
hundreds of days at sea and to perform research sponsored by
numerous Federal agencies. But I felt compelled to put this
work in a broader context through leadership positions in
industry, academia, Government and non-Governmental
organizations. This breadth of experience has given me a unique
understanding of how science is developed and applied. It also
gave me a deep appreciation for the sanctity of science and the
importance of scientific integrity.
My Government experience has afforded me invaluable insight
into leadership and management, as well as the efficient
operationalization of research. At the U.S. Navy and in NOAA, I
translated scientific concepts into new products such as a
warning system for harmful algal blooms and the framework for a
global tsunami warning system. I have a deep understanding of
the role public agencies play in the development and use of
environmental information. As the former president of a small
company, I understand the requirements and operational tempo of
business. Commerce Secretary Raimondo recently expressed her
eagerness to engage in public, private partnerships in the
Department.
To that end, I, too, believe strongly that continually
improving the dynamic of the public, private enterprise is an
essential element of economic development. My own non-
Governmental organization experience gives me a deep
appreciation for the role NGOs play in the policymaking
process. I have led several professional societies and
consulted for 501(c)(3) organizations where I helped bridge the
communities of research and advocacy.
Academia is another critical partner for NOAA and a sector
I know well having served on the faculties and senior
Administration of three different public universities. I
believe this diversity of background has positioned me well to
deal with the breadth of stakeholders and issues reflected in
the NOAA mission. If confirmed, I would come into the position
of Administrator with a broad and deep knowledge of the inner
workings of the agency, and I believe I am well equipped to
handle the challenges and support the Administration's vision
for the future. I would like to share my thoughts on how NOAA
can continue to play a vital role in the future of our Nation.
We must build on NOAA's long history of success and meet
the needs of the future by expanding, diversifying, and
enhancing products and services for all Americans. If
confirmed, I would take a full integrated perspective to ensure
the agency is imparting the best-in-class earth system
intelligence, providing, for example, climate services and
products in fisheries, weather, and oceans in an equitable and
just manner for its many stakeholders.
We must strengthen and galvanize the relationship of NOAA
with the private sector, academia, other Federal agencies, non-
Governmental organizations, and philanthropy. The Federal
Government must help resolve the roles and responsibilities of
all players in the field of addressing climate change with a
clear definition of who does what, how they do it, and when and
why specific products are developed in what order. We must
ensure that NOAA builds economic opportunities while upholding
the critical role of environmental stewardship.
This function will apply to efforts associated with
adapting to and mitigating climate change, as well as
bolstering the established and new blue economies. We must
position NOAA to take an aggressive and active role in
diversifying the Federal workforce and the general STEM
community in a just, equitable and inclusive manner. As one of
the original authors of NOAA's Policy on Scientific Integrity,
if confirmed, I also am fully committed to ensuring that NOAA
scientists can do their work, publish their results, and engage
broadly.
We must capitalize on NOAA's technical strengths to bolster
the U.S. position as a leader in global environmental issues.
The U.S. must be recognized unquestionably as a strong leader,
not only in developing the relevant technologies and scientific
programs, but also as a problem solver and capacity enhancer. I
am humbled to appear before you, and if confirmed, I am
energized by the prospects of working with the extraordinary
individuals in NOAA. I welcome your questions. Thank you.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Spinrad follow:]
Prepared Statement of Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D., Nominee to be Under
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; and Administrator,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, Members of the Committee, I
am Rick Spinrad, a Professor at Oregon State University. I am honored
to be nominated by President Biden for the position of Under Secretary
of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I am especially grateful
to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for her support of my nomination. I
also want to thank members of the Committee for taking time to meet
with me and share their perspectives.
My passion for the ocean began early. As a 13 year-old in the New
York City public school system I was fortunate to have one teacher who
ignited in me an unbridled curiosity about the sea. My subsequent
studies afforded me the opportunity to spend hundreds of days at sea,
and to perform research sponsored by numerous Federal agencies. But I
felt compelled to put this work in a broader context through leadership
positions in industry, academia, government and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). This breadth of experience has given me a unique
understanding of how science is developed and applied. It also gave me
a deep appreciation for the sanctity of science and the importance of
scientific integrity.
My government experience has afforded me valuable insight into
leadership and management, as well as the efficient operationalization
of research. At the U.S. Navy and in NOAA, I translated scientific
concepts into new products, such as a warning system for harmful algal
blooms, and the framework for a global tsunami warning system. I have a
deep understanding of the role public agencies play in the development
and use of environmental information.
As the former President of a small company, I understand the
requirements and operational tempo of business. Commerce Secretary
Raimondo recently expressed her eagerness to engage in public-private
partnerships at the Department. To that end I, too, believe strongly
that continually improving the dynamic of the public/private enterprise
is an essential element of economic development.
My own non-governmental organization experience gives me a deep
appreciation for the important role NGOs play in the policymaking
process. I have led several professional societies, and consulted for
501(c)3 organizations, where I helped bridge the communities of
research and advocacy.
Academia is another critical partner for NOAA--and a sector I know
well, having served on the faculties, and in senior administration, of
three different public universities.
I believe this diversity of background has positioned me well to
deal with the breadth of stakeholders and issues reflected in the NOAA
mission.
If confirmed, I would come into the position of Administrator with
a broad and deep knowledge of the inner workings of the agency, and I
believe I am well equipped to handle the challenges and support the
Administration's vision for the future. I'd like to share my thoughts
on how NOAA can continue to play a vital role in the future of our
Nation.
We must build on NOAA's long history of success, and meet
the needs of the future by expanding, diversifying and
enhancing products and services for all Americans. If
confirmed, I would take a fully integrated perspective to
ensure the agency is imparting the best-in-class earth system
intelligence, providing, for example, climate services and
products in fisheries, weather, and oceans--in an equitable and
just manner--for its many stakeholders.
We must strengthen and galvanize the relationship of NOAA
with the private sector, academia, other Federal agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and philanthropy. The Federal
Government must help resolve the roles and responsibilities of
all players in the field of addressing climate change, with a
clear definition of who does what, how they do it, and when and
why specific products are developed in what order.
We must ensure that NOAA builds economic opportunities while
upholding the critical role of environmental stewardship. This
function will apply to efforts associated with adapting to and
mitigating climate change as well as bolstering the established
and new blue economies.
We must position NOAA to take an aggressive and active role
in diversifying the Federal workforce, and the general STEM
community, in a just, equitable, and inclusive manner. As one
of the original authors of NOAA's policy on scientific
integrity, if confirmed, I also am fully committed to ensuring
that NOAA scientists can do their work, publish their results,
and engage broadly.
We must capitalize on NOAA's technical strengths to bolster
the United States' position as a leader in global environmental
issues. The United States must be recognized, unquestionably,
as a strong leader, not only in developing the relevant
technologies and scientific programs, but also as a problem-
solver and capacity-enhancer.
I am humbled to appear before you and, if confirmed, I am energized
by the prospect of working with the extraordinary individuals at NOAA.
I now welcome your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Richard
William Spinrad (nickname Rick)
2. Position to which nominated: Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator)
3. Date of Nomination: April 27, 2021
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: April 6, 1954; New York, NY USA
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).
Alanna Wynn Spinrad (spouse); retired
Gary Brian Spinrad (son, age 51); contract work from home
(Bend, OR)
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.); The Johns Hopkins University; 1975
Master of Science (M.S.); Oregon State University; 1978
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Oregon State University; 1982
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.
Graduate Research Assistant, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR: 09/75-2/82; conducted and wrote up oceanographic
research; graduated in 2/82.
Research Assistant, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR:
3/82-11/82; conducted and wrote up oceanographic research;
received post-doc offer to move to Bigelow Lab
Research Scientist, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences,
West Boothbay Harbor, ME: 12/82-12/85; led federally sponsored
research projects, including field work at sea; left to take
lead role in a start-up business.
President, Sea Tech Inc., Corvallis, OR: 1/86-8/87; designed
and manufactured oceanographic equipment, while conducting
basic research in ocean sciences; left when invited to apply
for program manager job with U.S. Navy.
Program Manager, Ocean Optics Program, Office of Naval
Research (ONR), GS-14/15: 9/87-9/88; managed basic research
programs for U.S. Navy, distributing funding to mostly academic
contractors; was promoted to Division Director.
Director, Ocean Biology/Optics/Chemistry Division (Senior
Executive Service), ONR: 10/88-10/93; oversaw the day-to-day
activities of a division of roughly 6 other program managers,
developed strategic planning and budget materials for Navy's
basic research programs in ocean science; was promoted to next
hierarchical level during an internal reorganization.
Director, Ocean, Atmosphere & Space Modeling & Prediction
Division (Senior Executive Service), ONR: 11/93-12/94;
effectively same role and responsibilities as Director of Ocean
Biology/Optics/Chemistry, but with bigger budget and staff;
left to take job at a 501c(3) in DC (CORE, see below).
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.: 8/
94-12/97 (while at ONR and CORE); taught intro course on
oceanography to undergraduates; left to focus on my full-time
jobs.
Executive Director, Consortium for Oceanographic Research
and Education (CORE), Washington, DC.: 12/94-2/99; advocated
for ocean research to Congress, developed strategic documents
arguing for increased funding for ocean research, reported to a
Board of academic member partners of the consortium; left when
invited to apply for Technical Director at the Oceanographer of
the Navy (see below)
Adjunct Associate Professor, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis,
MD.: 1/96-6/99 (while at CORE); advised midshipmen research
projects on a part-time basis; left after graduation of final
student, and to focus on full-time job at the Oceanographer of
the Navy.
Technical Director, Oceanographer of the Navy (Senior
Executive Service): 3/99-5/03; served as senior civilian in the
Command, defining strategy and policy for Navy applied research
in oceanographic and meteorological applications, while
overseeing a small applied research program; left when invited
to apply for position at NOAA (see below).
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone
Management, NOAA (Senior Executive Service): 6/03-9/05; oversaw
all aspects of management and operations of NOAA's Ocean
Service, including annual budget of roughly $400M and staff of
1200 civil servants, developed materials for annual
President's Budget submission; left when asked by NOAA
Administrator to take over leadership of NOAA's Research
effort.
Assistant Administrator for Research, NOAA (Senior Executive
Service): 9/05-4/10; effectively same job as AA for NOS, but
leading the research efforts (grants, contracts, cooperative
institutes, and internal laboratories) for all of NOAA; retired
from NOAA.
Vice President for Research, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR: 7/10-6/14; supervised and led all research
activities and facilities for a tier 1 research university,
developing and executing budgets and policies related to
research integrity, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness; left
when invited to serve as NOAA Chief Scientist by then-NOAA
Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan.
Chief Scientist (Presidential Appointment--PA), NOAA,
Washington, DC: 7/14-12/16; served as senior policy advisor
regarding all of NOAA research, advising and representing the
Administrator; developed policies regarding scientific
integrity, transition of research into operations, and
development of future research cooperative institutes; resigned
at end of Obama Administration.
Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Research; Professor
of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR: 10/17-
Present (0.4 FTE); advising the VP for research on spectrum of
activities including strategies for Federal funding, plans for
research infrastructure investment, and led fundraising effort
for match-funds for federally funded wave energy project; still
active.
Principal and Founder, High Desert Ocean Associates, LLC,
Bend, OR: 11/17 to present; conducting contracted consulting on
ocean science and policy programs and issues, for a variety of
corporate, government, and academic clients.
Principal and Co-Founder, Oceans 360 Group, LLC, Seattle,
WA: 12/17 to present; conducting contracted consulting on ocean
science and policy programs and issues, for a variety of
corporate, government, and academic clients.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached as Appendix A.
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.
Vice-Chair, U.S. National Committee for the Decade of Ocean
Science Sustainable Development, 2020 to present
Member, Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, 2019 to present
Member, Roundtable on Science and Technology for
Sustainability, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine, 2015-2016
Member, Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and
Sustainability, National Science and Technology Council, White
House Office of Science and Technology Policy, 2014-2016
Member, Committee on Science, National Science and Technology
Council, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,
2014-2016
Council Member, Government-University-Industry Research
Roundtable, National Academies of Science, Engineering and
Medicine, 2014-2016
President, Oregon Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Business Enterprise,
2013-2014
Member\1\, Ocean Research Advisory Panel Federal Advisory
Committee, 2013-2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Nominated and approved, service pre-empted by Presidential
Appointment to NOAA
Chair, Federal Advisory Committee on Integrated Ocean Observing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systems, 2012-2014
Chair and Technical Advisor, Oregon Innovation Council,
Commercialized Research Committee, 2012-2014
Commissioner, Corvallis Economic Development Commission, 2011-
2014
Board Member, Oregon Built Environment and Sustainable
Technology Signature Research Center, 2010-2014
Board Member, Oregon Translational Research and Development
Institute, 2010-2014
MEDEA, Advisory committee, 2010-2014
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.
Consultant, Louisiana State University, 2020 Consultant,
Accenture, Inc., 2020
Member, Schmidt Ocean Institute Advisory Board, 2020 to present
Member, Advisory Panel for Monterey Bay Aquarium Research
Institute, 2019-2020
President, Marine Technology Society, 2019-2020
Chair, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere Business
Unit Review Panel, 2018
Member, New Zealand Government National Science Challenge
Review Panelist: (1) The Deep South, and; (2) Sustainable Seas,
2018
Member, Scientific Advisory Board, The Ocean Cleanup, 2017 to
present
Member, Advisory Committee for the National Ocean Sciences
Bowl, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, 2017 to present
President-Elect, Marine Technology Society, 2013-2014; 2017-
2018
Councilor, American Meteorological Society, 2009-2013
Member, Google Ocean Advisory Committee, 2007-2013
Member, External Advisory Board, Center for Coastal Margin
Observation & Prediction, Oregon Health and Science University,
2006-2010
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
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). 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 disability.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (1990 to
present)
American Meteorological Society (FELLOW) (2003 to present);
Council member, 2010-2012
American Geophysical Union (1980 to present)
Marine Technology Society (FELLOW) (1995 to present);
President-Elect 2013-2014, and 2017-2018; President 2019-2020;
Past President 2021 to present
The Oceanography Society (1987 to present)
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (FELLOW
and Chartered Marine Scientist) (2003 to present)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2019 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.
Appointed by President Barack Obama as Chief Scientist of NOAA,
2014-2016
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Volunteered as scientific advisor to Presidential Campaigns for
Pete Buttigieg and Joseph R. Biden in 2020
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Biden for President--May 7, 2020--$250.00
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Honorable Mention, Association Trends Publications Awards for
Professional Journals, 2000
Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, United States of America
President George W. Bush, 2003
Distinguished Civilian Service Award (highest award given to a
civilian), United States Navy, 2003
Fellow, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and
Technology, London, UK, 2007
Fellow, The American Meteorological Society, 2007 Fellow,
Marine Technology Society, 2008
General Counsel Award, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 2005 and 2009
Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, United States of America
President Barack H. Obama, 2009
Alumni Fellow Award, Oregon State University, 2010
Admiral James D. Watkins Honorary Lecture Inaugural Lecturer,
Marine Technology Society, 2010
Lifetime Achievement Award, Oceanology International, 2014
Honorary Co-Chair (with Congressman Sam Farr), OCEANS '15
Conference, Washington, DC, 2015
Fellow, The Oceanography Society, 2019
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. 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.
Publications:
Spinrad, R.W. 1978. Experimental and theoretical measurements
of the volume scattering function at near-forward angles. M.S.
thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis.
*Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and H. Pak. 1978. Volume
scattering function of suspended particulate matter at near-
forward angles: a comparison of experimental and theoretical
values. Appl. Optics 17:1125.
Zaneveld, J.R.V., J.C. Kitchen, R. Bartz, D. Menzies, S. Moore,
R.W. Spinrad and H. Pak. 1978. Optical, hydrographic and
chemical observations in the Monterey Bay area during May and
September of 1977, Oregon State Univ. School of Ocean. Ref. 78-
13.
Spinrad, R.W. 1978. Measurements of the volume scattering
function at near-forward angles for suspended oceanic
particles. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. 160:18.
*Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and H. Pak. 1979. Irradiance
and beam transmittance measurements off the West Coast of the
Americas. J. Geophys., Res. 84*:355.
Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and D.W. Menzies. 1979. Optical
and hydrographic observations in the Congo River and Angola
Basin in May of 1978. Oregon State Univ. School of Ocean. Ref.
79-3.
Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and R. Bartz, 1979. Optical
properties of turbidity standards. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr.
Eng. 208:159
*Zaneveld, J.R.V. and R.W. Spinrad, 1980. An arctangent model
of irradiance in the sea. J. Geophys. Res. 85:4919
Spinrad, R.W. 1982. Optical characteristics of the suspended
sediment in the high energy benthic boundary layer experiment.
Ph.D. thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis.
*Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and R. Bartz. 1982. An optical
settling tube for the determination of particle size
distributions. Mar. Geol. 49:357.
*Spinrad, R.W. and J.R.V. Zaneveld. 1982. An analysis of the
optical features of the near bottom and bottom nepheloid layers
in the area of the Scotian Rise. J. Geophys. Res. 87:9553.
*Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and J.C. Kitchen. 1983. A study
of the optical characteristics of the suspended particles in
the benthic nepheloid layer of the Scotian Rise. J. Geophys.
Res. 88:7641.
*Yentsch, C.M., P.K. Horan, K. Muirhead, Q. Dortch, E.M.
Haugen, L. Legendre, L.S. Murphy, M.J. Perry, D. Phinney, S.D.
Pomponi, R.W. Spinrad, A.M. Woods, C.S. Yentsch and B.J.
Zahuranec. 1983. Flow cytometry and cell sorting: a technique
for analysis and sorting of aquatic particles. Limnol.
Oceanogr. 28*:1275
Spinrad, R.W. 1984. Flow cytometric analysis of the optical
characteristics of marine particulates. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt.
Instr. Eng. 489:335.
*Pak, H., J.R.V. Zaneveld and R.W. Spinrad. 1984. Vertical
distribution of suspended particulate matter in the Zaire
River, estuary and plume. Neth. 1. Sea Res. 17:412.
*Spinrad, R.W, 1986. An optical study of the water masses of
the Gulf of Maine. J. Geophys. Res. 92:1007.
*Spinrad, R.W. and J.F. Brown. 1986. Relative real refractive
index of marine microorganisms: A technique for flow cytometric
estimation. Appl. Optics 25*:1930
*Spinrad, R.W. 1986. A calibration diagram of specific beam
attenuation. J. Geophys. Res. 91:7761
*Townsend, D.W. and R.W. Spinrad. 1986. Early spring
phytoplankton blooms in the Gulf of Maine. Cont. Shelf Res. 6
*Codispoti, L.A., G.E. Friederich, T.T. Packard, H.E. Glover,
P.J. Kelley, R.W. Spinrad, R.T. Barber, J.J. Elkins, B.B. Ward,
F. Lipschultz, N. Lastaunau. 1986. High nitrite levels off
Northern Peru: a signal of instability in the marine
denitrification rate. Science. 233:1200
Spinrad, R.W. 1986. Use of the specific beam attenuation
coefficient for identification of suspended particulate
material. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. Ocean Optics VIII 637:
135
*Spinrad, R.W. and C.M. Yentsch. 1987. Observations on the
Intra-and Inter-specific Single Cell Optical Variability of
Marine Phytoplankton. Applied Optics. 26:357
*Glover, H.E., M.D. Keller and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. The effects
of light quality and intensity on photosynthesis and growth of
marine eukaryotic and prokaryotic phytoplankton clones. J. Exp.
Mar. Ecol. 105:137
*Yentsch, C.M. and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. Particles in flow, Mar.
Tech. Society Journal. 21:58.
*Campbell, D.E. and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. The relationship
between light attenuation and particle characteristics in a
turbid estuary. Est. Coast and Shelf Sci. 25:53
Spinrad, R.W. 1987. Testing of optical properties and
development of application procedures for OMP-8 antifoulant on
submersible optical surfaces. Sea Tech Inc. Ref. Tech. Report
8701. 44pp.
*Ackleson, S.G., R.W. Spinrad, C.M. Yentsch, J. Brown and W.
Korjeff-Bellows. 1988. Phytoplankton optical properties: now
cytometric examinations of dilution-induced effects. Applied
Optics. 27:1262
*Ackleson, S.G. and R.W. Spinrad. 1988. Size and refractive
index of individual marine particulates: a flow cytometric
approach. Applied Optics. 27:1270.
Bartz, R., R.W. Spinrad and J.C. Kitchen. 1988. A low power
high resolution, in situ fluorometer for profiling and moored
applications. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. Ocean Optics
IX. 925:157
Spinrad, R.W 1988. Optical oceanography: the state of the
science. Oceanography, 1:22
Dortch, Q., D.W. Townsend, R.W. Spinrad, and L.M. Mayer. 1988.
The Role of Nepheloid Layers in Benthic-Pelagic Coupling.
National Undersea Res. Prog. Research Report 88-3, 1. Babb and
M. De Luca, editors, pp. 181-203
*Spinrad, R.W., R. Bartz and J.C. Kitchen. 1989. In situ
measurement of marine particle settling velocity and size
distributions using the remote optical settling tube. J.
Geophys. Res. 94:93 1.
*Spinrad, R.W., H. Glover, B.B. Ward, L. Codispoti and G.
Kullenberg. 1989. Suspended Particle and Bacterial Maxima in
Peruvian Coastal Waters during a Cold Water Anomaly. Deep Sea
Research. 36:715
*Spinrad, R.W., C.M. Yentsch, J. Brown, Q. Dortch, E. Haugen,
N. Revelante, and L. Shapiro. 1989. The response of beam
attenuation to heterotrophic growth in a natural population of
phytoplankton. Limn. Oceanog. 34:1601
Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Guest Editor, Limnology and Oceanography
Special Issue on Hydrologic Optics, Vol. 34 Number 8, pp. 1389-
1766.
Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Satellite Laser Communication Evaluation
Algorithm (SLCEVAL) Independent Validation and Verification:
Final Report. Spacetask #147-ONR-C-9-1-020. 50 pp.
*Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Optical oceanography: The role of
microparticles in attenuation of marine light. Optics News.
Dec. 1989:51
Spinrad, R.W. 1990. Editor, Ocean Optics X, SPIE v. 1302, 664
pp.,
Spinrad, R.W. 1991. Editor, Underwater Imaging, Photog., and
Visibility, SPIE v.15:37, 222 pp.
*Townsend, D.W., L.M. Mayer, Q. Dortch and R.W. Spinrad. 1992.
Vertical structure and biological activity in the bottom
nepheloid layer of the Gulf of Maine. Continental Shelf
Research 12:363-387.
Spinrad, R.W. and E. Widder. 1992. Ship shadow measurements
from a manned submersible, Ocean Optics XI, SPIE v. 1750:372.
*Spinrad, R.W. and J. Brown. 1993. Effects of asphericity on
single-particle polarized light scattering. Applied Optics.
32:6151.
*Spinrad, R.W., K.L. Carder and M.J. Perry (eds.). 1994. Ocean
Optics, 283pp., Oxford University Press, New York
Spinrad, R.W. 1994, Guest Editor, Oceanography Special Issue on
Technology Transfer, v.6. No.3. 144pp.
Watkins, J.D. and R.W. Spinrad. 1996. Oceans 2000: Bridging the
Millennia--Partnerships for Stakeholders in the Oceans. 51pp.
Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education.
Washington, DC.
Watkins, J.D. and R.W. Spinrad. 1996. An Ocean Community. Sea
Technology, March 1996, p.105
*Spinrad, R.W. 1996 . The Oceanographic Text Pattern: a review
and comparison of introductory Oceanography texts.
Oceanography, 9:194.
Spinrad, R.W. 1996. Ocean Optics: A Perspective and a
Prognosis. Ocean Optics XIII. SPIE v. 2963:
*Spinrad, R.W. 1997. The National Oceanographic Partnership
Program: a commentary. Marine Technology Society Journal,
31(4): 77-78.
*Schoedinger, S.E., R. W. Spinrad and A.R.M. Nowell. 1998.
Support for U.S. Graduate Education in the Ocean Sciences: Are
Research Assistantships Over-utilized as a Source of Funding?.
EOS Trans. American Geophys. Union, 79(5): 57,61,64.
*Nikolaus, R.L. and R.W. Spinrad. 1998. The Impact of Major
Ocean Research Programs on Ocean Science Education. Marine
Technology Society Journal, 32(3):60-67
West, Richard D. and R.W. Spinrad. 2000. Strategy for Research
and Development: Roadmap to a Vision for Operational
Oceanography
Rogers, David P., Mary G. Altalo and Richard W. Spinrad. 2002.
Marine Information for Shipping and Defense. In ``Oceans 2020:
Science, Trends and the Challenge of Sustainability'', Edited
by J. G. Field, G. Hempel, and C.P. Summerhayes. Island Press.
Spinrad, R.W. 2002, An Oceanographic Commitment to Homeland
Security, Sea Technology, 43:56
Spinrad, R.W. 2004, One System, Seven Goals and Oceans of Data,
Sea Technology, 45:4
Moore, Berrien, R. Rosen, A. Rosenberg, R. Spinrad, W.
Washington, R. West. 2004, NOAA Research Review Report, http://
www.sab.noaa.gov/Reports/RRT
_Report-080604.pdf
Spinrad, R.W. 2006, The Evolution and Revolution of Ocean
Science and Technology, Marine Technology Society Journal, 40
Leinen, M., R.W. Spinrad, and J.D. Walker. 2007. Charting the
Course for Ocean Science in the United States in the Next
Decade, An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation
Strategy, National Science and Technology Council, Office of
Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the
President, 84pp., https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/
default/files/micro
sites/ostp/nstc-orppis.pdf
Spinrad, R.W., contributor. 2007. Hidden Depths: Atlas of the
Ocean, Smithsonian:HarperCollins, ISBN 9780061345142, 256pp.
Spinrad, R.W., contributor. 2008. Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas,
National Geographic, ISBN 978-1-4262-0319-0, 351pp.
Watkins, J.D., T. Schaff and R. Spinrad. 2009. A History of the
National Oceanographic Partnership Program, Oceanography
*Spinrad, R. W., National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration: A Lot More Than Your Nickel's Worth, Marine
Technology Society Journal, V. 49, No. 2, pp 8-9, 2015
Spinrad, R. W., F. Orr, E. Stofan, L. A. Tabak, C. E. Wotecki,
Chief Scientists: U.S. Can Remain Innovation Leader in
Science's `Endless Frontier', http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-
richard-w-spinrad/chief-scientists-us-can-r_b_7948
522.html, 2015
Spinrad, R.W. and I. Boyd, Our Deadened, Carbon-soaked Seas,
The New York Times, October 15, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/
2015/10/16/opinion/our-deadened-carbon-soaked-seas.html
Spinrad, R.W., The warming Arctic: Remote but not isolated,
NOAA Blog, December 29, 2015, https://medium.com/@NOAA/the-
warming-arctic-6e1045c
34457
*Briscoe, M., D. Glickson, S. Roberts, R. Spinrad, and J.
Yoder. A moving target: Matching graduate education with
available careers for ocean scientists. Oceanography 29(1):22-
30, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2016.05. 2016
*Spinrad, R. W. The new blue economy: A vast oceanic frontier,
Eos, 97, doi:10.1029/2016EO053793. 08 June 2016.
Spinrad, R.W., We can live better by learning from our oceans,
Miami Herald, July 6, 2016, https://www.miamiherald.com/
opinion/op-ed/article88120617
.html
Spinrad, R.W., NOAA Chief Scientist Report, https://
research.noaa.gov/sites/oar/Documents/External_Affairs/
NOAA_CSAR_2016_28Dec2016.pdf, 2016.
*Spinrad, R.W., Ocean Economic Potential, Marine Technology
Society Journal, V. 52, No. 5, pp 17-18, 2018.
Hotaling, L., and R.W. Spinrad, The New Blue Economy:
Workforce, Programs, and Policies. Elsevier Publishers. In
press, 2021.
Blog Postings:
Personal blog at rickspinrad.com
Speeches (since 2014):
A Chief Scientist's Perspective, 7th Biennial EPP Education and
Science Forum, 10/27/14
Blue is the New Green, 6th Annual Maritime Gala, 11/12/14
Tracking a Changing Climate, The Wilson Center, 11/18/14
NOAA and Argos Wildlife Tracking, International Argos User
Conference, 11/20/14
The Big Challenges, National Center for Science and the
Environment, 1/27/15
Designing a Carbon Observing System, 5th N. American Carbon
Program, 1/28/15
NOAA as the Nation's Environmental Agency, 2015
How Ocean Knowledge Changes the World, National Marine
Educators Association, 2015
NOAA's Research and Development Enterprise, Maryland Space
Business Roundtable, 1/20/15
The Role of Long-Term Science in Building Resilience in the
Gulf of Mexico Region, 2/17/15
Corporate View of NOAA, National Association of Marine Labs, 3/
2/15
Ocean Exploration, Aquatic Academy, 3/3/15
How resilience fits in NOAA priorities, Sea Grant Week, 3/4/15
Oceanography Saved the World, Nifty Fifty Program, 3/12/15
Ocean Observations, Predictions and the New Blue Economy, 5/1/
15
NOAA Programs, Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research,
5/26/15
Mission-optimized Research at NOAA, CYGNSS Applications
Workshop, 5/28/15
My Career as an Oceanography. GESTAR MANIAC talk, 6/1/15
You Are Citizen Science, Climate Stewards Education Webinar, 6/
2/15
Frontiers in Marine Biology, Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science, 6/12/15
Prediction Challenges in a Dynamic Arctic, 6th Symposium on the
Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime
Operations, 7/14/15
How Oceanography Saved the World, Hatfield Marine Science
Center 50th Anniversary Celebration remarks, 8/7/15
Making Science Matter, FDA Science & Research Conference, 8/13/
15 Future of Oceans, XPrize Awards program, 7/20/15
Power of Ocean Data, XPRIZE Workshop, 10/19/15
Marine Technology: A Key to Future Opportunities, OCEANS '15,
10/20/15
Ocean Science Visions, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, 10/28/
15
Making Science Matter, U. Md. Earth System Science
Interdisciplinary Center, 11/9/15
Opening Remarks, UNEP Global Program of Action for the
Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities
Conference, 11/17/15
US Partnerships for Health Sector Resilience, U.S. COP-21 Side
Event, 12/2/15
NOAA's Research and Development Enterprise, American
Geophysical Union, 12/14/15
Understanding Weather and Climate Related Risks, Pew Project on
National Security, Energy, and Climate, 1/25/16
NOAA's Research and Development Enterprise, Ocean Sciences
Meeting, 2/22/16
Pennsylvania Sea Grant Designation, 4/1/16
Making Ocean Science Matter, Rutgers University, 4/6/16
NOAA's Research and Development Enterprise, American
Meteorological Society, 4/14/16
Environment and Geospatial Information, GEOBuiz, 4/26/16
NOAA's Research and Development Enterprise, Ocean Studies
Board, 4/27/16
The Importance of Effective Transition and a Unified Modeling
Framework, Ecological Forecasting Roadmap Annual Meeting, 4/27/
16
Water Intelligence: what do we need and what can it tell us?,
WEF Great Water Cities Summit, 5/11/16
How Oceanography Saved the World, Nifty Fifty, 6/1/16
Launching NOAA Ocean Research, National Marine Educators
Association, 6/27/16
Weather research, Deutscher Wetterdienst, 9/4/16
NOAA Climate Research, GEOMAR, Leibniz Baltic Research, 9/5/16
NOAA Climate Research, Institute for Advanced Sustainability
Studies, Potsdam, 9/6/16
The New Blue Economy, MTS Oceans '16, 9/25/16
Ocean Fun Facts, NYC Submerge Marine Festival, 9/26/16
The Oceans Future, PICES, 11/7/16
Sustaining Ocean Observations, National Academy of Sciences,
11/16/16
History of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Oregon State
University, 4/21/17
Innovation in Coastal Science, State of the Coast Conference,
10/28/17
Emerging Opportunities and Challenges in Ocean Technology,
STRONGMAR Conference, Porto, Portugal, 11/16/17
We Are All Scientists, PIELC Conference, Eugene, OR, 3/1/18
Food From the Sea: The Pull and the Push, Food From the Sea
Conference, Newport, OR, 4/19/18
The Push and the Pull of Marine Technology, OCEANS '18, Kobe,
Japan, 5/29/18
Innovations in Marine Technology, Northwest Marine Technology
Summit, Newport, OR, 10/11/18
How Oceanography Saved the World, Sisters Science Club,
Sisters, OR, 9/24/19
Autonomous vehicles, AUVSI Cascade Chapter, Pendleton, OR, 10/
2/19
The Push and the Pull of Marine Technology, Singapore
University, 10/21/19
Dangers of the Sea, Sisters Rotary, Sisters, OR, 6/18/20
Leadership Seminar, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (via
Zoom), 7/8/20
Promoting a Vibrant Sustainable Blue Economy, Blue Tech Week
(via Zoom), 11/20/20
The New Blue Economy, U. Alaska College of Fisheries and Oceans
Keynote Lecture (via Zoom), 12/3/20
The Push and Pull of Marine Technology, ICL Lecture (via Zoom),
3/11/21
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
Facebook (Rick Spinrad)
Blog--rickspinrad.com
Twitter (@SpinradRick)
LinkedIn (Richard (Rick) Spinrad)
19. 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.
February 26, 2004 to House Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment, regarding FY 2005 budget request: https://
books.google.com/books?id=76
QqAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA60&lpg=PA60_&dq=February+26+2004+Spinrad+NOAA
+testimony&source=bl&ots=OAx_8_wfWj&sig=ACfU3U2WkRCwXJJBzNkBN8A
0bXWpW0kHxw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwicseCsxuzvAhUKu54KHSh-BOsQ
6AEwAHoECAEQAw-
v=onepage&q=February_26_2004_Spinrad_NOAA_testimo
ny&f=false
July 13, 2004 to House Subcommittee on Resources, regarding
ocean observing systems: https://www.congress.gov/108/chrg/
CHRG-108hhrg94997/CHRG-108
hhrg94997.pdf
February 16, 2005 to House Subcommittee on Water Resources and
the Environment, regarding FY 2006 budget request: https://
www.legislative.noaa.gov/Testimony/spinrad021605.pdf
April 19, 2005 to House Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans,
regarding H.R. 1489, ``Coastal Ocean Observing System
Integration and Implementation Act of 2005'': https://
www.legislative.noaa.gov/Testimony/spinrad041905.pdf
May 4, 2006 to House Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans,
regarding H.R. 3835, ``To establish a coordinated national
ocean exploration program within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration'': https://www
.legislative.noaa.gov/Testimony/spinrad050406.pdf
July 27, 2006 to House Committee on Science, regarding H.R.
3835, ``To establish a coordinated national ocean exploration
program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration'': https://www.legislative.noaa.gov/Testimony/
spinrad072706.pdf
April 3, 2008 to House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and
Oceans, NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program: https://
www.legislative.noaa.gov
/Testimony/Spinrad040308.pdf
July 28, 2009 to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, regarding hurricane research: https://
www.legislative.noaa.gov/Testimony/Spinrad072809.pdf
20. 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?
Education--I am formally educated in earth sciences, having
received my undergraduate degree, Master's and Ph.D. in oceanography.
In addition, I am certified as a Chartered Marine Scientist by the
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
Experience--I have spent the last 40 years working in ocean,
atmosphere, and climate science and policy. As a working scientist I
have published over 70 scientific articles, papers, book chapters, and
opinion pieces. I have worked in 5 offices of 3 Federal agencies,
managing research programs, where, in aggregate, I have had acquisition
authority for approximately $4B of Federal funding. In those offices, I
also have developed major policies and supervised thousands of Federal
employees and contractors. I have served in leading roles for major
interagency efforts, reporting directly to the Executive Office of the
President. I have also worked in the private sector, having been
President of a start-up oceanographic instrumentation firm. I have
served as a research assistant, senior faculty (Professor with tenure),
and senior administrator (Vice President for Research) in academia, at
three different major universities.
Recognition--I am recognized as an expert in the technical fields
directly associated with NOAA's mission, as reflected by my having
served as President of The Oceanography Society and the Marine
Technology Society, as well as serving on the governing Council of the
American Meteorological Society. Further reflecting my stature in the
scientific community, I have been elected a Fellow of 4 professional
societies.
21. 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 responsibilities will be to advance the mission of the agency,
and develop the programs, budgets, and policies to accomplish the
components of that mission. Further, I believe I would be authorized to
do so by overseeing the efficient and effective management of the
respective organizations (e.g., the National Marine Fisheries Service
and National Weather Service, etc.) within NOAA, and I am compelled to
do so in a just, equitable, and inclusive manner, advancing an agenda
that fosters an increasingly diverse and representative workforce.
I have led and provided vision, leadership and management acumen in
my serving as the NOAA Assistant Administrator for the National Ocean
Service, with a workforce of approximately 1200 government employees,
and a budget of roughly $400M per year. I also restructured and led the
growth of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research as its
Assistant Administrator, having supervisory responsibilities for more
than 1000 government employees, and a budget of roughly $400M per year.
I would note that for these roles I received the highest level of
recognition in the Senior Executive Service (Distinguished Executive)
from President Barack Obama.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
The first challenge will be developing a full portfolio of
environmental products and services, especially in the context of
changing climate. Every aspect of society will be impacted by the
existential threat of climate change, and as such it is incumbent on
the Federal government to provide the highest quality, most accurate
knowledge and information about the oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, and
cryosphere and how they will change in the months, years, and decades
to come. NOAA is the authoritative source for these products and
services, and the agency's record in providing weather, ocean, climate,
and fisheries information positions NOAA as the logical focal point for
building the portfolio of climate products and services the Nation
needs. Importantly, such an effort will require an extraordinary level
of coordination and cooperation, not only with NOAA's sister
environmentally-oriented agencies, but also with industry, academia,
NGOs, and philanthropic sponsors.
The second high-level challenge will be to build a balanced
portfolio of programs and policies that both enhance environmental
sustainability and foster economic development. The false argument that
conservation threatens financial growth must be obviated by programs in
renewable energy, improved infrastructure, sustainable agriculture/
fisheries, and restorative aquaculture--for example--which take best
advantage of ``environmental intelligence'' and skillful predictions of
how the environment might change under different conditions. I have
been a strong advocate of the New Blue Economy--an economy based on
data and information, around which sustainable economic growth can be
developed. NOAA is well positioned within the Department of Commerce to
take a leadership role in developing this New Blue Economy.
The third priority is associated with the future of the United
States' scientific and technical workforce. NOAA employs large numbers
of scientists and technologists, and, perhaps even more impactfully,
educates and trains many of our future professionals. As such, NOAA has
an important responsibility to ensure that the workforce of the future
is both well-trained, and appropriately representative of the American
populace. Statistics show that the scientific and technical workforce
in the environmental fields in the U.S. is woefully non-diverse. NOAA
must embrace its leadership role in creating a more just, equitable,
diverse, and inclusive workforce.
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.
Professor, Oregon State University. I will retire from my faculty
position upon confirmation of my appointment to the NOAA Administrator
position. I am also vested in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement
System.
I have a retirement account with TIAA-CREF from my employment with
the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education in the 1990s.
I serve in a paid consulting capacity with the Schmidt Ocean
Institute as a member of their Science Advisory Board.
I am the principal and founder of my consulting firm, High Desert
Ocean Associates, LLC.
I am a principal and co-founder (with one other co-founder) of a
consulting firm, Oceans 360 Associates, LLC.
I have no deferred compensation agreements.
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 have no commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to
maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during my prospective government
service.
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. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
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. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, 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. None.
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? Yes.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
I was a subject of a discrimination complaint by an employee of the
NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research in 2009.
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint,
or personnel action was issued or initiated;
I do not know the specific date of the complaint, but I believe it
was 2009.
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
The complaint was that the employee had been detailed to another
office at NOAA as a retaliatory action.
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
I am not certain of the results, as the case continued after my
departure from government in 2010. I heard that the case was dismissed.
No disciplinary action or personnel action was directed to me.
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.
Other than the case indicated in answer to Question C.1, I have
never been accused of harassment or discrimination.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
I believe my record as a supervisor, and the ensuing success of my
direct reports reflects my fair and unbiased support for those I work
with, regardless of their race, color, religion, age, gender identity,
sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, status
as a parent, or political affiliation.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? 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.
______
APPENDIX A
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D., CMarSci
Cleared for Top Secret information and granted access to Sensitive
Compartmented Information based on Single Scope Background
Investigation completed on 10/16/2015
Qualifications
Internationally recognized executive with over 35 years of multisector
experience in leading large organizations through change
Technical Leadership: Directed and coordinated scientific
policy at highest levels (White House) of the Federal
government; Led research growth in a very high research
activity university (Carnegie classified RU/VH); Defined
environmental research priorities for team including Nobel
laureates in environmental science; Led the development of
Nation's first ever ocean research priorities; Established U.S.
Navy environmental research strategy
Program Management and Advocacy: Directed over $4B of
Federal research programs; Co-wrote legislation for new Federal
environmental programs; Testified more than a dozen times
before U.S. Congress on budgetary and environmental issues; Led
development of international programs of record at the United
Nations Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Administrative Expertise: Supervised thousands of employees
nationwide; Led the successful reorganization of 7 Federal
laboratories; Established first-ever University research
strategy; Recognized with highest level national awards and
commendation from peers and supervisors
Research Innovation: Built highly successful programs for
industry support of academic research; Successfully competed
for grants from 4 Federal agencies; Published original research
in preeminent peer-reviewed journals; Awarded highest honors
from 3 international professional societies
Teaching Experience: Served on faculty of 3 major
universities; Repeatedly evaluated as outstanding professor at
George Mason University; Advisee at U.S. Naval Academy awarded
the top student researcher award; Tenured Professor at Oregon
State University
Professional Experience (By Sector)\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Chronological listing follows
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academia
Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Research; Professor of
Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR: 10/17-Present
(0.4 FTE)
Coordinate and oversee activities on major projects for the OSU
Research Office. Specific focus is on development of matching funds for
the $50M wave energy project from the U.S. Department of Energy,
entitled PacWave.
Key Accomplishments: Raised nearly $10M of matching funds from
government and private sources to facilitate construction and
installation of the wave energy test site.
Vice President for Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR: 7/
10-6/14
Oversaw $300M sponsored research program in full spectrum of life,
natural, physical, social sciences for 12 Colleges and 18 Centers/
Institutes. Lead all commercialization development and management of
intellectual property. Served as Institutional Official, ensuring full
compliance with safety and regulatory controls on sponsored research.
Key Accomplishments: Developed infrastructure for engaging industry
with consequent 42 percent increase in commercially sponsored research
in 2 years. Introduced first electronic research administration system
for the University. Led first ever AAALAC accreditation for the
University.
Adjunct Associate Professor, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.: 1/96-
6/99 (while at Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education,
CORE)
Lead supervisor of USNA Trident Scholar in oceanography. Supervised
independent research studies of Naval Academy midshipmen, primarily in
the area of optical oceanography.
Key Accomplishments: Advisee was awarded the coveted Harry E. Ward
Trident Scholar prize
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.: 8/94-12/97
(while at Office of Naval Research--ONR, and CORE)
Taught a 300-level course on Oceanography, involving development of
curriculum and preparation/delivery of all lecture materials.
Key Accomplishments: Consistently rated as a top lecturer
Research Scientist, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, West
Boothbay Harbor, ME..:12/82-12/85
Wrote proposals for and performed federally funded basic research in
oceanography (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National
Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
NOAA and ONR). Published results in peer-reviewed literature. Organized
and participated in extensive field research cruises.
Key Accomplishments: Conducted leading research (published in peer-
reviewed literature) on ocean processes; Recipient of research grants
from 4 Federal agencies
Government
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA; WASHINGTON, DC)
Chief Scientist: 7/14-12/16
Appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as NOAA's first Chief
Scientist in nearly 20 years. Advise the Under Secretary of Commerce on
agency research priorities and policies. Represent the Department at
highest government level interagency, national and international
committees, venues and forums. Build and establish policies and
practices for managing, reviewing and enhancing the agency's research
portfolio.
Key Accomplishments: Designed and promulgated the Agency's first ever
Strategic Research Guidance Memorandum, the foundational document for
ensuring corporate research portfolio management; built a rapid
transition program and process for accelerating delivery of all
research results into NOAA's operations, applications and
commercialization; instituted several initiatives for recognizing the
performance of agency scientists; re-engineered NOAA's $200M per year
Cooperative Institute program to improve effectiveness of academic
research support; produced first Chief Scientist's Annual Report for
the agency
Assistant Administrator for Research (Senior Executive Service): 9/05-
4/10
Served as the head of research for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA). Directed programmatic and budget authority over
programs in oceanographic, atmospheric and climatological research.
Supervision of a wide range of research sponsorship programs including
ocean exploration, the National Sea Grant College Program and the
Climate Program Office. Line supervisor for 7 NOAA laboratories around
the United States, approximately 800 employees, and approximately $400M
in program funds.
Key Accomplishments: Led the development of the first-ever U.S. ocean
research priorities; Oversaw complete overhaul of NOAA Research;
Established agency-wide policies for scientific integrity and
independence; Sustained annual budget increases; recognized by Pres.
Barack H. Obama with Presidential Rank Award
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management
(Senior Executive Service): 6/03-9/05
Served as the head of the National Ocean Service. Provided oversight of
the United States Federal domestic ocean services and coastal zone
management programs. Had direct programmatic and budget authority over
programs in navigation services (e.g., National Geodetic Survey),
resources (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries Program), and coastal
management (e.g., Office of Coastal Resource Management). Line
supervisor for approximately 1200 employees, and approximately $700M in
program funds.
Key Accomplishments: Negotiated U.S. position in establishing global
tsunami warning system; established formal peer-recognition award for
employees; Wrote key components of the Administration's Ocean Action
Plan
United States Navy (WASHINGTON, DC)
Technical Director, Oceanographer of the Navy (Senior Executive
Service): 3/99-5/03
Served as the senior civilian advisor to the U.S. Navy on operational
oceanographic research and operations. Represented the U.S. Navy
oceanographic, meteorological, and astronomical communities within the
Defense Department and to interagency, and international organizations.
Established the priorities for U.S. Navy investment in application of
oceanographic products to fleet operations.
Key Accomplishments: Created program to accelerate transition of
research into Naval operations; Helped lead establishment of office of
the Navigator of the Navy; recognized by Pres. George W. Bush with
Presidential Rank Award
Director, Ocean, Atmosphere & Space Modeling and Prediction Division,
Office of Naval Research (ONR, (Senior Executive Service): 11/93-12/94
Serve as Principal executive leading and managing all of the basic and
applied research and development (R&D) in oceanographic, meteorological
and space-based modeling and prediction for the U.S. Navy. Total direct
management authority was approximately $150M and 45 personnel.
Administrated procurements in these R&D areas, and maintained full
authority for program staffing and technical development.
Key Accomplishments: Created investment areas for Navy in shallow water
oceanography, remote sensing and the use of autonomous vehicles
Director, Ocean Biology/Optics/Chemistry Division, Office of Naval
Research (Senior Executive Service): 10/88-10/93
Responsible for providing leadership, staffing, coordination and
direction for ONR's fundamental research programs in biological,
optical and chemical oceanography (budget authority of approximately
$20M) and recommending changes in program objectives and policies to
the Director, Ocean Sciences Directorate.
Key Accomplishments: Initiated global leadership role for ONR in marine
bioluminescence, ocean fertilization, and underwater optics
Program Manager, Ocean Optics Program, Office of Naval Research: 9/87-
9/88
Reviewed and managed extramural research grants, primarily supporting
academic research institutions.
Key Accomplishments: Grew a program of annual spending from $0.5M to
$10M in three years
Non-Profit
Executive Director for Research and Education, Consortium for
Oceanographic Research and Education, Inc. (CORE), Washington, DC.: 12/
94-2/99
Coordinated all activities associated with research and education in
marine sciences for a non-governmental organization (registered lobby),
including the development (i.e., fundraising), performance and
management of grant-or contract-funded efforts. Interacted on a regular
basis with agency heads, institutional directors, members of Congress
and their staffs. Served as first Director of National Oceanographic
Partnership Program Office, overseeing the operations in support of the
Interagency Working Group, and the National Ocean Research Leadership
Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Navy.
Key Accomplishments: Wrote legislation for a National Ocean Partnership
Program; Created the National Ocean Sciences Bowl
Industry
Principal and Founder, High Desert Ocean Associates, LLC, Bend, OR: 11/
17-Present
Conduct consulting on all aspects of environmental scientific
operations, policy and programmatics. Clients include public and
private sector agencies and firms.
Principal and Co-Founder, Oceans 360 Group, LLC, Seattle, WA: 12/17-
Present
Conduct consulting on all aspects of environmental scientific
operations, policy and programmatics. Clients include public and
private sector agencies and firms.
President, Sea Tech Inc, Corvallis, OR.: 1/86-8/87
Managed and directed all aspects of a small R&D firm, including
initiating successful involvement in SBIR programs with Federal funding
agencies. Sea Tech, Inc. was purchased in full by WetLabs, Inc. in
1999.
Key Accomplishments: Developed commercial ocean fluorometer
Professional Experience (Chronologically)
Research Scientist, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences,
West Boothbay Harbor, ME.:12/82-12/85
President, Sea Tech Inc., Corvallis, OR.: 1/86-8/87
Program Manager, Ocean Optics Program, Office of Naval
Research (ONR): 9/87-9/88
Director, Ocean Biology/Optics/Chemistry Division, ONR: 10/
88-10/93
Director, Ocean, Atmosphere & Space Modeling & Prediction
Division, ONR: 11/93-12/94
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.: 8/
94-12/97 (while at ONR and CORE)
Executive Director, Consortium for Oceanographic Research
and Education (CORE), Washington, DC.:12/94-2/99
Adjunct Associate Professor, US Naval Academy, Annapolis,
MD.: 1/96-6/99 (while at CORE)
Technical Director, Oceanographer of the Navy: 3/99-5/03
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone
Management, NOAA: 6/03-9/05
Assistant Administrator for Research, NOAA: 9/05-4/10
Vice President for Research, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR: 7/10-6/14
Chief Scientist (Presidential Appointment), NOAA,
Washington, DC: 7/14-12/16
Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Research; Professor
of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR: 10/17-
Present (0. 4 FTE)
Principal and Founder, High Desert Ocean Associates, LLC,
Bend, OR: 11/17-Present
Principal and Co-Founder, Oceans 360 Group, LLC, Seattle,
WA: 12/17-Present
Technical Strengths
Accomplished researcher in marine environmental studies; demonstrated
leadership in design of sophisticated environmental instrumentation;
innovator of National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a program for high school
students; Successful program manager with significant annual growth in
programs of responsibility at both Navy and NOAA; Globally sought
public speaker with over 100 speeches and media appearances (print and
broadcast including The New York Times, MSNBC, The Washington Post,
Huffington Post, USA Today, Discovery Channel, The Weather Channel,
BBC); prepared and delivered testimony to U.S. Congress and state
legislature to increase budgets and improve programs in research and
education; established record of program and policy development in
economic development (including engagement with venture capital and
angel investors)
Education and Certifications
B.A., Earth and Planetary Sciences, 1975--The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, MD
M.S., Oceanography, 1978--Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Ph.D., Oceanography, 1982--Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Chartered Marine Scientist (CMarSCi, equivalent to professional
certificate)--Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology,
London, UK
Top Secret Security Clearance--Additional information available on
request
Honors and Awards
Honorable Mention, Association Trends Publications Awards for
Professional Journals, 2000
Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, United States of America President
George W. Bush, 2003
Distinguished Civilian Service Award (highest award given to a
civilian), United States Navy, 2003
Fellow, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology,
London, UK, 2007
Fellow, The American Meteorological Society, 2007
Fellow, Marine Technology Society, 2008
General Counsel Award, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
2005 and 2009
Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, United States of America
President Barack H. Obama, 2009
Alumni Fellow Award, Oregon State University, 2010
Admiral James D. Watkins Honorary Lecture Inaugural Lecturer, Marine
Technology Society, 2010
Lifetime Achievement Award, Oceanology International, 2014
Honorary Co-Chair (with Congressman Sam Farr), OCEANS '15 Conference,
Washington, DC, 2015
Fellow, The Oceanography Society, 2019
Affiliations and Critical Professional Service
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Meteorological Society (FELLOW)
American Geophysical Union Marine Technology Society (FELLOW)
The Oceanography Society
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (FELLOW and
Chartered Marine Scientist)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Vice-Chair, U.S. National Committee for the Decade of Ocean
Science Sustainable Development, 2020-present
Member, Schmidt Ocean Institute Advisory Board, 2020-present
Member, Advisory Panel for Monterey Bay Aquarium Research
Institute, 2019-2020
Member, Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, 2019-present
President, Marine Technology Society, 2019-2020
Chair, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere Business
Unit Review Panel, 2018
Member, New Zealand Government National Science Challenge
Review Panelist: 1) The Deep South, and; 2) Sustainable Seas,
2018
Member, Scientific Advisory Board, The Ocean Cleanup, 2017-
present
Member, Advisory Committee for the National Ocean Sciences
Bowl, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, 2017-present
Member, Roundtable on Science and Technology for
Sustainability, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine, 2015-2016
Member, Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and
Sustainability, National Science and Technology Council, White
House Office of Science and Technology Policy, 2014-2016
Member, Committee on Science, National Science and
Technology Council, White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy, 2014-2016
Council Member, Government-University-Industry Research
Roundtable, National Academies of Science, Engineering and
Medicine, 2014-2016
President-Elect, Marine Technology Society, 2013-2014; 2017-
2018
President, Oregon Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Business
Enterprise, 2013-2014
Member\3\, Ocean Research Advisory Panel Federal Advisory
Committee, 2013-2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Nominated and approved, service pre-empted by Presidential
Appointment to NOAA
Chair, Federal Advisory Committee on Integrated Ocean
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observing Systems, 2012-2014
Chair and Technical Advisor, Oregon Innovation Council,
Commercialized Research Committee, 2012-2014
Commissioner, Corvallis Economic Development Commission,
2011-2014
Board Member, Oregon Built Environment and Sustainable
Technology Signature Research Center, 2010-2014
Board Member, Oregon Translational Research and Development
Institute, 2010-2014
MEDEA, Advisory committee, 2010-2014
Councilor, American Meteorological Society, 2009-2013
President, The Oceanography Society, 2007-2009
Member, Google Ocean Advisory Committee, 2007-2013
Member, External Advisory Board, Center for Coastal Margin
Observation & Prediction, Oregon Health and Science University,
2006-2010
Chair, NOAA Research Council, 2006-2010
Permanent U.S. Representative (appointed by U.S. Department
of State), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the
United Nations, UNESCO, 2004-2007
Co-Chair, White House Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science
and Technology, of the Committee on Environment/Natural
Resources, of the National Science and Technology Council,
2003-2010
Chair, NOAA Ocean Council, 2003-2005
Member, Committee on NOAA/NASA Transitions of Research to
Operations, Space Studies Board, National Research Council,
National Academy of Sciences, 2001-2003
Chair, Oceanology International Americas 2001 Conference
Editor, McGraw-Hill Science Yearbook 2000
Chair, Navy Technical Evaluation Team for WINDSAT program,
1999
Editor-in-Chief, Oceanography Magazine, 1997-2003
Member, National Visiting Comm., NSF Marine Advanced Tech.
Education Center, 1997-2000
Board of Directors, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
1994-2000
Guest Editor, Special Focus Issue of Oceanography, 1994
Editor, ``Ocean Optics'', Oxford University Press, 1994
Chair and Editor, Ocean Optics X Symposium (SPIE), 1990
Symposium Chair for Optical Society of America annual
meeting, 1989
Member Tech. Advisory Group, Calgary City Dept. of Water
Works, 1989
Guest Editor, Special Focus Issue of Limnology and
Oceanography, 1989
Associate Editor, Oceanography Magazine, 1988-1997
Biographical note
Having served as a canoe-tripping guide in Northern Ontario, as a
college student, I've retained a love for outdoor activities all my
life, and am an avid hiker (in fact, from March 2017 to May 2017 I
completed a ``bucket list'' walk of 800 miles from Delaware to
Indiana). Other diversionary activities include banjo-playing,
woodworking (especially on large projects like roll-top desks and four-
poster beds), and, of late, collecting mechanical music machines. All
this among a continually evolving menagerie of beagles, Labrador
retrievers and cats.
Publications (* = refereed)
1. Spinrad, R.W. 1978. Experimental and theoretical measurements of
the volume scattering function at near-forward angles. M.S.
thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis.
2. *Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and H. Pak. 1978. Volume
scattering function of suspended particulate matter at near-
forward angles: a comparison of experimental and theoretical
values. Appl. Optics 17:1125.
3. Zaneveld, J.R.V., J.C. Kitchen, R. Bartz, D. Menzies, S. Moore,
R.W. Spinrad and H. Pak. 1978. Optical, hydrographic and
chemical observations in the Monterey Bay area during May and
September of 1977, Oregon State Univ. School of Ocean. Ref. 78-
13.
4. Spinrad, R.W. 1978. Measurements of the volume scattering
function at near-forward angles for suspended oceanic
particles. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. 160:18.
5. *Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and H. Pak. 1979. Irradiance and
beam transmittance measurements off the West Coast of the
Americas. J. Geophys., Res. 84*:355.
6. Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and D.W. Menzies. 1979. Optical
and hydrographic observations in the Congo River and Angola
Basin in May of 1978. Oregon State Univ. School of Ocean. Ref.
79-3.
7. Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and R. Bartz, 1979. Optical
properties of turbidity standards. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr.
Eng. 208:159
8. *Zaneveld, J.R.V. and R.W. Spinrad, 1980. An arctangent model of
irradiance in the sea. J. Geophys. Res. 85:4919
9. Spinrad, R.W. 1982. Optical characteristics of the suspended
sediment in the high energy benthic boundary layer experiment.
Ph.D. thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis.
10. *Zaneveld, J.R.V., R.W. Spinrad and R. Bartz. 1982. An optical
settling tube for the determination of particle size
distributions. Mar. Geol. 49:357.
11. *Spinrad, R.W. and J.R.V. Zaneveld. 1982. An analysis of the
optical features of the near bottom and bottom nepheloid layers
in the area of the Scotian Rise. J. Geophys. Res. 87:9553.
12. *Spinrad, R.W., J.R.V. Zaneveld and J.C. Kitchen. 1983. A study
of the optical characteristics of the suspended particles in
the benthic nepheloid layer of the Scotian Rise. J. Geophys.
Res. 88:7641.
13. *Yentsch, C.M., P.K. Horan, K. Muirhead, Q. Dortch, E.M. Haugen,
L. Legendre, L.S. Murphy, M.J. Perry, D. Phinney, S.D. Pomponi,
R.W. Spinrad, A.M. Woods, C.S. Yentsch and B.J. Zahuranec.
1983. Flow cytometry and cell sorting: a technique for analysis
and sorting of aquatic particles. Limnol. Oceanogr. 28*:1275
14. Spinrad, R.W. 1984. Flow cytometric analysis of the optical
characteristics of marine particulates. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt.
Instr. Eng. 489:335.
15. *Pak, H., J.R.V. Zaneveld and R.W. Spinrad. 1984. Vertical
distribution of suspended particulate matter in the Zaire
River, estuary and plume. Neth. 1. Sea Res. 17:412.
16. *Spinrad, R.W, 1986. An optical study of the water masses of the
Gulf of Maine. J. Geophys. Res. 92:1007.
17. *Spinrad, R.W. and J.F. Brown. 1986. Relative real refractive
index of marine microorganisms: A technique for flow cytometric
estimation. Appl. Optics 25*:1930
18. *Spinrad, R.W. 1986. A calibration diagram of specific beam
attenuation. J. Geophys. Res. 91:7761
19. *Townsend, D.W. and R.W. Spinrad. 1986. Early spring
phytoplankton blooms in the Gulf of Maine. Cont. Shelf Res. 6
20. *Codispoti, L.A., G.E. Friederich, T.T. Packard, H.E. Glover,
P.J. Kelley, R.W. Spinrad, R.T. Barber, J.J. Elkins, B.B. Ward,
F. Lipschultz, N. Lastaunau. 1986. High nitrite levels off
Northern Peru: a signal of instability in the marine
denitrification rate. Science. 233:1200
21. Spinrad, R.W. 1986. Use of the specific beam attenuation
coefficient for identification of suspended particulate
material. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. Ocean Optics VIII 637:
135
22. *Spinrad, R.W. and C.M. Yentsch. 1987. Observations on the
Intra-and Inter-specific Single Cell Optical Variability of
Marine Phytoplankton. Applied Optics. 26:357
23. *Glover, H.E., M.D. Keller and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. The effects
of light quality and intensity on photosynthesis and growth of
marine eukaryotic and prokaryotic phytoplankton clones. J. Exp.
Mar. Ecol. 105:137
24. *Yentsch, C.M. and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. Particles in flow, Mar.
Tech. Society Journal. 21:58.
25. *Campbell, D.E. and R.W. Spinrad. 1987. The relationship between
light attenuation and particle characteristics in a turbid
estuary. Est. Coast and Shelf Sci. 25:53
26. Spinrad, R.W. 1987. Testing of optical properties and
development of application procedures for OMP-8 antifoulant on
submersible optical surfaces. Sea Tech Inc. Ref. Tech. Report
8701. 44pp.
27. *Ackleson, S.G., R.W. Spinrad, C.M. Yentsch, J. Brown and W.
Korjeff-Bellows. 1988. Phytoplankton optical properties: now
cytometric examinations of dilution-induced effects. Applied
Optics. 27:1262
28. *Ackleson, S.G. and R.W. Spinrad. 1988. Size and refractive
index of individual marine particulates: a flow cytometric
approach. Applied Optics. 27:1270.
29. Bartz, R., R.W. Spinrad and J.C. Kitchen. 1988. A low power high
resolution, in situ fluorometer for profiling and moored
applications. Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng. Ocean Optics
IX. 925:157
30. Spinrad, R.W 1988. Optical oceanography: the state of the
science. Oceanography, 1:22
31. Dortch, Q., D.W. Townsend, R.W. Spinrad, and L.M. Mayer. 1988.
The Role of Nepheloid Layers in Benthic-Pelagic Coupling.
National Undersea Res. Prog. Research Report 88-3, 1. Babb and
M. De Luca, editors, pp. 181-203
32. *Spinrad, R.W., R. Bartz and J.C. Kitchen. 1989. In situ
measurement of marine particle settling velocity and size
distributions using the remote optical settling tube. J.
Geophys. Res. 94:93 1.
33. *Spinrad, R.W., H. Glover, B.B. Ward, L. Codispoti and G.
Kullenberg. 1989. Suspended Particle and Bacterial Maxima in
Peruvian Coastal Waters during a Cold Water Anomaly. Deep Sea
Research. 36:715
34. *Spinrad, R.W., C.M. Yentsch, J. Brown, Q. Dortch, E. Haugen, N.
Revelante, and L. Shapiro. 1989. The response of beam
attenuation to heterotrophic growth in a natural population of
phytoplankton. Limn. Oceanog. 34:1601
35. Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Guest Editor, Limnology and Oceanography
Special Issue on Hydrologic Optics, Vol. 34 Number 8, pp. 1389-
1766.
36. Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Satellite Laser Communication Evaluation
Algorithm (SLCEVAL) Independent Validation and Verification:
Final Report. Spacetask #147-ONR-C-9-1-020. 50 pp.
37. *Spinrad, R.W. 1989. Optical oceanography: The role of
microparticles in attenuation of marine light. Optics News.
Dec. 1989:51
38. Spinrad, R.W. 1990. Editor, Ocean Optics X, SPIE v. 1302, 664
pp.,
39. Spinrad, R.W. 1991. Editor, Underwater Imaging, Photog., and
Visibility, SPIE v.15:37, 222 pp.
40. *Townsend, D.W., L.M. Mayer, Q. Dortch and R.W. Spinrad. 1992.
Vertical structure and biological activity in the bottom
nepheloid layer of the Gulf of Maine. Continental Shelf
Research 12:363-387.
41. Spinrad, R.W. and E. Widder. 1992. Ship shadow measurements from
a manned submersible, Ocean Optics XI, SPIE v. 1750:372.
42. *Spinrad, R.W. and J. Brown. 1993. Effects of asphericity on
single-particle polarized light scattering. Applied Optics.
32:6151.
43. *Spinrad, R.W., K.L. Carder and M.J. Perry (eds.). 1994. Ocean
Optics, 283pp., Oxford University Press, New York
44. Spinrad, R.W. 1994, Guest Editor, Oceanography Special Issue on
Technology Transfer, v.6. No.3. 144pp.
45. Watkins, J.D. and R.W. Spinrad. 1996. Oceans 2000: Bridging the
Millennia--Partnerships for Stakeholders in the Oceans. 51pp.
Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education.
Washington, DC.
46. Watkins, J.D. and R.W. Spinrad. 1996. An Ocean Community. Sea
Technology, March 1996, p.105
47. *Spinrad, R.W. 1996 . The Oceanographic Text Pattern: a review
and comparison of introductory Oceanography texts.
Oceanography, 9:194.
48. Spinrad, R.W. 1996. Ocean Optics: A Perspective and a Prognosis.
Ocean Optics XIII. SPIE v. 2963:
49. *Spinrad, R.W. 1997. The National Oceanographic Partnership
Program: a commentary. Marine Technology Society Journal,
31(4): 77-78.
50. *Schoedinger, S.E., R. W. Spinrad and A.R.M. Nowell. 1998.
Support for U.S. Graduate Education in the Ocean Sciences: Are
Research Assistantships Over-utilized as a Source of Funding?.
EOS Trans. American Geophys. Union, 79(5): 57,61,64.
51. *Nikolaus, R.L. and R.W. Spinrad. 1998. The Impact of Major
Ocean Research Programs on Ocean Science Education. Marine
Technology Society Journal, 32(3):60-67
52. West, Richard D. and R.W. Spinrad. 2000. Strategy for Research
and Development: Roadmap to a Vision for Operational
Oceanography
53. Rogers, David P., Mary G. Altalo and Richard W. Spinrad. 2002.
Marine Information for Shipping and Defense. In ``Oceans 2020:
Science, Trends and the Challenge of Sustainability'', Edited
by J. G. Field, G. Hempel, and C.P. Summerhayes. Island Press.
54. Spinrad, R.W. 2002, An Oceanographic Commitment to Homeland
Security, Sea Technology, 43:56
55. Spinrad, R.W. 2004, One System, Seven Goals and Oceans of Data,
Sea Technology, 45:4
56. Moore, Berrien, R. Rosen, A. Rosenberg, R. Spinrad, W.
Washington, R. West. 2004, NOAA Research Review Report, http://
www.sab.noaa.gov/ Reports/RRT_Report-080604.pdf
57. Spinrad, R.W. 2006, The Evolution and Revolution of Ocean
Science and Technology, Marine Technology Society Journal, 40
58. Leinen, M., R.W. Spinrad, and J.D. Walker. 2007. Charting the
Course for Ocean Science in the United States in the Next
Decade, An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation
Strategy, National Science and Technology Council, Office of
Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the
President, 84pp., https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ sites/
default/files/microsites/ostp/nstc-orppis.pdf
59. Spinrad, R.W., contributor. 2007. Hidden Depths: Atlas of the
Ocean, Smithsonian:HarperCollins, ISBN 9780061345142, 256pp.
60. Spinrad, R.W., contributor. 2008. Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas,
National Geographic, ISBN 978-1-4262-0319-0, 351pp.
61. Watkins, J.D., T. Schaff and R. Spinrad. 2009. A History of the
National Oceanographic Partnership Program, Oceanography
62. *Spinrad, R. W., National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration: A Lot More Than Your Nickel's Worth, Marine
Technology Society Journal, V. 49, No. 2, pp 8-9, 2015
63. Spinrad, R. W., F. Orr, E. Stofan, L. A. Tabak, C. E. Wotecki,
Chief Scientists: U.S. Can Remain Innovation Leader in
Science's 'Endless Frontier', http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-
richard-w-spinrad/chief-scientists-us-can-r_b_7948522.html,
2015
64. Spinrad, R.W. and I. Boyd, Our Deadened, Carbon-soaked Seas, The
New York Times, October 15, 2015
65. Spinrad, R.W., The warming Arctic: Remote but not isolated, NOAA
Blog, December 15, 2015
66. *Briscoe, M., D. Glickson, S. Roberts, R. Spinrad, and J. Yoder.
A moving target: Matching graduate education with available
careers for ocean scientists. Oceanography 29(1):22-30, http://
dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2016.05. 2016
67. *Spinrad, R. W. The new blue economy: A vast oceanic frontier,
Eos, 97, doi:10.1029/2016EO053793. 08 June 2016.
68. Spinrad, R.W., We can live better by learning from our oceans,
Miami Herald, 6 July, 2016.
69. Spinrad, R.W., NOAA Chief Scientist Report, https://
research.noaa.gov/sites/oar/Documents/External_Affairs/
NOAA_CSAR_2016_28Dec2016.pdf, 2016.
70. *Spinrad, R.W., Ocean Economic Potential, Marine Technology
Society Journal, V. 52, No. 5, pp 17-18, 2018.
71. Hotaling, L., and R.W. Spinrad, The New Blue Economy: Workforce,
Programs, and Policies. Elsevier Publishers. In press, 2021.
Additional numerous editorials and op-ed articles in trade and
technical publications
The Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Spinrad. Now we will turn to
Col. Melroy.
STATEMENT OF COLONEL PAMELA A. MELROY (USAF, RET.),
NOMINEE TO BE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR,
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Colonel Melroy. Thank you, Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member
Wicker, and members of the Committee. It is my honor to appear
before you today as the President's nominee for Deputy
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, supporting Senator Bill Nelson in his role as
Administrator. First, I would like to thank my husband, Doug
Hollett, for his unwavering support on this very special day,
which happens to be our wedding anniversary.
I would also like to thank my parents, Doug's son and his
wife, and our extended family for their love and support,
including my goddaughter, Katie, who is also here today. More
than any other Government endeavor, NASA inspires and unites
this Nation. With the tremendous bipartisan support of
Congress, NASA's incredible workforce is ready to tackle our
Nation's most pressing challenges, economic competitiveness,
climate change, and maintaining American superiority and
leadership in science and technology.
I have worked in aerospace for my entire career and have
experience in each of NASA's four mission areas. If confirmed,
I am ready to help Administrator Nelson lead and manage NASA on
day one. I served for 22 years as a pilot in the United States
Air Force, including flying in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and
as a test pilot. As a NASA astronaut, I spent 38 days in space,
over three shuttle missions, serving as the mission commander
in my final space flight in 2007.
My experience in space gave me extensive knowledge of the
complexity and the operations of the International Space
Station and the rigors of human space flight. I had numerous
special assignments, including as the Deputy Project Manager of
the Columbia Crew Survival Investigation. I have an acute
understanding of the difficult decisions NASA leadership faces
in balancing bold exploration and safety.
After leaving NASA, I worked in space industry before
returning to public service at the FAA's Office of Commercial
Space Transportation. This experience provided me a unique
insight into the growing commercial space industry, which NASA
increasingly partners with to execute missions such as the
commercial resupply services and commercial crew. Following
that experience, I worked at the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency, or DARPA, as Deputy Director of the Tactical
Technology Office, overseeing a large portfolio of
developmental space and aeronautics technology projects.
I saw firsthand how NASA, the DOD, and industry worked
together to develop next generation technologies and bring them
to market. If confirmed as Deputy Administrator, I would have
the opportunity to utilize my understanding of these agencies
to help foster synergies and maintain American leadership in
science, space, and aeronautics. We are very fortunate to live
in a country with an incredible diversity of thought and
experience, and that is one of our greatest strengths. If
confirmed as Deputy Administrator, I would support
Administrator Nelson in fostering a culture of diversity,
equity, and inclusion at NASA, and support the role of NASA in
STEM education, growing our great Nation's next generation of
scientists, engineers, and explorers.
I also strongly support the Biden-Harris Administration's
goal of addressing climate change. NASA's role in collecting
data about the Earth's system is essential to this challenge.
If confirmed as Deputy Administrator, I will work closely with
NOAA and with other agencies to ensure a robust system of Earth
data collection and dissemination. Finally, I am a firm
believer in accountability for taxpayers dollars as if they
were my own.
My program management experience in industry and DARPA
taught me that good financial and risk management is the
linchpin of success. If confirmed, I look forward to bringing
those experiences to NASA. I am incredibly passionate about
NASA and its mission. If confirmed, I would be honored to
support Administrator Nelson, execute the Administration's
priorities, guide the next generation, and work with Congress
on the future. Thanks for the opportunity to testify before you
today. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of
Colonel Melroy follow:]
Prepared Statement of Colonel Pamela A. Melroy (USAF, Ret.), Nominee to
be Deputy Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Thank you Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and members of the
committee. It is my honor to appear before you today as the President's
nominee for Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
When most Americans think of NASA, they think first of space
exploration, and their own personal experiences watching an astronaut
land on the Moon, a rocket launch, or, like we saw a few months ago, a
rover touchdown on Mars. The recent first powered flight on another
planet was followed closely by millions. More than any other government
endeavor, NASA inspires and unites this Nation. And with the tremendous
bipartisan support of the Congress, NASA and its incredible workforce
is ready to tackle our Nation's most pressing challenges--economic
competitiveness, climate change, and maintaining American leadership in
science and technology.
I have worked in aerospace for my entire career and have experience
in each of NASA's four mission areas--aeronautics, space technology,
human spaceflight, and science. I have a deep understanding of how the
agency operates, and, if confirmed, I am ready to help Senator Nelson
lead and manage NASA on day one.
I served for 22 years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, including
serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and as a test pilot. While in the
Air Force I was selected as a NASA astronaut. I spent 38 days in space
over three Space Shuttle missions, serving as the mission commander on
my final spaceflight in 2007. My experience in space gave me extensive
knowledge of the operations of the International Space Station and the
rigors and complexity of human spaceflight. I also handled numerous
special assignments including Deputy Project manager of the Columbia
Crew Survival Investigation. These roles honed my leadership skills and
fostered an acute understanding of the role NASA leadership plays, and
the difficult decisions they face balancing bold exploration and
safety.
After leaving NASA, I worked in the space industry before returning
to public service at the FAA's Office of Commercial Spaceflight. This
experience provided me a unique insight into the growing commercial
space industry, which NASA increasingly partners with to execute
missions. Following that, I worked at the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) as the Deputy Director of the Tactical
Technology Office, which directs and oversees a large portfolio of
space and aeronautics development projects.
NASA does not operate in a vacuum, especially with the significant
activities occurring in commercial space. If confirmed as Deputy, I
would be committed to ensuring that NASA is coordinated with the other
government agencies in advancing space policy. In my previous role at
the FAA, I was responsible for oversight of commercial spaceflight
licensed and permitted activities, including NASA's Commercial Resupply
Services and Commercial Crew programs.
This experience provided me with a unique insight and understanding
of how NASA, the FAA, and the commercial space industry work together.
In a similar vein, my experience at DARPA exposed me to how NASA,
the DoD, and industry work together to develop next generation
technologies. If confirmed as Deputy Administrator, I would have the
opportunity to utilize my understanding of these agencies to help
foster synergies and maintain American leadership in space and
aeronautics.
For America to continue to lead the world in space, it must do so
in a way that inspires and benefits all Americans. If confirmed as
Deputy Administrator, I would be committed to ensuring that there are
fair and inclusive processes within the agency and in our partnerships.
We are privileged to live in a country with an incredible diversity of
thought and experience, and that is one of our greatest strengths.
Senator Nelson and I are both deeply committed to fostering a culture
of diversity, equity, and inclusion at NASA. We also support the role
of NASA in STEM education, supporting our great nation's next
generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
NASA is unique because its programs are awe-inspiring and have the
potential to fundamentally change humanity's understanding of the
universe. NASA's role is collecting data about the Earth system and
understanding the effects of climate change will be essential to those
tasked with determining policy. If confirmed as Deputy Administrator, I
will work closely with NOAA and ensure a robust program of Earth data
collection and dissemination.
However, it is still essential to have the right insight and
oversight of these programs. I am a firm believer in accountability for
taxpayers' dollars as if they were my own. Executing NASA's missions in
a cost-effective way helps America achieve the most aspirational goals
in a safe and fiscally responsible way. My program management
experience in industry and at DARPA, where I was responsible for more
than $500 million per year in advanced projects spanning space, air,
ground, and maritime domains, will be highly relevant. Good financial
and risk management is the linchpin of success. If confirmed, I look
forward to bringing these experiences to NASA.
I am incredibly passionate about NASA and its mission. If
confirmed, I would be honored to support the Administrator, execute on
the administration's priorities, guiding the next generation, and
working with Congress on the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I look
forward to answering any questions that you may have.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Pamela Ann
Melroy
2. Position to which nominated: Deputy Administrator, NASA
3. Date of Nomination: April 22, 2021
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: 9/17/61; Palo Alto, CA
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).
Douglas W. Hollett, President, Melroy & Hollett Technology
Partners
Senior Advisor for Energy, Nova Systems Pty (casual employment)
Ryan W. Hollett, stepson, 38
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Wellesley College BA, Physics and Astronomy, 1983
MIT SM Earth and Planetary Science, 1984
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.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1983-84
Teaching assistant and research assistant, Earth and Planetary
Science
United States Air Force: 1984-2007
Student pilot, KC-10 pilot
KC-10 aircraft commander (management)
KC-10 instructor pilot (management)
Student test pilot
Experimental test pilot (management, relevant to NASA
aeronautics)
NASA pilot astronaut (management, relevant to NASA spaceflight)
NASA: 2007-2009
NASA pilot astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander (management,
relevant to human space flight)
Deputy Project Manager, Columbia Crew Survival Investigation
(management, relevant to space safety)
Branch Chief, Exploration (management, relevant to development
of new spacecraft)
Lockheed Martin: 2009-2011
Director/Deputy Program Manager, Space Exploration Initiatives
(management, development of new spacecraft Orion)
FAA: 2011-2013
Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (management, relevant to
commercial spaceflight licensing and space policy)
Director of Field Operations (management, relevant to
commercial Spaceflight licensing and safety)
Senior Technical Advisor (commercial spaceflight safety)
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): 2013-2017
Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office (management,
oversight of aeronautics and space research portfolio)
Melroy & Hollett Technology Partners: 2017 to present
CEO--consultant on space technology and policy (clients below)
Nova Systems Pty Australia: 2018 to present (full time in 2018,
now casual status)
Director, Space Technology and Policy (consultant on space
technology and policy, advised during formation of Australian
Space Agency)
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.
National Space Council User's Advisory Group--chair, Technology
and Innovation Subcommittee (2018 to present)
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.
Melroy & Hollett Technology Partners CEO, (2017 to present)
Nova Systems Pty, Director of Space Technology and Policy
(executive consultant), (2018 to present, currently on casual
status)
Corporation boards and advisory groups:
Anthrotronix Corporation Board Director (2017 to present)
Myriota Pty Ltd Board Director (2019 to present)
Systems Planning and Analysis Board Director (2019 to present)
Lockheed Martin Technology Advisory Group (2018-2020)
BridgeComm Advisory Board Member (2019 to present)
Gilmour Space Technology, Advisory Board Member (2018-2020)
Flawless Photonics Advisory Board Member (2021 to present)
Not-for profit boards and advisory groups:
Aerospace Corporation Board Director (2019 to present)
Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE)
Consortium Board Director (2020 to present)
National Academies Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,
Member and Chair, 2019 to present
National Academies Space Technology Industry Government
University Roundtable, 2017-2019
Planetary Science Institute Board Director (2017-2019)
Wellesley College Trustee (2005-2017)
National Museum of the Air Force Foundation Trustee (2011-2014)
Association of Space Explorers Board member (201O-2013)
American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, South Australian
Board and member of Space Committee (2020 to present)
Consultant Clients:
Aerospace Corporation, Center for Space Policy and Strategy
(2017-2019)
Systems Planning and Analysis (2017 to present)
Bryce Aerospace (2019 to present)
Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory (2017 to
present)
Institute for Defense Analysis Science and Technology Policy
Institute (2020 to present)
Google (2019-2020)
Alphasights (2020)
Draper Laboratory (2020)
Other:
International Astronautical Federation mentorship program,
executive mentor
Brooke Owens Fellowship, mentor
Matt Isakowitz Fellowship, mentor
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
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). 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 disability.
The Ninety Nines--member--(1986 to present)
Society of Experimental Test Pilots--Associate Fellow (1996 to
present)
Association of Space Explorers (Member 2009 to present; Board
director 2010-2013)
Women In Aerospace--member 2011 to present
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Associate
Fellow (2013 to present). Multiple committee memberships.
International Women's Forum, member--2018 to present
University Club of DC--member, 2011 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. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. 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.
4/7/2010--$500 for Gabby Giffords for Congress
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
AFROTC Scholarship for undergraduate
Member, Sigma Xi
Honorary PhD--Nazareth College
Honorary PhD--Iona College
Honorary PhD--Dominican University
AIAA Public Service Award
Flight Achievement Award, American Astronautical Society
Wellesley College Alumnae Achievement Award
NASA Distinguished Service Medal
NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
NASA Spaceflight Medal
Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service
Defense Superior Service Medal 1OLC
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal 1OLC
Air Force Air Medal 1OLC
Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal 1OLC
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. 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.
Publications:
Pamela Melroy, Roger Hall. In: Sachdev, D.K, editor. Recent
Successful Satellite Systems: Visions of the Future, Library of
Flight, pp. 189-198. https://doi.org/l0.2514/
5.9781624104053.0189.0198 Copyright AIAA 2017.
Brian Mayeaux, John Olivas, Pamela Melroy, Darren Cone, and
William Rochelle, ``Material Behavior of Titanium in Space
Entry Environments,'' 3rd AIAA Atmospheric Space Environments
Conference. June 2011.
Brian Mayeaux, John Olivas, Pamela Melroy, and Darren Cone,
``Study of Ti Alloy Combustion Susceptibility in Simulated
Entry Environments,'' AIAA SPACE 2009 Conference & Exposition.
September 2009.
Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report, co-author. NASA/
SP-2008-565. 2008.
Richard G. French, Pamela A. Melroy, Richard L. Baron, Edward
W. Dunham, Karen J. Meech, and Douglas J. Mink. The 1983 June
15 Occultation by Neptune. II. The Oblateness of Neptune. The
Astronomical Journal, Volume 90, Number 12, December 1985.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258943
935_The_l983_June_15_occultation_by_Neptune_II_-
_The_oblateness_of_Neptune
RV. Stachnik; P Melroy; E F. McCormack; D Arnold and DY.
Gezari. Multiple Spacecraft Michelson Stellar Interferometer,
Proc. SPIE 0445, Instiumentation in Astronomy V, 358 (January
9, 1984); doi:10.1117/12.966167; http://dx.doi
.org/10.l117/12.966167
Speeches:
There are many public speeches I have given relative to
spaceflight and my experiences as an executive and as an
astronaut. The following is a list of speeches given in the
last year:
Women in Aerospace International Women's Day Panel--8 March 21
Woodside Energy International Women's Day--1 March 21
AJAA Sci Tech Emerging technologies Plenary--15 Jan 21
KID Museum Fundraising Event--3 Dec 20
Space Cafe Podcast--Nov 20
The Virtual Astronaut Series--23 Oct 20
The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Thought
Leadership Series--15 Sep 20
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Deep Space Podcast--29 Sep
20
G'Day USA US--Australia Space Industry Exchange--24 Sep 20
AIAA Ascendx Summit--Space Force and Space Command: Myths,
Opportunities and Tech--19 August 20
CSIRO Space Tech Symposium--9 Sep 20
EmTech Asia--4 Aug 20
AeroSpace Village at DEFCON--9 Aug 20
Aviation Week Webinar on Return of U.S. Human Orbital Flight--
12 May 20
RMIT Global Leadership Forum--5 May 20
Congressional Space Studies Series Lecture--24 April 20
Symposium on Trust in SSA with Aerospace and GW School Of
Policy--9 March 20
American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, South Australia--3
Mar 20
CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Event--14 Jan 20
18. List digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
https://www.facebook.com/pamela.melroy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-melroy-46a34121/
https://www.instagram.com/pammelroy/
https://twitter.com/Astro_Pam
All accounts active
19. 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 to Senate Commerce, Aviation and Space Subcommittee
May 14, 2019 on ''The Emerging Space Environment: Operational,
Technical, and Policy Challenges'': https://
www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/2DFA5DA7-09D9
-4DCB-A4FD-68AD5l0F668C
Testimony to Senate Space, Science and Competitiveness
Subcommittee May 23, 2017 ``Exploring How the Outer Space
Treaty will Impact American Commerce and Settlement in Space'':
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/
_cache/files/32e3l3ff-7f40-4090-8769-aa1cdb9709cc/
CDDF232F507496D22B29
BCC26D58A000.col-pamela-melroy-testimony.pdf
Testified to same Senate Space, Science and Competitiveness
Subcommittee in June 20, 2012 in a government capacity when at
the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation: http://
www.hq.nasa.gov/legislative/hearings/2012%20
hearings/6-20-2012%20MELROY.pdf
20. 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 over 35 years of leadership and supervisory experience, in
the military, government, and industry. I have background and
experience in each of the four mission areas of NASA-aeronautics, space
technology, human spaceflight, and science, and deep understanding of
how the agency operates. As a former astronaut I have extensive
knowledge of the operations of the ISS, requirements for new space
vehicles, and safety considerations. My program management experience
includes large and small programs in industry and government,
particularly in development. I have experience from DARPA setting
technology and programmatic strategy from overseeing a large
aeronautics and space research portfolio.
NASA does not operate in a vacuum, especially with the significant
activities occurring in commercial space. I have space policy and
regulatory experience from the FAA's Office of Commercial Space
Transportation, and understand how NASA and the FAA work together on
programs like Commercial Cargo and Commercial crew. My experience at
DARPA also exposed me to how NASA and the DoD work together both in the
field at launch sites and with technology development.
I believe this is a thrilling time with many exciting programs
happening at NASA. Importantly, the Artemis, Moon-to-Mars, and James
Webb Telescope programs are absolutely critical to maintaining NASA's
leadership in human space flight and exploration. I believe that it is
essential to have the right oversight of these programs for the most
effective performance in safety, cost, and schedule. I am passionate
about the agency and its mission, and I wish to serve as Deputy
Administrator, supporting the Administrator, providing oversight, and
guiding the next generation of the wonderful NASA employees that are so
dear to me.
21. 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 Deputy Administrator, it will be my responsibility to work
closely with the CFO, Chief of Staff, Center Directors and the
Associate Administrator to ensure rigorous standards of personnel and
financial management are upheld throughout the agency. I have been a
supervisor for over 35 years and have run organizations of more than
350 people and oversight of more than $550M a year in budget.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
Defining the cost and schedule for Moon-to-Mars. The challenge is
to identify and stay focused on those requirements that ensure safety
and mission success, particularly what must be accomplished on the Moon
prior to going to Mars.
Program management. Increasingly NASA is engaging with non
traditional industry (such as start ups) when goals are aligned.
However, incentivizing industry is no longer only about traditional
cost plus incentive fee contracts. There are many contractual
approaches that scale oversight and incentivize performance, and NASA
must effectively take advantage of these methods.
Looking ahead to the end of the International Space Station, where
will NASA perform microgravity science? Is commercial industry ready to
take on a private space station, and how can NASA help?
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.
My arrangements, agreements, and other dealings are described in my
Public Financial Disclosure report which the U.S. Office of Government
Ethics will provide to the Committee.
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. No.
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. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
NASA ethics officials and the Office of Government Ethics to identify
any potential conflict of interest. Any potential conflict of interest
will be resolved according to the terms of the ethics agreement that I
have entered into with NASA's Designated Agency Ethics Official, and I
understand will be provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any
potential conflict of interest other than those identified in my ethics
agreement. In the event that an actual or potential conflict of
interest arises during my appointment, I will consult with NASA's
ethics officials and take the actions necessary to resolve the
conflict.
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. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
Any potential conflicts of interest have been identified in my
ethics agreement, which will be provided to the Committee, and will be
resolved in accordance with the te1ms of that ethics agreement.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest that
may arise other than those identified in my ethics agreement. However,
should a conflict arise during my appointment, I will consult with
NASA's ethics officials and take the actions necessary to resolve the
conflict.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, 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. None.
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. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority?
Yes, I look forward to working with Congressional members and
committee staff.
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 Pamela A. Melroy
Professional Experience
Feb 2017 to present, owner and CEO, Melroy & Hollett Technology
Partners
Consultant on air and space technology and policy
Feb 2018 to present, Director of Space Technology and Policy, Nova
Systems Pty Australia
Consultant on space technology and policy in emerging
Australian civil, security, and commercial space sector
Stood up a consortium of resources and aerospace companies
to promote the cross-flow of technology from space to mining/
oil and gas remote asset management capabilities
Jan 2013-Feb 2017
Deputy Director, Tactical Technology Office, Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA)
Responsible for daily operations of >$500M/year high-risk,
high-payoff disruptive advanced research and development
projects spanning space, air, ground, and maritime domains
including X-planes and space platforms
High-profile unclassified technology transitions include
Space Surveillance Telescope, Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, and
Anti-Submarine warfare Continuous Track Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV
Sea-Hunter)
Part of core senior leadership team directing DARPA's
technology investment strategy and building inter-governmental
partnerships particularly in national security space programs
April 2011-January 2013
Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, Director of Field Operations and
Senior Technical Advisor
FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
As acting Deputy Associate Administrator, responsible for
oversight of commercial spaceflight licensed and permitted
activities to include NASA's Commercial Resupply Se1vices and
Commercial Crew programs
Helped develop the National Space Transportation Policy as
representative of Department of Transportation
Led development of first-ever guidelines for commercial
human spaceflight safety
August 2009-Feb 2011
Director/Deputy Program Manager, Space Exploration Initiatives, Crew
Exploration Vehicle Lockheed Martin
Oversight of $400+M contract and 320+ engineers designing
Orion, NASA's lunar-capable human spacecraft
Responsible for finance, contracting, human resources,
earned value and risk management--rapid, successful transition
to corporate environment demonstrated flexibility and
leadership skills
March 1995-August 2009
Astronaut, Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Flew three Space Shuttle missions as Pilot and Commander. Concurrent
duties/special assignments between flights.
Commander, SATS-120
Commander of mission to the International Space Station
(ISS)--one of two women to command the Space Shuttle
Leadership responsibility for 200+ people in schedule,
training and performance
Led STS-120 team to successful mission, including emergency
spacewalk to repair torn solar array which threatened the ISS
Pilot, STS-112
Pilot and second-in-command on highly successful multi-
national assembly mission to the ISS
As spacewalk coordinator, directed and managed activities
for three challenging spacewalks
Pilot, STS-92
Pilot and second-in-command on highly successful multi-
national assembly mission to the ISS
First-ever operator of the primary mechanism to attach new
elements to the Space Station
Early promotion to the rank of Lt Colonel
Special Assignments
Branch Chief, Astronaut Office, liaison to Orion Crew Exploration
Vehicle Program
Principle representative of Flight Crew Operations
Directorate to all program-level control boards
Deputv Project Manager, Columbia Crew Survival Investigation
Ground-breaking investigation uncovered major implications
for future spaceflight, public and private
Co-author of the only public report on crew survival in a
space mishap
Lead, Columbia Crew Module Reconstruction
Responsible for all activities related to reconstruction of
the Columbia Crew Module after mishap
Lead, Astronaut Public and Media Appearances
Supervised activities of 13 personnel supporting over 2000
astronaut appearances requests annually
United States Air Force pilot, test pilot
C-17 Test Pilot, Student Test Pilot, Edwards AFB, CA,
Developmental test pilot for C-17; specialty in air
refueling, structures, and all-weather testing
Early promotion to rank of Major
Set 10 world aviation records; developed and flew first-ever
C-17 air show demonstration
KC-10 Pilot, Aircraft Commander/Instructor Pilot, Barksdale AFB LA
Logged over 2300 hours as a pilot, aircraft commander, and
instructor pilot in the KC-10
Flew over 200 combat and combat support hours during DESERT
SHIELD/DESERT STORM and JUST CAUSE
Senior instructor for KC-10 Combat Crew Training--training
all new pilots
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MS in Earth & Planetary Sciences
Wellesley College, cum laude, BA in Physics and Astronomy
Professional Affiliations
Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Associate Fellow, Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Member, National Academy of Engineering Member, Association of Space
Explorers
Other Public Service
National Space Council User Advisory Group-chair, Technology and
Innovation Subcommittee
Australian Space Agency Advisory Group--member
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine-Aeronautics and
Space Engineering Board, vice-chair
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine-member, Space
Technology Industry Government and University (STIGUR) Roundtable
(2017-2019)
Honors and Awards
NASA Distinguished Service Medal--highest award given
NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service
AIAA Public Service Award
Flight Achievement Award, American Astronautical Society
Wellesley College Alumnae Achievement Award
USAF Air Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster
Board Service
Aerospace Corporation--Board of Directors
Anthrotronix Corporation--Board of Directors
Myriota Pty Ltd--Board of Directors
Systems Planning and Analysis--Board of Directors
Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium--
Board of Directors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Visiting Committee, Aeronautics
and Astronautics
Wellesley College Board of Trustees, 2005-2017
Air Force Museum Foundation Board of Managers, Dayton OH--2010-2014
Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation Board of Directors, Houston TX
2010-2011
Association of Space Explorers, USA Board of Directors 2011-2015
The Chairwoman. Thank you, Col. Melroy. And again,
congratulations to you and your husband Douglas. Makes for a
very unique anniversary, I am sure. So, again, thank you. Thank
you to him for helping support you today. That is very--that is
great. So last but certainly not least is the honorable Carlos
Monje. Am I saying that correctly?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. Carlos Monje.
The Chairwoman. Monje, thank you so much. Thank you so much
for being here today. And thank you for your past service.
STATEMENT OF CARLOS A. MONJE, JR., NOMINEE TO BE UNDER
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION FOR POLICY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Monje. Thank you. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member
Wicker, members of the Committee, I am humbled to appear before
you today as President Biden's nominee to be Undersecretary of
Transportation Policy at the Department of Transportation. I
would like to thank my wife, Anne, who is here today and is a
brilliant public servant and a wonderful mother to our boys,
Sebastian and Leo. I would like to thank my big sister, both my
big sisters, and my in-laws who are watching from home,
President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their faith in me,
and the more than 50,000 professionals who work at the
Department of Transportation for welcoming me back 120 days
ago.
These are men and women who take pride in their mission,
utilize their expertise every day to improve the lives of
people across the country. It would be the honor of my career
to help lead that work. At the end of the Obama Administration,
I was Assistant Secretary for Policy and Acting Undersecretary.
I worked on improving our freight networks, helping communities
thrive, setting up the Build America Bureau, and advocated for
the passage of the FAST Act.
I previously was Special Assistant to the President and
Chief of Staff at the White House Domestic Policy Council. I
worked here in the Senate on political campaigns, large and
small, and in the private sector. I have worked for three
Presidential transitions, including the last one, where I built
a team of more than 400 volunteers to do a top to bottom review
of all the domestic agencies of the Federal Government. We
accomplished our goals and prepared the new Administration to
take on the overlapping crises facing us. As we come out of the
darkness of COVID, our transportation network, like the Nation
itself, is stepping into a bright but unfamiliar future.
Millions of Americans are back on the job, yet many are
forgoing their daily commute and working from home. People are
beginning to confidently travel again on busses, trains and
airplanes, but transit agencies and airlines still have a long
way to recover. A supply chain that was stretched to its
breaking point as Americans stayed home and bought things
online is still digging out with containers piled up at
airports. And even as drivers were on the road less last year,
crashes and road fatalities spiked for the first time in
decades.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is in a unique
position to lead, and we need to. That means deploying the
intellectual firepower of our research and technology assets to
help state, local, and tribal partners anticipate and plan for
the new normal. It means making our port, rail, and intermodal
facilities more robust and resilient so that American farmers
and manufacturers can ship their goods across the country and
around the globe. Leading means helping communities make the
most of their limited dollars through impactful grant and
innovative finance programs. And it means rededicating
ourselves to safety so that every trip on every mode of
transportation ends with a safe arrival.
Earlier this year, the President released the American Jobs
Plan. At a time when we face a trillion dollar backlog of
needed repairs and improvements, the American Jobs Plan would
modernize our transportation system, improving more than 20,000
miles of roads and 10,000 bridges. It would expand world class
passenger rail services, invest in ports, waterways and
aviation, and double Federal spending for public transit. The
American Jobs Plan would reconnect urban and rural communities
left behind by past decisions and give millions more commuters
safer, shorter, cleaner, and more affordable options whether
they move by car, public transit, foot, bike or wheelchair.
It would combat the climate crisis and create good union
jobs by sparking an electric vehicle revolution and by building
a national network of a half million electric vehicle chargers.
If I have the honor of being confirmed by you, I vow to work
with this committee to strengthen the Department and achieve
better results for the American people. I know you and your
staff have deep expertise on our shared infrastructure
challenges and that your knowledge of the needs of your
constituents is unrivaled, and that your role as a partner in
governing is vital to our shared success.
In closing, thank you again for your consideration and the
opportunity to appear before you. I look forward to your
questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Monje follow:]
Prepared Statement of Carlos A. Monje, Jr., Nominee to be
Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy, U.S. Department of
Transportation
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, Members of the Committee, I
am humbled to appear before you today as President Biden's nominee to
be the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
I'd like to thank my wife Anne, who is here today and is a
brilliant public servant and wonderful mother to our boys Sebastian and
Leonel. I'd like to thank my big sisters who are watching from home,
President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their faith in me, and the
more than 50,000 professionals who work at the Department of
Transportation for welcoming me back 120 days ago.
These are men and women who take pride in their mission and utilize
their expertise every day to improve the lives of people across the
country. It would be the honor of my career to help lead that mission.
At the end of the Obama Administration, I served as Assistant
Secretary for Policy and Acting Under Secretary. I worked on improving
our freight networks, helping communities thrive, standing up the Build
America Bureau and advocating for the passage of the FAST Act. I
previously was Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of
the White House Domestic Policy Council.
I've worked here in the Senate, on political campaigns large and
small, and in the private sector. I've worked for three presidential
transitions, including the last one, where I built a team of more than
400 volunteers to do a top-to-bottom review of all the domestic
agencies of the Federal government. We accomplished our goals and
prepared the new Administration to take on the overlapping crises
facing us.
As we come out of the darkness of COVID, our transportation
network--like the Nation itself--is stepping into a bright, but
unfamiliar future. Millions of Americans are back on the job, yet many
are forgoing their daily commute and working from home. People are
beginning to confidently travel again on buses, trains and airplanes,
but transit agencies and airlines still have a long way to recover. A
supply chain that was stretched to its breaking point as Americans
stayed home and bought things online, is still digging out, with
containers piled up at our ports. And even as drivers were on the road
less last year, crashes and road fatalities spiked for the first time
in decades.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is in a unique position to
lead, and we need to. That means deploying the intellectual firepower
of our research and technology assets to help state, local and Tribal
partners anticipate and plan for the new normal. It means making our
port, rail and intermodal facilities more robust and resilient so that
American farmers and manufacturers can ship their goods across the
country and around the globe. Leading means helping communities make
the most of their limited dollars through impactful grant and
innovative finance programs. And it means rededicating ourselves to
safety, so that every trip on every mode of transportation ends with a
safe arrival.
Earlier this year, the President released the American Jobs Plan.
At a time when we face a trillion-dollar backlog of needed repairs and
improvements, the American Jobs Plan would modernize our transportation
system, improving more than 20,000 miles of roads and 10,000 bridges.
It would expand world-class passenger rail services, invest in ports,
waterways and aviation, and double Federal spending for public transit.
The American Jobs Plan would reconnect urban and rural communities
left behind by past decisions, and give millions more commuters safer,
shorter, cleaner and more affordable options, whether they move by car,
public transit, foot, bike, or wheelchair. It would combat the climate
crisis and create good union jobs by sparking an electric vehicle
revolution, and by building a national network of 500,000 electric
vehicle chargers.
If I have the honor of being confirmed by you, I vow to work with
this committee to strengthen the Department and achieve better results
for the American people. I know you and your staff have deep expertise
on our shared infrastructure challenges, that your knowledge of the
needs of your constituents is unrivaled, and that your role as a
partner in governing is vital to our shared success.
In closing, thank you again for your consideration and the
opportunity to appear before you. I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Carlos
Alberto Monje Jr.
2. Position to which nominated: Under Secretary of Transportation
for Policy, Department of Transportation
3. Date of Nomination: April 27, 2021
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 1200 New Jersey Ave. NW Washington, DC 20590.
5. Date and Place of Birth: July 17, 1978; New Orleans, LA
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).
Anne Filipic, Assistant to the President and Head of Management
and Administration, The White House
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts, 2000
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.
Department of Transportation
Senior Advisor
Washington, DC
January 2021 to present
PT Fund. Inc (Biden-Harris Transition)
Deputy of Agency Review (Domestic and Economic)
Washington, DC
September 2020-January 2021
Twitter, Inc.
Director of Policy & Philanthropy, U.S. & Canada
Washington, DC
March 2017-September 2020
Beeck Center--Georgetown University
Fellow
Washington DC
February 2016-May 2016
Clinton-Kaine Transition
Director of Agency Review
Washington, DC
September 2016-November 2016
U.S. Department of Transportation
Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, January
2016-July 2016
Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, March 2015-
September 2016
Counselor to the Secretary, February 2014-March 2015
Washington, DC
White House Domestic Policy Council
Special Assistant to the President
And Chief of Staff of the DPC
Washington, DC
January 2011-January 2014
White House Domestic Policy Council
Senior Policy Advisor
Washington, DC
February 2009-January 2011
Presidential Transition Project
National Security Policy Working Group
Washington, DC
November 2008-January 2009
Obama for America
Deputy Policy Director
Chicago, IL
March 2007-November 2008
U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
Special Assistant for Policy and Communications
Washington, DC
January 2005-February 2007
U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Legislative Assistant
Washington, DC
January 2005-December 2005
Erskine Bowles for U.S. Senate
Press Secretary
Raleigh, NC
March 2004-November 2004
John Edwards for President
Deputy Press Secretary
Raleigh, NC
August 2003-March 2004
U.S. Senator John Edwards (D-NC)
Deputy Press Secretary
Washington, DC
October 2001-August 2003
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Deputy Press Secretary
Washington, DC
August-October 200l
Fleishman-Hillard
Assistant Account Executive
New York, NY
November 2000-July 2001
Chris Petrini for State Representative
Campaign Manager
Framingham, MA
June-September 2000
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. Not applicable
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.
Unpaid Board member of:
Results for America (current)
The Corps Network (current)
Internet Association (2017-September 2020)
Family Online Safety Institute (2017-December 2018)
Employer's Representative to:
Information Technology Industry Council (2018-2020)
* If I am confirmed, I will resign my unpaid nonprofit board
positions as described in the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official
and that has been provided to this Committee.
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
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). 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 disability.
Unpaid Board member of:
Results for America (current)
The Corps Network (current)
Internet Association (2017-September 2020)
Family Online Safety Institute (2017-December 2018)
Employer's Representative to:
Information Technology Industry Council (2018-2020)
* If I am confirmed, I will resign my unpaid nonprofit board
positions as described in the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official
and that has been provided to this Committee.
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. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Co-Chair: Biden-Harris Infrastructure Policy Committee, May-
November 2020
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Joseph Biden for President: $250; 2020
44Fund: $500; 2018
Brian Forde D-CA for Congress: $900; 2017 [Two Donations]
Twitter PAC: $4250: 2017-2018 [13 donations]
Act Blue: $200: 2018, 2019 [Two donations]
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Harvard College: Lyman Scholarship.
Harvard College Scholarship.
Harvard College Dean's List.
Harvard College Research Fellowship.
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. 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.
Twitter Blogs
https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/authors.CarlosMonjeJr.html
Twitter Blogs on election integrity and in support of
immigration reform
NPR Interview
https://www.npr.org/20l8/08/31/643582365/twitter-public-policy-
director-on-how-company-monitors-content
Book appendix
https://www.amazon.com/Helping-Good-Do-Better-Advocates/dp/
1518700166
Wrote a short chapter appendix to a book about social interest
issue advocacy. Chapter is about the reauthorization of the
Corporation for National and Community Service.
DOT Civil Rights Event
https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/p5okh51olbp/?launcher-
false&fcsCon
tent=true&pbMode=normal&proto=true
WH Speeches;
Various informal stakeholder events to discuss GROW AMERICA
Act (Spring 2014)
Grantmakers Income Security Taskforce--Grantmakers for
Children Youth and Families: Budget and Tax Briefing (March 19,
2013)
White House Long-Term Disaster Recovery Working Group, Salt
Lake City Session: Closing Remarks (January 18, 2012)
Philanthropy Northwest 2009 Annual Conference Keynote
Address (September 2009)
Philanthropy and Rural America Conference speech: ``The
Social Innovation Fund and Rural America'' (July 2009)
Stanford Business School Silicon Valley Roundtable for White
House Office of Social Innovation (June 23, 2009)
Entrepreneurship in Education, Center for American Progress
Roundtable (May 7, 2009)
10th Annual Social Enterprise Summit: Keynote Address
``Harnessing Policy Opportunities at the National Level''
(April 17, 2009)
White House Champions of Change:
Southwest Border Region September (2011)
Space Coast Technology and Innovation: June (2011)
Gulf Coast Oil Spill July (2010)
Federal Publications Contributed to:
Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Strategy (August 2013)
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/
huddoc?id=hrsrebuildingstrategy.pdf
National Disaster Recovery Framework (September 2011)
http://www.fema.gov/national-disaster-recovery-framework
Deepwater Horizon Recovery Plan (September 2010)
http://www.restorethegulf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
pdf/gulf-recovery-sep-2010.pdf
Beyond Traffic 2045. (January 2017)
https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/beyond-
traffic-2045-final-report
Online Content:
White House Video Message: Continuing to strengthen our
economy in 2014 (January 11, 2014)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/20l4/01/11/white-
house-video-message-continuing-strengthen-our-economy-2014
A Special Moment for Service (March 27, 2009)
http://www.nationalservice.gov/newsroom/official-statements/
2009/special-moment-service
Innovation with Crawfish Sauce: What a New Orleans Nonprofit
Can Teach the Rest of the Country (October 30, 2009)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/30/innovation-with-
crawfish-sauce-what-a-new-orleans-nonprofit-can-teach-rest-
country
Newspaper articles
I have numerous articles that I authored due to my employment
with The Boston Globe and The Times-Picayune and through my
time volunteering with the Harvard Crimson. They are available
online through the publications' respective archives and
websites, www.bostonglobe.com, www.nola.com. and https://www
.thecrimson.com/sitemap/
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ''alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/carlosmonjejr?lang=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carlos.monje.52
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/carlosmonje/?hl=en
LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/carlos-monje/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/carlosmonje211
Fun and poorly done video with niece and nephews
19. 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.
Senate Commerce Committee
Transportation Safety Nominations Hearing
December 3, 2014
Video
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2014/12/transportation-safety-
nominations-hearings
Testimony
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/271DFEA6-1EC9-
4E69-B275-3F0B801547D6
How the Internet of Things (IoT) Can Bring U.S. Transportation
and Infrastructure into the 21st Century
June 28, 2016
Video
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2016/6/how-the-internet-of-
things-iot-can-bring-u-s-transportation-and-infrastructure-
into-the-21st-century
Testimony
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/E68C638B-FED9-
4E97-BC84-888DEE86016D
Terrorism and Social Media: #IsBigTechDoingEnough?
January 17, 2018
Video
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2018/1/terrorism-and-social-
media-isbigtechdoingenough
Testimony
https://commerce.senate.gov/services/files/447E3321-1215-47BC-
93EA-AD295CF16D80
QFRs
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/144DB12A-56CD-
469B-AE64-O61E4C108495
Senate Judiciary Committee
Stifling Free Speech: Technological Censorship and the Public
Disclosure
April 10, 2019
Video
https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/stifling-free-speech-
technological-censorship-and-the-public-discourse
Testimony
http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/
Monje%20Testimony.pdf
QFRs
https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/download/monje-responses-to-
questions-for-the-record
20. 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?
The Department of Transportation's mission touches people every
day. Transportation costs are the second-highest expense for American
families and disinvestment in our network costs American businesses
lost productivity. I was the Senate-confirmed head of policy at the
Department of Transportation during the Obama administration and served
as Chief of Staff of the Domestic Policy Council, working on an array
of place-based initiatives to help local leaders accomplish goals for
their communities.
21. 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?
Upholding the integrity of the Department is a solemn duty of all
officials at the Department of Transportation. Maintaining proper
management and accounting controls is key to maintaining the trust of
this committee, Congress and the American People.
I have managed very large organizations, including serving as
Acting Under Secretary at the Department of Transportation, Chief of
Staff of the Domestic Policy Council, and Deputy Director of Agency
Review at the Biden-Harris Transition.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
Safety must always be the north star of the Department of
Transportation. People expect to travel safely to their destination,
every trip. Successfully addressing complex, multifaceted safety
challenges requires a comprehensive approach utilizing all the
authorities and resources at the Department.
COVID has devastated state departments of transportation and
transit agencies. We do not yet understand how the pandemic will change
freight and commuter traffic over the long-term. The Department not
only needs to help impacted agencies by responsibly allocating the
financial support provided by Congress, but by helping transport
planners adjust to the new normal.
Successfully integrating new technologies into our transportation
network will require continuously pushing the edges of our regulatory
ability. This means being willing to adapt quickly while maintaining
our focus on safety, equity and privacy. It also will mean helping our
state and local partners develop the capacity to ensure their values
are front and center as they integrate new technology onto their
streets and in their skies.
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. My arrangements are fully described in Part 3 of my 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? If so,
please explain.
No. If I am confirmed, I will resign my unpaid nonprofit board
positions as described in the terms of the ethics agreement I have
entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has
been provided to this Committee.
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. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of the Government Ethics and the Department of
Transportation's Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other
potential conflicts of interest.
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. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of the Government Ethics and the Department of
Transportation's Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other
potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of the Government Ethics and the Department of
Transportation's Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other
potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, 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 never qualified as a registered lobbyist in my role at Twitter,
but I have provided advice related to the advocacy of certain executive
and legislative outcomes, including passage of immigration reform and
privacy protections.
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
The men and women who work at the Department of Transportation are
rightfully proud of the expertise and commitment to excellence in
completing their mission, and it would be the honor of my career to
serve in this role helping lead them.
d. relationship with committee
l. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? 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
______
The Chairwoman. Thank you, Mr. Monje. Each of you represent
such important investments, economic strategies, science issues
to the Pacific Northwest. I could literally, I am sure, spend
hours asking you questions today, each of you. But I am going
to have to be succinct because there is important data to get
on the table. First with you, Mr. Monje, could you just tell me
whether you support money going to mega projects? I am
concerned that mega projects that are the lifeblood of fixing
big economic issues for our country always get left behind
because they cost so much. Are you supportive of making sure in
this next package we address mega projects?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am, absolutely. These are projects that
are very difficult to fund because they cross different modes,
different jurisdictions, different states. Columbia River
Bridge is a great example of that but there are examples all
across the country of projects that, if they were to fail,
would really hamstring the economy and stop people from getting
to where they need to go.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. We will look forward to working
with you on that. Col. Melroy, could you explain why resiliency
and redundancy in system operations--I did not know of your
role on the Columbia oversight, but that just--you know, I
think it is hard to explain how when we change in the
integration of systems, that somehow in not testing, you know,
the individual parts to the overall system as we found with O
rings, we missed something, right. We missed a malfunction at a
temperature level. So when we look at Artemis and what we are
doing, why is resiliency and redundancy so important? And if
you could just throw in a few comments about why Artemis is,
yes, a moon project, but it is a precursor to Mars.
Colonel Melroy. Thank you, Chair Cantwell. Yes, I think
there is many examples of why redundancy is important,
particularly in space transportation options. And Columbia is a
great example. It was very challenging to continue to build the
International Space Station following that and the amount of
logistics that it takes to support people in science in space
show us that having resiliency and redundancy in our
transportation options are extremely important.
As far as Artemis, I think I see it as a systems
engineering problem. All of the pieces have to work together
and there have to be multiple backups. And to me, that is the
meaning of resiliency. It allows you to have hiccups, which you
will occasionally have with new technologies, unforeseen
circumstances going forward, especially in operations, and
allows you to protect the mission and protect the safety of
those involved.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. And is this a precursor to the
efforts that we are trying to do beyond the Moon?
Colonel Melroy. Yes, Senator, it is incredibly important
that we learn how to do operations and develop the technologies
that will allow us to go on to Mars, which is a much more
challenging journey. So we are talking a few days to the moon
and 6 months at a minimum to Mars. So being able to exercise
those technologies on the moon and really understand lunar
operations is what will prepare us to go to Mars as quickly as
possible.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. Dr. Spinrad, we had a chance to
catch up about salmon in general. And thank you for your
opening statement on a variety of things. I guarantee you, I
have had conversations with our colleague, Senator Blackburn,
about using supercomputing time for better analysis of weather.
And, you know, we had another incident where we lost a crew
that may be better with weather data and information could have
helped us in that. So we definitely need better weather
information.
Thank you for focusing on tsunami in the Northwest. Can't--
I mean, we focus on the tsunami warning system and what we need
to do in advance. But I really want to focus on salmon. You and
I had a chance to talk about salmon, particularly as it related
to some of the issues like fixing culverts and habitat and the
impacts of pollution. And you suggested that, you know,
focusing on this with new levels of science could give us, you
know, better returns. That is focusing on systems like the
Chesapeake or Puget Sound as an ecosystem and impacts with new
science available today could give us better interest and
information.
And I just wanted to ask, too, whether this is where you
see the best return for our dollars, you know, these big, you
know, big estuaries, if you will.
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Chair Cantwell, for that. I would
characterize that as one of the critical questions for food
security, National Security, economic security. Your question
invokes elements of habitat protection, it invokes elements of
sustainably managing natural resources, and, of course, it
invokes issues associated with rebuilding critical
infrastructure.
I do believe that what some people are calling the urban
ocean, and that is exactly the geographies you have talked
about, places like Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake
Bay, represent critical areas for focus of not just research,
but applications of that research to solutions to ensure we are
sustaining these natural resources, including salmon, Pacific
salmon.
And I would point out, obviously in Puget Sound, it also
deals with endangered species such as the orca population who
depend on the salmon as well. In short, I believe the solution
does lie in two things, one of which you identified, which is
the best science, the best observations, the best predictive
capabilities, using exactly the kind of high performance
computers that you alluded to. But another key point is the
active engagement from the get-go with the local communities,
local Governments, jurisdictions, tribal councils.
After all, if we talk about the salmon in Puget Sound, the
habitat protection is part of the tribal treaty rights. So I
think the combination of the best science, the best
communication of that science, and if you will, a whole of
Government approach, including Federal and State and tribal
entities will lead us to the solutions we need.
The Chairwoman. Well, we definitely believe in a whole of
Government approach and on the Yakima Basin Project, which was
shifting to a holistic approach to water management, getting
more efficiency out of the system and returning salmon where we
could, and yet still--we worked together and came up with a
collaborative solution. So what do you think here might be a
science that we can help people understand might emerge from
this that would help us?
You know, is it, you know, a return of spawning, is that
some information? You know, we worked with the University of
Washington on when climate was impacting our shellfish industry
and the complexity of literally for a very small grant, I think
it was $100,000 to $200,000, figured out that we should be
doing seeding for shellfish at a different time because of the
temperature change in the water. Well, that translated into a
big result for the climate impacts on the shellfish industry.
So is there something here that we should be looking at?
Mr. Spinrad. Absolutely, Senator. I would say there are a
few components. You alluded to the biological. We have to have
the best understanding of how the ecosystem operates. There is
a physical aspect to this. You talked about some of the
pollution. How does that get distributed? What is the fate and
effects of pollutants that may enter the Sound? There is a
hydrological challenge.
There was a wonderful story in The Seattle Times just a few
days ago about the different culverts and how effective or
ineffective they are in transporting water and allowing the
salmon up into their spawning grounds. And I would also point
out a critical component of this is developing solutions that
are long standing and withstanding, especially in the context
of climate change. So will the solutions of 2021 work in 2025
or 2030?
So predictions and projections about how that climate will
change, the hydrology, the flow of the rivers into the Puget
Sound and the circulation in Puget Sound, all of those have to
be part of the solution.
The Chairwoman. Thank you. And Mr. Monje, just so you know,
we believe that since culverts have been such a--had a dramatic
effect, that when we are looking at new transportation
infrastructure investment, we should be thinking about these
things. We call it salmon infrastructure, but we are talking
about the negative impacts and preventing the negative impacts
or dealing with the stormwater runoff issue. So anyway, so it
is all--it is connected and so we appreciate it. Thank you very
much. We are going to turn to Senator Fischer.
STATEMENT OF HON. DEB FISCHER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA
Senator Fischer. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Monje, in 2019
then Secretary Chao established the Rural Opportunities to Use
Transportation for Economic Success, or the ROUTES initiative.
The purpose of the initiative is to better understand the
infrastructure needs in rural areas as well as to provide
information to rural communities unavailable to DOT and grant
programs. The Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy
oversees this initiative. Would you agree that this initiative
will help DOT better understand and respond to rural
transportation infrastructure needs?
Mr. Monje. Yes, Senator. We know that our rural areas have
disproportionate share of crashes, that the needs in rural
communities are substantial. I think the Chao team and the
Trump Administration deserve a lot of credit for their emphasis
on rural areas. And you know, my last time at the Department of
Transportation, I was able to travel all around the country to
see these projects and how critical they are. I vow to work
with you to make sure that the Department continues to be a
better partner so that rural areas compete for and get the
limited dollars that we have and that they can use them to best
serve their constituents.
Senator Fischer. You know, you and I, I think, have had a
great visit and a good discussion also about the needs of more
rural areas to have assistance when it comes to grant writing
and how to prepare their grants to make them more competitive
throughout all the programs that are there at the Department of
Transportation. Could you just address that a little bit?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. And so I think the Congress, in its
wisdom, has as established a number of minimums when it comes
to what percentage of funds can go to rural areas. And I know
that the career team that is part of the Undersecretary's
Office takes great pride in the work that they do to provide
technical assistance to applicants so that they can get a
project further down the pike. And that is true not only for
the competitive grant programs, but also for the financing
programs. And I know that there has been an effort through the
TIFIA program to make sure that rural projects can compete for
and get those dollars as well.
You know, I was able to visit a short line railroad in
South Dakota that really it is a mom and pop operation, and
they are the lifeblood to a number of communities that they
serve and was able to go to a rural outpost in Mississippi
where the bridges are so weight limited that the busses have to
go a half hour out of the way for school kids, which means that
is, you know, it is an hour of a kid's life that you are taking
away from being able to do homework or spend time on with their
families.
So this is something that is important to the Secretary. It
is important to me. And you have my commitment that we are
going to continue the progress.
Senator Fischer. Thank you. We also discussed the reports
of significant freight backlogs across the country, especially
at port facilities, but it affects other modes as well. I
understand that you recently took part in a discussion with the
Department of Agriculture on this issue. What are your thoughts
on how we can address the issue and what do you believe is the
Department of Transportation's role in that?
Mr. Monje. Thank you for that question. It is--you know,
our supply chain is brittle. And, you know, there are a number
of reasons why I think as a Government and over the long term,
we need to work on our export strategy so that we have got more
goods that are flowing overseas. Right now, it is almost a one
way cycle, and it creates inefficiencies at every stage of the
process. And, you know, it was already a system that was, that
needed investment, but at a time when Americans stayed home,
they bought things, cardboard boxes were going all around the
country.
But we didn't catch up on the export side as well. You
couple that with labor shortages caused by COVID and it
resulted in small backlogs that snowballed. So in the immediate
term, we have been talking with all of the stakeholders across
the supply chain to try to push for additional efficiencies. I
believe moving to a 24/7 schedule at the West Coast ports could
be fairly substantial over the medium term, focusing on exports
on our supply chain and our freight strategies.
And then over the long term, and with the help of Congress,
identifying funding so that we can invest in intermodal
facilities, so we can get containers off of ships onto trains,
on the big rigs, and get--and de-conflict them with traffic in
the ports where they are. And that is true on all the coasts.
It is also true inside the country as well where we need to
have intermodal facilities that are focused on getting
containers off of trains, getting other goods onto trucks and
where they belong.
Senator Fischer. And then I would just like you to think
about this, I am out of time, but we have a real backlog when
it comes to environmental impact statements, the approval time
at the FAA and FHWA. It gets longer than that across other
agencies. And we all know that adds costs to any kind of
project that is going to be undertaken.
So hopefully we can have a conversation in the future about
how we can streamline those costs, stretch our tax dollars, to
be able to take on some big infrastructure projects. So, thank
you, sir. Thank you, Madam Chair.
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Senator Fischer. I will------
Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Schatz. Thank you. Dr. Spinrad, I want to talk to
you about Papahanaumokuakea, a Marine national monument. You
and I have both worked to protect Papahanaumokuakea. You know
its significance, but our monument covers 483,000 square miles
of some of the most ecologically important waters in the
Pacific Ocean. Will you support a robust designation process
for Papahanaumokuakea?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator Schatz. And I would start
by saying that I was proud to be part of NOAA during the
monument designation for Papahanaumokuakea, and you have my
commitment to initiate the designation process, if I am
confirmed as NOAA Administrator.
Senator Schatz. Thank you. And can we talk about adequate
funding for the monument, especially when you are talking about
nearly 500,000 square miles. You know, there is a little bit of
a danger of it being a paper monument that especially NGOs and
even legislators and politicians of both parties are able to
claim credit for having preserved something. But without
adequate resources, you are not really getting the job done.
And so this means money for management, for science, for
enforcement, for native Hawaiian culture, and for maritime
history. Do I have your commitment to work on adequately
resourcing the monument?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator. One of the precepts that I
would come into this job with, if confirmed, is that budget
justification be a robust process within the agency so that
justification for resources for all of NOAA's activities,
including management of monuments, sanctuaries, national
estuarine research reserves, be predicate and justified on the
needs, as you described, in terms of personnel for the science
that is needed and the operational costs. You have my
commitment to make sure that those justifications are strong
and adequate to meet the requirements.
Senator Schatz. Thank you. Want to talk to you a little bit
about aquaculture. My first job out of college was at the Sea
Grant Extension Service. And I think now that I am in the
Senate, people assume I was a Sea Grant extension agent. I was
not. I was a project assistant, which meant really I just cut
the hau bush, which is a weed, and fed the fish at a 10 acre
fish farm on the Northeast side of Oahu.
I have taken an interest in aquaculture ever since because
I think when you look at a projected 10 billion people on the
planet, this is going to be one of the most healthy and
sustainable sources of protein going forward. The Ranking
Member of the Full Committee, Roger Wicker, and I have worked
really hard on legislation.
Do you support aquaculture generally? Do you think there is
a need for legislation? What do you see your role, if
confirmed, in assisting us in moving this project forward?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator, for your question on this.
And also thank you for your co-sponsorship of legislation
addressing what I consider to be a critical food security issue
for our Nation. It is--aquaculture has been demonstrated to be
doable technology across the board. I think the challenges end
up being ones of regulatory controls and standards. So I
support working on those standards and regulatory controls.
I would point out just recently I was--received an
endorsement from the National Aquaculture Association, which I
take as a very precious endorsement and one which I would, if
confirmed, use to have the dialog both with the industry and
with the Hill here to talk about how we might get to a solution
scientifically based to address what I consider a critical food
security challenge for the Nation.
Senator Schatz. Thank you very much. I very much look
forward to working with you on this. This is an area of
bipartisan cooperation, enormous potential. And I think, you
know, unfortunately, not so much in this committee, but
certainly throughout the Congress, just because something isn't
being fought over doesn't mean it is not important.
This could be absolutely revolutionary in terms of the way
we produce protein for ourselves and have strategies to both
adapt to a changing climate, but also fight against climate
change and work on conservation. So thank you for those two
commitments on Papa and on aquaculture. Mr. Monje, the Safe
Streets for All proposal in the American Jobs Plan, the
Administration is saying a lot of the right things around safe
streets, and I have had great conversations with the Secretary
in this space.
My experience, however, both at the county and State level
and at the Federal level is that safe streets always get
siloed, right. That there is this sort of serious engineer
types, the money people where most of the money flows, where
most of the real work gets done, right. The Federal Highway
Administration goes to the State fund and all the sort of big
boys and girls decide how to spend that money. And then if you
can break off a little bit for the bike people, right. Or the
AARP and their safe routes to school or safe routes in the
neighborhoods and that is kind of the way it is viewed.
And I would like your reassurance that it is not going to
be siloed, that it is going to be integrated into the way we
think about this. And I know the Secretary believes this, but,
you know, the Secretary can't operate the whole agency. It is
too big for that. And so it is going to take mechanically
thinking through all of the money flows, all of the
decisionmaking, just to make sure that this doesn't end up
being some sort of side pilot project.
Can you help us to think through how to make sure that, a,
this doesn't get siloed, and b, this doesn't swing back and
forth depending on whether the President is a Democrat or a
Republican?
Mr. Monje. I think that is an excellent question, sir, and
one that we are trying to begin. And just to point a couple of
things is that in the American Jobs Plan, significant
investments for exactly the kinds of things you are talking
about, whether it is setting aside money through the ASEP
program, making sure that we are fixing it right as we rebuild
our transportation networks.
And also in our staff and who we have decided to put in
these critical positions, including notably former State and
local officials who are leading our safety work in the Office
of the Secretary and in the Highway Administration.
Senator Schatz. Thank you very much. Senator Warnock.
STATEMENT OF HON. RAPHAEL WARNOCK,
U.S. SENATOR FROM GEORGIA
Senator Warnock. OK, thank you so very much, Chair. I
appreciate the opportunity of--my colleagues are probably
getting tired of hearing me brag about Georgia, but Georgia has
one of the most impressive transportation networks in the
country, from the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport to
the port of Savannah, to over 4,600 miles of rail, to nearly
128,400 miles of public road. Our transportation system allows
over 10.6 million Georgians to get where they need to go work,
school, church, grocery store.
It is also the backbone of our economy, with more than
362,000 jobs tied to freight and logistics and over 2 million
jobs dependent on the efficient movement of freight. Over the
next 30 years, our population is expected to grow nearly 30
percent to 13.8 million. Our State is also expecting a nearly
50 percent increase in freight over the next 25 years.
Preparing for this future means making transformational
investments. Mr. Monje, if confirmed, what policies and
programs would you recommend to ensure our transportation
system is still able to safely, efficiently, and affordably
move Georgians and Georgia products?
Mr. Monje. Thank you, Senator. The--you know, my two
sisters live in suburban Atlanta, and I don't think I have
experienced worse traffic than going up 75 and 85 up into
Northern Atlanta suburbs. But when I think about, you know, the
entire State of Georgia, you got to remember the port of
Savannah, as you mentioned, the fourth largest container port
in the country, the incredibly thoughtful work that is going
into some of the efforts to reconnect disconnected communities
in Atlanta.
The Beltline, which is a great example of multimodal
opportunities, turning assets into something that creates land
value and then having created finance programs to capture that
and re-invest it into the community. I think the jobs plan is a
great place to start for the State of Georgia. And the
investments that are made in our roads, in our transit, and in
our intermodal freight facilities is really going to be key to
the future of the people of Georgia.
Investing in MARTA, investing in the streetcar in Atlanta.
These are all critical projects and I do look forward to
working with you, if confirmed, to help you and the State of
Georgia to accomplish its goals.
Senator Warnock. Absolutely, and I know a little bit about
that traffic that you are talking about and is the reason I am
very excited to work alongside Chair Cantwell on a new program
that would help fund megamodal projects to address some of
these transportation issues. And I look forward to working with
you to address the ways in which historically there are
neighborhoods that have literally been cut into or physically
isolated or displaced by infrastructure.
And so we have, I think, a historic opportunity to connect
rather than disconnect people and resources through the
American Jobs Plan's infrastructure investments. Thank you. I
look forward to working with this committee and Congress on a
surface transportation bill and infrastructure program that
would be helpful not only to Georgians, but to the American
people.
Senator Schatz. Do we have Senator Blackburn online? If
not, Senator Peters.
STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN
Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Spinrad, an
unexpected severe flooding, as you know, has too often upended
the lives of families and hard working men and women in my
state of Michigan, but all across the Nation. And that is why I
was pleased to join with Ranking Member Wicker in re-
introducing our bipartisan bill, the Floods Act, which recently
passed out of this committee. Our bill would help protect
families and small businesses along highway shorelines and
other communities by modernizing NOAA's flood forecast to
provide certainly more timely or actionable information, which
is essential as we face climate change.
NOAA's forecasting capabilities also position the agency to
support the implementation of projects and programs that make
communities more resilient to climate change. So my question to
you, sir, is how do you envision utilizing NOAA's unique
programs and expertise to prioritize helping communities
prepare for and mitigate the impact of climate change?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator, for that critical
question. I would point out as a predicate to my response that
last year we saw more than $20 billion natural disasters in
this country and those numbers continue to take a general trend
up of which flooding is just one example. NOAA has a rich
history in the drought arena. And if you will bear with me for
a moment, I would point out that the efforts that were
undertaken about a decade ago for developing a national
integrated drought information system I think are a model for
how we can move forward to address the flooding issue. The work
that you have done and your co-sponsorship on flood
legislation, I think is an example of how NOAA can focus and
expand its capabilities.
I would argue that NOAA working very closely with the
communities, with the State legislatures, with the private
weather industry as well to develop and improve forecasts is an
essential function of the agency, especially in the context of
climate change, where the kinds of issues you have described
are apt to become even more problematic.
So NOAA's rich history of moving science into operations,
as exemplified by something like the drought efforts, I think
can be parlayed into similar kinds of information systems for
use by policymakers and decisionmakers for flood mitigation as
well.
Senator Peters. Well, I appreciate that. And as you know,
Dr. Spinrad, over the past decade, water levels in the Great
Lakes have fluctuated a great deal which have contributed to
some of the problems that you just mentioned there. And we are
seeing things like winter ice covers decreasing, average water
temperatures have risen, all related to what we are seeing
broadly with climate change. And I certainly believe it is
critically important that we monitor and track these changes.
When you think about protecting drinking water, the fact
that nearly 40 million people drink water out of the Great
Lakes, there is impacts to biodiversity, invasive species,
algal blooms, no shortage of challenges that this body of water
faces right now. And so my question to you is, how will you
work with the Great Lakes region in particular to collect the
data and to monitor these changes in the environment?
And what priorities in general, given the list that I gave,
the list is longer--what priorities would you bring to this
position to deal with the myriad of challenges the Great Lakes
currently face?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you again, Senator Peters. I am very
proud, I should point out, that when I was the head of research
at NOAA, I actively tried to foster the Great Lakes observing
system as a component of the integrated ocean observing system
in the United States. And I also had under my authority the
Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor. I would
point to those two--those two activities, GLOS as it is called,
the Great Lakes Observing System, Gloral as well, in addition
to the many, many weather forecast offices in the states
surrounding the Great Lakes as the tools that are already at
the ready, if you will.
If confirmed, I will commit to you that NOAA will ensure
that the focus on developing improved skill and expanded range
of products and services associated with everything from
harmful algal blooms to ice cover to surface temperature to
lake levels will be an important component, a critical
component of the NOAA portfolio.
And I look forward to working with you and the rest of the
delegations from the Great Lakes states to ensure we are
meeting the needs and requirements of the communities in the
Great Lakes.
Senator Peters. Well, I appreciate that commitment, and if
confirmed, I will be knocking on your door an awful lot. So
look forward to working with you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Schatz. Thank you. Senator Peters. I have one final
question for Mr. Monje. In March, the NTSB issued
recommendations on increasing safety requirements and oversight
for commercial air tour operators. The recommendations follow a
simple concept, that if an operator carries revenue passengers,
they should be held to a higher safety standard than general
aviation and recreational pilots. Do you agree that revenue
passengers--that revenue passenger carrying operators should be
held to a higher safety standards, as NTSB suggests?
Mr. Monje. Yes, sir. And I do note that the legislation
that you introduced and trying to make sure that the
requirements for the part 91 and part 135 are harmonized and
that we are protecting folks. The number of people who are
getting involved in accidents is unacceptably high.
Senator Schatz. I look forward to working with you on that,
if confirmed.
Mr. Monje. Yes, sir.
Senator Schatz. Senator Blackburn.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE
Senator Blackburn. Thank you. And thank you to each of you
for taking your time to be here this morning and apologies that
we're all in and out. We have about three things that are going
on at the same time. Mr. Monje, and I am saying your name
correctly, right?
Mr. Monje. Thank you for asking. It is Monje.
Senator Blackburn. Monje. OK, thank you. I appreciate the
time on the phone. And I will tell you, we were a little
surprised to see a day of notice that the Acting Director over
at the Highway Administration was going to Memphis today on the
bridge. There was no notice, no prior notice to our offices, no
way to get individuals. There is no list of who he is being met
with. What the assessment is going to contain. So we are a
little bit frustrated with this process. I am certain that you
can appreciate that. This is a major East, West corridor. The
bridge is out.
It goes through, right through the City of Memphis. So this
is problematic. And at this point, we still do not have a
response from Secretary Buttigieg as to whether he is going to
go to Memphis, and when he is expecting to be on the ground in
Memphis to tend to this situation, to assess this situation. So
I hope that you understand that there is frustration. Do we
know when the Secretary is going? You and I had discussed that
earlier this week.
Mr. Monje. I don't know that personally, but we will get
back to you as soon as possible. I can tell you that, as you
mentioned, our Highway Administrator, the Acting Administrator
is there today, meeting right now with Tennessee and Arkansas
State leaders.
We have been in contact with them daily. Worked with the
Coast Guard to reopen the river, which is a critical way, to
get supplies up and down the chain. Worked very quickly to--
with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to, I believe
they let a contract on Friday, awarded it on Monday. We were
able to----
Senator Blackburn. They did that on Monday. That is
correct. That was done Monday afternoon, so but when we spoke
with the Secretary on Friday, we were a bit frustrated that
there was not an awareness. Or let me phrase it like this,
there was not a timeline for assessment, there was not a
timeline to move to a mitigation plan. And we are continuing to
try to work in partnership with Arkansas and Tennessee and with
the local and State officials.
So being a little bit more forthcoming would be helpful to
us as we address this process. Let me go to a question for you
on the motorcoach industry. We have talked about this a little
bit also. There are numerous issues with the search funding
portal through Treasury. So if you would address how DOT is
working with Treasury to ensure these funds get out the door as
quickly as possible and what you are doing about those search
funds?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. And if I can go back to the previous
topic just to thank you for your leadership in pushing all the
State and Federal leaders to address the situation quickly. On
the search program, very glad that our team was able to work
with the Department of the Treasury to help them structure the
program. Treasury is very good at putting out money, but they
are not familiar with the bus and other operators that are the
intended recipients of that program.
I am very glad that the notice went out on the 6th of May,
and we stand ready and are actually providing staff to help
judge and adjudicate the applicants that come in to make sure
that we can get that assistance that Congress put out as
quickly as possible and as fairly as possible.
Senator Blackburn. OK, thank you. Dr. Spinrad, Oak Ridge
National Labs, and thank you for your time to talk. You know,
they have been providing a supercomputing platform and some
expertise for NOAA scientists. And we talked about the
algorithmic utilization for predicting storms. The NCRC is
defining the leading edge of computer modeling dealing with
weather and with global climate simulations. So I would like
for you to talk for the record a little bit about how you see
that collaboration between DOE and NOAA progressing as we use
the computer based modeling.
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator. This is a critical
component of how our Nation moves forward. That is to say, the
ability to use high performance computing to develop improved
models of weather and climate. The long history that NOAA
enjoys with the Department of Energy generally and with Oak
Ridge National Lab for those computational resources has been
critical to advance that capability. My own personal sense is
that the weather and climate modeling community is always
chasing more and more powerful computational resources.
If confirmed, I can assure you that I will look into how
the rich history that NOAA has enjoyed with DOE Oak Ridge is
pursuable in the future to see if there is even more power that
we can put into this critical national problem associated with
addressing predictions and projections of climate and weather.
Senator Blackburn. Thank you for that. And as we discussed,
we are really grateful that Oak Ridge is in Tennessee, and
really all Tennesseans hold a sense of pride for the work that
the scientists are doing there at Oak Ridge, whether it is with
nuclear power, whether it is with the algorithmic modeling,
whether it is with medical isotopes. Some of the work that they
are doing there is going to benefit everyone in this country.
And we are grateful for good, smart minds that know how to put
that to good use. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Senator Blackburn. Senator
Rosen.
STATEMENT OF HON. JACKY ROSEN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate it. And
appreciate everyone's willingness to serve and the work that
you have already done in your fields so far. And so I want to
talk a little bit about women in STEM, women in space. And so,
Col. Melroy, the Artemis program and NASA aims to put that
first woman on the moon. As the second woman to ever command a
space shuttle mission at NASA, you have played a pivotal role
in paving the way for this to be a possibility.
And however, I know that you know this, we still have a
significant gap in representation in space. And so, if
confirmed, you would only be the fourth woman in NASA history
to be confirmed as Deputy Administrator. So, of course, in
order to address such gaps, research has it is critical to
offer STEM opportunities and workforce development both to
girls at an early age and to women as they progress through
their careers.
And so during Administrator Nelson's confirmation a few
weeks ago, I was pleased to hear of the continued support of
these efforts, particularly the NASA EPSCor program, a joint
Federal State program designed to allow more states like Nevada
participate in space and aeronautics research.
So, Col. Melroy, maybe you want to talk about why you think
it is important for NASA to invest in STEM, particularly
amongst women, underrepresented minorities. What can we do
better so we can increase our diversity?
Colonel Melroy. Thank you, Senator Rosen. I imagine that
you were also a role model for your constituency as you have a
background in computer science. It is important to see role
models. NASA funds STEM in every state of the country. That
isn't to say that there is not more to do. We all know it is a
very leaky pipeline. And as you pointed out, we have to address
every step of that phase, K through 12, undergraduate,
graduate, and further on in the career. We have to work
together.
I think it is very important that all Departments and
agencies work together in this area. NASA co-chairs of an
interagency committee called Co-STEM to address those very
issues. But of course, I just have to add that as a little
girl, I was inspired by the Apollo program. There were no women
astronauts at that time, but I was so inspired, I went on to
become a space shuttle commander.
And I personally believe that NASA plays an essential role
in actually executing missions like Artemis and on to Mars to
inspire that next generation.
Senator Rosen. Now, thank you, I have a bill out there that
is going to focus on STEM returnships for women who might be
mid-career, who stepped off the career track, maybe to be a
caregiver for a child or family member or wanting to change,
and introduce them and increase their STEM education so that
they can return to the workforce to be productive in those
areas.
So I look forward to working with you on that. But I want
to turn quickly to a highway infrastructure and I-11, Nevada,
one of the fastest growing states in the Nation. We had the
third highest population growth in 2020. And so a new highway
is essential to our prosperity. And so, we are proposing
Interstate 11 would run from the Mexican border through Phoenix
and Las Vegas all the way up into Reno, where some of the major
metropolitan areas have never been connected by an interstate.
It is really important for tourism, for trade and export.
I am the Chairwoman of the Tourism Export Promotion
Subcommittee, and so this is critically important. So I have
asked both Secretary Buttigieg and Deputy Secretary Trottenberg
to move forward on their commitment to move forward on I-11. I
would like to get yours as well.
So, Mr. Monje, would you commit to working with me and the
rest of the Nevada, Arizona delegations to support the efforts
to fund, develop, construct and expand I-11 so that Nevada and
Arizona can improve our corridors, improve our economies, and
bring visitors and jobs to our state?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. I look forward to working with you
on that project.
Senator Rosen. Thank you. I appreciate that. And then
speaking of tourism as well, if anyone has--and you can tune in
to this and see on every Friday and Sunday, the I-15 corridor
between Las Vegas and Southern California is literally bumper
to bumper every weekend. And so we have some of the similar
issues along Interstate 80 up in the North part of our state,
connecting Nevada with California and Utah. So can I also have
your commitment to work on I-15 and I-80 so that we can--again,
interstate commerce, tourism and trade is particularly
important?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. And it is true in communities across
the country and bumper to bumper traffic is a sign that the
economy is coming back but we need to make sure that the
infrastructure keeps up.
Senator Rosen. Thank you. I appreciate it. Mr. Chair, my
time is up.
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Senator Rosen. Senator Lujan. We
appear to be experiencing some technical difficulties getting
Senator Lujan on----
Senator Lujan. Mr. Chairman, I am with you now, sir. I
apologize. I was not able to unmute. There we go. Turn the
camera on.
Senator Schatz. Go ahead, Senator Lujan.
STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Lujan. Thank you so very much. Honored to be with
you and thank you so very much for the work that you are doing.
I wanted to make sure that we jumped into getting a chance to
visit with our nominees today. And to Mr. Monje, the
Administrator has proposed a very necessary substantial
infrastructure bill that hundreds of billions of dollars for
infrastructure investment, for transportation industries like
aviation, railroads, transit and seaports--the investments are
necessary, and I hope that Congress will act on a robust
infrastructure package this year.
However, the fastest growing and highest proliferation
sector in space transportation, America is enjoying a
revolution in new, more reliable and more affordable launch of
satellites and people into space. While states and local
Governments and private industry spending many tens of millions
on infrastructure every year, yet the Federal Government
provides no matching funds for local space ports and private
launch facilities.
Since you have been serving as Senior Adviser to the
Secretary, do you know if this reflects a policy decision not
to allow matching funds?
Mr. Monje. Sir, would love to work with you on that, and I
can tell you the folks that work at FAA and Col. Melroy as well
in her time there, I know they take great pride in the growth
of the commercial space industry. And I was--it was a beautiful
day here in D.C. when they launched the SpaceX mission with
astronauts, with American astronauts for the first time.
And I know the folks at FAA are very proud of that, of
their support of that mission, and would look forward to
working with you to make sure that that we can do our dual
mission, which is to ensure the safety of those launches, to
de-conflict them with American air space, and also to promote
the industry.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Monje, would you support changing this
policy to allow matching funds for aerospace infrastructure?
Mr. Monje. Would love to work with you on that. And I know
there are many areas of infrastructure where matching funds are
valuable and would love to work with you and your staff to
figure that out.
Senator Lujan. I am not hearing, yes. So I look forward to
working with you to make this happen. This is important to us
in the United States and especially with China just landing on
Mars. You know, we have a choice to do this or not to do this
if we want to remain competitive. And so I hope the answer will
be, yes, as we get a chance to move forward. The follow-up
question is, would you support setting aside enough funds in
the infrastructure packages to allow matching funds to help
advance a 21st century transportation mode?
Mr. Monje. The 21st century? I didn't hear the rest of the
question, I am sorry,
Senator Lujan. 21st century transportation mode.
Mr. Monje. Yes, and, you know, the American Jobs Plan
creates investments across the entire range of our modes,
highways, transit, and importantly passenger rail or intermodal
freight facilities, our waterways and ports. These are critical
investments and look forward to working with this committee,
with you to make sure that they get the resources they need.
Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. And Dr. Spinrad, for states
like New Mexico, which are sparsely populated, how can NOAA
expand weather monitoring infrastructure to ensure that data
developed from those systems accurately reflects surface ground
weather conditions? Robust weather monitoring infrastructure is
vitally important in helping develop and deploy emergency
response systems, alerting transportation systems about
inclimate weather, and helping farmers and ranchers access risk
management programs when needing to document the impacts to
their farms and ranches.
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you for that question, Senator Lujan. As
a resident of a remotely populated area of Oregon, I can
certainly sympathize with the issue that you raised. And I
think there is a rich history of developing programs for
surface observations elsewhere in the U.S. I would, if
confirmed, commit to you to try to develop similar sort of
capabilities to the extent possible. I would also point out
that I look forward to working with agencies like NASA for
development of new remote sensing capabilities that could
equally apply to the needs that you have described.
Senator Lujan. Thank you so much. And Mr. Monje, going back
to you, I recently had the honor of chatting with Secretary
Buttigieg and Deputy Secretary Trottenberg earlier this year,
and I raised the importance of ending drunk driving. We are at
a pivotal moment with technology and policy for industry, and,
you know, the auto industry is looking for exemptions to
liability for self-driving cars.
And I said, look if we are going to do that, we need to
make sure that we are requiring the development and adoption of
technology to stop drunk driving and impaired driving. Will you
commit to work with us to pass the RIDE Act, which will get
drunk drivers off the road and save as many as 10,000 lives
each year?
Mr. Spinrad. Yes, sir. This is, you know, at a time where
our vehicle, miles traveled decreased. Last year, we saw a
dramatic spike in the rates of crashes and deaths on a road.
There are--there is a lot we can do and appreciate your and
Senator Scott's leadership on that issue.
Senator Lujan. Thank you very much. And thank the Chair for
the time today.
Senator Schatz. Thank you. Senator Lujan. Senator Cruz.
STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations to
each of the nominees. Col. Melroy and I visited yesterday.
Thank you for your service to our Nation. As you know, one of
my biggest priorities is the extension of the life and
utilization of the International Space Station through at least
2030. I know that NASA has begun doing the legwork to extend
the ISS through 2030. Do you agree that the ISS should be
utilized through at least 2030 provided that it remains safe to
do so?
Colonel Melroy. Thank you, Senator Cruz. I really enjoyed
our conversation, particularly the information about your
family and your mother, who is a mathematician. Yes, I can say
that I support the extension of ISS. We have a lot more work to
do in microgravity science. And as long as it is safe and
feasible to do so, we will continue to utilize the ISS.
Senator Cruz. The United States is in a space race with
both China and Russia. Just last week, Mars--just last week, a
rover landed on Mars. It is only the third time a Nation has
successfully landed on Mars behind the United States, and in
mostly unsuccessful landing by the USSR in 1971. What are your
thoughts on China's growing power in space, and does it concern
you? Do you think the guardrails of the Wolf amendment are
adequate to protect U.S. space technology and our global
competitive advantage in space and space exploration?
Colonel Melroy. Senator Cruz, you are right to be
concerned. It is not just the landing on Mars, which is very
impressive, but also a couple of landings on the Moon and, of
course, the new construction starting of a low Earth orbit
space station. China has made their goals very clear to take
away space superiority from the United States. So we are right
to be concerned.
When you add the other concerns of intellectual property
theft and aggressive behavior in space, I think it is--I
support the Wolf amendment, as it is called. It is the law.
NASA will continue to follow the law. It is there to ensure
that the U.S. thinks very carefully about any kind of
engagement with China. However, we have to operate together in
the space domain. So there are times when it is in the best
interests of the United States to talk to China.
Senator Cruz. What would the ramifications be if Russia
were to pull out of the ISS and go their own way in low Earth
orbit or partner with the Chinese?
Colonel Melroy. Senator, it is--it would be a serious
outcome for the optimum safe operations of the International
Space Station. It was designed from the beginning with the
assumption that there would be Russian and American crew
members present. The current cooperation, in fact, on the space
station with Russia is a shining light, actually, both in the
relationship, but also in the indications of soft power that
NASA can provide. I think NASA is already talking about a
follow on eventually to the space station. At some point it
will wear out. I don't think it is unreasonable that Russia is
talking about it also. If I am confirmed, I look forward to
actually having a conversation with Ruscosmos and find out what
they really think because we need to be harmonizing timing.
Senator Cruz. About 2 weeks ago, we saw the uncontrolled
reentry of part of China's long March rocket, the second time
that has happened in a year. Thankfully, this time debris
landed in the ocean, but it easily could have ended up in a
populated area, killing hundreds or even thousands. How can
NASA and our international partners get China to have less of a
launch first and ask questions later approach and start
behaving responsibly in space?
Colonel Melroy. That is a good question, Senator. I think
it is very important for the U.S. to partner with our allies to
develop norms of behavior. I will give you an example. NASA
developed the orbital debris standard mitigation practices,
which have been proliferated throughout the world in law and
policy. Good technical norms and safety norms should
proliferate. We also need to call China out, as Administrator
Nelson did, when they violate those norms.
Senator Cruz. And finally, what are your opinions on
leveraging private companies in commercial space to achieve
NASA's goals and our Nation's goals in space?
Colonel Melroy. Senator Cruz, it was really extraordinary
to watch NASA inject so much energy into our wonderful
industrial base and aerospace industry, kick start a whole new
generation of commercial space capabilities with the commercial
cargo resupply services program, over a decade ago began that
investment. It is absolutely essential that we continue to
invest in and support commercial space. It has brought a whole
new price point of capabilities to the U.S. Government in the
commercial market and allows NASA to focus on solving the
hardest problems.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Senator Schatz. Senator Klobuchar,
STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you very much and congratulations
to all the nominees. I am going to start with some kind of
little different questions here. I will start with you, Col.
Melroy. More than 150,000 people with cancer seek help at my
hometown Mayo Clinic each year. And recently, Mayo researchers
actually, maybe you are aware of this, have been working with
NASA engineers, computer scientists, and software developers in
order to develop an algorithm to predict how cancer spreads.
Can you speak to the role that the public, private partnerships
play in spurring scientific breakthroughs, particularly for
health care?
Colonel Melroy. Thank you, Senator Klobuchar. I think
public, private partnerships come in many shapes and sizes, and
health care is ripe for those types of investments. And NASA
has the unique capabilities of the International Space Station
and a very robust life sciences community to support that.
Senator Klobuchar. Very good. Sort of along the same lines,
Dr. Spinrad, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Lake
Superior is pretty important in my state, is a program by the
EPA and has contributed greatly to the restoration of the Great
Lakes. As one of 13 Federal agencies collaborating with the
EPA, NOAA has been allocated over $178 million to help
accomplish restoration goals using science data products and
services.
In your testimony, you note that you strongly believe that
public, private partnerships are an essential part of economic
development. Can you speak to how you would improve this
initiative or the role that public private partnerships could
play in benefiting the Great Lakes region?
Mr. Spinrad. Thank you, Senator. In short, I think the
dialog between the public sector and the private sector could
be dramatically enhanced with regard to where should the
provision of products and services start and who are the
components that have key requirements. If you look at what has
happened in the public, private sector in the development of
commercial weather products, for example, there are some
wonderful lessons learned there that I could--that I think
could be applied to a broader dissemination of products and
actually the expansion, the economic development of new
economic sectors around products. Earlier, we were talking with
Senator Peters about the harmful algal bloom issues in the
Great Lakes.
And there is an example where I think tailored products
could be developed by the private sector for particular
communities predicated on the provision of fundamental weather
and Great Lakes products through an agency like the National
Weather Service.
So if confirmed, I am committed to ensuring that we take an
aggressive approach, as Secretary Raimondo has expressed,
toward identifying where are the opportunities for new products
and services, and what are the roles and responsibilities
respectively for the public and the private sector.
Senator Klobuchar. Very good. I just want you to keep your
eye on the Great Lakes. When I first got on this committee, I
got assigned to the to the Ocean subcommittee, which I thought
was just about oceans. And I got there, and I saw all these
mostly East, and all East and West coast senators except for
me. And I remember I wrote a note, Senator Schatz, to Senator
Lautenberg, who is then the senator from New Jersey.
And I said, I am the only senator on this subcommittee that
doesn't have an ocean. And he wrote back, next year just come
back and ask for one. There you go. So the Great Lakes is
really, really important and it is part of your jurisdiction.
OK, Mr. Monje, congratulations on your nomination.
And what are your plans to ensure that rural communities
have access to critical transportation infrastructure grant
funding? I am here talking about the RAISE, formerly the bill
grants and the capital investment grants.
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. As this Congress has directed us to
do with both the INFRA and the RAISE programs to have rural
minimums, I was mentioning earlier that it is a point of pride
of our team, of the career staff that work for the
Undersecretary, to do outreach, to do technical assistance to
applicants, to make sure that they can take the projects and
were just on the cusp of being awarded last time and bring them
up to snuff and to be able to compete.
And that is true for the capital investment grant program
as well. I know the FTA team spends a lot of time and there are
a number of programs that can help rural communities. And in my
previous time in the Administration, I was able to travel
around the country, I didn't make it to Minnesota, but I would
like to go----
Senator Klobuchar. Oh, you are going to have to go.
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, so here is some other things related
to that. Amtrak, our longest rail line to go from Chicago to
the West Coast, provide a vital link stopping in Minnesota.
Last month, I sent a letter to Secretary Buttigieg to include
funding for passenger rail lines across Minnesota, including
the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Chicago and inner-city passenger
rail, that is what I am referring to, as well as a new project.
We are looking at the Northern Lights Express up to Duluth. Can
you speak to the economic importance of these routes and
potential routes?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am. And I understand the Empire Builders
is the most scenic of the of the Amtrak routes. As you know,
the American Jobs Plan invests $80 billion in passenger rail.
And I think the Midwest is, like other parts of the country, is
uniquely well situated to get some of these city pairs and
something that was important to Secretary Buttigieg, you know,
trying to get reliable, good service between South Bend and
Chicago. And look forward to working with you to expand passage
rail.
Senator Klobuchar. Thanks. Two other issues that I care a
lot about. Port infrastructure, I understand you talked about
that. We have, of course, a major port in Duluth. I was just
there a few weeks ago. And we have to do more work, of course,
on the shipping lanes and blocks and dams and the like. Can you
speak to how investments in multimodal port infrastructure are
important to reduce delays in construction and keep us
competitive as we work on the Endless Frontiers Bill? Right
now, a lot of our competitiveness will be dictated by how well
we can get goods to market.
Mr. Monje. It is critically important, and we need to do
everything we can to get goods off the ships, on the trains, on
the trucks, and get them to where they are going. It is the
lifeblood of the economy. The Administration proposed $17
billion as part of the American Jobs Plan for intermodal
facilities, for intercoastal waterways, and for ports. And it
is a critical part of our supply chain.
Senator Klobuchar. I have led the recreational trails bills
for many years. And just for your knowledge, for when you visit
our state, not only do we have huge use of bike trails and
other things, but we also are the manufacturers of domestic
snowmobiles and ATVs with both Arctic Cat and Polaris
headquartered in Minnesota. And interestingly enough, the
groups, the bike trails, the cross-country skiers, and the ATVs
and the snowmobile users, you wouldn't really put all this
together, have come together in support of the Recreational
Trails Program because there are different trails for different
uses. And that has been very helpful in moving this through.
And do you agree that good infrastructure projects with trails
can boost property values, attract new businesses and the like?
Mr. Monje. Yes, ma'am.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. I think let me see if I
have any other things having--this is good. One last thing, Dr.
Spinrad, diversity in STEM. I talked about this over the phone
with several of the nominees. And way back, the last
Administration at the very beginning actually led a bill on
this with NASA and then in general with science that were
signed into law. And I think we need to do more there. Could
you just quickly address that for women and people of color?
Mr. Spinrad. Yes, Senator. Yay, verily, amen. I am firmly
committed to ensuring aggressive approaches to diversity,
equity, justice, and inclusion. I would cite as evidence the
roles that I have played in various leadership positions to
invoke exactly those kinds of thinking, thoughts. And if
confirmed, you have got my commitment to address that
aggressively. Thank you.
Senator Klobuchar. Very good. Thank you.
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Senator Klobuchar. Before we
close today's hearing, I have one more question which we ask of
all nominees. Dr. Spinrad, Col. Melroy, Mr. Monje, if
confirmed, will you pledge to work collaboratively with this
committee, provide thorough and timely responses to our
requests for information as we put together and address
important policy issues, and appear before the Committee when
requested?
Mr. Spinrad. Yes, Chairman.
Colonel Melroy. Yes, Chair.
Mr. Monje. Yes, sir.
Senator Schatz. Thank you for that commitment. Senators
will have 48 hours to submit questions for the record to the
Committee. Witnesses will have one week to respond to those
questions. Thank you. This concludes today's hearing.
[Whereupon, at 11:50 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Aquaculture. In the United States, coastal shellfish farmers are an
important component of local communities, particularly in Washington
state. While aquaculture has substantial potential in the United
States, examples of massive escapements like the 2017 pen collapse in
Puget Sound, mean that its expansion requires thoughtful scientific
studies and planning before finfish aquaculture is considered in
Federal waters. In addition, the roles of stakeholders must be
clarified. Just this week, the Regional Fisheries Management Councils'
Coordinating Committee drafted a statement noting that the councils
should have a clearly defined role in the siting, permitting, and
review of aquaculture operations in Federal waters. In addition,
numerous coastal communities and environmental organizations are
advocating for a transparent process that is based in the best
available science before any aquaculture operations commence in Federal
waters.
During your testimony before the Committee, you touted your
endorsement by the National Aquaculture Association, but did not
mention the fisheries management councils, coastal communities or
conservation groups' role in the development of aquaculture. You also
mentioned the need for standards for offshore aquaculture operations
and noted previously introduced legislation, which experts find
inadequate in that regard.
Question 1. During the Trump Administration, NOAA began to
implement an Executive Order on Seafood Competitiveness as well as to
identify two Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs). How will you
personally review this process and determine if this is in accordance
with the priorities of the Biden Administration and based on the best
available science?
Answer. Aquaculture holds promise to increase the Nation's seafood
supply at a time when pressure on wild stocks is at a maximum.
Nonetheless, aquaculture has a number of potential risks--including
escapement, water quality, safety of navigation, and habitat impacts--
that must be identified, addressed, and managed using the best
available science. In addition, aquaculture development strategies
should not be based on a ``one size fits all'' approach, but rather,
tailored to account for regional, state and local considerations.
If confirmed, I would work to better understand the views of
Congress and local communities by engaging tribes, regional fishery
management councils, state fishery managers, environmental
organizations, aquaculture industry representatives, and others to
understand the needs of their stakeholders to determine whether, where,
and what types of aquaculture might make the most sense.
Question 2. Do you support the Advancing the Quality and
Understanding of American Aquaculture Act? If so, why and if not, why
not?
Answer. If confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to learn more
about this legislation and to work with you to evaluate sustainable
aquaculture development, the needs of particular communities, and
strong conservation standards.
Question 3. Do you believe that robust scientific studies are
needed in advance of a new permitting regime for offshore finfish
aquaculture?
Answer. Permitting regimes for aquaculture should be based on the
best available peer-reviewed scientific information that takes into
consideration appropriate siting, species characteristics, and
potential impacts.
Question 4. If confirmed, what assurances can you provide that you
will prevent large scale finfish aquaculture development that would
pose a high risk of ecological degradation? How would you plan to
accomplish this?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work within the agency to understand
the risks of large-scale finfish aquaculture, while also understanding
the concerns of communities and stakeholders. The only way to advance
aquaculture in the United States is to do so responsibly, using the
best peer-reviewed science.
Fisheries and Ecosystem Science. Fishing is one of the most
climate-impacted industries in the United States. As oceans warm, our
fisheries and the ecosystems they depend on are experiencing massive
changes--in productivity and location. NOAA struggles to keep up with
fisheries and protected species stock assessments as is. The fishing
industry needs more tools from NOAA so that they can plan, adapt and
build resilient operations in our changing climate.
Question 5. What steps will you take to prioritize the
modernization of NOAA's science and invest in the necessary research to
understand ecosystem shifts for commercially managed species, as well
as protected species using biological and oceanographic observations
and regional-scale climate models?
Answer. Changing climate and oceans are having significant impacts
on the Nation's valuable marine ecosystems and the communities and
economies that depend upon them. As a science and stewardship agency,
NOAA is well positioned to expand and diversify its climate-related
science and services to help communities address these challenges. If
confirmed, I will advocate for the resources necessary to increase the
agency's science and management tools, and to prepare for and respond
to these rapidly changing environmental conditions with the products
and services needed.
Question 6. NOAA must expand stock assessment surveys to meet
emerging climate science needs, as well as traditional fisheries
management which has been under-resourced. Despite consistent requests
from the congress, NOAA has not communicated stock assessment survey
needs. Will you work with the Congress to identify stock assessment
survey needs in terms of both physical survey needs as well as
budgetary requirements?
Answer. Scientific research surveys underpin NOAA's management of
U.S. fisheries and protected resources. The impacts of climate change
on managed fish stocks and protected species will require NOAA to
continuously track and account for shifting species distributions to
ensure the continued accuracy of stock assessments. If confirmed, I
will work with you to address the long-term fiscal and physical
challenges of fielding fisheries and protected species surveys.
Tribal Consultation and Engagement. NOAA must do more to support
Tribes and Tribal fishers. I am concerned about the previous
administration's ``check the box'' posture to government to government
consultation.
Question 7. Please list and describe specific areas for improvement
in NOAA's consultation with Tribes and fulfillment of Federal treaty
responsibilities.
Answer. Consulting tribes and incorporating their traditional
ecological knowledge (TEK) is an essential part of NOAA's resource
management responsibilities and ensures better resource stewardship.
Furthermore, government-to-government consultation with Federally-
recognized Tribes is a critical aspect of the sound and productive
relationship between the United States and sovereign Indian Tribal
governments.
If confirmed, I would assess whether we have the adequate level and
prominence of staffing to engage with Tribes and address their
interests in fisheries and other resource management issues. I would
engage Tribes in a thorough review of our current practices to ensure
that NOAA is engaging with Tribes and incorporating TEK into its
management decisions in a meaningful way. I place a high value on
providing pertinent scientific information to tribal entities and to
learning what additional science and services NOAA can provide to
assist Tribal communities. I welcome your long-standing expertise on
this issue moving forward.
Question 8. Government to government consultation should extend
beyond regulatory matters. Tribes should be consulted and engaged on
policy, conservation and other matters that impact Treaty Resources
both directly and indirectly. How can NOAA improve relationships and
meaningful engagement with Tribes? If confirmed, what specific steps
will you take to ensure that Tribal engagement and consultation is a
priority for NOAA fisheries, and throughout the agency?
Answer. I agree that government to government consultation with
Tribes should extend more broadly to include NOAA's conservation
initiatives and strategies beyond those that are regulatory in nature.
NOAA's management of resources and provision of science and services
benefit from incorporating traditional ecological knowledge from
Tribes. If confirmed, I will work across the agency to ensure
meaningful, active, and ongoing engagement and consultation with Tribal
partners.
Question 9. Chairman Billy Frank Jr. once told me that ``half of
zero is zero.'' That means, as salmon populations become endangered,
and even disappear, so does a Tribe's ability to access their Treaty
Right. Treaty Rights At Risk is an initiative aimed at restoring salmon
and protecting Treaty Rights. What more can NOAA do to engage with
Tribes on salmon restoration, specifically? Will you work with us to
ensure that NOAA participates and responds to the Treaty Rights At Risk
Initiative?
Answer. Tribal communities play an important role in the recovery
and restoration of salmon, and I look forward to learning more about
the Treaty Rights At Risk Initiative. If confirmed, I commit to working
with you and Tribal communities on ways NOAA can engage more
meaningfully in salmon restoration and recovery in the Pacific.
Salmon.
Question 10. How will you bring a whole of NOAA approach to Pacific
salmon recovery to leverage the scientific expertise of the whole
agency to address these critical science and recovery needs?
Answer. Pacific salmon are critically important for our culture,
recreation, and economy. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more
about NOAA's research for the recovery of Pacific salmon and their
habitat, and other management efforts that are taking place across the
agency.
Question 11. NOAA must be a stronger leader on Pacific salmon
recovery and management. If confirmed, how do you propose NOAA work
across the Federal family to better leverage resources to address
habitat, research and other salmon recovery needs?
Answer. Partnerships among Federal, state, local, and Tribal
entities, together with non-governmental and private organizations, are
key to restoring healthy salmon runs and securing the economic and
cultural benefits they provide for future generations. If confirmed, I
commit to building on my strong record of inter-agency collaboration,
working with key partners to conduct adequate research, monitoring, and
analyses needed to ensure Pacific salmon recovery and sustainability. I
look forward to learning more about the work that is currently underway
at NOAA and to working with you on this issue.
Fisheries Disasters. Washington state fishermen and Tribal
communities are just starting to see some of the $90M of the Covid-19
related fisheries disaster funds. In addition, there are 10 pending
fishery disaster determinations for Washington state salmon fisheries.
Some requests, such as the Washington Puget Sound Coho Salmon Fishery,
have been pending for almost two years.
Senator Wicker and I have reintroduced our bipartisan bill to
reform the fishery disaster process, including adding deadlines to
ensure that fishery disasters are evaluated and declared in a
reasonable timeframe. While our bill makes improvements, NOAA needs to
do more to speed up the disaster process, and modernize how funds are
used help communities adapt to a changing climate and shifting stocks.
Question 12. What more can NOAA do to modernize the fishery
disaster process? How could these programs be used to help communities
adapt to climate change?
Answer. I appreciate your concern that fishery disaster
determinations be made more expeditiously, including fishery disaster
funds for Washington fisheries. I recognize the economic importance of
these fisheries to Washington's coastal and Tribal communities, as well
as the subsistence, cultural, and ceremonial value of these fisheries
to the local Tribes. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more
about NOAA's fishery disaster program, how it can assist community
adaptation efforts, and implementing any changes needed to improve the
process.
Weather Infrastructure. With the increase in intensity and
frequency of severe weather events, millions of lives rely on NOAA's
weather predictions and forecasts more than ever before. In the last
five years the Pacific Northwesterners have experienced a ``new''
weather event--``smoke storms''--where catastrophic fires from hundreds
of miles away drove people inside their homes for days to retreat from
the smoke.
Question 13. Will you work to expand NOAA's social science program
to improve communicating warnings and watches to the American public,
particularly those underserved communities that NOAA may not have
traditionally worked with? Please describe.
Answer. Social science has become increasingly important in the
manner in which NOAA listens to public concerns, communicates forecasts
and uncertainty to ensure people understand environmental threats and
takes the appropriate actions to reduce risks to life and property. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with you on expanding NOAA's
social science capacity and its application to advise communities
effectively in the wake of extreme weather events. I am particularly
interested in exploring and implementing ways NOAA can better serve the
needs of traditionally underserved communities.
Question 14. Please describe how you see NOAA's role in national
efforts to address wildfire hazards. What potential is there for NOAA
to expand and improve its fire weather mission, and what would it
require to do so?
Answer. It is my understanding that NOAA plays a vital role in
supporting federal, state, local, territorial, and Tribal partners in
battling wildfires, while also addressing fire community needs before,
during, and after wildfires. NOAA's involvement ranges from detailed
weather and environmental modeling and forecasting; to research,
observations, and detection; to historical analyses of past fire
seasons based on archived NOAA data. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with you on improving NOAA's fire weather capabilities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Space Situational Awareness and Low Earth Orbit Congestion. There
are currently around 6,000 satellites circling the globe (2,500
active). The number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is expected
to grow exponentially in the coming years as companies like SpaceX and
Amazon launch thousands of satellites to beam broadband Internet to the
earth. LEO broadband satellite constellations will bring fast and
reliable Internet to unserved rural customers, including in Montana.
The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (formerly the Endless
Frontier Act) incorporates the SPACE Act, which provides NOAA's Office
of Space Commerce with the authority and funding to perform space
situational awareness activities.
Question 1. What is your vision for ensuring that American
companies will continue to have safe access to low earth orbit, given
the expected exponential growth in cube satellites and satellite
constellations?
Answer. I believe that NOAA and the Office of Space Commerce (OSC)
play a key role in working with the commercial space industry to foster
American leadership in space. If confirmed, I look forward to learning
more about the Office of Space Commerce and to working with Congress to
ensure that it is properly prioritized and resourced to continue
serving this important function.
Question 2. How will NOAA encourage information sharing so that
commercial space operators, and the government, can avoid conjunctions
that would damage property, risk life, and increase ``space junk'' and
debris?
Answer. It is my understanding that NOAA works with partners,
including NASA, DoD, and private industry, to share information on
satellite operations and monitor for potential hazards. If confirmed, I
look forward to working with you, commercial space operators, and
interagency partners on this important issue.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Regional Climate Center program. First authorized in 1978, NOAA's
Regional Climate Centers (RCCs) were created to develop products and
services for sector specific, climate-related problems. The program is
divided into six regional centers, with the Western RCC housed at the
Desert Research Institute in Nevada. The Western RCC addresses a range
of climate needs and issues specific to its region and beyond,
including drought monitoring, weather and climate extremes, and
wildfire and smoke impacts.
Question. Dr. Spinrad, given the increasing activities of the RCCs
and the need for immediate action on climate change, will you commit to
further investing in and support Regional Climate Centers? How can
Congress better support RCCs, including through the FY22 appropriations
process?
Answer. If confirmed, I will commit to ensuring that NOAA is
effectively delivering climate science and services to communities,
using existing critical programs, such as the Regional Climate Centers
(RCCs), as well as evaluating the need for new areas of climate
research and tools. It is my understanding that the Regional Climate
Centers play a crucial role in helping communities understand the
unique climate issues and sensitivities of their regions. RCCs provide
value-added products, deliver climate services, support operational
climate services efforts across NOAA and other agencies, and integrate
non-NOAA and NOAA data. If confirmed, I look forward to working with
you through the President's budget process to support the RCCs.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Recreational Fishing Management
Question 1. I introduced and passed the bipartisan Modern Fish Act
to improve the management of recreational fisheries by incorporating
the best available science. In the Gulf of Mexico, states like
Mississippi have invested significant time and money to develop a more
accurate understanding of how much fish recreational fishermen harvest.
Despite this effort, NOAA has proposed ignoring the higher quality
state data, and treating the less accurate Federal data from the Marine
Recreational Information Program as though it is of equal quality. If
this occurred, it would have unfairly decreased Mississippi's share of
the Red Snapper fishery by 60 percent in 2021. In addition, the recent
``Great Red Snapper Count'' suggests that the actual abundance of red
snapper in the Gulf is three times higher than what NOAA had estimated.
In April, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council
recognized the high quality of Mississippi's state red snapper
survey and voted to delay the calibration of state survey data
to the incomplete and low-quality Federal survey data so that
they can continue further study. Will you commit to working
with me to support the Council's actions with regard to red
snapper?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the red
snapper fishery, which I know is of great economic and cultural
significance to the state of Mississippi and the entire Gulf of Mexico
region. As I noted in my testimony before the Commerce Committee, it is
critical that NOAA base management decisions--whether for fisheries
management or weather forecasting--on the best peer reviewed scientific
information available. I will commit to working with you and your staff
to learn more about this fishery and its underlying science.
Uncrewed Maritime Systems
Question 2. The University of Southern Mississippi is a leader in
the use of uncrewed maritime systems. Uncrewed maritime systems are a
highly cost-effective way for NOAA to increase the number of
observations it collects.
Will you work with me to increase NOAA's use of uncrewed
maritime systems?
How would you work to promote these and other innovative
technologies at NOAA and across the Department of Commerce?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with you and your office to
increase NOAA's use of uncrewed maritime systems to help NOAA and its
partners better understand the full earth system, and I look forward to
promoting NOAA's exploration and use of uncrewed systems to carry out
NOAA's diverse mission from weather forecasting to fisheries
management.
As I noted in my testimony, I believe uncrewed systems hold great
promise for data collection and in some cases can supplement existing
methods efficiently and effectively. If confirmed, I would build upon
NOAA's progress in this area by evaluating the broad and complex data
needs across the agency and working internally and with external
stakeholders to utilize uncrewed systems research, development, and
operations where it makes most sense.
Regional Ocean Partnerships
Question 3. Regional Ocean Partnerships are made up of coastal
states and promote the effective stewardship of our oceans and coasts
by giving those states a strong voice. Last Congress, Senator Cantwell
and I introduced the Regional Ocean Partnership Act to codify the
existing regional ocean partnerships.
Do you commit to working with me to ensure the states have a
strong voice in the stewardship of their oceans and coasts?
What do you see as the benefits of these types of
partnerships for taking care of our marine resources and
promoting the blue economy?
Answer. I recognize the need for states, local jurisdictions, and
tribal governments to have a strong voice in the shared stewardship of
our Nation's coasts and oceans. NOAA coordinates closely on the
management, resilience, and restoration of ocean and coastal areas
through collaborative regional efforts led by Regional Ocean
Partnerships. These partnerships have enabled states to successfully
guide and manage appropriate development and conservation within our
coastal and marine resources. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA
strengthens our critical partnerships with states, local jurisdictions,
and tribal governments to address coastal and marine issues across our
shared ocean resources.
Dr. Spinrad, if confirmed to be Undersecretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, you will oversee an agency (NOAA) that enforces
our Nation's marine fisheries laws. This includes continuing efforts to
combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing
not only has devastating impacts on valuable marine fisheries, but is
also tied to various human rights abuses such as forced labor and human
trafficking. However, effectively combating IUU fishing is a difficult
task for an agency with limited resources considering the vast ocean
areas in which the illicit activity occurs.
Question 4. Dr. Spinrad, if confirmed as NOAA Administrator, what
actions would you take to better prevent or deter IUU fishing in remote
marine areas? Could NOAA leverage innovative commercial technologies,
such as remote sensing and satellite radio frequency detection, to
expand its enforcement reach and capabilities?
Answer. I agree that this is a critical issue, from the human
rights, marine resources management, international trade, and economic
fairness standpoints. If confirmed, I commit to using all the tools at
my disposal--including uncrewed systems, remote sensors, and other
innovative technologies to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated
fishing and the human rights abuses it perpetuates.
Question 5. In Oregon, the timber community and a group of
environmental and conservation groups have come to an historic
agreement to modernize Oregon forest practices called the Private
Forest Accord. The first part of the agreement was Oregon state
legislation passed in 2020, which resulted in enhanced protections for
streams. The parties are now in extensive negotiations and engaging in
a collaborative and science-based effort to identify potential changes
to Oregon's forest practice laws that could be included in a state-wide
Habitat Conservation Plan. Such plans can create win-win situations by
promoting long-term conservation benefits and creating economic growth.
Can you commit to NOAA engagement and participation in the Private
Forest Accord process as the parties negotiate? And can you commit to
working with me to find other areas where we can promote conservation,
while enhancing our economy?
Answer. If confirmed, I would work to promote NOAA's active
engagement and environmental stewardship responsibility while also
working to advance the Nation's economic viability and security. As a
native Oregonian, I would welcome the opportunity to engage and learn
more about this particular collaboration as well as possible
collaboration in other areas.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Surveys
Given your experience, I'm sure you understand how critical
fisheries surveys are for reducing uncertainty in stock assessments and
facilitating sustainable harvest rates. Unfortunately, the NOAA Federal
fisheries surveys program faced a severe and consequential setback in
2020, when NOAA leadership cancelled many fisheries surveys due to
operational challenges created by the pandemic. Outgoing NOAA
leadership developed a plan for resuming surveys in 2021, but it will
fall on you to ensure that NOAA resumes these surveys. My understanding
is that NOAA is currently planning for a full complement of surveys in
the upcoming season, however my concerns go far beyond the current
year. It is critical that NOAA maintain or increase surveys into the
future.
Question 1. Can you commit to ensuring NOAA is fully accountable
for both the 2021 surveys and for maintaining fisheries surveys into
the future?
Answer. I understand the importance of conducting regular fisheries
surveys in Alaska and around the country to ensure that NOAA has the
best data available to set fishing quotas that maximize fishing
opportunity, while maintaining sustainability of fish stocks. If
confirmed, I am committed to advocating for resources needed to
continue required fishery surveys into the future.
Secondly, I know there is interest regarding unmanned systems and
new technology to get fisheries data. While I certainly appreciate
attempts to use other tools and approaches to collect data and support
stock assessments, I do not want to see these efforts diminish our
current at-sea efforts as a replacement without proper testing and
coordination with traditional surveys to ensure scientific integrity is
maintained.
Question 2. As NOAA works to develop these tools and technologies,
can you commit to me that funds will not be diverted away from at-sea
survey funding while you explore the implementation of these tools?
Answer. In some cases, uncrewed maritime systems can be deployed to
collect ocean, coastal, and atmospheric data at a similar caliber as
data from crewed survey platforms. In such cases, using these systems
may present a cost-effective opportunity to expand, supplement, or
enhance the data collection capabilities to meet NOAA's mission.
However, these systems do not make sense in every case and, if
confirmed, I will ensure such systems are appropriately deployed.
NOAA/NMFS personnel in Alaska
I understand there has been an assessment of NOAA's facilities
footprint in the Northwest region and Alaska reviewing the agencies
presence. Currently, there are a large (approx. 261) number of Alaska
focused personnel located in Washington State that would more
appropriately be based in Alaska. The Ted Stevens Marine Research
Institute in Juneau has plenty of vacant space. There are 100 NOAA
vacancies in Alaska. Previously, Secretary Ross committed to ``working
expeditiously'' to fill these roles by using relocation and retention
tools.
Additionally, science sometimes happens in a vacuum. In Alaska
however, a systemic or interdisciplinary approach in solving critical
issues in fishery management is imperative. The science needs to happen
in the place--taking Alaskan science outside of Alaska creates a
disconnect that is not acceptable.
Question 3. Can you commit to maintain (or increase) personnel
located in Alaska's coastal communities?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you on this
issue. Alaska is the state with the longest coastline and highest
volume commercial fisheries in the U.S., and I understand the
importance of ensuring a robust NOAA presence in the state of Alaska.
Question 4. Can you commit to working with the Alaska delegation if
any discussions or efforts are taken?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA maintains an open and
active dialogue with the Alaska delegation on relevant workforce and
facilities issues.
Partnership Programs at NOAA
In Alaska, NOAA's investment in partnership programs such as the
Alaska Ocean Observing System (the Integrated Ocean Observing System
program), Sea Grant, and others have helped increase marine safety with
infrastructure such as radars, wave buoys and co-located AIS and
weather stations, provided lower-cost water level observations to
remote areas, detected and helped understand the impact of ocean
acidification on state fisheries and aquaculture, and coordinated
sampling of harmful algal blooms, a major concern of subsistence users
and aquaculture farms in Alaska.
Question 5. How do you see NOAA's investment in these partnership
programs growing?
Answer. Thank you for recognizing the importance of partnership
programs like the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System and the
National Sea Grant College Program. Marine navigation safety is
critical for Alaska and across the U.S., and I agree that we need to
continue investing in NOAA's marine navigation infrastructure, data,
and services. If confirmed, I will work with you and the Committee to
ensure that these partnership programs continue to be a priority.
Question 6. How do these programs help other efforts at NOAA?
Answer. The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System provides
essential tools and forecasts to improve marine navigation safety,
promote the economy, strengthen food security, and protect our
environment. Integrated ocean information is available in near real
time. Promoting easier access to this information improves our ability
to understand and predict coastal events, such as storms and sea level
rise. If confirmed, I will work with you and the Committee to ensure
that these partnership programs continue to be a priority.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Rick Scott to
Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Question 1. NOAA designated areas off southern California and in
the Gulf of Mexico as Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in response to
former President Trump's Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood
Competitiveness and Economic Growth. This is a big industry in my
state, with so many families dependent on its success, and it is
important for the U.S. to continue efforts to build a resilient,
domestic food supply chain through aquaculture and fisheries
management.
Could you detail your plans to strengthen and bolster
domestic fisheries and aquaculture?
Answer. Aquaculture holds promise to increase the Nation's seafood
supply at a time when pressure on wild fish stocks is at a maximum.
Aquaculture development strategies should be specific to species, and
tailored to account for regional, state, tribal, and local
considerations.
If confirmed, I would work to understand better the views of
Congress and local communities by engaging regional fishery management
councils, state fishery managers, aquaculture industry representatives,
tribes, fishermen, environmental organizations, and others to determine
whether, where, and what types of aquaculture might make the most
sense.
Question 2. During my time as Governor of Florida, we experienced
several hard-hitting hurricanes that devastated communities. We know
first-hand that preparedness saves lives, and NOAA's work to develop
and improve weather predictive services has been critical to our
preparedness efforts.
How do you plan to improve NOAA's weather forecasting
services, so that families can have the best information to
stay safe?
Answer. I understand and appreciate the challenges of living in a
region of the country that experiences regular extreme weather, such as
hurricanes. NOAA's predictive, warning, and outreach capabilities are
central to its mission to protect lives and property from the
devastating effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, fire weather, and other
types of extreme weather.
If confirmed, I would promote advancements to NOAA's observational
infrastructure, improve weather models internally and by engaging
private sector expertise, and increase NOAA's computational capacity. I
would also focus on the workforce needs to ensure the forecasts are
timely and effectively disseminated. Each of these efforts would help
NOAA better predict hurricane track and intensity, improving the
quality and utility of weather advisories and warnings.
In addition, I would identify ways to improve NOAA outreach to
ensure communities get weather warnings in an understandable and
actionable manner and with enough advanced warning to allow them to
make sound decisions about their personal safety.
Question 3. Florida's commercial fishing industry is still working
to recover after hard-hitting impacts of the coronavirus. I sent a
letter to Secretary Raimondo requesting that Florida's commercial
fishing industry receive equitable treatment as NOAA considers permit
allocation for the 2021 Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota program.
How will you work with industry and local stakeholders to
gather input and take a transparent, evidence-based approach to
red snapper permit allocation? How can you apply this method in
order bolster sustainable fisheries?
Answer. I understand both the economic and cultural significance of
the red snapper fishery to the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United
States. I take seriously the National Standards of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and I respect the processes of
the Regional Fishery Management Councils, which uphold the principle of
fair and equitable treatment to all fishermen in the quota allocation
process. Furthermore, as I noted in my testimony before the Commerce
Committee, it is critical that NOAA base management decisions--whether
for fisheries management or weather forecasting--on the best peer
reviewed scientific information available.
If confirmed, I look forward to engaging with Regional Fishery
Management Councils, state fishery managers, commercial and
recreational fishermen, and other stakeholders to ensure that fishery
resources are allocated as equitably as possible among different
sectors.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
Col. Pamela A. Melroy
US Governance of Commercial Space. NASA's partnerships with our
commercial space industry has brought new and cheaper capabilities to
NASA, and allows NASA to focus on the ``hard problems.'' The current
commercial space operating environment, however, is fragmented. The FAA
is responsible for launch while the DOD (and soon DoC) are responsible
for on orbit operations.
Question. Given your extensive experience with the U.S. commercial
space industry, in your estimation, how can the government better
organize to help the industry set operating norms and standards so that
the U.S. continues to be a world leader in commercial space activities?
Answer. As you note, many Federal agencies have operations in space
or regulatory responsibilities for commercial space operations. Clear
roles and responsibilities for these agencies, including which agencies
should regulate in-space activities would help provide certainty to all
operators in space. For example, NASA provides expertise to help
develop standards and best practices for on-orbit operations that can
be used by other government agencies, other nations, or non-government
operators in space. The National Space Council (NSpC) can and should
play a crucial role in orchestrating roles and responsibilities among
departments and agencies. The Biden-Harris Administration's renewal of
the NSpC is a positive step and bodes well for an all-of-government
approach to these issues.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Roger Wicker to
Col. Pamela A. Melroy
Artemis Continuity and Competition
Question 1. Artemis Program The missions and goals NASA undertakes
are ambitious, complex, and span multiple presidential administrations
and congresses. Consistent political leadership, adequate funding, and
innovative partnerships remain vital to accomplishing these goals. I
was glad to see President Biden's support for the Artemis program
earlier this year.
As Deputy Administrator, how do you plan to keep NASA moving
quickly and safely toward the first Artemis lunar landing? Do
you support the current architecture plans for the Artemis
program, which include the Space Launch System rocket and the
future Exploration Upper Stage?
i. Follow up: Do you believe that having multiple providers for
commercial space transportation programs at NASA enhances
safety and competition?
Answer. I support returning U.S. astronauts to the Moon as quickly
and as safely as possible. If confirmed, I will work closely with the
Administrator, NASA leadership, industry, and the Congress to ensure
the Artemis program has the resources needed for the first crewed
landing and a sustainable lunar program. NASA needs to work closely
with its industry partners to maintain insight into the development
schedule of flight hardware.
Yes, I support the Artemis architecture, including SLS, the planned
SLS Block 1B, Orion, Gateway, and the Human Landing System. These
components are the backbone of our Moon-to-Mars architecture, and many
of them are in an advanced state of development. The Artemis lunar
lander system relies on SLS and Orion to launch and transport crew to
lunar orbit. The Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is scheduled to be
available for the fourth Artemis mission, and will provide tremendous
capability for the program.
If resources are available, multiple options for commercial
transportation services can benefit NASA by reducing the risk for
schedule delays. Developing new space hardware is always a challenge to
both schedule and cost. I believe competition for these programs is
important and look forward to working with the administration and
Congress to ensure commercial programs are adequately resourced.
Sustaining NASA's Infrastructure
Question 2. NASA's Infrastructure In 2020, Hurricane Zeta struck
the Gulf Coast and caused significant damage to NASA infrastructure at
Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility. According to
NASA, these repairs will cost just over $174 million. These facilities
represent irreplaceable national assets and the backbone of NASA's
spacecraft manufacturing and test capabilities.
Will you work with Administrator Nelson to ensure that these
facilities are repaired?
Answer. Yes, I will work with Administrator Nelson and Congress to
address NASA's massive infrastructure needs, including damage at
Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility caused by
Hurricane Zeta. Over 80 percent of NASA 5,000 buildings and structures
are beyond their constructed design life. Maintenance and facility
issues directly impact NASA's missions and employee safety, which is
unacceptable.
China Competition & New Space Race
Question 3. China Competition According to the 2019 Annual Report
published by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission,
China's ambitions are, ``to establish a leading position in the
economic and military use'' of the space domain. To further its goal,
China has exploited U.S. export control laws and partnerships with U.S.
universities to gain access to critical space technologies. Even more
troubling, the Report identifies China as responsible for cyberattacks
targeting NASA, NOAA, and U.S. contractor systems.
Given this pattern of behavior, do you agree that partnering
with the People's Republic of China in space would reward
egregious acts and prove detrimental to the long-term stability
and peaceful use of space?
Answer. China has exhibited troubling behavior in space and on
Earth. NASA will continue to follow U.S. law (``the Wolf amendment''),
which says that the agency will not collaborate with China unless NASA,
in consultation with the FBI, certifies that the collaboration does not
risk transferring technology or data with national or economic security
implications. There are some areas where it may make sense to talk to
China--for instance sharing space situational awareness data to avoid
collisions in Earth (or Mars) orbit. However, any such contact should
be carefully considered to ensure it is in the best interest of the
United States. The United States must work with its partners to
continue to establish responsible norms of behavior in space, and call
China out when they are violated.
Expanding Opportunities for Suborbital Spaceflight and STEM
Question 4. STEM As you know, one of the most powerful tools for
building America's future STEM workforce is the broad portfolio of STEM
education and engagement activities that NASA supports. We have had
conversations in this committee recently about ensuring that U.S.
science investment is spread evenly across educational and research
institutions in more states. Similarly, NASA's STEM efforts should
strive to spread opportunities across the Nation. Programs such as the
flight opportunities program and suborbital crew program further this
goal by making space more accessible for education and research.
Do you support programs such as Flight Opportunities and
Suborbital Crew to expand spaceflight access?
Answer. Yes, I believe NASA should look at ways to increase
research and flight opportunities for principal investigators,
particularly early career researchers. The flight opportunities program
has benefited the research community by giving them more spaceflight
opportunities, and it has the added benefit of supporting the growing
suborbital spaceflight industry. Suborbital space missions provide the
advantage of low-cost risk reduction prior to transitioning
technologies to orbital missions. If confirmed, I look forward to being
fully briefed on this program and others that involve suborbital
spaceflight to ensure these programs are properly resourced and provide
value to the taxpayer.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Rick Scott to
Col. Pamela A. Melroy
Question 1. The 2021 Office of the Director of National
Intelligence's Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. intelligence Agency
stated, ``Beijing is working to match or exceed U.S. capabilities in
space to gain the military, economic, and prestige benefits that
Washington has accrued from space leadership.''
In your view, what is the greatest threat Communist China
poses to the United States' dominance in space?
How can NASA ensure the protection of U.S. space exploration
technology and research?
Answer. China and others are seeking to challenge U.S. space
superiority. China has increasingly credible, well-resourced plans for
activity in space--on the Moon and in low Earth orbit. I am most
concerned about China's disregard for norms of behavior in space that
threaten the long-term sustainability and usability of space for all
actors. The recent uncontrolled re-entry of the Long March 5B rocket is
a prime example of this.
With regards to China, NASA will continue to follow U.S. law (``the
Wolf amendment''), which says that the agency will not collaborate with
China unless NASA, in consultation with the FBI, certifies that the
collaboration does not risk transferring technology or data with
national or economic security implications. Additionally, the U.S.
government as a whole, not just NASA, needs to raise awareness at the
highest level with industry and universities on the need for vigilance
and rigor in security systems and practices within their institutions.
Question 2. What role do you believe the private sector plays in
the development and advancement of space exploration?
Answer. I am so proud of how far the commercial space industry has
come, and I believe they play an important role in NASA's future. In
human exploration--but also in new areas like Earth science--where NASA
can leverage commercial capabilities to improve our understanding of
the changing planet. NASA has long partnered with industry to achieve
its lofty goals, and I am looking forward to all that we will continue
to achieve together.
Question 3. Under the Obama/Biden Administration, the space program
faced massive budget cuts, and we've since worked to make critical
enhancements and investments to create thousands of jobs and improve
infrastructure on Florida's Space Coast.
Can you discuss how you plan to protect the space program
from similar cuts and how you will keep NASA's programs and
missions on schedule and within budget?
Answer. If confirmed, working with the administration and the
Congress to ensure NASA has resources needed for all of its missions
will be a top priority. Part of this is better communicating to the
public how NASA benefits life on Earth.
An important part of public trust in NASA is improving cost
estimates and cost and schedule growth. Designing and building new
space systems is always hard. That said, NASA needs to improve cost
growth on development programs, or we will never get off Earth. If
confirmed, I am committed to improving cost growth and look forward to
keeping the Congress informed of these efforts.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
Carlos A. Monje, Jr.
Highway Formula Funding. The bulk of rural transportation spending
is formula funding set by Congress during surface transportation
reauthorization, better known as the Highway bill. It is critical that
rural formulas are not cut, and ideally, they should grow at a greater
rate than urbanized formulas.
Question 1. If confirmed, how will you prioritize rural and Tribal
transportation, and ensure that these folks do not get left behind?
Answer. Rural and Tribal areas have unique transportation
challenges. The fatality rate on rural roads is twice as high as on
urban roads, and as a result almost half of highway fatalities occur on
rural roads. 80 percent of closed bridges, and 90 percent of bridges
with vehicle weight limitations are in rural areas. Two-thirds of rural
counties only have demand-response transit, which costs twice as much
to provide per trip as fixed route service. Infrastructure investments
are key to supporting economic growth and to ensuring that residents in
rural and Tribal communities have access to jobs, education access and
essential basic services like health care. If confirmed, I will ensure
that these folks do not get left behind.
More broadly, the Nation faces a trillion-dollar backlog of needed
repairs and we have fallen to 13th in the world in infrastructure. The
Administration's American Jobs Plan is proposing a total increase of
$115 billion to modernize bridges, highways, roads, and main streets
that are in most critical need of repair. This includes funding to
improve air quality, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce
congestion. The plan will modernize 20,000 miles of highways, roads,
and main streets, not only ``fixing them first'' but ``fixing them
right,'' with safety, resilience, and all users in mind. It will fix
the most economically significant large bridges in the country in need
of reconstruction, and it will repair the worst 10,000 smaller bridges,
including bridges that provide critical connections to rural and tribal
communities.
Question 2. Would you agree that rural investments are vital to
maintaining our national network?
Answer. Indeed, rural investments are vital to maintaining our
national network. Freight networks--which benefit the entire economy--
depend heavily on rural infrastructure: 47 percent of truck VMT occurs
on rural roads, and 2/3 of rail freight originates in rural areas. If
confirmed, I will work with the Secretary to ensure that the DOT
implements a balanced investment program that meets the needs of all
communities, including rural communities. I will also ensure that
discretionary grant programs meet the selection and reporting
requirements set forth by Congress. The Department is committed to a
safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system that serves the
needs of all users. As noted above, the American Jobs Plan targets
investment toward rural needs including repairing bridges that provide
critical connections to rural and tribal communities.
Question 3. And would you agree that it is critically important for
rural states to maintain their share of the current highway formulas?
Answer. The Department is committed to a safe, reliable, and
efficient transportation system that serves the needs of all users,
urban and rural. I look forward to working with you and the Committee
to address the transportation needs of rural communities through the
American Jobs Plan and surface transportation reauthorization.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Carlos A. Monje, Jr.
Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program.
In Nevada, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe
County provides critical bus and paratransit services, as well as
transportation planning and road construction, throughout Washoe
County, home to Reno. RTC Washoe has told my office that they have two
projects that were completed on time and under budget--the 4th Street/
Prater Way Bus Rapid Transit Project and the Virginia Street Bus Rapid
Transit Extension Project.
Question. Mr. Monje, would you support allowing agencies like RTC
Washoe to use their project cost savings under the Capital Investment
Grant program to further enhance these projects?
Answer. It is always good news when projects are delivered on
schedule and under budget. Washoe County should be commended for
successfully completing the two Reno bus rapid transit projects under
budget. Those projects are able to retain their share of cost savings,
and I am aware of Washoe County's request to retain some of FTA's
savings from the project. If confirmed, I am committed to working
closely with FTA to carefully consider such requests from project
sponsors, including Washoe County.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
Carlos A. Monje, Jr.
Gulf Coast Rail
Question 1. Gulf Coast rail service from New Orleans to Mobile was
halted after Hurricane Katrina. Restoring this service is a top
priority of mine. Amtrak has filed an application with the Surface
Transportation Board (STB) to restore service. I appreciated the
Department's strong letter to STB. I look forward to working with you
to restore passenger rail service.
I believe we can find ways to allow freight and passenger
rail to coexist as a part of a fluid and efficient rail
network. What role can the Department play in directing
investments that support a robust rail network?
Would you have an interest in coming to Mississippi to see
the Gulf Coast route?
Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to working with you and key
stakeholders, including Amtrak and the freight railroads, to restore
passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast. The Department has multiple
grant and loan programs in FRA, FTA, and the Secretary's office to help
make this restoration of service a reality as part of the American Jobs
Plan. The Department has also worked with the Surface Transportation
Board to ensure that freight and passenger rail services can work
together. As a native of the Gulf Coast, I look forward to making such
a visit a possibility.
The Department has also worked with the Surface Transportation
Board to ensure that freight and passenger rail services can work
together. As a native of the Gulf Coast, I look forward to making such
a visit a possibility.
Rural Infrastructure
Question 2. Within DOT, the Build America Bureau administers
several grant and loan programs for infrastructure investment. The
Build America Bureau is an important resource for state and local
governments that need support in applying for grants or loans and
pursuing infrastructure projects. In the past, under Secretary Chao's
leadership, DOT worked to provide more assistance to rural communities
and address their unmet transportation needs.
As Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, what
specific steps would you take to improve infrastructure for
small towns and rural communities?
Follow-up: In your experience, have you found the use of
advance refunding on tax-exempt municipal bonds helpful on
improving infrastructure? Do you agree that providing
additional financing tools for local governments, through
authorizing a new class of taxable infrastructure bonds, would
also be helpful to improving infrastructure across America?
Answer. Rural and Tribal areas have unique transportation
challenges. The fatality rate on rural roads is twice as high as on
urban roads, and as a result almost half of highway fatalities occur on
rural roads.80 percent of closed bridges, and 90 percent of bridges
with vehicle weight limitations are in rural areas. Two-thirds of rural
counties only have demand-response transit, which costs twice as much
to provide per trip as fixed route service. Infrastructure investments
are key to supporting economic growth and to ensuring that residents in
rural and Tribal communities have access to jobs, education access and
essential basic services like health care. If I am confirmed, I will
work closely with the Secretary and the Committee on policies that meet
the needs of all communities, including rural communities.
This Administration has placed a high priority on addressing our
Nation's historic underinvestment in infrastructure as demonstrated by
the President's release of the American Jobs Plan. The Department is
open to working with Congress on various options to increase the
available funding for states and localities to address urgent
transportation infrastructure needs. Additional financing tools can
play a constructive role for needed infrastructure improvements, the
Department is more than willing to work with the Congress to provide
technical assistance on the various eligibilities, requirements, and
details of these options. I look forward to working with your team to
better understand your ideas about taxable infrastructure bonds.
Essential Air Service.
Question 3. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges
for communities receiving air service through the Essential Air Service
(EAS) program because passenger air traffic has drastically fallen. The
FY 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act requires the Department of
Transportation to waive some of the subsidy eligibility restrictions
given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is your perspective on how to ensure these and other
smaller communities can receive adequate air service?
Answer. I recognize the financial challenges the EAS program has
faced under COVID-19 and that the relief provided by the suspension of
certain eligibility requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations
Act for FY 2020 and FY 2021 will enable this important program to
continue to provide support to these communities. As we continue to
recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, I am committed to
working with Congress to ensure that the EAS program continues to serve
small and rural communities.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation
Question 4. In the last surface transportation reauthorization, the
FAST Act provided long-term funding certainty for states and the
transportation sector. The FAST Act was a bipartisan bill with 83
Senators voting for it. Last year, Congress extended the FAST Act for
one year. The extension expires September 30, 2021, so Congress will
need to act to ensure our transportation programs receive funding. I
believe it is important that infrastructure or surface transportation
reauthorization be a bipartisan effort in order to represent the
various infrastructure needs throughout our country.
With the pending expiration of surface transportation
authorization, can you commit to working with me on bipartisan
legislation that addresses infrastructure needs in all parts of
the country?
Answer. In my years in the Senate and at DOT, transportation
authorization and appropriations legislation was drafted, negotiated,
and passed with significant bipartisan support. If confirmed, I very
much look forward to working with Secretary Buttigieg and the relevant
congressional Committees on transportation legislation that addresses
the needs and priorities of states and localities across the country,
If I am confirmed, I also look forward to working with stakeholders
from all parts of the country, ensuring that the Department is
accessible to and proactively engaging directly with small and rural
communities and tribal governments and the elected officials who
represent them.
Pace of Rulemaking
Question 5. Developing new Federal motor vehicle safety standards
can take many years, delaying new standards on important safety issues.
Outmoded standards such as those that conflict with automated vehicles
have remained in effect for far longer than they should, preventing the
development of new technologies, for example adaptive headlights.
As motor vehicles become more advanced and the global
competition only grows stronger, how will you work to ensure
standards are updated in a timely and appropriate manner, so
the U.S. will gain the maximum safety benefits from advances in
technology?
Answer. If I am confirmed, I will be happy to work with Congress to
create a safer, more efficient transportation system with automated
vehicles as a priority focus area. This means carefully evaluating
regulations and making regulatory decisions based on the best available
data and science. Safety has to be the North Star of our oversight of
automated vehicles, because Americans expect us to keep them safe when
they put their lives in the hands of this technology. But you are right
that the regulation needs to be flexible, data-driven and risk-based.
DOT takes a holistic approach to identifying rulemaking needs, and
prioritizes them through publicly released Regulatory Agendas that
encompasses transportation across all the modes. As part of the
regulatory agenda formulation we take into account available agency
resources, priority safety needs that require rulemaking, statutory
requirements for actions requiring rulemaking, recommendations from the
National Transportation Safety Board, and other agencies.
For technical accuracy, suggest something along these lines: . . .
create a safer, more efficient transportation system with automated
vehicles as a priority focus area.
U.S.-EU Open Skies
Question 6. As you are aware, the U.S.-EU Open Skies agreement has
eliminated government interference in the commercial decisions of air
carriers about routes, capacity, and pricing. Open Skies has freed up
carriers to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air
service for consumers. The free marketplace created by Open Skies has
been a boon for jobs in the aviation industry and beyond. If the U.S.
takes action that breaches any one of our Open Skies agreements, it
would put these jobs in jeopardy.
With the understanding that this administration is committed
to our Nation's recovery from Covid-19 and supporting job
opportunities for all, will you commit to uphold U.S. trade
policy--including Open Skies agreements?
Answer. The aviation industry is critical to American
competitiveness. We need to ensure that U.S. airlines have a fair and
level playing field from which to operate and do not experience
competitive disadvantages. If I am confirmed, I will support and
enforce aviation trade agreements and policies that advance the
interests of the American public, American businesses, and American
workers.
Open Skies has been the foundation of U.S. international air
transportation policy since 1992. The policy has enabled the U.S.
aviation industry to support more that 10 million American jobs and
$1.7 trillion in economic activity. We continue to recognize the great
importance of Open Skies to the Department's diverse stakeholders,
including airports, airlines, labor, members of the traveling and
shipping public, and others.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department has used
Open Skies tools to protect U.S. interests against various foreign
governments' discriminatory flight restrictions and troubling crew
treatment practices.
Autonomous Vehicles (AV)
Question 7. According to NHTSA, there were over 36,000 deaths on
Federal highways in 2019. Automated vehicles have the potential to
significantly reduce traffic fatalities, increase mobility for the
elderly and disabled, and improve efficiency. Senator Cantwell and I
have worked alongside the leadership of Senators Thune and Peters in
advancing the development of AV legislation.
What steps can and should the Department take to advance the
safe testing and deployment of automated vehicles in the U.S.
to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation?
Answer. If confirmed, I am eager to work with you and your
colleagues in Congress to ensure that the Federal government helps to
lead the way in developing a safe autonomous vehicle industry
nationwide.
The Department has released multiple guidance documents to ensure
AVs are developed, tested, and deployed in a safe manner. These
documents position the United States to be competitive internationally.
The Department continues to move forward on standing up and staffing
the Highly-Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence, to provide a
core expertise to validate automation applications across all modes of
transportation.
If confirmed, I will work with industry, safety organizations,
American workers, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to
maintain the primacy of safety in our work while creating American jobs
and advancing American technological leadership.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
Carlos A. Monje, Jr.
Aviation Safety
A February 2020 NTSB report pointed to a recent 10-year period
where the total accident rate in Alaska was 2.35 times higher than the
rest of the United States. During the same period, the fatal accident
rate in Alaska was 1.34 times higher.
The FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative is an FAA effort to
respond to the February 2020 NTSB Report and the Alaska Aviation Safety
Summit, which I hosted with Administrator Dickson in October 2020. This
effort will identify safety improvements and investments for the Alaska
Region, and will make progress on the effort for FAA and DOT to take a
holistic view of DOT programs to ensure the inherent bias no longer
inhibits infrastructure investments in our remote Alaska Native
communities.
Question 1. Will you support the efforts of the FAA Alaska Aviation
Safety Initiative?
Answer. Yes. The Department and I are supportive of the FAA Alaska
Aviation Safety Initiative. Currently, the FAA is holding outreach
sessions with a broad spectrum of the aviation stakeholders in Alaska
aviation, to include air carriers and operators, general aviation, the
military, and governmental entities to determine how current efforts
can be reviewed, prioritized, and integrated responsibly to have a
substantial, positive, and rapid impact on improving aviation safety in
Alaska. The Department looks forward to working with Congress to ensure
infrastructure investments are focused on communities that will see the
most benefit.
Denali Commission Support
We need Federal partners to identify funding for both rebuilding
vital infrastructure and to identify adaption strategies for the new
reality associated with the infrastructure damage in Alaska from
warming that could cost the state $110 million to $278 million
annually, per the National Climate Assessment conducted in 2018. While
visiting Kotzebue in September 2015, then-President Obama identified
the Denali Commission as a key Federal partner to assist in responding
to climate change. However, no funding was identified in the budgets of
previous Administrations to address this challenge.
Similar to the other regional commissions, the Denali Commission
used to be allocated Highway Transportation Fund dollars for
infrastructure. The Denali Access Program used to fund infrastructure
projects in remote native communities in Alaska.
Question 2. Would you support funding and revitalizing the Denali
Access Program to lead with the rebuilding infrastructure impacted by
erosion and permafrost thaw? What can you do to support this effort?
Answer. I look forward to working with you and the Committee to
address the transportation needs of remote native communities in Alaska
and across the Nation. We will follow Congress' direction in regards to
the Denali Commission.
President Biden is committed to increasing resilience in the most
essential transportation assets and services for vulnerable
communities, including remote native communities. Building back better
requires that the funds we invest make our infrastructure more
resilient in the face of increasingly severe floods, wildfires,
hurricanes, and other risks.
Open Skies
Alaska is a critical state for the global aviation industry,
particularly when it comes to air cargo. Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport (ANC) is home to the fourth busiest cargo airport
in the world. In 2020, cargo surged significantly and this has
continued into 2021. ANC has become a critical waypoint for goods,
including PPE, traveling from all over the world to homes and
businesses of our constituents confined by the pandemic.
Even before the pandemic, cargo activity was the source of a
majority of the good-paying jobs at ANC, with the airport supporting
about 10 percent of the jobs in Anchorage alone. This is reflection of
the important relationship our state has with air cargo. Alaskans
depend on this service for shipments of both import and export
deliveries of essential goods to support their livelihoods and
businesses.
Because of agreements that have been long-sought after and secured
by the U.S. with more than 130 nations, cargo carriers have been able
to support the livelihoods of Alaskans and 1.4 million workers
nationwide. In addition, the agreements enable tourists to easily
travel to Alaska and support our tourism economy as well as provide
export markets, which are critical to Alaska's seafood industry--
another source of jobs that are the fabric of Alaska's economy. Sadly,
both sectors have been battered by the pandemic and we must do
everything possible to support their recovery.
Question 3. One of the most important economic and trade policies I
worked on during my time as the U.S. State Department's Assistant
Secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs was Open Skies and
securing air transport agreements with nations around the world. I was
confident these agreements would spur innovation and jobs then and I am
proud to see the results today, especially in terms of jobs generated
and economic benefits to Alaska. If you are to become the U.S.
Department of Transportation's Undersecretary for Policy, will you
ensure the U.S. remains firmly committed to these agreements that
support the cargo industry's ability to support good paying jobs and
the timely transport of goods and other potentially lifesaving
deliveries to our communities?
Answer. The aviation industry is critical to American
competitiveness, and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
maintains a notably significant role in the movement of international
cargo between the United States and Asia, including PPE. The Department
continues to support Anchorage's unique and valuable position as a
cargo hub, through a specific grant of a request from Alaska for
exemption authority to allow foreign airlines to more easily transfer
their U.S.-bound cargo at Anchorage. This grant has also been recently
expanded to passenger transfers as well, further attracting airlines to
utilize Anchorage and benefit Alaska's tourism industry.
Open Skies has been the foundation of U.S. international air
transportation policy since 1992. The policy has enabled the U.S.
aviation industry to support more that 10 million American jobs and
$1.7 trillion in economic activity. Through our current Open Skies
agreements with over 130 foreign partners, U.S. airlines enjoy greater
flexibility to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air
service to both U.S. travelers and shippers. If I am confirmed, I will
support and enforce aviation trade agreements and policies that advance
the interests of the American public, American businesses, and American
workers.
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