    [Senate Hearing 119-273]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                            S. Hrg. 119-273

                     NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS
                        AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AND THE
                       FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   before the

                             COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
                          SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                        ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION
                                   __________

                                 APRIL 9, 2025
                                   __________

        Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
                                 Transportation

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                    Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
                                    ______

                       U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

    62-667 PDF                 WASHINGTON : 2026

           SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

                        ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                           TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
    JOHN THUNE, South Dakota             MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
    ROGER WICKER, Mississippi              Ranking
    DEB FISCHER, Nebraska                AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
    JERRY MORAN, Kansas                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
    DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
    MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          GARY PETERS, Michigan
    TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
    TED BUDD, North Carolina             TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
    ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri               JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
    JOHN CURTIS, Utah                    BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
    BERNIE MORENO, Ohio                  JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
    TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
    SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia  ANDY KIM, New Jersey
    CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming              LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
                     Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
               Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
                       Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
                     Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director

                                C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------
                                                                       Page
    Hearing held on April 9, 2025....................................     1
    Statement of Senator Cruz........................................     1
    Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................     3
        Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Mike Moses, President, Virgin Galactic.......    92
        Letter dated March 12, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Kay Ivey, Governor, State of Alabama.........    94
        Letter dated April 7, 2024 to Senator Ted Cruz and Senator
          Maria Cantwell from Darren Pleasnce, President and CEO,
          Aircaft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)...............    95
        Letter dated April 7, 2025 to Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen
          and Senator Angela Alsobrooks from Robert D. Braun, Head,
          Space Exploration Sector, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics
          Laboratory.................................................    96
        Letter to Hon. John Thune, Hon. Chuck Schumer, Hon. Ted Cruz
          and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Zak Kukoff, Chair, Tech
          Practice, Lewis-Burke Associates; Devin Bryant, Space Lead,
          Lewis-Burke Associates; David Cowan, Managing Partner,
          Bessemer Venture Partners; Delian Asparouhov, Co-Founder
          and President, Varda Space Industries; Partner, Founders
          Fund; Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO, Boom Aerospace; John
          Gedmark, Founder and CEO, Astranis; Chris Power, CEO,
          Hadrian; Austin Bishop, CEO, New American Industrial
          Alliance; Patrick Blumenthal, Founder, Anomaly Fund; Adam
          Grosser, Chairman, UP Partners; Saurav Shroff, Co-Founder,
          Starpath; Xander Oltmann, General Partner, Commodity
          Capital; Max Haot, CEO, Vast Space; Jonathan Lacoste,
          General Partner, Space VC; Andy Lapsa, Founder and CEO,
          Stoke Space; Jason Kim, CEO, Firefly Aerospace; AJ Piplica,
          Founder and CEO, Hermeus; Bradley Cheetham, CEO, Advanced
          Space; Jake Poliskin, Founding Partner, Shorewind Capital;
          Yash Shevde, Founder, Ursa Bio; Solange Massa, CEO,
          Ecoatoms; Casey Handmer, Founder, Terraform Industries;
          James Barlia, Executive Director, Station DC; Ashley
          Pilipiszyn, Founder and CEO, BESXAR........................    97
        Letter dated March 21, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Dave Cavossa, President, Commercial Space
          Federation.................................................    99
        Letter dated March 14, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from former astronauts: Robert Cabana, Leroy
          Chiao, Ken Cockrell, Cady Coleman, Drew Feustel, Jack
          Fischer, Mike Foreman, Ron Garan, John Grunsfeld,Ken Ham,
          Brent Jett, Scott Kelly, Shane Kimbrough, Michael Lopez-
          Alegria, Ed Lu, Leland Melvin, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger,
          Karen Nyberg, Steve Oswald, William Readdy, Garrett
          Reisman, Stephen Robinson, Rusty Schweickart. Nicole Stott,
          Steven Swanson, Jim Voss, Peggy Whitson, and George Zamka..   101
        Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Republican Governors: Governor Bill Lee,
          State of Tennessee; Governor Sarah Sanders, State of
          Arkansas; Governor Ron DeSantis, State of Florida; Governor
          Brian Kemp, State of Georgia; Governor Mike Kehoe, State of
          Missouri; Governor Kevin Stitt, State of Oklahoma and
          Governor Greg Abbott, State of Texas.......................   102
        Letter dated April 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Tim F. Lussier, M.A.--San Antonio, Texas--
          United States of America--Planet Earth.....................   104
        Letter dated March 27, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Ed Bolen, President and CEO, National
          Business Aviation Association..............................   105
        Letter dated April 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Will Marshall, Co-Founder and Chief Executive
          Officer, Planet Labs PBC and Robbie Schingler, Co-Founder
          and Chief Strategy Officer, Planet Labs PBC................   107
        Letter dated February 20, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
          Maria Cantwell from Bill Woolf, CEO, President and Founder,
          Space Force Association, Colonel, USAF (Ret.)..............   109
        Letter dated April 7, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Michael K. Powell, President and CEO, NCTA--
          The Internet & Television Association......................   110
        Letter dated April 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Jonathan Spalter, President and Chief
          Executive Officer, USTelecom--The Broadband Association....   111
        Letter dated March 20, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO,
          America's Communication Association........................   112
        Letter dated February 28, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
          Maria Cantwell from James Erwin, Executive Director,
          Digital Liberty............................................   113
        Letter dated February 26, 2025 to Hon. John Thune, Hon. Chuck
          Schumer, Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Nathan
          Leamer, Executive Director, Digital First Project; Harold
          Furchtgott-Roth, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for the
          Economics of the Internet, Hudson Institute; Grover
          Norquist, President, Americans For Tax Reform; Evan
          Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow, Foundation For American
          Innovation; Tom Hebert, Executive Director, Open
          Competition Center; James Erwin, Executive Director,
          Digital Liberty; Mike O'Rielly, Senior Fellow, Free State
          Foundation; David Williams, President, Taxpayers Protection
          Alliance; Ashley Baker, Executive Director, Committee for
          Justice; Yael Ossowski, Deputy Director, Consumer Choice
          Center; Gerard Scimeca, Chairman, Consumer Action for a
          Strong Economy; Jeff Mazzella, President, Center For
          Individual Freedom.........................................   115
        Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from ACT | The App Association, Alliance for
          Telecommunications Industry Solutions, CEDIA, Consumer
          Technology Association, CTIA--The Wireless Association, GPS
          Innovation Alliance, INCOMPAS, Internet Infrastructure
          Coalition, Information Technology Industry Council,
          Institute for Education, USTelecom, TechNet, Wireless
          Infrastructure Association and XR Association..............   117
        Letter dated April 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Morgan Reed, President, ACT | The App
          Association................................................   119
        Letter dated April 2, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from Fire Chief Josh Waldo, CFO, EFO IAFC
          President and Board Chair 2024-2025........................   120
        Letter dated April 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
          Cantwell from David Zumwalt, President and CEO, WISPA--
          Broadband Without Boundaries...............................   121
    Statement of Senator Wicker......................................     5
    Statement of Senator Sheehy......................................     7
    Statement of Senator Kim.........................................    59
    Statement of Senator Fischer.....................................    61
    Statement of Senator Klobuchar...................................    63
    Statement of Senator Moran.......................................    65
    Statement of Senator Peters......................................    67
    Statement of Senator Blackburn...................................    69
    Statement of Senator Lujan.......................................    71
    Statement of Senator Sullivan....................................    73
    Statement of Senator Blunt Rochester.............................    75
    Statement of Senator Young.......................................    76
    Statement of Senator Duckworth...................................    78
    Statement of Senator Moreno......................................    80
    Statement of Senator Markey......................................    82

                                   Witnesses

    Jared Isaacman, Nominee to be Administrator, National Aeronautics
      and Space Administration.......................................     8
        Prepared statement...........................................    10
        Biographical information.....................................    12
    Olivia Trusty, Nominee to be a Member, Federal Communications
      Commission.....................................................    45
        Prepared statement...........................................    47
        Biographical information.....................................    47

                                    Appendix

    Response to written questions submitted to Jared Isaacman by:
        Hon. Ted Cruz................................................   123
        Hon. Roger Wicker............................................   127
        Hon. John Curtis.............................................   127
        Hon. Shelley Moore Capito....................................   128
        Hon. Maria Cantwell..........................................   128
        Hon. Brian Schatz............................................   137
        Hon. Edward Markey...........................................   138
        Hon. Gary Peters.............................................   140
        Hon. Tammy Baldwin...........................................   142
        Hon. Jacky Rosen.............................................   143
        Hon. Ben Ray Lujan...........................................   145
        Hon. John Hickenlooper.......................................   146
        Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................   148
    Response to written questions submitted to Olivia Trusty by:
        Hon. Ted Cruz................................................   148
        Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................   149
        Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................   149
        Hon. Todd Young..............................................   150
        Hon. John Curtis.............................................   151
        Hon. Shelley Moore Capito....................................   151
        Hon. Maria Cantwell..........................................   152
        Hon. Amy Klobuchar...........................................   159
        Hon. Brian Schatz............................................   159
        Hon. Edward Markey...........................................   160
        Hon. Gary Peters.............................................   161
        Hon. Tammy Baldwin...........................................   162
        Hon. Tammy Duckworth.........................................   163
        Hon. Jacky Rosen.............................................   163
        Hon. Ben Ray Lujan...........................................   165
        Hon. John Hickenlooper.......................................   166
        Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................   168

                               NOMINATION TO THE
                         NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
                         ADMINISTRATION AND THE FEDERAL
                           COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

                                  ----------

                            WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025

                                           U.S. Senate,
            Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:25 a.m., in
    room SR-253, Senate Russell Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,
    Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
        Present: Senators Cruz, Wicker, Fischer, Moran, Sullivan,
    Blackburn, Young, Budd, Schmitt, Curtis, Moreno, Sheehy,
    Capito, Lummis, Cantwell, Klobuchar, Markey, Peters, Baldwin,
    Duckworth, Rosen, Lujan, Hickenlooper, Kim, and Blunt
    Rochester.

                  OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS

        The Chairman. Today, we will hear from Jared Isaacman, who
    has been nominated to lead the National Aeronautics and Space
    Administration, NASA; and from Olivia Trusty, who has been
    nominated to the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC.
        NASA has always been at the forefront of American
    leadership. In 1969, that meant putting a man on the Moon,
    today, it means returning there; this time to stay.
        Our nominee, Jared Isaacman, has been active in the
    commercialization of space exploration. In 2021, Mr. Isaacman
    commanded the first all-civilian spaceflight, Inspiration4.
        In 2024, he flew his second commercial mission, going
    further into space than any other manned mission since Apollo
    17. He brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing
    NASA and the space industry.
        Today, NASA is at a crossroads. The explosive growth of the
    commercial space sector, from hardware manufacturers to space
    tourism ventures, has transformed the celestial and economic
    landscape. Space is no longer the exclusive domain of sovereign
    nations and a handful of legacy defense contractors. The
    democratization of space has spurred growth, reduced launch and
    satellite costs, and fostered the curiosity of the next
    generation.
        At the same time, the future of the final frontier has
    never been more uncertain. In military terms, space is the
    ultimate high ground. A nation that dominates in space can
    deprive others, not only of intelligence capabilities, but
    modern conveniences like GPS and satellite internet. And make
    no mistake; the Chinese Communist Party has been explicit in
    its desire to dominate space, putting a fully functional space
    station in low Earth orbit and robotic rovers on the far side
    of the Moon.
        We are not headed for the next space race. It is already
    here. President Trump alluded to this race in his inaugural
    address when he envisioned American astronauts on Mars. I
    strongly support the President's vision. In fact, my 2017 NASA
    Authorization Act was one of the very first pieces of
    legislation President Trump signed in his first term, and it
    explicitly enshrined this goal in law.
        But the pursuit of the next horizon cannot mean abandoning
    American dominance where it is already established. The
    International Space Station has been continuously manned for
    more than 20 years, serving as a hub for research and testing
    together with our international partners in space exploration.
    While we will eventually have to retire the ISS, before that
    happens, we must put the necessary systems in place to support
    and command American astronauts continually in low Earth orbit.
    We cannot surrender low Earth orbit to the Chinese or to the
    Russians. Likewise, the Artemis mission, launched during
    President Trump's first term, is set to return American
    astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustained human presence
    there.
        Joining us in the audience today, as we heard earlier this
    morning, are the four Artemis II astronauts: Reid Wiseman,
    Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
        [Applause.]
        The Chairman. In the next year, they will fly to and orbit
    the Moon, setting the course for Artemis III's return to the
    lunar surface in 2027. The Artemis mission and the entire Moon
    to Mars program, which have enjoyed consistent bipartisan
    support, serve as a stepping stone to landing American
    astronauts on Mars. In fact, this stepping-stone approach is
    explicitly in the law as enacted by Congress. We must stay the
    course.
        An extreme shift in priorities at this stage would almost
    certainly mean a red Moon, ceding ground to China for
    generations to come. I am hard-pressed to think of a more
    catastrophic mistake we could make in space than saying to
    Communist China: The Moon is yours, America will not lead.
        So I look forward to hearing from Mr. Isaacman about his
    goals for NASA, his commitment to Artemis, how he intends to
    refocus and reinvigorate the Agency in its core mission, and
    how he will ensure America continues to lead the world in space
    exploration.
        Let me now turn to the Federal Communications Commission,
    which faces its own set of challenges. The Agency's Universal
    Service Fund was recently challenged in the Supreme Court. Its
    Broadcast Ownership Rules are ill-adapted to the modern media
    environment. And most significantly, in March 2023, the FCC
    lost its authority to conduct Spectrum auctions for the first
    time ever. This ongoing lapse in auction authority has cost
    jobs and has weakened America's global standing.
        Increasing the amount of Spectrum available for commercial
    use will secure our preeminence in telecommunications and will
    unlock billions of dollars for domestic investment, creating
    hundreds of thousands of jobs.
        Olivia Trusty has nearly 20 years of relevant experience in
    telecommunications. She is currently a staff member at the
    Armed Services Committee, which is chaired by our colleague,
    Senator Wicker, who will be introducing her this morning. Ms.
    Trusty has also worked as a policy director here at the
    Commerce Committee, giving her well-rounded views of the
    interests of both the Department of Defense and the commercial
    industry when it comes to mid-band spectrum. I am confident
    that Ms. Trusty will be an asset at the FCC, where she will
    champion a Spectrum pipeline, protect free speech, and ensure
    access to fast and affordable Internet.
        I look forward to hearing from both of today's nominees and
    learning how they hope to advance American greatness within
    their institutions.
        I now turn to Ranking Member Cantwell for her opening
    remarks.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON

        Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And good morning
    to our two nominees: Mr. Isaacman, Ms. Trusty, congratulations
    on this nomination. Mr. Isaacman, obviously for NASA, and Ms.
    Trusty for the Federal Communications Agency.
        First, Mr. Isaacman, nominee for the Administrator of NASA,
    as my colleague was just saying, the space race is heating up.
    You will have a critical task of delivering mission-critical,
    on-time, and on-budget challenges for the United States of
    America over the next 4 years to make sure that we do not lose
    in that space race. This includes successful execution on the
    Artemis program, which will take the United States back to the
    Moon and ultimately the goal of getting to Mars.
        The NASA Authorization Bill, which Senator Cruz and I co-
    sponsored, strongly backs the Artemis program. It includes a
    lunar lander redundancy, NASA's Space Launch SLS system, and
    critical to America's leadership in space, getting Americans
    back to the Moon.
        The State of Washington has long been a home to aviation,
    but now, with over 40 companies across the State of Washington
    producing space-related products, we have over 2,000 employees
    working just on the Artemis program. So we're invested. These
    companies supply components for the Gateway Space Station, the
    Orion crew capsule, the two crewed lunar landers, the SLS heavy
    lift rocket, and its ground system.
        Beyond space exploration, NASA is also one of the world's
    top R&D organizations. We had a chance to talk about that in my
    office, about NASA's discoveries and science that are helping
    us with our aerospace industry overall. NASA scientists and
    engineers provide the crucial evidence and information to both
    government and industry on issues like AI, quantum, advanced
    aerospace materials, and next-generation manufacturing.
        So I know a consortium in my state, standing up a tech hub,
    has been an applicant that NASA has been very supportive of.
        I do have concerns as we move forward about reports in the
    press about where the administration will come down on
    investments. I hope we can talk about this today and clarify
    your position as it relates to these priorities for our Nation.
    For example, in March of--last month, The Wall Street Journal
    reported that the Trump administration was considering major
    changes to the Artemis program. You, too, have also made past
    statements about changes to the program. And if NASA does
    terminate the SLS and relies only on commercial rockets, such
    as SpaceX and Blue Origin, New Glenn, experts say Americans
    will not get to the Moon before the end of the decade, so a lot
    of scientific analysis resting on your shoulders, and then the
    budget capabilities to convince our colleagues to make these
    investments.
        Like the Chairman, I want to win the race. I want to make
    sure that China does not beat us to Mars. And I hope that even
    with this recent announcement of theirs, that we beat them to
    the Moon. I strongly believe that safety and resiliency, built
    through redundancy and innovation through competition is a key.
    So I would like to hear your views on that this morning.
        We are also seeing the administration, and DOGE
    specifically, cancel research grants to fund science agency and
    lay off highly skilled technical experts across the Federal
    Government. According to the news reports, NASA has confirmed
    an announcement by DOGE that up to $420 million in agency
    contracts have been canceled. So this is of concern, sorting
    out how this cancellation impacts many different organizations.
        Meanwhile, tomorrow is the last day of work for several top
    NASA advisors, including the chief economist, the chief
    scientist, and the chief technologist, their positions were
    eliminated because of the DOGE agenda. Reports indicate that
    the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request might slash NASA's science
    funding by half.
        So Mr. Isaacman, all of these are in the news, and we will
    want to understand your commitment to these issues, or
    understanding your strategy about how you see us making these
    commitments to invest in science for the future.
        Now to Ms. Trusty; certainly welcome to you and your family
    who is here. I think you definitely outnumber the astronauts in
    the room, which is, we very much appreciate that.
        [Applause.]
        Senator Cantwell. It is good to have that support, and your
    nomination comes at a critical time for the FCC. We want to
    have a communications system that is admired by the world, and
    we know that you are no stranger to this issue, working very
    diligently for Senator Wicker, both here on this committee and
    now on the Armed Services Committee.
        The FCC plays a vital role in Spectrum policy management
    and commercial airwaves, and I have long advocated, as I said
    in my earlier statement, for an evidence-based system. During
    the first Trump administration, the rush to auction, I think,
    raised some concerns. Most notably, they sold the C-band
    without proper FAA coordination about the impacts of aircraft
    altimeters creating an unnecessary problem that almost caused
    flights to be grounded, and slowed down the implementation of
    5G.
        So I hope we will hear about that issue, how you see us
    getting a more balanced approach in communication. Because of
    the FCC's influence over some of our most important
    institutions, including the media, and the internet, and
    providers, the FCC is an independent agency not subject to
    direct Presidential control, but this tradition is under
    attack.
        The Trump administration is seeking to bring independent
    agencies, like the FCC, under the President's direct control.
    Recently, the President fired two Democratic commissioners at
    the independent Federal Trade Commission without cause. So let
    me be clear, removing independent commissioners based on their
    party affiliations sets a dangerous precedent.
        I expect this administration will maintain a full FCC staff
    with five commissioners, including two Democrats, and
    meanwhile, the Trump administration FCC Chair has launched a
    series of investigations into media companies that the
    President doesn't like, so I was very happy to see this recent
    decision on holding up the AP, very important to have a very,
    very competitive landscape when it comes to media and news
    production.
        The FCC should return to its longstanding role as a
    neutral, independent regulator, and so look forward to asking
    you questions about that as well today. But again,
    congratulations on your nomination.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you. And in a moment I will recognize
    Senator Wicker. But I do want to note in addition to the four
    Artemis II astronauts who are here, we actually have a total of
    ten astronauts in the room. We have had six more. We have the
    astronauts of Polaris Dawn: Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and
    Anna Menon; and we have the astronauts of Inspiration4:, Hayley
    Arceneaux, Chris Sembroski, and Dr. Sian Proctor. So to the six
    of you as well, thank you for your service, and welcome.
        [Applause.]
        The Chairman. And I have to say, anytime you have ten
    astronauts in the room, that this may be the most badass
    assemblage at a Commerce Hearing that I have seen.
        And with that, I recognize Senator Wicker to make an
    introduction.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER,
                     U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI

        Senator Wicker. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And yes,
    thank you for introducing all of our astronauts, and as you can
    see, Senator Fischer and I engaged in a little hero worship
    before you hit the gavel and started this.
        But I am absolutely delighted to introduce and recommend to
    the Committee and to the Senate, Olivia Trusty as the next
    member of the FCC.
        I am unqualified, actually, to tell what a great nominee
    she is. And also, I hope there is some work being done back at
    my office. We have a number of staffers who slipped away, and I
    think there are probably a number of people watching on the
    telephone. But I am profoundly appreciative for this honor, and
    appreciative to President Trump for making this nomination.
        I frankly cannot conceive of a more qualified nominee.
    Oliver Trusty performs work at the highest level of excellence
    and she does it for the right reasons, and for 7 years now I
    have been the beneficiary of her expertise, but frankly this
    Committee, and the Armed Services Committee, and Full Senate
    have also been the beneficiary of her expertise.
        When I became Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I was
    fortunate that Olivia agreed to join my committee staff. A few
    years later, I became a Ranking Member of the Armed Services
    Committee and I knew there was one member of this committee
    staff that I wanted to bring over to handle her portfolio
    there.
        Olivia Trusty has helped all of us advance initiatives that
    made America more connected and more secure, initiatives that
    fall squarely within the Federal Communication Commission's
    jurisdiction. On technology party, she has helped us pass
    legislation to improve maps. She has worked to ensure broadband
    funds are directed where they are most needed and where
    Congress intended them to be.
        She has brought us closer to getting more Americans
    connected to high-speed internet. And of course we are not
    quite where we need to be. I think she will help us in this new
    position get there quicker.
        Her work has contributed to national security. She was
    instrumental in advancing legislation to free our domestic
    networks from communications equipment manufactured by foreign
    adversaries.
        She has been a leader on Spectrum policy, an area that
    bridges both technology and national security. She has
    collaborated with members and staff across the Commerce and
    Armed Services Committees to find common ground between
    commercial and Federal interest. Olivia Trusty wants to help
    our country maintain our leadership without risking national
    security, and she has worked to make that happen.
        I could go on and on, but Olivia does like brevity. She
    chooses her words carefully and concisely. Let me just say she
    plays chess, not checkers. She sees around the corners. She
    shoots straight and she will shoot straight with members of
    this committee and the Senate. She uses common sense and
    adherence to the law, and she will do so as a commissioner.
        On a personal basis, she is serious about her faith. She is
    an NCAA gymnast at UNC Chapel Hill. She is a Mormon Republican
    from Maryland, for heaven's sake.
        [Applause.]
        Senator Wicker. And those of us who know her know that she
    will do a magnificent job. And actually we are fortunate that
    she has chosen to work in the public sector for the taxpayers,
    and I could not give a more resounding endorsement to her
    nomination.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Well, I will say that it is very impressive,
    particularly that she plays chess, and not checkers and shoots
    straight, I will say shooting is a novel strategy in chess, but
    whatever works and gives you the checkmate. There is more than
    one way to defeat the king.
        And with that, I recognize the junior senator from Montana,
    Senator Sheehy, to introduce Mr. Isaacman.

                     STATEMENT OF HON. TIM SHEEHY,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA

        Senator Sheehy. You had to put ``Junior.'' in front of it,
    didn't you, Ted?
        [Applause.]
        Senator Sheehy. For nearly 70 years the United States----
        The Chairman. I am still the junior senator from Texas;
    this place, that could stick around a long time.
        Senator Cantwell. I am the longest-serving junior member.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Cantwell. So yes, 24 years you could still be the
    junior member.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Cantwell. I wear it with a badge of honor.
        [Laughing]
        Senator Sheehy. Well, thank you, Chairman and Ranking
    Member. For nearly 70 years, the United States has been at the
    forefront of space exploration. President Trump knows how
    critical it is for our country to lead the way yet again as our
    space program aims to reach new heights and that is why he
    chose exactly the right man for the job, Jared Isaacman.
        I have personally known Jared for several years sharing an
    aviation community in Montana and cooperating with him on
    improving the education experience for our next generation of
    explorers, astronauts, engineers, and pilots who attend Space
    Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville,
    Alabama.
        Of note, both Jared and I attended Space Camp, an arduous
    5-day program for small children, and I would say it lit a
    spark in both of us to chase the dream of aviation and
    aerospace. We both dreamed of being astronauts as children. The
    difference is Jared actually is one, whereas I had to settle
    for the decidedly less cool title of Senator.
        America has been the leader of global space travel for
    generations, pushing the boundaries of science and testing
    limits of human endurance and intellect. All Americans should
    be deeply proud of the incredible accomplishments of heroes
    like Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and
    many others.
        The sacrifice and leadership of these brave astronauts is
    what most Americans know well. What they usually do not know is
    that behind each and every one of these heroes, many of whom
    sitting in front of us, is a massive team of dedicated
    engineers, program managers, innovators, test pilots, welders,
    electricians, truck drivers, and families who are the true
    heroes of our space program. To lead this incredible team
    requires a leader who not only understands and believes in the
    mission, but also has the interdisciplinary skill sets to
    coordinate these cross-functional teams to achieve critical
    outcomes.
        As we have unfortunately seen in recent days, NASA is
    struggling. And what is worse, it has been struggling for the
    past couple of decades. Since the tragedy of the Columbia
    disaster in 2003, which I remember like it was yesterday as I
    was preparing to enter the pool for a high school swim meet.
    NASA has been a struggling organization full of great people
    searching for revival.
        For 10 years the United States of America was paying the
    Russian Government taxi fare to send our own astronauts into
    space. This would make JFK and Ronald Reagan turn in their
    graves. And in light of the recent Starliner Mission to the ISS
    that left astronauts stuck in space for 9 months, we are
    reminded that much work still remains.
        President Trump, both, and Elon Musk, who is one of our
    greatest space entrepreneurs, both knew it was time for a
    change, and enter Jared Isaacman. Despite his childhood desire
    to be an Air Force pilot and an astronaut, Jared found out that
    he was smarter than most and started a disruptive software
    company in his garage as a teenager. That company grew to be a
    tremendous multi-billion dollar success, and that success
    fueled his ascension into the Hall of Fame as a record-setting
    jet pilot, an aggressive fighter pilot for our Air Force combat
    pilots, and most recently, the first civilian astronaut to ever
    conduct a spacewalk.
        On top of all that, Jared and I share another passion,
    pediatric philanthropy. Jared has personally donated millions
    of dollars to improve health care for at-risk children all over
    America, a cause which brought us together.
        NASA is at a point of great pride for a generation. It
    represents a moral obligation for us to continue to lead in the
    greatest frontier ever known, and it deserves strong
    leadership. Jared is an articulate leader, a great father and
    husband, and one of the smartest people in America. Jared
    understands not only how to manage complex, multi-billion
    dollar organizations, but also how to design and engineer
    critical systems. And to top it all off, he knows how to fly
    spaceships.
        America has given us a mandate to push the boundaries of
    outer space, and NASA is in need of spiritual and
    organizational rejuvenation, and that will take fresh, bold
    leadership. Jared is the perfect man for the job, and I look
    forward to adding NASA Administrator to his already remarkable
    resume.
        Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Isaacman for
    his opening statement.

                      STATEMENT OF JARED ISAACMAN,
                      NOMINEE TO BE ADMINISTRATOR,
             NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

        Mr. Isaacman. Thank you, Senator Sheehy, for the very
    generous introduction. Thank you Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
    Cantwell, distinguished Members of the Committee, I am honored
    and very grateful to be here before you today as President
    Donald Trump's nominee to lead the National Aeronautics and
    Space Administration.
        I have lived the American dream, and I owe this Nation a
    great debt. I would happily serve President Trump in any
    capacity, but to work alongside the people that have expanded
    the boundaries of exploration and brought humanity closer to
    the stars would be the privilege of a lifetime.
        Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge my crewmates,
    as you did earlier, Senator, along with my wife, Monica, and my
    two wonderful daughters that are sitting behind me, Mila and
    Liv.
        I do recognize I am a newcomer, so I thought I would share
    a bit about my story, along with my understanding of the
    challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am an
    entrepreneur, and my journey began when I took a risk and left
    school at age 16 to build a company in my parents' basement.
    Despite my unconventional start, I found success very early in
    life and led my company into a multi-billion dollar enterprise
    that employs thousands. I am a pilot with an aeronautics
    degree. Over the last 20 years, I have flown over 7,000 hours
    in jets and ex-military aircraft, setting world records, and
    performing in air shows.
        My passion for aviation also led me to start another
    company, this time a defense aerospace business. As a company,
    we operated the world's largest private air force. Our job was
    to fly fighter jets as adversaries, executing enemy tactics,
    and training American warfighters. We managed hundreds of
    millions in defense contracts and saved taxpayers billions
    along the way.
        I am also an astronaut. Alongside a talented team, I led
    two record-breaking missions to space. On my last mission, we
    tested a new spacesuit while performing a spacewalk and orbited
    farther away from Earth than any human has gone since the last
    time Americans walked on the Moon. Along the way, my two
    crewmates, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, became the women who
    have journeyed farthest from Earth ever.
        I am an advocate for science. During these missions to
    space, my crew and I performed approximately 50 science and
    research experiments. I have also publicly supported the
    Chandra X-ray Observatory and offered to fund a mission to
    extend the life and capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope.
        I care about the people back at home and our collective
    future here on Earth. My space career did not burden the
    taxpayers. They were privately funded and aimed at inspiring
    and helping people all over the world. One example is the over
    $250 million we raised to support St. Jude Children's Research
    Hospital and their critical work to ensure no child dies in the
    dawn of life. Alongside these efforts, I have personally
    donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charitable
    endeavors.
        I share all this because I am not a typical nominee for
    this position. I have been relatively apolitical. I am not a
    scientist. I never worked at NASA. I do not think these are
    weaknesses. In fact, I believe President Trump found them to be
    strengths. And if confirmed, I will bring all my experience to
    the greatest adventure in human history, the quest to discover
    the secrets of the universe.
        On that note, NASA is the most accomplished and respected
    space Agency in the world, but for all NASA's historic
    achievements, the Agency is not without challenges: Presidents
    have called for a return to the Moon and a path to Mars since
    1989, and well over a hundred billion has been spent without
    the intended results. Most programs, new telescopes, rovers, X-
    planes, entire spaceships, are over budget and behind schedule.
    And this is discouraging because when people look up at the
    stars and wonder what is out there, they want those answers
    today and not decades down the road.
        And I know it is not lost on members of this committee that
    we have geopolitical rivals moving at impressive speeds. It is
    imperative for our national security, our pride, and all that
    we stand to gain in exploration that we never come in second
    place. If confirmed, and with the support and guidance of
    President Trump and Members of Congress, we will reinvigorate a
    mission-first culture at NASA with the following objectives.
        First, American astronauts will lead the way in the
    ultimate high ground of space. As the President stated, we will
    prioritize sending American astronauts to Mars, and along the
    way we will inevitably have the capabilities to return to the
    Moon and determine the scientific, economic, and national
    security benefits for maintaining a presence on the lunar
    surface. We will focus our technology development efforts on
    the world's greatest engineering challenges, such as the
    practical application of nuclear propulsion, so we can truly
    unlock humankind's ability to explore among the stars.
        Second, we will ignite a thriving space economy in low
    Earth orbit. By working alongside international partners and
    industry, we can unlock the true economic potential of space
    and deliver meaningful benefits to the American people,
    potentially even charting a course for NASA to become a
    financially self-sustaining Agency.
        Number three, NASA will be a force multiplier for science.
    We will leverage NASA's scientific talent and capabilities to
    enable academic institutions and industry to increase the rate
    of world-changing discoveries. We will launch more telescopes,
    more probes, more rovers, and endeavor to better understand our
    planet and the universe beyond.
        If confirmed, I will work alongside and recruit the most
    talented minds this Nation has to offer, and we will
    concentrate our resources toward achieving the near-impossible,
    the objectives that no other Agency, company, or institution is
    capable of accomplishing; we will do so knowing the risks and
    the ground-breaking opportunities that lie ahead, because some
    risks, like exploring the worlds beyond ours, are worth taking.
        We will do this not just to expand our knowledge or
    strengthen our national security, but to improve all life here
    on Earth and inspire the next generation to reach even further.
    This is why America needs NASA, why the world needs NASA,
    because there is no more important investment than inspiring
    our children to build a better and more exciting future. And
    the best way NASA can do that is by delivering on our mission
    and ushering in a new golden age of science and discovery. And
    we will not fail.
        Thank you.
        [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
    Isaacman follow:]

      Prepared Statement of Jared Isaacman, Nominee to be Administrator,
                 National Aeronautics and Space Administration
        Thank you Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished
    members of the committee. I am honored and very grateful to be here
    before you today as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I have lived the
    American dream and I owe this Nation a great debt. I would happily
    serve President Trump in any capacity but to work alongside the people
    that have expanded the boundaries of exploration and brought humanity
    closer to the stars, would be the privilege of a lifetime.
        Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge my family--my parents,
    Sandy & Don Isaacman, my wife Monica and my two wonderful daughters,
    Mila and Liv.
        I do recognize, I am a newcomer so I thought I would share a bit of
    my story, along with my understanding of the challenges and
    opportunities ahead.

       I am an entrepreneur and my journey began when I took a risk
            and left school at age 16 to build a company in my parent's
            basement. Despite my unconventional start, I found success very
            early in life and led my company into a multi-billion-dollar
            enterprise employing thousands.

       I am a pilot with an aeronautics degree. Over the last 20
            years, I've flown over seven thousand hours in jets and ex-
            military aircraft, setting world records and performing in
            airshows. My passion for aviation also led me to start another
            company--this time a defense aerospace business. As a company,
            we operated the world's largest private air force. Our job was
            to fly fighter jets as adversaries, executing enemy tactics and
            training American warfighters. We managed hundreds of millions
            in defense contracts and saved taxpayers billions along the
            way.

       I am also an astronaut. Alongside a talented team, I led two
            record-breaking missions to space. On my last mission, we
            tested a new space suit while performing a spacewalk and
            orbited farther away from Earth than any human has gone since
            the last time Americans walked on the Moon. Along the way, my
            two crewmates, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, became the women
            who have journeyed farthest from Earth . . . ever.

       I am an advocate for science. During these missions to
            space, my crew & I performed approximately 50 science and
            research experiments. I have also publicly supported the
            Chandra x-Ray Observatory and offered to fund a mission to
            extend the life and capabilities of the Hubble space telescope.

       I care about the people back at home and our collective
            future here on Earth. My space career did not burden the
            taxpayers. They were privately funded and aimed at inspiring
            and helping people all over the world. One example is the over
            $250 million we raised to support St. Jude Children's Research
            Hospital and their critical work to ensure no child dies in the
            dawn of life. Alongside these efforts, I have personally
            donated hundreds of millions to charitable endeavors.

        I share all of this because I am not a typical nominee for this
    position. I have been relatively apolitical; I am not a scientist and I
    never worked at NASA. I do not think these are weaknesses. In fact, I
    believe President Trump found them to be strengths. And if confirmed, I
    will bring all my experience to the greatest adventure in human
    history--the quest to discover the secrets of the universe.
        On that note, NASA is the most accomplished and respected space
    agency in the world--but for all of NASA's historic achievements, the
    agency is not without challenges:

       Presidents have called for a return to the Moon and a path
            to Mars since 1989 and well over a hundred billion has been
            spent without the intended results.

       Most programs--new telescopes, rovers, X-planes, or entire
            spaceships--are over budget and behind schedule.

       This is discouraging because people look up at the stars and
            wonder what is out there today, not decades down the road.

        And I know it is not lost on any members of this committee that we
    have geopolitical rivals moving at impressive speeds. It is
    imperative--for our national security, our pride, and all that we stand
    to gain in space exploration--that we never come in second place.
        If confirmed, and with the support and guidance of President Trump
    and members of Congress, we will reinvigorate a mission-first culture
    at NASA with the following objectives:

        First--American astronauts will lead the way in the ultimate `high
    ground' of space.
        As the President stated we will prioritize sending American
    astronauts to Mars. Along the way, we will inevitably have the
    capabilities to return to the Moon and determine the scientific,
    economic, and national security benefits of maintaining a presence on
    the lunar surface. We will focus our technology development efforts on
    the world's greatest engineering challenges, such as the practical
    application of nuclear propulsion, so that we can truly unlock
    humankind's ability to explore among the stars.
        Second--We will ignite a thriving space economy in low Earth orbit.
        By working alongside international partners and industry, we can
    unlock the true economic potential of space and deliver meaningful
    benefits to the American people--potentially charting a course for NASA
    to become a financially self-sustaining agency.
        Third--NASA will be a force multiplier for science.
        We will leverage NASA's scientific talent and capabilities to
    enable academic institutions and industry to increase the rate of
    world-changing discoveries. We will launch more telescopes, more
    probes, more rovers and endeavor to better understand our planet and
    the universe beyond.
        If confirmed, I will work alongside & recruit the most talented
    minds this Nation has to offer and we will concentrate our resources
    toward achieving the near-impossible--the objectives that no other
    agency, company or institution is capable of accomplishing. We will do
    so knowing the risks and ground-breaking opportunities that lie ahead--
    because some risks, like exploring the worlds beyond ours, are worth
    taking.
        We will do this not just to expand our knowledge or strengthen our
    national security, but to improve all life on Earth and inspire the
    next generation to reach even further. This is why America needs NASA--
    why the world needs NASA--because there is no more important investment
    than inspiring our children to build a beaer, more exciting future. And
    the best way NASA can do that is by delivering on our mission and
    ushering in a new Golden Age of Science & Discovery--and we will not
    fail.
        Thank You.
                                     ______

                          a. biographical information
        1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Jared Taylor
    Isaacman.
        2. Position to which nominated: Administrator of the National
    Aeronautics & Space Administration.
        3. Date of Nomination: January 20, 2025.
        4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

            Residence: Information not released to the public.
            Office: 3501 Corp Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034.

        5. Date and Place of Birth: Union, NJ.
        6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
    spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
    children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
        Monica Isaacman, homemaker.
        7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
    you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
    institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
    the degree.

            Embry Riddle Aeronautical University--Bachelor in Professional
            Aeronautics (2011) (February 2010-November 2011).

        8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
    name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
    management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
    the position for which you are nominated.

       Shift4 Payments, Founder and CEO (June 2000 to present)

       Draken International, Co-founder and CEO (November 2011-
            April 2020)

       Denmar, Consultant (October 2020 to present)

        9. Attach a copy of your resume.
        See attachment.
        10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
    service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
    than those listed above after 18 years of age.

            Honorary Commander--US Air Force Academy

        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.

       Shift4 Payments, Inc.--Chairman of the Board, CEO, and
            Director, 6/2020 to present

       Shift4 Payments, LLC (fka Harbortouch Payments, LLC and
            Lighthouse Network, LLC)--Chief Executive Officer, 3/2014 to
            present

       Shift4 Subsidiaries

         C.C. Productions, LLC--President and CEO, 12/2022 to
                present

         CFC & FP Enterprises, LLC--President and CEO, 12/2022
                to present

         Credorax (USA) LLC--Authorized Person to sign entity
                documents for filing, checks, notes in connection with bank
                accounts, facilities or services per Operating Agreement,
                12/2023 to present

         Pinnacle Hospitality Systems, LLC--President and CEO,
                7/2022 to present

         POSITOUCH, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 10/2017 to
                present

         POSTEC, LLC--Chief Executive Officer 12/2021 to
                present

         Revel Systems, Inc.--President and sole Director, 6/
                2024 to present

         SIDFT4 CORPORATION--President and CEO and sole
                Director, 11/2017 to present

         Shift4 Payments Finance Sub, Inc.--President and
                Director, 10/2020 to present

         Shift4Shop, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 11/2020 to
                present

         The Giving Block Holdings, LLC--Chief Executive
                Officer, 2/2022 to present

         Micros Retail Systems, LLC--Chief Executive Officer,
                10/2020 to present

         Venuenext, Inc--President, 4/21 to present

         Shift4 Shop, LLC (formerly 3dcart, LLC)--Chief
                Executive Officer, 11/2020 to present

         S4-ML Holdings, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 8/2019
                to present

         MSI Merchant Services Holdings, LLC--Chief Executive
                Officer, 3/2014-12/2021

         Restaurant Manager, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 8/
                2017-12/2021

         Positouch, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 10/2017-12/
                2021

         Future POS, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 10/2017-12/
                2021

         Harbortouch Financial, LLC--Chief Executive Officer,
                1/2011-12/2021

       Draken International, LLC--Chief Executive Officer, 11/2011-
            4/2020; Director/Manager, 11/2011-10/2020

       26 North Aviation, Inc.--Director, 1/2007 to present

       Rook Holdings, Inc--Director, President, Treasurer,
            Secretary, 3/2014 to present

       Rook Aviation Holdings, LLC--Member and President, 1/2019 to
            present

       Rook Investments, LLC--Member and President, 7/2019 to
            present

       Black Diamond Jet HoldCo, Inc--President, CEO, and Director,
            3/2019 to present

       Black Diamond Jet Holdings, LLC--President, CEO, and
            Manager, 12/2019 to present

       JDI Holdings LLC--Member and President, 12/2005 to present

       Xenomorph, LLC (Dissolved)--Managing Member, 2/2021-2/2023

       Bone Horse Marine, LLC--Managing Member, 7/2021 to present

       Bone Horse, LLC--Managing Member, 4/2019-12/2024

       Bone Horse Hangars, LLC--Manager and Member, 7/2021 to
            present

       RookX, LLC--Managing Member, 1/2021 to present

       Rook Public Strategies, LLC--Managing Member, 7/2021-12/2024

       PolarisX, LLC--Managing Member, 12/2022-12/2024

       Rook SPV I, LLC--President, Secretary, Treasurer, 3/2021 to
            present

       Rook SPV II, LLC--President, Secretary, Treasurer, 8/2021 to
            present

       Rook SPV III, LLC--President, Secretary, Treasurer, 12/2022
            to present

       Rook SPV IV, LLC--President, Secretary, Treasurer, 3/2023 to
            present

       Rook Space Investments, LLC--President, Treasurer,
            Secretary, 2/2021 to present

        12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
    currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
    political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
    affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
    (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.

       Business Executives for National Security

       Association of Space Explorers

       Experimental Aircraft Association

       Aircraft Owners Pilot Association

       International Council of Air Shows

       CNBC CEO Council

        These organizations do not restrict membership on the basis of sex,
    race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
        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$200 or more for the past ten years.
        See attachment.
        16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
    society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
    for outstanding service or achievements.

       Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Honorary Doctorate

       Foreign Policy Research Institute, Ben Franklin Award

       United States Air Force Academy, Honorary Commander

       FAA, Commercial Astronaut Wings

       National Business Aviation Association, Meritorious Service
            to Aviation Award

       Ernst & Young, EY Entrepreneur of the Year

       National Space Society, NSS Space Pioneer Award for
            Entrepreneurship

       UP Partners, UP Inspiration Award

       Living Legends of Aviation, Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space
            Advancement Award; Eren Ozmen Entrepreneur of the Year Award;
            Induction to Living Legends of Aviation

       Space Force Association, Advancing Human Presence in the
            Space Domain Award

       EarthLight Foundation, Space Cowboy Award

       Global Lithuanian Leaders, The Laureate of Global Lithuanian
            Award 2021

       Space Camp, Hall of Fame

       Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Eagle of Excellence
            Award

       AOPA Hoover Trophy

       Everyday Astronaut Astro Awards, Most Inspiring, Most
            Innovative and Important Mission of 2024 Award

       St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Michael F. Tamer
            Award

       American Astronautical Society, Neil Armstrong Space Flight
            Achievement Award

       Aim Higher Gala, Inspiration Award

       Commercial Spaceflight Federation. Commercial Space Business
            & Finance Award

       Vladimir Komarov Diploma, FAI Astronautic Records Commission

       NAA/FAI, Numerous NAA/FAI World Records in Aviation and
            Space

       Electronic Transactions Association, 40 Under 40

       Inc 500, 30 Under 30

       Air Force Association, John R. Alison Award

       Governor Rick Scott, FL, Draken International recognized for
            local job growth

        17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
    Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
    individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
    possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
    publication when available.
        Not applicable.
        18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
    PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
    which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
    possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
    speech or presentation when available.

       Speech, Commencement Address at Embry-Riddle's Fall 2024
            Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
            University, Decem-
            ber 12, 2024. See the university's press release here, http://
            news.erau.edu/
            headlines/jared-isaacman-inspires-emb1y-riddle-grads-to-pursue-
            moonshots#:
            :text=%E2%80%9Clt%27s%20you%20who%20wil1%20make,Center%20in%20
            Daytona%20Beach%2C%20Florida., and a video of the address here,
            https://
            www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjyyGjeYrKO.

       Fireside Chat, Space Force Power Conference, United States
            Space Force, December 10, 2024. A recording of the event is
            available here: https://www
            .youtube.com/watch?v=CdaqX3AMxy8

       Panelist, Astronaut Reunion, Association of Space Explorers,
            December 5, 2024.

       Fireside Chat, Polaris Dawn Event, UC Davis for Spaceflight
            Research, November 22, 2024.

       Fireside Chat, Beyond Earth Symposium, Beyond Earth
            Institute, November 13, 2024. A recording of the event is
            available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pZ1H4WjnVU

       Fireside Chat, Foreign Policy Research Institute's 18th
            Annual Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Service, Foreign
            Policy Research Institute, November 13, 2024.

       Panelist, Planetary Congress, Association of Space
            Explorers, October 3, 2024.

       Panelist, Up.Summit, UP.Partners, September 30, 2024.

       Fireside Chat, Polaris Dawn Mission Briefing, Polaris Dawn,
            August 19, 2024. A recording of the event is available here:
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGtzDmwfkCY.

       Fireside Chat, X Takeover, Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley,
            July, 28, 2024. A recording of the event is available here:
            https://www.facebook.com/tesla
            siliconvalley/videos/full-interview-with-jared-isaacman-shares-
            the-ground-breaking-work-with-polaris-/8703988886355087/.

       Fireside Chat, Commercial Spaceflight Transportation
            Conference Washington, DC, Commercial Space Federation,
            February, 21, 2024.

       Fireside Chat, ICR Conference, ICR, January 8, 2024.

       Fireside Chat, Space Force Power Conference, United States
            Space Force, December 13, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, LiveWIRED, WIRED, November 5, 2023. A
            recording of the event is available here: http://www.wired.com/
            video/watch/lets-die-on-mars

       Fireside Chat, Space Cowboy Ball, EarthLight Foundation,
            November 18, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, NBAA Annual Conference, NBAA, October 17,
            2023.

       Panelist, EAA Aviation Museum Space Day Event, October 7,
            2023.

       Panelist, Disrupt Conference, TechCrunch, September 19,
            2023.

       Fireside Chat, International Space Development Conference,
            National Space Society, May 25, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, National Character and Leadership Symposium
            (NCLS), United States Air Force Academy, February 23, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, SpaceCom 2023--Accelerating the Global
            Business of Space, SpaceCom, February 23, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, Space Force Culture Coalition, United States
            Space Force, February 21, 2023.

       Fireside Chat, BENS Virtual Discussion on Polaris Dawn with
            NY Metro Member Jared Isaacman, BENS, February 21, 2023.

       Acceptance Speech, Living Legends of Aviation, Kitty Hawk
            Air Academy, January 20, 2023.

       Panelists, UP.Summit, UP.Partners, June 7, 2022.

       Fireside Chat, LOGIN '22, LOGIN, June 3, 2022.

       Speech, Commencement Address at Embry-Riddle's 2022 Spring
            Commencement, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, May 14,
            2022.

       Presenter, Easterseals Advocacy Awards, Easterseals April
            12, 2022. A recording of the event is available here: https://
            www.youtube.com/watch?v
            =ehpBgLMJU7s.

       Fireside Chat, Agilysys User Conference, Agilysys, March 1,
            2022.

       Acceptance Speech, Living Legends of Aviation, Kitty Hawk
            Air Academy, January 21, 2022.

       Fireside Chat, Annual CNBC Technology Executive Council
            Summit, CNBC, November 17, 2021.

       Panelist, ASCEND, The American Institute of Aeronautics and
            Astronautics, November, 15, 2021. A recording of the event is
            available here: https://youtube/VjHzpOqu5iU

        19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
    years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
    television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
    for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
    each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
    digital copy of the statement when available.
        See attached.
        20. 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 full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
    including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, 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.

       X/Twitter: @rookisaacman, https://x.com/rookisaacman

       Instagram: rookisaacman, https://www.instagram.com/
            rookisaacman/

       Shift4 personnel previously created a Linkedin account for
            me, but I never used it, and it has been deleted.

        21. 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, committee, and subject
    matter of each testimony.
        None.
        22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
    operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
    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 believe many aspects of my background make me qualified to serve
    as NASA Administrator, and it would be an immense honor to do so. My
    education, experience as a pilot, time as a commercial astronaut, and
    work as an entrepreneur together reflect my life-long passions of
    aviation and spaceflight. Throughout my various endeavors, I have had
    the opportunity to work with the government as a partner in the private
    sector. This has provided me with unique insights into how we can
    improve and innovate NASA's operations. I am committed to NASA's quest
    to explore space, innovate for humanity, and inspire our Nation through
    discovery.
        As a student, I attended the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
    where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics.
        As a pilot, I have more than 7,700 hours of jet pilot experience
    and the highest FAA ratings, which include my Airline Transport Pilot
    certificate with experimental type ratings to operate ex-military
    aircraft.
        As a commercial astronaut, I have spent the last four years helping
    plan, develop, train, and execute two commercial space missions through
    the Polaris Program. My crew and I flew farther into space than any
    other human has since Apollo 17-more than 50 years ago. Aspects of our
    missions reflect the exciting future of space, such as the testing of
    new spacesuits during our spacewalk and the use of laser communications
    to send a message to the world. These efforts renewed excitement about
    what the future holds for America as a spacefaring Nation, but we also
    remained dedicated to addressing the hardships and challenges of the
    world we live in today. In the course of the Polaris missions, we
    raised over $250 million for St. Jude Childrens Research hospital, of
    which I have contributed more than $125 million directly. My experience
    as an astronaut and leader for two missions has also given me a
    profound understanding of the coordination required between NASA,
    commercial partners, other government agencies, and outside
    collaborators to achieve mission success.
        As an entrepreneur, I have also created a career in business that
    is directly related to managing a large agency and advancing American
    aeronautical interests and innovation. I co-founded the world's largest
    private air force, Draken International, to train pilots for the United
    States Armed Forces and its allies. This defense aerospace business,
    involving high performance military aircraft, saved taxpayers hundreds
    of millions and enhanced the training of our military warfighters. I am
    also the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, an innovative payment
    processor company, which I started in my parents basement when I was 16
    years old. Throughout my long business career, I have run my companies
    efficiently, responsibly, and with thousands of employees.
        I hope to have the opportunity to advance the President's goal for
    America to lead in space, science, technology, and exploration as NASA
    Administrator.
        23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
    ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
    management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
    managing a large organization?
        It is imperative that the Administrator of NASA manages the agency
    responsibly and efficiently to ensure its organizational resources are
    dedicated to consistently moving the ball forward and advancing our
    national interests.
        As the founder and CEO of two large companies, I am responsible for
    overseeing large budgets and have navigated complex logistics matters
    on a daily basis. As the founder and CEO of an aerospace defense
    contractor under government oversight, and a public company listed on
    the New York Stock Exchange, I also understand the importance of
    leading large organizations responsibly with proper governance and
    accounting controls.
        24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
    department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
        NASA is the most respected and accomplished space agency in the
    world. The NASA logo inspires Americans and people the world over to
    dream of what the future may hold. However, the agency has faced
    significant challenges over the years that have impeded the mission.

      1.  NASA has been unable to return to the Moon or have an achievable
            path to Mars, despite plans to do so as far back as President
            George H.W. Bush's Administration in 1989.

      2.  The pace of world changing discoveries has slowed with flagship
            missions consistently billions over budget and behind schedule.

      3.  The space economy has yet to be revealed. For over 60 years, the
            space economy has had the same customers (governments) looking
            for the same capabilities (communications and observation).

        I believe the challenges stem from:

       A distracting number of priorities that are not fully
            aligned with the NASA mission.

       An organizational structure and policies that fuel
            bureaucracy and throttle progress.

       A culture that needs to be reinvigorated to make better use
            of capable commercial industry and to win against geopolitical
            rivals that are quickly threatening the ever expanding ``high
            ground''. If we do not lead, we follow, and if we follow, we
            may never catch-up.

        I am committed to working tirelessly alongside some of the
    brightest minds in the Nation to solve the problems and return NASA's
    focus to executing on the mission.
                       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, such as a 40l(k) or pension plan.
        My employment agreements and arrangements are described on my Form
    278e Public Financial Disclosure Report, which I am working on with the
    Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and NASA ethics officials. That form
    will disclose the following agreements and arrangements:

      1)  A corporation I own has a Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) with
            Shift4 Payments, Inc. Under the TRA, Shift4 Payments, Inc.
            agrees to make payments to the historic equity owners in an
            amount equal to a percentage of the benefit the corporation
            derives from certain specific tax attributes, if, as and when
            realized Prior to the IPO of Shift4 in 2020, the company
            operated as a partnership for U.S. Tax purposes. Upon the IPO,
            an umbrella partnership--C-Corporation structure was
            established. The operating partnership (Shift4 Payments, LLC)
            will be modified by reclassifying my interests as an original
            owner into a new class of interest that is exchangeable for
            Shift4 common stock (Class A). The TRA requires Shift4 to share
            tax savings with the original partners.

      2)  Pursuant to my employment agreement with Shift4 Payments, LLC,
            for 36 months after resignation, I will be eligible for health
            insurance benefits and other reimbursed expenses for fees in
            connection with former employment/ownership. I do not
            anticipate participating in or accepting such benefits.

      3)  In February 2025, I anticipate receiving an annual RSU award from
            Shift4 Payments, Inc. for the 2024 calendar year. RSU grant
            levels for the Chief Executive Officer are decided in
            conjunction with the Company's year-end compensation decisions
            based on individual and Company performance from the prior
            fiscal year.

        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.
        An entity I own holds agreements with Space Exploration
    Technologies Corp. (SpaceX). These include agreements related to two
    future space flight missions in the Polaris Program. There are three
    space flight service agreements related to different missions in the
    Polaris Program.
        I am currently working with OGE and NASA ethics officials on
    addressing these contracts from an ethics and conflicts perspective. I
    am committed to working with OGE to identify an appropriate way to
    avoid conflicts of interest related to these contracts and work toward
    a resolution that, if necessary, will be fully described in my Ethics
    Agreement letter.
        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.
        I have equity interest in Shift4 Payments, Inc., a payments company
    that predominantly serves restaurants, hotels, sports stadiums and
    theme parks. Shift4 processes some of the payments for SpaceX Starlink
    Internet service, but this represents less than \1/2\ of a percent of
    the company's revenue. I intend to resign from my positions and will
    continue to work with OGE and NASA ethics officials on how to handle my
    interest in Shift4.
        I own ex-military aircraft that are occasionally used in a charter
    or lease arrangement by U.S. Government test pilot schools and for R&D
    testing.
        My separate involvement in contracts with SpaceX is described in
    the previous question.
        In all of these matters, I am working with OGE and NASA ethics
    officials to identify and resolve conflicts in the appropriate time
    frame. We are working toward an Ethics Agreement letter that will
    contain my commitments to resolve existing conflicts. As Administrator,
    I would be committed to full transparency on these issues and I would
    work closely with the agency's ethics staff and OGE to resolve any
    potential conflicts that should arise during my tenure.
        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.
        My involvement in contracts with SpaceX is described in the
    previous questions. As noted above, I am working with OGE and NASA
    ethics officials to identify and resolve conflicts in the appropriate
    time frame. As Administrator, I would be committed to full transparency
    on these issues and I would work closely with the agency's ethics staff
    and OGE to resolve any potential conflicts that should arise during my
    tenure.
        5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
    how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest. None.
        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, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
    committee, or other professional group? No.
        If yes:

      a.  Provide the name ofthe court, agency, association, committee, or
            group;

      b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
            personnel action was issued or initiated;

      c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
            personnel action;

      d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
            complaint, or personnel action.

        2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
    any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
    State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
    a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.
        Yes, in February 2010, when returning from a trip to watch the
    Olympics in Vancouver, I was detained by U.S. Customs and Border
    Protection on a warrant related to a charge for ``drawing and passing
    checks without sufficient funds,'' based on a dispute with the Palms
    Casino Resort in Las Vegas over a travel reimbursement that the resort
    promised and subsequently failed to honor. The dispute arose the month
    prior, and I was under the impression the matter was resolved. I was
    not aware that law enforcement was involved in the matter. As a result,
    I was very surprised when CBP took action. However, the matter was
    resolved in less than 24 hours and the charges were dismissed.
        I did then and still now disagree with the other party's handling
    of the matter. I considered civil action against the resort, but opted
    against it to avoid any further headache.
        Following this incident, the Nevada district court sealed all
    records associated with this incident, stating, ``All proceedings
    recounted in the sealed records are deemed never to have occurred.''
    Although it remains sealed, in the interest of full transparency, I
    have disclosed it here for the Committee's awareness.
        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.
        Shift4, the company of which I am currently CEO, and its
    predecessors and subsidiaries have collectively been in business for
    over 25 years. The company, which is publicly traded on the NYSE, is
    infrequently party to lawsuits filed by and against the company. Please
    see attached for PACER listings of litigation involving Shift4, as well
    as its predecessors Harbortouch Payments, LLC, and United Bank Card,
    Inc. Also attached are PACER listings of litigation involving Draken
    International, the company which I co-founded and for which was
    previously CEO, but with which I am no longer affiliated. Also attached
    is a PACER listing of litigation involving me individually.
        To the extent the Committee would like additional information on
    matters listed in the PACER attachments, such as a summary of
    litigation involving Shift4 over a certain time period, please do not
    hesitate to ask.
        With respect to agency proceedings, Shift4 recently settled a
    matter with the SEC involving allegations that the company failed to
    disclose on its annual 10-K forms and/or its proxy statements for FY
    2020 through FY 2022 related person transactions for a total of three
    individuals. This settlement began with outreach from the SEC
    requesting that Shift4 voluntarily provide documents and information
    regarding related persons transactions involving immediate family
    members of Shift4's officers and directors. Shift4 cooperated with the
    inquiry, in the course of which we learned that three individuals'
    names and compensations were inadvertently left off of SEC-required
    reports and disclosures. Those disclosures were made as of April of
    last year.
        Shift4 offered to pay $750,000 to settle the claim. For reference,
    $750,000 is about 0.03 percent of Shift4's annual revenue for 2023. The
    settlement order, which states, ``In determining to accept the Offer,
    the [SEC] considered remedial acts promptly undertaken by [Shift4],
    including making disclosures and improvements to policies and
    procedures concerning related person transactions, as well as
    cooperation afforded the Commission staff,'' is available on the SEC's
    website here: https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/adrnin/2025/34-
    102146.pdf. SEC Order  11.
        4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or no/o
    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
    assault, 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.
        I am a devoted philanthropist and have demonstrated a large
    financial commitment to various causes throughout my life. Below are
    details regarding the contributions of $50,000 or greater I have
    donated to 501(c)(3) organizations in my personal capacity:

       St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (2021, 2022, 2023):
            $123,351,928

       Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc. (2022, 2023, 2024):
            $13,150,247

       U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation (2022, 2023,
            2024): $11,352,879

       Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc. (2021): $5,533,456

       St. Luke's Health Network, Inc. (2023, 2024): $4,776,908

       Lehigh Valley Zoo (2024): $1,000,000

       Edward Charles Foundation (2021, 2022): $650,000

       Davinci Science Center (2022): $571,467

       Baylor College of Medicine (2022): $516,181

       House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer (2023):
            $500,000

       Space Force Historical Foundation (2024): $500,000

       California Institute of Technology (2025): $500,000

       Global Citizen (3-Year Pledge beginning in 2023) (2023,
            2024): $500,000

       Kiddie Hawk (5-Year Pledge beginning in 2023) (2023, 2024):
            $200,000

       Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2023): $150,000

       Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (2024): $126,683

       Ukraine House DC Foundation (2022): $100,000

       Business Executives for National Security (2023): $80,000

       El Sistema USA (2023): $75,000

       The Mars Generation (2021): $50,000

       Earthlight Foundation (2023): $50,000
                         d. relationship with committee
        1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
    corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
    congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
    corporation 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/commission/
    corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
    whistleblowers 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.
                                     ______

                    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                       Jared Isaacman--Part A Question 15

                                          POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS 2015-PRESENT
                                                   (through 2/3/2025)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Jared Isaacman (Federal)         Date           Amount                            Notes
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TRUMP VANCE INAUGURAL             11/27/2024     $2,000,000.00
     COMMITTEE, INC.
    WHITESIDES VICTORY FUND           10/29/2024         $5,000.00  JFC contribution: allocated by JFC to California
                                                                     Democratic Party (see below)
    (CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY)     10/29/2024         $5,000.00
    DSCC                              10/23/2024        $41,300.00
    MONTANANS FOR TESTER               10/1/2024         $3,300.00
    MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC STATE           8/1/2024        $10,000.00
     CENTRAL COMMITTEE
    MITTEN PAC                          8/1/2024         $5,000.00
    ELISSA SLOTKIN FOR MICHIGAN        7/29/2024         $3,300.00
    ELISSA SLOTKIN FOR MICHIGAN        7/29/2024         $3,300.00
    CASEY KEYSTONE VICTORY FUND        7/17/2024        $15,400.00  JFC contribution: allocated by JFC to
                                                                     Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Bob Casey for
                                                                     Senate, Inc., and Keystone America PAC (see
                                                                     below)
    (KEYSTONE AMERICA PAC)             7/22/2024         $2,100.00
    (BOB CASEY FOR SENATE INC)         7/22/2024         $3,300.00
    (PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY)    7/22/2024        $10,000.00
    GEORGE WHITESIDES FOR CONGRESS     2/20/2023         $3,300.00
    GEORGE WHITESIDES FOR CONGRESS     2/20/2023         $3,300.00
    MARK KELLY FOR SENATE              10/1/2022         $2,900.00  In-Kind Contribution--Fundraising Event Catering
    DSCC                               7/11/2022        $26,500.00
    DSCC                               7/11/2022        $23,500.00  Recount Account
    MONTANANS FOR TESTER               3/31/2022         $2,900.00
    BOB CASEY FOR SENATE INC           3/30/2022         $2,900.00  ................................................
    SHAHEEN FOR SENATE                 3/30/2022         $2,900.00
    DSCC                               3/29/2022        $10,000.00
    FRIENDS OF MARK WARNER             3/29/2022           $900.00
    FRIENDS OF MARK WARNER             11/2/2021         $2,000.00
    SMP                               10/28/2021       $100,000.00
    SUSAN WILD FOR CONGRESS           10/24/2021         $2,900.00
    SUSAN WILD FOR CONGRESS           10/20/2021         $2,900.00
    IMPACT                            10/20/2021        $10,000.00  $5,000 refunded on 11/2/2021
    FRIENDS OF SCHUMER                10/20/2021         $2,900.00
    FRIENDS OF SCHUMER                10/20/2021         $2,900.00
    MARK KELLY FOR SENATE               7/3/2021         $2,900.00
    FRIENDS OF DENNIS ROSS             11/8/2016           $500.00
    FRIENDS OF DAVID JOLLY             10/7/2015         $1,000.00
    GRAVES FOR CONGRESS                3/31/2015         $1,500.00
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Jared Isaacman (State & Local)      Date           Amount                            Notes
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    JOSH SHAPIRO FOR GOVERNOR           3/2/2022           $50,000
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Jared Isaacman--Part A Question 19

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                Jared Isaacman--Part C Question 3--PACER--Draken

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

           Jared Isaacman--Part C Question 3--PACER--United Bank Card

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

                Jared Isaacman--Part C Question 3--PACER--Shift4

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

             Jared Isaacman--Part C Question 3--PACER--Harbortouch

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
                                     ______

           Jared Isaacman--Part C Question 3--PACER--Isaacman, Jared

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Ms. Trusty.

      STATEMENT OF OLIVIA TRUSTY, NOMINEE TO BE A MEMBER, FEDERAL
                       COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

        Ms. Trusty. Thank you. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
    Cantwell, members of the Committee, thank you for convening
    this hearing.
        Senator Wicker, thank you so much for your very kind
    introduction. It has been a privilege to work with you on your
    staff for nearly 8 years, serving the people of Mississippi and
    all Americans. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
        I also thank President Trump for the incredible honor of
    this nomination to be a Commissioner at the Federal
    Communications Commission.
        And last but not least, I thank my family for their love
    and support. And I will briefly introduce those here today and
    watching via webcast: My parents, Terry and Ellen Trusty; my
    sisters Lauren, Jennifer, Angela, Elizabeth, and Caroline, and
    my brother TJ; my brothers and sister-in-law, Thomas
    Ventimiglia, Matthew Burton, Saula Fifita, and Nain Trusty; and
    my precious nieces and nephews, Sofia, Thomas, and Julian
    Ventimiglia, Ella, Jack, Caroline Kay, and Henry Burton, and
    Isabelle, Summer, Ellen, and Lana Trusty. I love you all so
    very much.
        Growing up in a large family with five sisters and one
    brother, I was taught early on about the value of service.
    Through my parents' daily actions, they emphasized the
    importance of helping others, whether through small acts or
    larger commitments. As I have grown older, I have credited my
    parents' example to the example set by my paternal and maternal
    grandfathers, George Preston Trusty Sr., and Ernest DeWitt
    Powell Jr., both of whom served our country in World War II and
    the Korean War, respectively. Although my grandfathers came
    from different backgrounds, they shared a common commitment to
    defending this country and protecting the values we all hold
    dear.
        What brings me here today is my desire to continue the
    shared commitment to public service and love of country that
    has been in my family for generations.
        When I first moved to Washington, D.C., nearly 20 years
    ago, after graduating from the University of North Carolina at
    Chapel Hill, I began my career in the public policy office of a
    telecommunications company. This is where I was introduced to
    Universal Service principles and the critical mission of the
    FCC. During that time, I saw firsthand how access to modern
    communication services, particularly for Americans living in
    rural and remote areas could change lives.
        I also learned the value of a simple Internet connection,
    it not only gives communities the ability to stay connected
    with loved ones, but it opens the door to education, jobs,
    economic opportunities, and so much more. Indeed, it allows
    Americans to participate fully in society and an ever-expanding
    global digital economy. Following my time in the private
    sector, I have had the opportunity to work in the House of
    Representatives and in this hallowed chamber on
    telecommunications, technology, consumer protection, and most
    recently, national security.
        All of these policy areas are core to the FCC's mission to
    make available affordable, high-speed, reliable, and secure
    communication services.
        Now, in carrying out this mission, it is not lost on me
    that the problem set facing the Commission is both vast and
    diverse. The Agency must contend with unforgiving geographic
    landscapes to achieve universal connectivity. It must stay
    ahead of sophisticated illegal robocallers defrauding and
    scamming vulnerable populations like our youth and seniors. It
    must work with Federal partners to defend the security of our
    communications networks from the attacks of nation-state
    actors, and it must work collaboratively with private and
    public sector interests to ensure that the United States leads
    the world in next-generation communications.
        Notwithstanding these issues, given my unique experiences
    working on both, this distinguished Committee, and the Armed
    Services Committee, as well as the dedication and expertise of
    FCC staff, I believe these challenges can be overcome.
        In that spirit, I would like to offer a short list of
    commitments on which I hope there is bipartisan consensus, if
    confirmed. If confirmed, I will work with Congress and the
    administration to expand access to high-speed Internet services
    for all Americans, protect consumers from illegal robocalls,
    strengthen the security of the Nation's telecommunications
    networks, and restore America's leadership in next-generation
    communications technologies.
        Mr. Chairman, thank you again for holding this hearing. I
    look forward to answering any questions.
        [The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
    Trusty follow:]

      Prepared Statement of Olivia Trusty, Nominee to be a Commissioner,
                       Federal Communications Commission
        Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
    Committee. It is a tremendous honor to be nominated and I thank
    President Trump for this opportunity. I also thank my family for their
    love and support.
        Growing up in a large family with five sisters and one brother, I
    was taught early on about the value of service. Through my parents'
    daily actions, they emphasized the importance of helping others,
    whether through small acts or larger commitments. As I have grown
    older, I have credited my parents' example to the example set by my
    paternal and maternal grandfathers--George Preston Trusty, Sr. and
    Ernest Dewitt Powell, Jr. Both of whom served our country in World War
    II and the Korean War, respectively. Although my grandfathers came from
    different backgrounds, they shared a common commitment to defending
    this country and protecting the values we all hold dear. What brings me
    here today is my desire to continue the shared commitment to public
    service and love of country that has been in my family for generations.
        When I first moved to Washington, DC nearly twenty years ago after
    graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I
    began my career in the public policy office of a telecommunications
    company. This is where I was introduced to universal service principles
    and the critical mission of the FCC. During that time, I saw first-hand
    how access to modern communications services, particularly for
    Americans living in rural and remote areas, could change lives. I also
    learned the value of a simple Internet connection: it not only gives
    communities the ability to stay connected with loved ones, but it opens
    the door to education, jobs, economic opportunities, and so much more.
    Indeed, it allows Americans to participate fully in society and an
    ever-expanding global digital economy.
        Following my time in the private sector, I have had the opportunity
    to work in the House of Representatives and in this hallowed chamber on
    telecommunications, technology, consumer protection, and, most
    recently, national security. All of these policy areas are core to the
    FCC's mission to make available affordable, high-speed, reliable, and
    secure communications services.
        In carrying out this mission, it is not lost on me that the problem
    set facing the Commission is vast and diverse. The agency must contend
    with unforgiving geographic landscapes to achieve universal
    connectivity; it must stay ahead of sophisticated illegal robocallers
    defrauding and scamming vulnerable populations like our youth and
    seniors; it must work with Federal partners to defend the security of
    our communications networks from the attacks of nation state actors;
    and it must work collaboratively with private and public sector
    interests to ensure that the United States leads the world in next-
    generation communications. Notwithstanding these issues, given my
    unique experiences working on both this distinguished committee and the
    Armed Services Committee, as well as the dedication and expertise of
    FCC staff, I believe these challenges can be overcome.
        In that spirit, I would like offer a short list of commitments on
    which I hope there is bipartisan consensus. If confirmed, I will work
    with Congress and the Administration to:

       Expand access to affordable, high-speed Internet services
            for all Americans;

       Protect consumers from illegal robocalls;

       Strengthen the security of the Nation's telecommunications'
            networks; and

       Restore America's leadership in next-generation
            communications technologies.

        Mr. Chairman, thank you, again, for holding this hearing and I look
    forward to answering any questions.
                                     ______

                          a. biographical information
        1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Olivia Britt
    Trusty.
        2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner at the Federal
    Communications Commission.
        3. Date of Nomination: February 11, 2025.
        4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

            Residence: Information not released to the public.
            Office: 228 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC
            20510.
        5. Date and Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland.
        6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
    spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
    children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
        Not applicable.
        7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
    you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
    institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
    the degree.

            Undergraduate Degree:
                    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, August
                    2001 to May 2005, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political
                    Science, Awarded May 2005

            Graduate Degree:
                    Georgetown University, August 2005 to December 2006,
                    Master of Arts Degree in American Government, Awarded
                    December 2006

        8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
    name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
    management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
    the position for which you are nominated.

            Qwest Communications, Senior Policy Representative and
            Government Relations Assistant, May 2006-April 2010*

            Verizon, Senior Consultant and Legislative Assistant, April
            2010-September 2013*

            Office of U.S. Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), Legislative
            Assistant, September 2013-September 2014*

            U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on
            Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, Professional Staff
            Member, October 2014-April 2017*

            Office of U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker, Legislative Assistant/
            Telecommunications Subcommittee Staff Director, May 2017-
            December 2018*

            U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
            Policy Director, January 2019-December 2022**

            U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, Professional Staff
            Member/Cyber Lead, January 2023 to present**

            *Denotes non-managerial job that relates to the position for
            which I have been nominated

            **Denotes managerial-level job that relates to the position for
            which I have been nominated

        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 after 18 years of age. None.
        11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
    partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
    corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
    educational, or other institution.

            Gymnastics Teacher--Hill's Gymnastics, Gaithersburg, MD*

            Adjunct Lecturer--Georgetown University, Washington, DC*

            *I no longer hold these positions.

        12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
    currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
    political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
    affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
    (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.
    None.
        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 $200 or more for the past ten years.
        From 2016 to 2024, I have made political contributions to Donald J.
    Trump for President, WinRed, and the Trump National Committee. The
    cumulative amount of my contributions to WinRed exceeds $200. Those
    contributions are listed below.

            11/06/24--WinRed, $141.00

            10/16/24--WinRed, $47.00

            07/14/24--WinRed, $20.82

            08/30/20--WinRed, $5.00

            07/26/20--WinRed, $5.00

            06/14/20--WinRed, $5.00

            05/09/20--WinRed, $5.00

            12/20/19--WinRed, $5.00

        16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
    society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
    for outstanding service or achievements.

            Athletic scholarship at the University of North Carolina at
            Chapel Hill (2001-2005)

            Eastern Atlantic Gymnastics League All-Academic Team (2001-
            2005)
            NACGC Academic All-America (2004-2005)

            Carolina Panthers Graduate Scholarship (2005)

            Black Women's Congressional Alliance Honoree (2023)

            Women in Cable Telecommunications ``Listen Award'' Recipient
            (2023)

        17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
    Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
    individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
    possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
    publication when available. None.
        18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
    PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
    which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
    possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
    speech or presentation when available.

            2020 CTIA 5G Summit, Congressional Perspective: What's Ahead
            for Washington--https://www.ctia.org/news/video-congressional-
            perspective-whats-ahead-for-wireless-in-washington

            2022 FCBA Annual Seminar Congressional Panel

            2024 Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit: Government and
            Commercial Spectrum Sharing, Creating a Value Proposition for
            Everyone

        19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
    years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
    television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
    for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
    each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
    digital copy of the statement when available. None.
        20. 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 full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
    including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, 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.

            X: @obritt3 https://x.com/obritt3 (active)

            LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-trusty-2b850398 (active)

            Instagram: @obritttrust https://www.instagram.com/obritttrust/
            (active)

            Instagram: @obtrusty https://www.instagram.com/obtrusty/
            (active)

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Olivia-Trusty/
            (dormant)

        21. 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, committee, and subject
    matter of each testimony. None.
        22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
    operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
    to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
    experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
    to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
    to serve in that position?
        For nearly 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work on
    telecommunications, technology, consumer protection, and national
    security policy. Every employment experience I have had--which includes
    over seven years in the private sector and over 11 years on Capitol
    Hill--involved working on policy issues that are core to the FCC's
    mission. If confirmed, I look forward to applying the knowledge and
    skills I have gained throughout my professional career to advance the
    availability of affordable, high-speed, reliable, and secure
    communications services across the country.
        I wish to serve at the FCC because I love this country and I have
    seen the transformational impact that an Internet connection can have
    on individuals, families, and communities. If confirmed, my efforts
    would be dedicated to ensuring that every American has access to the
    Internet and the opportunity to participate in the 21st Century
    Internet economy.
        23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
    ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
    management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
    managing a large organization?
        If confirmed, my responsibility would be to carry out the FCC's
    mission by making sure all Americans have access to communications
    services. As part of this effort, I would focus on promoting
    competition, innovation, and investment in U.S. communications
    networks, while protecting consumers and strengthening network
    security.
        Managing an organization in the U.S. government--large or small--
    requires strong leadership that is guided by advancing the public
    interest and a commitment to the law. It also involves setting clear
    goals, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. A
    willingness to engage with stakeholders of all different backgrounds
    and perspectives is also critical to effective management and making
    informed decisions. My management and leadership experiences on the
    Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee have
    helped me to develop skills in each of these areas. They have also
    helped me find ways to build consensus and identify common ground on
    policy issues that can be highly technical and politically sensitive in
    nature. Altogether, my professional background has prepared me to take
    on more managerial responsibilities at the FCC, if I have the honor of
    being confirmed.
        24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
    department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
        The top three challenges facing the FCC include the following:

            Achieving universal connectivity. The cornerstone of the FCC's
            mission is to make communications services available to all
            Americans. With the future of the Universal Service Fund in
            question, it is imperative that the FCC work with Congress to
            restore predictability and sustainability to the FCC's ability
            to foster and promote the delivery of affordable, high-speed,
            and reliable Internet services to all Americans.

            Strengthening network security. Nation states and malicious
            cyber actors are targeting United States critical
            infrastructure, including commercial telecommunications
            networks, to degrade and disrupt America's economic stability
            and national security. The FCC has a responsibility to work
            with private industry and its Federal partners throughout the
            U.S. government to strengthen the cyber defenses of
            telecommunications networks against increasingly sophisticated
            and hostile cyber threat actors.

            Renewing the FCC's spectrum auction authority. Making spectrum
            available for commercial use is vital to continued innovation
            and economic prosperity in the United States, as well as
            America's global leadership in next-generation communications
            technologies. The ongoing lapse of the FCC's auction authority
            severely constrains the Commission's ability to meet the
            growing spectrum demands of the private sector, risking the
            Nation's economic security and technological leadership abroad.
            The FCC should work with Congress to renew the FCC's auction
            authority immediately to reach our economic goals in the United
            States and remain competitive in the global digital economy.
                       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, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
        I have an Individual Retirement Account. I also have a Thrift
    Savings Plan.
        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. None.
        4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
    transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
    yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
    any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
    position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
    each potential conflict of interest. None.
        5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
    how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest. None.
        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 presently serve as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate
    Committee on Armed Services. I previously served as a Policy Director
    on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In
    both positions, I have been asked for my thoughts on legislative
    matters pending before Congress, and I have regularly advised Senate
    offices on communications policy and legislation.
                                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, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
    committee, or other professional group? If yes:
        No.

      a.  Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
            group;

      b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
            personnel action was issued or initiated;

      c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
            personnel action;

      d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
            complaint, or personnel action.

        2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
    any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
    State, county, municipal, or foreign government 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
    assault, 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/commission/
    corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
    congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
    corporation 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/commission/
    corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
    whistleblowers 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 Olivia Trusty

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        The Chairman. Thank you to you both. Thank you to you both.
        All right, Mr. Isaacman, let us start. If you are
    confirmed, you will oversee NASA's various field centers,
    mission directives, and affiliated activities. This includes
    Artemis and the Moon-to-Mars Program, which aims to keep us one
    step ahead of nations like China in the fight for supremacy in
    space.
        The threat from China is very real. Just last week, General
    Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the Space Force,
    testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review
    Commission that Beijing has been explicit as recently as
    October of last year, in stating that China intends to surpass
    the United States and become the world's preeminent space
    power.
        As General Saltzman put it, ``China's advancement in space
    technology, their stated desire to dominate, and Beijing's
    disregard for international norms for the responsible use of
    space make them an incredible danger to U.S. prosperity and
    security. China has said that they will put a man on the Moon
    by 2030, and that they will build a permanent lunar base there,
    along with Russia, by 2035.''
        Based on how quickly they have already progressed, I think
    it is quite possible that China reaches those milestones sooner
    than those dates, and indeed that China reaches the Moon before
    the end of President Trump's current term.
        Mr. Isaacman, if China beats us to the Moon, what
    consequences might America face?
        Mr. Isaacman. Mr. Chairman, I really appreciate that
    question, and I could not agree more with all of your
    commentary, sir, including in your opening remarks. We
    certainly cannot lose. If we do not lead the way and we are
    following, we may be following forever, and the consequence of
    which could be extraordinary.
        I mean, even if you are talking about things that have
    maybe even a low probability, let us say, for example, on the
    lunar surface, helium-3 becomes a new source of fusion power,
    it could shift the balance of power here on Earth. I do not
    think we can afford to find that out the hard way.
        As you said, sir, and I have agreed for a very long time,
    space is the ultimate high ground. We cannot afford to cede
    that ground.
        The Chairman. So my team did a visual representation of
    what the stakes are, and it is a simple question, what does the
    future look like in 2030? Now, I will note that my team used
    ChatGPT to make this poster, and my immediate comment on seeing
    it is the American flag is too damn small, and I was told it
    was difficult to get a bigger American flag on AI. That may be
    underscoring the need to win the race for AI as well, but it
    does give a sense of exactly what the choices we are facing
    now.
        When we met in my office, you said beating China back to
    the Moon was, ``critical for our national interests''. You also
    said that if President Trump turns on the television and sees
    Chinese astronauts on the surface of the Moon before Americans,
    you said you would be fired that day. In your written
    testimony, however, you said quote, ``We will prioritize
    sending American astronauts to Mars.'' There seems to be a bit
    of tension between the commitment you made in my office and
    your testimony.
        What is your view? Will you maintain course with the
    Artemis program so that we can return American astronauts to
    the Moon before President Trump leaves office?
        Mr. Isaacman. Mr. Chairman, I really, I really appreciate
    the statement. First, I could not agree more with the President
    and his inspiring and ambitious goal to send American
    astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on Mars. He did not
    say we should not go to the Moon. I suspect the President, as I
    feel and probably a lot of Americans is, is what is taking us
    so long to get back to the Moon and why does it cost so much
    money?
        I absolutely want to see us return to the Moon. As I
    mentioned in my prepared remarks, determine the economic,
    scientific and national security value, while we are also
    proceeding toward Mars. I do not think we have to make any
    tough trades here, Senator. I think if we can concentrate our
    resources as the world's greatest space agency, we do not have
    to make a binary decision of Moon versus Mars, or Moon has to
    come first versus Mars, I think we could be paralleling these
    efforts and doing the near impossible, which is exactly why the
    American taxpayers funded NASA in the first place.
        The Chairman. Well, I will say on the question of whether
    NASA has to implement Moon then Mars, United States law is
    explicit non-equivocal on that. 51 U.S.C. Section 20302, which
    Senator Cantwell and I wrote, says, ``The vision for space
    exploration, the administrator shall establish a program to
    develop a sustained human presence in cislunar space or on the
    Moon as a stepping stone to future exploration of Mars and
    other destinations.'' The notion of the Moon as a stepping
    stone is explicitly in U.S. law. Do you acknowledge that?
        Mr. Isaacman. Yes, I do, Senator.
        The Chairman. And let me ask you, given the current NASA
    budget, if we assume for a moment we are not going to see a
    dramatic shift and NASA's budget double tomorrow, do you
    believe it is possible to stand up a full mission to the Moon
    and a full mission to the Mars simultaneously?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, as I mentioned my prepared remarks,
    I think we can absolutely do that. We can figure out the space
    economy in low Earth orbit. We can run more scientific
    missions. This is the Agency that went from sending Alan
    Shepard on a suborbital mission, and 8 years later we saw Neil
    Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the Moon. Do I
    think that we can get back to the Moon, chart a course for Mars
    and do all the other things; absolutely, Senator.
        The Chairman. So do we have your commitment that you will
    not allow the scenario on the right on this poster to happen,
    that China will not beat us to the Moon, that one of these
    heroes sitting in this room will set his or her, and as a
    father of two daughters I am particularly excited that Artemis
    has committed, it will be a ``her'', the first woman will step
    foot on the Moon and she will be an American astronaut. Do we
    have your commitment that we will win the race to the Moon and
    China will not beat us?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I only see the left-hand portion of
    that poster.
        The Chairman. And next time we will make the American flag
    bigger.
        Senator Cantwell.
        Senator Wicker. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that
    the poster be placed in the record.
        The Chairman. An excellent idea.
        Senator Cantwell. I do agree.
        The Chairman. And a Chairman who is crossing his T's and
    dotting his I's would have done so already; without objection.
        [The chart referred to follows:]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        The Chairman. Senator Cantwell.
        Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And continuing
    on this same point; listen, I have no doubt of your
    capabilities at the technical side of this and the expertise
    both on the aviation and the space side. It is a question, I
    think, of a long-term challenge of different administrations to
    deliver on this goal and how each administration and each
    Congress does or doesn't support it. So I view your job as like
    wrangling the powers that be to support the mission and
    understand what it is going to take to support the mission.
        So like Senator Cruz, I want to understand a little bit
    more about your commitments. The most recent Economic Impact
    Report highlighted that in Fiscal Year 2023, NASA projects to
    generate more than $75 billion in economic output. And the
    National Academy Studies chaired by Norm Augustine found that
    NASA's budget office is often incompatible with the scope,
    complexity, and difficulty of its mission work. That means that
    we end up shortchanging it to certain degrees.
        So I want to make sure I understand what your commitment is
    because there is been so much in the press. Do you commit not
    to closing any of the NASA's ten centers or divesting from
    critical infrastructure without the expressed authorization of
    Congress?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, you absolutely have my commitment to
    work alongside Congress. I think NASA is going to require the
    best and brightest from across the Nation in all of our
    critical infrastructure in order to achieve its mission to do
    the near impossible for all humankind.
        Senator Cantwell. Do you see any reason to close these ten
    centers?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, there is only so much that I can be
    briefed on in advance of this opportunity. I fully expect to
    roll up my sleeves and determine where all of our best
    resources are so we can get back to achieving the mission as
    quickly as possible.
        Senator Cantwell. The 2024 National Academy's Report noted
    that the use of service and firm fixed-price contracts at early
    stage of technology development can jeopardize mission success
    and degrade NASA's own in-house technical capabilities. What
    are your thoughts about these fixed-term contracts?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, as some----
        Senator Cantwell. Do you agree with that statement? I
    guess, do you agree with that statement? They can be
    deleterious. I am just asking if you agree with that.
        Mr. Isaacman. I take two things away from that, Senator.
    First, having run a defense aerospace company for more than a
    decade, and generally I am a fan of fixed-firm price contracts
    and being held accountable to what we did. In terms of the
    difference between NASA's in-house expertise and what
    commercial industry is able to provide, I believe NASA should
    be working, again, per my prepared remarks, on the near
    impossible, what no one else is capable of doing, and when they
    figure it out, commercial industry takes over and brings the
    rest of the world to follow.
        Senator Cantwell. You might be one heck of an entrepreneur
    in relation to science. You said you are not a scientist. But
    that won't matter if we make very bad decisions based on
    somebody's arbitrary budget analysis instead of what is our
    long-term mission. So that is what we are trying to get out of
    you. How do you think we are going to accomplish this so that
    we have a more--listen, the more we can explain this to
    everybody, I guarantee you the more my colleagues will support
    it in a budget.
        The more it gets slashed and burned by different
    approaches, by DOGE, the more harmful it can become to people
    undermining the support for the mission overall. So you have a
    big challenge here. It is to move us forward at a critical
    moment.
        So do you believe that we should have a reduction in
    workforce, or the science budget, some of the things that I
    mentioned in my opening statement?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I read what is on NASA Watch and in
    the news like everybody else. If I am confirmed, I am eager to
    understand all of the considerations, the discussions being
    made about a reorganization, I believe that we are going to
    need the best and brightest to do the near impossible, and we
    should be concentrating all of our resources on the most
    critical objectives that I kind of outlined in my opening
    remarks, ma'am.
        Senator Cantwell. Do you support the continued Artemis
    Mission with the Space Launch System?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I believe that is currently the
    plan. I would like nothing more than to see this Artemis II
    crew get around the Moon, and then they are back at home
    watching their friends walk on the Moon. I think the real
    question is, again: Why has it taken so long? Why does it cost
    so much money?
        Senator Cantwell. But in the issue of: Are we going to
    commit to this? I think this and the Lander Redundancy are kind
    of like--people see that as a: We are going to the Moon and we
    are going to get this done. Not this discussion of like, we are
    going to skip these things, short change this, and then we are
    going to focus on Mars in a different route. That is what I am
    trying to get from you.
        Whether when you get there, I get that you are saying it is
    the current plan. I am asking as a nominee to run this
    organization, do you have a different view of that, that you
    think right now, yes, there is a different way to do this?
        Mr. Isaacman. Ma'am, I can tell you not just as a nominee,
    but as a space enthusiast who wants my daughters to see
    American astronauts walking on the Moon, it was the left-hand
    side of that poster that I am fully supportive of. I would like
    nothing more than to see Artemis II get around the Moon, and
    again see Americans walking on the Moon. And again, I do not
    think these are either/or. I mean, NASA is an extraordinary
    Agency that can do the near impossible. We can chart a course
    for Mars in line with the President's vision to return to the
    Moon before the Chinese can get there to figure out the space
    economy and do the other things, ma'am.
        Senator Cantwell. There is a lot here. The HiCAM program on
    thermoplastic composites, do you support that program at NASA?
        Mr. Isaacman. I think NASA has the best, brightest, most
    talented engineers and scientists and we should be working on
    cutting-edge technology.
        Senator Cantwell. OK. I will want for the record whether
    you support that in, you know, clarity, not just like, hey, I
    like cutting-edge technology. These are really big decisions
    that lots of us have already weighed in on, and we just want to
    know whether they are going to get slashed someday because the
    President wakes up and says he does not want to do it, and
    whether you are going to say yes, yes, go ahead? So this, it
    will take all of us working together.
        Ms. Trusty, I do not want you to keep going--ignored
    through the conversation. My time has expired. I will want to
    come back to you on the MVD, the broadcasters getting more
    ability in the marketplace, particularly as I mentioned
    earlier, you want a vibrant news competition, particularly when
    it comes to local journalism, reopening that case at the FCC.
    But I will take that for coming back on a second round.
        And I love that, Senator Wicker thinks that you play chess
    instead of checkers because we need a lot more chess playing at
    the FCC. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Grand Master Wicker.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Wicker. Also, you can go out and shoot skeet and
    then come back and play chess. But thank you very much.
        Well, let me direct my first question to Mr. Isaacman. You
    probably know that NASA has eight field centers, one of which
    is the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The Stennis
    Space Center is home to NASA's largest rocket propulsion test
    site. If we did not have that, we would have to build another
    one. The Stennis Space Center also hosts a number of companies
    working on commercial space programs; the Space Center's
    infrastructure represents substantial government investment as
    well as private investments.
        So the day after you are confirmed and sworn in, will you
    come to visit me in Mississippi at the Stennis Space Center?
        Mr. Isaacman. I will get there as soon as I possibly can,
    Senator.
        Senator Wicker. All right. Well, I think that is a fair
    answer.
        Now, Ms. Trusty, let us talk about the plan for Broadband
    Bill, we finally got that reported a few weeks ago, and you
    worked with members of this committee, even as a staff member
    for the Armed Services Committee, in getting some compromised
    language on the Plan for Broadband Act. Do we need it, and what
    accommodations did we make to get everybody on the same page?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, thank you so much.
        Senator Wicker. You can take about a minute and a half.
        Ms. Trusty. OK. Thank you so much for the question. Thank
    you for your leadership on this issue. You know, interagency
    coordination is essential to closing the digital divide. I
    think as many members on this committee know, there are about
    130 broadband programs across 15 different agencies, and GAO
    has determined that those programs are fragmented and
    duplicative.
        And there is an opportunity to streamline, consolidate, and
    coalesce these programs so that the resources are better
    targeted to unserved areas so that we can get communication
    services to more rural, remote areas that lack connectivity
    right now, and expand and close the digital divide--or just
    close the digital divide, not expand it.
        And so I think the Plan for Broadband Act is the key to the
    solution, it creates a strategy that will help us to target
    these resources better to unserved communities so that
    everybody can fully participate in the global digital economy.
        Senator Wicker. And we had to accommodate high-cost areas,
    tribal areas, and also do some compromising on the spending
    cap. So I do appreciate that.
        Let me ask then in the last two minutes, during COVID-19,
    the broadband across Europe suffered several disruptions. Did
    we have that kind of disruption in the United States, or was
    there a difference, and why do you think things may have turned
    out differently in Europe as opposed to here in the United
    States?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you so much, Senator. I appreciate this
    question. You know, I think the reason why we did not face the
    same issues here during the COVID pandemic as it relates to our
    Internet networks, is because competition and innovation, a
    light-touch regulatory framework we saw worked really well. We
    just have not seen the predicted harms materialize in the
    absence of more prescriptive legacy regulations.
        And so under your leadership, when I was on this committee,
    to ensure consumers were protected, even if competition and
    innovation fail, you set up a Bipartisan Net Neutrality Working
    Group to put together bipartisan legislation to ensure that
    consumers were protected regardless, but that we had a modern
    framework. I thought that was a great example of how to move
    forward with our next-generation networks, and ensure that
    consumers continued to have access to critical connectivity
    services.
        Senator Wicker. Has there been any throttling or blocking
    in the United States in recent years?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, I am not aware of any of the predicted
    harms materializing that were projected during this debate a
    couple of years ago.
        Senator Wicker. Thank you very much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Kim.

                      STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY

        Senator Kim. Yes, thank you, Chair.
        Mr. Isaacman, I would just like to start with you. I guess
    I just wanted a little more clarity about, are you committed to
    having a permanent presence on the Moon?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I think the biggest thing is we need
    to get back there. It has been taking a very long time and the
    American taxpayers have invested an awful lot.
        Senator Kim. I agree with you on that front. I think we can
    take that for granted between me and you, but I guess I wanted
    to get a sense because, you know, the Chairman laid this out
    actually, and then the poster that he had was not just about
    getting back to the Moon, but it was about sustaining a
    presence on the Moon. And I just feel like I do not have a good
    understanding of what your actual position is right now on
    that.
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, I think, Senator, again, the first step
    to me is to return to the Moon and determine its economic, its
    scientific, and its national security value for remaining
    there.
        Senator Kim. Yes. I saw that in your statement. And I
    guess, again, I was confused, because in your response to the
    Chairman, you were talking about how Helium-3, this is
    something that could very well shift the balance of power
    within the--you know, here on Earth. What else are you looking
    at? Like what else is in your mind right now beyond Helium-3
    and the impacts there when you are talking about scientific,
    economic, and national security?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, I mean, that is what we need
    to get there to find out. You know, all the best science
    fiction movies out there have something like Helium-3 as the
    economic justification for an enduring presence, not just on
    the Moon, but throughout, you know, space exploration.
        Senator Kim. So I guess, you know, kind of as we have been
    talking about this, you know, Moon, Mars, two priorities, you
    were much more definitive about saying we need to get to Mars.
    So I guess I just want to ask you that same question. What are
    the scientific, economic, and national security priorities that
    you see more clearly when it comes to going to Mars right now
    than in terms of having a permanent presence on the Moon?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, to be clear, I certainly hope
    in the future that we have lots of space stations, a full lunar
    outpost, a Mars outpost, and we are pushing even beyond that. I
    am just saying we need to get back to the Moon. We need to
    figure out why we need to be there, and I certainly hope there
    is a reason.
        Senator Kim. Why do we need to be--what I am trying to get
    a sense of, you seem much more definitive about saying we need
    to get to Mars and putting resources toward that effort. What
    are the specific economic, scientific, and national security
    interests you see there? Because I get a sense that you have
    some greater clarity there than you do when it comes to the
    Moon.
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, I would actually hope you are getting a
    sincere answer from me that we should be doing both and the
    other things. Now Mars----
        Senator Kim. Do you think we can do both Moon and Mars on
    the current NASA budget?
        Mr. Isaacman. I sure hope so. And NASA was built to do the
    near impossible and have a thriving space economy in low Earth
    orbit and continue extraordinary science missions to kind of
    unlock the secrets of the universe, sir.
        Senator Kim. Well, I guess I just want to reinforce what
    the Chairman said. I mean, I think we need to have much more
    clarity in how we are talking about, what is our objectives
    when it comes to the Moon? As mentioned, we have a lot more
    clarity about what China's objectives are, and I hope that that
    is something that you can clarify quickly if you are confirmed.
        When it comes to the International Space Station, what is
    your perceived timeline there in terms of when we should be
    starting to bring that down?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, first of all, I do not know of
    any reason why we should be bringing it down before what is
    currently scheduled. What I do think we need to do is maximize
    its remaining life, get as much of the high potential science
    and research to the station, figure out what that space economy
    is so when the day does come to hand it off to the commercial
    LEO destinations, they are in a financially self-sustaining
    type way.
        Senator Kim. And you talked about that in terms of the
    space economy. In terms of what should succeed the
    International Space Station, do you believe that that should be
    commercial only, or do you see prospects of the U.S.
    Government, or a government-run space station to succeed the
    International Space Station?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, right now, Senator, if we do not figure
    out the space economy, whether it is commercially operated or
    not, it is going to be entirely financially sustained by the
    Government.
        Senator Kim. So I guess I am asking what is your--do you
    have a preference, in terms of do you see a sense of need for a
    government-run--I guess I am just trying to ask you, what is it
    that NASA can do that commercial efforts cannot do?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, I mean, that is a fantastic question,
    Senator. I mean, the line should be drawn, again, in terms of
    NASA undertaking the near-impossible challenges that, again, no
    company, organization, or agency anywhere in the world would be
    able to undertake it. I gave a very good example, I think, in
    my opening remarks on nuclear propulsion; that is something
    that no company would ever embark upon. There is no obvious
    economic return, there are regulatory challenges. That is
    exactly the kind of thing that NASA should be concentrating its
    resources on.
        Senator Kim. The last thing I just want to say here, and I
    know I am running out of time, I am really hard to see. I think
    we are all very proud of the astronauts that are here in this
    room. But I think I could speak for them and say, look, we also
    recognize the importance of the civil servants playing so many
    different roles for the safety and the innovation that is out
    there.
        As I expressed to you, I am concerned about how this
    administration has approached what I believe are indiscriminate
    cuts at different--and firings at different departments and
    agencies. And if you are confirmed, I hope that you stand up
    against indiscriminate cuts. I think we are all very--
    recognizing that there are places for efficiencies and
    elsewhere. But we need to make sure that we are protecting the
    expertise that is out there.
        And with that, I will yield back.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Fischer.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. DEB FISCHER,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA

        Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to
    our two nominees today for your commitment to public service.
        Ms. Trusty, I appreciated meeting with you to learn more
    about your experience and your goals if you are confirmed as a
    FCC Commissioner. And as you know, one of my top goals is to
    maintain a steady and predictable Universal Service Fund.
    Congress' intent has been clear, we must keep all Americans
    connected. I also look forward to co-chairing the Universal
    Service Fund Working Group with Senator Lujan to advance this
    priority.
        Ms. Trusty, how do you view the Universal Service Fund and
    its mission to Universal Service?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you so much for the question, Senator,
    and thank you for the time. It was great to meet with you and
    discuss your priorities.
        The Universal Service is the cornerstone of the FCC's
    mission. The Universal Service Fund itself has connected
    millions of Americans across the country. As you know, there is
    somewhat of an uncertain future with the Universal Service Fund
    as there is a constitutional challenge before the Supreme
    Court, and the contribution base is shrinking as more Americans
    shift to internet-based communications.
        And so I think it is incumbent upon the FCC to work closely
    with Congress and interested stakeholders to identify a
    specific, predictable, and sufficient form of support as
    required in the Communications Act to continue meeting the
    needs of Americans across the country.
        Senator Fischer. Thank you. From my experience serving on
    this committee and also on Armed Services Committee, I
    appreciate the differing cultures, missions, and priorities of
    the various Spectrum stakeholders, and I have seen the
    consequences when they conflict. I worry that Federal missions,
    including national security, can be undermined because of these
    frictions, particularly when collaboration among stakeholders
    is strained and consensus cannot be reached.
        Ms. Trusty, what do you think the appropriate role is for
    the FCC and its engagement with the Department of Defense?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. And I appreciate this
    question because I know this is such an important topic and a
    sensitive one, too. So you know, as you have noted, I have
    worked on both the Armed Services and Commerce Committees, both
    great experiences. During my time on the Armed Services
    Committee, I have certainly developed a greater appreciation
    for DOD's national security mission and how critical Spectrum
    is in carrying out that mission.
        I also know from my time on the Commerce Committee that
    Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications. It is
    essential to meeting our economic objectives, both domestically
    and abroad. And so I think given these two experiences, I can
    certainly help find solutions where there is common ground,
    where we do not have to sacrifice our Spectrum for warfighting
    needs, but we can also create opportunities to repurpose
    Spectrum for commercial use.
        And I think the way to do that, frankly, is to have
    everybody in the same room at the same time hearing the same
    things. Otherwise, I think there is a lot of information that
    gets lost in translation, contributing to further misalignment
    on Spectrum policy. When we are all together, it can further
    promote transparency and accountability in these processes.
        Senator Fischer. Well, how do you think this dialogue can
    become more constructive? Do you have any suggestions on how to
    do that? As a member of the staff on the Armed Services
    Committee, you had access to classified briefings that others
    do not have access to. So you have a fuller understanding of
    what is at stake here. So how can we have a constructive
    dialogue?
        Ms. Trusty. Well, Senator, I think that is the issue. You
    know, when I was on the Commerce Committee, I did not have a
    full clearance, and so I was not privy to many of DOD's assets
    and capabilities. But when I was on the Armed Services
    Committee, I had a clearance and could understand better, or to
    a better degree, why some of the assets and systems were so
    essential. I will say, though, I think we have to find a way to
    accommodate both our national security and economic security
    interests. I worry that if either side of this debate fails,
    then our global competitors win, and I think that would have a
    devastating consequence to our economic and national security.
        Senator Fischer. And I think we are beginning to achieve
    that, this way forward.
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, ma'am.
        Senator Fischer. Looking at the international role on
    telecommunications, how can a more unified position among
    Federal agencies boost the United States' global leadership?
    How can we ensure that national security perspectives are
    included in an overall position that we have for this country?
        Ms. Trusty. Absolutely, Senator. Thank you for this. So I
    had the opportunity to attend the last WRC in Dubai, and I
    think the takeaway was that America did not put our best foot
    forward because we did not have a unified approach to our
    Spectrum policy. And so I think if we have a unified strategy
    where we highlight key U.S. interests, whether with respect to
    both our economic and national security, it gives us more time
    and space to work with our international partners and allies to
    develop coalitions where they have a lot of similar interests.
    And going into it that way, we can preempt those who are
    attempting to undermine U.S. values, among other things.
        Senator Fischer. And if confirmed as an FCC Commissioner,
    the Commission, as a whole, would definitely have a leadership
    role in that process, correct?
        Ms. Trusty. Absolutely. So the Department of State
    typically runs the WRC process, but NTIA and the FCC certainly
    contribute to that.
        Senator Fischer. Thank you very much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Klobuchar.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA

        Senator Klobuchar. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to both
    of you for being here. You win the prize as the best name for a
    nominee, Ms. Trusty.
        So I just wanted to have one follow up from Senator
    Fischer's questions, because I care a lot about Universal
    Service. Senator Thune and I have worked a lot on that
    together. How do you think the FCC should modernize the USF to
    ensure its long-term sustainability?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you for the question, Senator. You know,
    I know that there are a number of proposals on the table,
    whether it comes from identifying a specific predictable or
    sufficient funding resource to ensure the Universal Service
    Fund can continue to meet connectivity needs across the
    country. There are proposals about a Federal appropriation or
    looking to other private sector entities to contribute to the
    contribution base.
        I think all of those things should be discussed between the
    FCC and Congress to ensure we can continue meeting connectivity
    needs across the country.
        Senator Klobuchar. Thank you. As you know, I work with
    Senator Wicker on the Data Act to improve the accuracy of the
    FCC's broadband availability maps, but we know more work needs
    to be done. If confirmed, how will you continue to work to
    ensure the accuracy of the maps?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. So you know, I was on this
    committee when the Broadband Data Act was passed with the goal
    of making sure we knew where broadband is available, where it
    is not, to better target resources to unserved areas. You know,
    as a part of that law, there is an opportunity for a challenge
    process where folks can challenge the accuracy of the data,
    which I think can help improve the accuracy of the maps.
        I also think the FCC should work with private sector
    stakeholders who produce their own maps to inform the accuracy
    of the maps so that we can better target resources to areas who
    remain unserved, or remain--yes, remain unserved.
        Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. Thank you. And as you
    know, I care a lot about getting the broadband funding out. We
    have talked to a number of nominees about that. I will ask you
    a question in writing on 9-1-1.
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Klobuchar. So thank you.
        Mr. Isaacman, welcome. We had a good talk over the phone. I
    mentioned STEM was really important to me. I was looking back--
    in 2017, President Trump signed into law, and I remember
    because Senator Fischer called me from the White House, she was
    there, and she said, ``What is this bill of yours he is signing
    into law?'' because she happened to be there. And they did an
    event.
        So it was a bill authorizing the NASA Administrator to
    encourage women to study STEM--it is called the INSPIRE Women
    Act and pursue careers in aerospace. Could you talk about
    promoting the STEM workforce, and then your role if confirmed
    as NASA administrator, how you can inspire more people to go
    into STEM in general? I'm just coming off the robotics
    competition in Minnesota on Saturday. Thank you. I was there.
        Mr. Isaacman. Understood, Senator. First step is I am still
    working on getting my two daughters to want to grow up and
    enter a sphere--enter into the STEM fields. I have tried with
    space flight and I will get there. I would love to answer that
    really in two parts. I think the first thing is, first it is a
    fundamental obligation of NASA to inspire the next generation
    to want to be scientists, engineers, astronauts, pilots,
    doctors, researchers, and I think the best way NASA can do that
    is by executing on its mission.
        I mean, that is what is going to have children want to
    dress up as astronauts and scientists for Halloween, is to get
    back to the Moon, to get to Mars and to inspire the world with
    whatever the replacement is someday for James Webb that gives
    us a hundred times the resolution.
        The second part, ma'am, is what I mentioned in my opening
    remarks about NASA being a force multiplier for science. Once
    we inspire them in their youth to want to grow up and join this
    grand endeavor, we want to get them hands-on in their various
    academic institutions.
        I think NASA can lend its expertise, its talent, its bulk
    buying of rockets, its standard bus architecture, and get
    academic institutions to want to contribute, whether it is
    building probes, or sensors, get them hands-on so when they
    graduate they want to join the greatest space agency in the
    world.
        Senator Klobuchar. Very good. You know, I think not just
    with space but also with medical developments right now because
    of a combination of mapping of the human genome, home of the
    Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, as well as the potential of AI to do
    good when it comes to things like rare diseases. We are just on
    this cusp of scientific development kind of bursting out. I do
    get concerned about some of these cuts to science-based
    research and agencies across the government, not just space
    related. Will you be an advocate for science within the
    administration?
        Mr. Isaacman. Yes, ma'am. I do believe the President is
    looking to usher in a golden age of science and discovery.
    Personally, I just spent a few days ago with 50--40 different
    science and researchers sharing the results from my most recent
    mission to space. I am passionate about science. I would love
    nothing more than to continue to see NASA go out and try and
    unlock the secrets of the universe.
        Senator Klobuchar. Thank you.
        Senator Moreno [now presiding]. Phenomenal plugs for
    Minnesota in that questioning.
        Senator Klobuchar. I always find a way. You will learn that
    soon, Mr. Moreno.
        Senator Moreno. So, Senator Moran, see if you can top that
    for Kansas.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS

        Senator Moran. Well, that was not what I intended to talk
    about, but I am happy to promote my state and have to,
    certainly, to Mr. Isaacman. Wichita, in particular, the air
    capital of the world, Wichita State, NIAR, and these
    astronauts, when I had a conversation with them by phone, asked
    me the question: Do you know that you have the greatest space
    museum in the world in Kansas? To which I said, I know that, I
    am just pleased that you know that. Can I tell the rest of the
    world that you are saying those things? And so I thank you for
    that opportunity, the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.
        Ms. Trusty, let me start with you. I am pleased by your
    nomination that President Trump has chosen to nominate you. I
    appreciate the friendship you and I have had over a long period
    of time of my office in Dirksen, and we have passed and had
    conversations in the hall for a long time. I have great faith
    in you.
        Let me ask you these--well, on that topic, let me tell you
    that it has been my disappointment over time to watch the FCC
    become much more partisan and incapable of reaching decisions.
    It has changed in the time that I have been in the Senate, as
    the Senate has changed in the time that I have been in the
    Senate, and I would encourage you to use every effort to find
    ways, to find solutions to problems, and to bring the
    Commission together to serve the American people. And I do not
    know that I need to ask you, but I assume you would say that
    you will do so?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Moran. Thank you. I want to mention just Spectrum
    policy, as a couple of my colleagues have mentioned before.
    Looking at Congress' options about authorities to the FCC, when
    it comes to reauthorizing that Spectrum Auction Authority, what
    would your recommendations be?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. I think this is very
    important. So I would recommend that Congress restore auction
    authority as quickly as possible. I think it can be a catalyst
    to investment and innovation, particularly as it relates to
    expanding broadband infrastructure across the country. I also
    think it serves as a signal to the rest of the world about how
    we are prioritizing our telecommunications policy and where we
    are going.
        This is underpinning every emerging application that we can
    think of, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and so
    much more. And so I think by showing that we have confidence in
    our regulatory processes and frameworks to have auction
    authority restored to support that kind of innovation, I think
    that will go a long way.
        Senator Moran. Ms. Trusty, media ownership is back in the
    news again. Do you believe it is important for the FCC to rid
    us of the rules that are no longer necessary or inhibit
    competition that currently exist in media ownership rules?
        Ms. Trusty. I appreciate the question, Senator. I
    definitely think we need a modern regulatory framework that
    reflects the realities of today's video and media marketplace.
    As you know, the media marketplace has changed dramatically
    over the last two decades, driven largely by technology
    advancements and changes in consumer preferences.
        Consumers have access to all sorts of things, your
    traditional broadcast and cable, as well as live streaming
    video and social media, all things that make for a great
    personalized television viewing experience and things that I
    think the FCC should continue to promote that allows
    broadcasters to flexibly compete against technology companies
    for ad revenues, consumer viewers, as well as programming.
        Senator Moran. Ms. Trusty, that is particularly true in
    rural America where the options are fewer than they used to be,
    and local programming, is it difficult to task or accomplish.
    So I encourage you to pursue those changes.
        One more, BEAD implementation, one of things we are worried
    about is the timing of the FCC's efforts in deploying broadband
    funds when BEAD is yet uncompleted. Because one of the goals is
    to make sure that we do not overbill, and that you are not both
    providing dollars to the same opportunities to provide
    broadband and Internet services.
        So would you consider--how would you consider the FCC in
    holding off moving forward on allocating 5G funding until BEAD
    allocation decisions have been made in order to maximize the
    efficiency of those 5G funds?
        Ms. Trusty. I appreciate this question, Senator. This goes
    to the heart of interagency coordination. I think the FCC and
    NTIA need to be in constant contact about where BEAD is going,
    when it is going, so that we can be better stewards of taxpayer
    dollars, target funds to unserved areas, ensure that there is
    no duplication or overbuilding, as you mentioned, and there
    could be a possibility where BEAD infrastructure could be
    leveraged for USF funds or vice versa.
        But I think this all goes to interagency coordination and
    making sure we are the best stewards of taxpayer dollars. So
    you have my commitment that I would do that, Senator, if
    confirmed.
        Senator Moran. Thank you.
        Mr. Isaacman, let me tell you that I now have concern about
    your leadership capabilities. While you were indicating that
    you were working on getting your daughters to pursue STEM
    education, both of them were shaking their heads this way.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Moran. I hope you can fare better at NASA.
        Mr. Isaacman. We are going to fix this, Senator.
        Senator Moran. In the short 12 seconds that I have left in
    my time, I will ask, I guess, one question. Do you believe that
    the current Artemis architecture featuring SLS Rocket or Orion
    Spacecraft is the best and fastest way to beat China to the
    Moon?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, this is the current plan. I do
    believe it is the best and fastest way to get there. I do not
    think it is the long-term way to get to and from the Moon and
    to Mars with great frequency. But this is the plan we have now
    and we have got to get this crew around the Moon and the
    follow-on crew to land on the Moon.
        Senator Moran. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Moreno. I now recognize Senator from Michigan, Gary
    Peters.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN

        Senator Peters. Thank you, Senator. Congratulations to both
    of our nominees here, on your nomination to these important
    positions.
        Mr. Isaacman, we had a great opportunity to talk yesterday
    in my office about a variety of issues. Artemis came up
    frequently as I know it has come up at the hearing frequently
    as well, including Senator Moran in the previous question, and
    you suggested here and there that NASA can pursue the Artemis
    program, our mission to the Moon, and a potential Mars mission
    in parallel tracks, is how you have been describing it.
        I am concerned though about the possibility of achieving
    that. While we expect budget cuts to NASA, we have already seen
    cuts and somewhat significant cuts, I would argue, to staff at
    NASA. So my question for you is do you agree that budget cuts
    would undermine that vision that you are expressing?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well Senator, I think right now NASA has a
    pretty extraordinary budget. I believe it is close to every
    Federal law enforcement agency combined times two. With that
    budget and those resources available, I do believe we can do
    the near impossible. I think we can have multiple flagship
    scientific missions at once, which means we can have multiple
    space exploration missions at once, and try and solve the space
    economy in low Earth orbit, sir.
        Senator Peters. Even with budget cuts, you will be able to
    do that, and----
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, I am not familiar with what
    the--what is potentially being contemplated, but I will
    absolutely do the most with the resources available to try and
    deliver on NASA's world-changing mission, sir.
        Senator Peters. So given the--I think it is pretty clear we
    are likely to see constrained budgets. How do you envision
    speeding up our timeline for the Mars mission that you talked
    about while also ensuring that Artemis is properly resourced
    and protected from any future cuts that may come their way?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, I think across the board we
    have to acknowledge, as I mentioned in our opening remarks, we
    do have problems here. The President--presidents have called
    for return to the Moon and a path to Mars since 1989. We spent
    a lot of money and we have not gotten this crew around the
    Moon, let alone landing on it. If I am confirmed, I absolutely
    am going to roll up my sleeves and get in the trenches with the
    best and brightest and figure out where we have our program
    challenges, what is impeding progress, clear those obstacles
    and get back to delivering on the mission.
        If we can do that, then we are going to get the
    inspirational side of NASA going, we are going to get the STEM
    side growing, and the next generation is going to grow up and
    want to reach even farther, sir.
        Senator Peters. As you know, public private partnerships
    between NASA and commercial space companies is a critical part
    of space exploration efforts, you know that firsthand from your
    flight to space twice with SpaceX. And I understand that you
    have business ties with SpaceX previous to your nomination as
    well.
        My question for you, given the fact that Elon Musk serves
    both as the CEO of SpaceX as well as--is a White House employee
    and leader over DOGE, which has significant influence over
    spending and contracts, at least that is what we have been
    seeing, certainly in our meeting, I was happy to hear you say
    to me that you are not beholden to Elon Musk in any way. So I
    want to give you an opportunity to say that on the record, if I
    may.
        So first, have you had any communication, e-mails, text or
    calls with Elon Musk regarding how your plan to manage NASA
    since you were nominated?
        Mr. Isaacman. Not at all, Senator.
        Senator Peters. What steps will you take, if confirmed, to
    ensure that he is not allowed undue influence, given the
    extensive contracts that he has with NASA, to make sure that he
    has no undue influence over the awarding or the implementation
    of those contracts?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, I think, Senator, I absolutely want to
    be clear. My loyalty is to this Nation, the Space Agency and
    their world-changing mission. I have to imagine that in the
    1960s, Administrator Webb would have taken phone calls and
    welcomed the input from all the various contractors that were
    contributing to the endeavor. But they are the contractors.
    NASA is the customer. They work for us, not the other way
    around, Senator.
        Senator Peters. Very good. Ms. Trusty, you have a deep
    history working on defense related Spectrum issues that are
    absolutely critical, as you know, to our security apparatus.
    However, agencies other than the DOD use Spectrum for key
    public safety applications, and I believe that they need to be
    protected as well.
        One such band is 5.9, also known as the Auto Safety
    Spectrum, which is overseen by the Department of
    Transportation. This band allows for the deployment of safety
    technologies, including cellular vehicle to everything
    technology that certainly enables collision avoidance, freight
    efficiency movements and a whole lot more. In 2020, some of the
    Spectrum was allocated away from these auto safety purposes,
    which in my mind will reduce roadway safety in the long term.
    And I believe we cannot let that happen again.
        I think my Senator from Ohio will agree that we have to
    make sure auto safety is always put at the forefront of
    considerations when it comes to the Spectrum. So my question to
    you is, if confirmed, will you commit to protecting the
    remaining Auto Safety Spectrum for roadway safety innovation
    like the cellular vehicle to everything technology?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, thank you for this question and it is
    really important to me. In my time in the House I worked
    closely with NHTSA on vehicle safety issues. So I am very
    familiar with the safe--the life saving potential of C-V2X, it
    will be--and so I think as a--if confirmed, my responsibility
    is to put Spectrum to its highest and best use, meaning
    maximizing its economic and societal benefits.
        When it comes to vehicle safety that will certainly be a
    part of the information in the record, and I would be happy to
    work with you to ensure that C-V2X can be deployed with the
    resources it needs so it is readily available to all Americans.
        Senator Peters. Well, I hope it is a priority and we'll--if
    confirmed we will work closely with you.
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Moreno. Senator Blackburn.

                  STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE

        Senator Blackburn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to
    each of you for getting that testimony in and for being here
    today. We appreciate it and appreciate the opportunity to visit
    with you.
        Mr. Isaacman, I was so pleased to hear you talk about
    nuclear propulsion. We have Oak Ridge National Labs, we have
    Arnold Air, which is the only place you can do hypersonic
    testing, and of course, Huntsville and Marshall Space Flight is
    very close to our Tennessee border. We have a lot of
    Tennesseans that are there. So pleased to hear you put some
    emphasis on that, we agree with you that emphasis needs to be
    placed there.
        But I want you to just give me a synopsis of what you think
    is the most important area of competition as we look at what is
    happening with China, with Russia, with great power
    competition, what North Korea and Iran are doing?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, thank you very much for the
    question. For starters, competition can work really well. I
    think competition from a commercial perspective is doing great.
    We have gone from a world where at one point in time the Nation
    had a dependency on one launch provider, and foreign rocket
    technology. Now, we have a very mature commercial industry with
    several providers able to help us accelerate mass, and people
    and astronauts into orbit.
        Well, competition works well in the global stage as well,
    ma'am, so long as we do not lose. And right now, I mean, that
    could not be more important in the ultimate high ground of
    space. I mean that is a critically important domain. NASA will
    continue to press out, lead the way in that ultimate high
    ground. But we are going to need our partners in the Department
    of Defense, the Space Force, we are going need to be
    collaborating and making sure they are watching out for us.
        Senator Blackburn. Ms. Trusty, welcome. And I am so pleased
    to see so many of your family members here to support you. And
    to all of the--I guess it is nieces, and nephews that are here.
        Ms. Trusty. That is right, and siblings, and friends.
        Senator Blackburn. Just know she is really smart and she is
    working hard. OK. We talked a little bit about spectrum and as
    you know, it concerns me that 60 percent of our mid-band
    spectrum is held by Federal agencies. Much of that is sitting
    fallow, it is not being used. We cannot afford that. We are
    commercializing only 5 percent of that.
        So talk to me about the importance of NTIA conducting an
    inventory, the importance of the FCC supporting an inventory,
    the importance of Congress restoring the ability to have
    spectrum auction authority?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator, for this question. So I
    will start kind of from the first part about restoring auction
    authority. As I mentioned previously, I think this is
    incredibly important to our economic and national security. I
    think auction authority serves as a catalyst to investment and
    innovation, not just for broadband deployment across this
    country, but for emerging technologies and applications that
    will allow us to be a global leader in technological
    innovation.
        As far as supporting an inventory, I think an inventory
    could be good. It tells us what spectrum is being used and how.
    As you know, there may be some things that are classified or
    sapped and they will not be available to the public. But
    certainly members of the Committee could have access to that
    information to make more informed decisions about spectrum
    management. But I think we do need to have a full view of what
    is available, what is being used, so that we can properly put
    Spectrum to its highest and best use for economical----
        Senator Blackburn. And maybe even share some of that
    spectrum?
        Ms. Trusty. Potentially, as the studies indicate. Yes,
    ma'am.
        Senator Blackburn. OK. Talk to me a little bit about USF. I
    know Senator Fischer and Senator Klobuchar asked you about
    that. And I think USF has outlived its usefulness and needs to
    be replaced with something different. We will see what the
    court has to say about it. So articulate reforms if they say
    you can keep USF, and replacement if they say you cannot?
        Ms. Trusty. Sure, Senator. I appreciate this question. So
    Universal Service is the cornerstone of the FCC's mission. It
    is a part of the Communications Act to advance and preserve
    Universal Service generally as a concept and----
        Senator Blackburn. Yes. I just want to know reforms. Yes.
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator. So there could be distribution
    reforms, or contribution reforms, depending on what the facts
    tell us. I think there is an opportunity to have performance
    metrics for each of the programs to understand what the
    efficacy is of each of those programs in addressing the needs.
    There could be better oversight over eligibility requirements.
    There could also be better oversight over participating
    providers' compliance with those programs to ensure that those
    dollars are being targeted to those who need them.
        Senator Blackburn. Excellent. Thank you so much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I am going to send you one question on PAOLA.
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, ma'am.
        Senator Blackburn. Because that is so important to our
    artists there in Tennessee. And to each of you, all the
    children deserve ice cream. They have been awesome today.
        [Laughter.]
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator.
        The Chairman. I would ask, Senator Blackburn, is the ice
    cream limited to the children?
        Senator Blackburn. Senator Cruz, you showed up on time
    today, so you, too, deserve ice cream.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Blackburn. I will be certain that at lunch I serve
    you ice cream.
        The Chairman. I will take it. Senator Lujan.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO

        Senator Lujan. It looks like I am joining you for lunch,
    Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, thank you for this hearing today.
        It is good to see you both here and with family support.
    That means something. Ms. Trusty, in last month's Supreme Court
    oral arguments in the USF case, the Solicitor General noted
    that the FCC Commissioners do not have statutory for-cause
    removal protections. In our meeting yesterday, you stated that
    the issue of for-cause removal was subject to pending
    litigation and that you would not weigh in.
        Regardless, it appears that President Trump believes he can
    fire you at-will when confirmed. How will you maintain your
    independence if the President can fire you simply because he
    may not like a position you take?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. I appreciate the question
    and I understand the importance of the issue. My job, if
    confirmed, is to focus on upholding and enforcing the law.
    Whatever happens with what is subject to pending litigation, my
    first obligation is to facts, the law, and with respect to the
    proceeding that comes before the Commission, and that is--I
    think the FCC has a very transparent and open process and my
    commitment would be to making sure that I have--what I commit
    to, I have no fear--without fear of favor, I would make a
    decision with respect to any individual or entity that comes
    before the Commission.
        Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. Yesterday when we spoke,
    I shared with you I was a former utility commissioner and the
    importance of the training I received as an administrative law
    judge. And while we may be able to gather information
    elsewhere, it is the importance of the record. The decisions
    that will be made that are in front of you will be based on the
    record that is established. Is that something you agree with?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. Ms. Trusty, as I shared
    with you yesterday, I have also been very disturbed by the
    actions taken by Chair Carr to investigate broadcast companies
    for their editorial decisionmaking. In January, Chair Carr
    reinstated complaints against ABC regarding its moderation of
    the debate between Trump and Harris. Trump complained that the
    debate was, quote, ``rigged'' and stated, ``They ought to take
    away their licenses for the way they did that.'' Do you think
    it is appropriate for the President to call for the revocation
    of broadcast licenses?
        Ms. Trusty. So Senator, I think President Trump has First
    Amendment rights to express his views. My responsibility, if
    confirmed, is to focus on the facts, FCC precedent and the law
    in carrying out whatever the decisionmaking process is for
    proceeding before the Commission.
        Senator Lujan. As part of that, In March 2025, Chair Carr
    gave an interview to Bloomberg News in which he said, ``any
    business that are looking for FCC approval, I would encourage
    them to get busy ending any sort of their invidious forms of
    DEI discrimination.'' In addition, Chair Carr said that ``CBS
    editorial decision regarding an interview with Vice President
    Harris would factor into the review.'' My question to you is:
    Do you think it is appropriate to consider a broadcaster's
    editorial decisions when reviewing a merger?
        Ms. Trusty. So Senator, with respect to mergers or
    transactions, I would be--I would look at them through the lens
    of what advances the public interest. As you know, these are
    very fact-specific cases that require a thoughtful and thorough
    review of information in the record, and I would be guided by
    the statute.
        Senator Lujan. Let me ask the question very clearly. Do you
    believe that the FCC should be weaponized against media
    organizations?
        Ms. Trusty. No, Senator.
        Senator Lujan. I appreciate that very much.
        Now, Mr. Isaacman, I have many questions for you. I want to
    be--I am always aware of my members'--my colleagues' time as
    well. I am going to submit your questions to the record.
        Ms. Trusty, I just want to conclude by sharing with you
    that you have an ethical record. You have a strong reputation
    on Capitol Hill, protect it. You have a bright future. We need
    good Democrats, good Republicans. I do not agree with all your
    positions, I do not agree with all my Democratic colleagues'
    positions, but the FCC should be a strong independent body. We
    need good people there. And I appreciate you being here today.
        I yield back.
        Senator Cantwell. Mr. Chairman, if I could, before we
    continue. For the record, Senator Fetterman would like to be
    recorded as an ``aye'' by proxy on the Roth nomination.
        The Chairman. Without objection, the record will be
    corrected to so reflect.
        Senator Sullivan.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA

        Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And to our
    nominees, congratulations, and thank you for willing to serve
    your country and your families, great to see so many families
    here.
        Ms. Trusty, I want to make sure I get your commitment off
    the bat to come to Alaska, see the many challenges we have in
    Alaska. You can bring your whole family, we can do it during
    the summer, go fishing, but I need you to get out to my state
    and see the challenges, particularly as it relates to
    communications, broadband, Internet connectivity. You know,
    people talk about rural, and then there is Alaska, which is
    just way more rural than everywhere else. Can I get your
    commitment to do that?
        Ms. Trusty. Absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Sullivan. And you know, when the FCC commissioners
    do that, they have all come to our state, they realize that in
    terms of the FCC, there is really, really the need for
    importance on embracing flexible policies as it relates to
    Alaska. The FCC came up with The Alaska Plan, as I am sure you
    are aware of, and then they have now referred to that as the
    FCC's Alaska Connect Fund.
        Will you commit to me to working with any--on any future
    changes? There is a midpoint pause in 2029 relating to the
    Alaska Connect pause that gives the FCC the opportunity to look
    at different flexibilities there. Can I get your commitment to
    work with me on both what was The Alaska Plan and now the
    Alaska Connect Fund?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator, I would be happy to.
        Senator Sullivan. That has strong bipartisan support over
    the last several years in the FCC, pretty much all the
    commissioners have supported it. Can I get your commitment on
    that?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Sullivan. Great. I am going to ask you a question
    for the record on media ownership that I would like your
    response on.
        Mr. Isaacman, have you seen the movie ``The Martian''?
        Mr. Isaacman. I have, Senator.
        Senator Sullivan. OK. I have a--well, my daughters are
    older now, but when I took them to see that, they were very
    inspired. And you kind of have the Hollywood version, the live
    version right here, with all these smart, good looking
    astronauts in our hearing room today. Can you give me your
    ideas on how to promote better through media, maybe even
    through Hollywood, these upcoming missions to the Moon,
    missions to Mars, to inspire our young people?
        I think it is a really, really great opportunity. I do not
    think NASA has always embraced that opportunity, but we have so
    many exciting things on the horizon. And I mean it, when you
    look at these astronauts and how smart they are, and how
    inspiring they can be to young Americans to serve their
    country, to study science. Give me your thoughts on that, and
    what an opportunity we have to take advantage of that?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, I completely agree. And as I
    mentioned before, I think it is a fundamental obligation of
    NASA to inspire the next generation to want to grow up and be
    scientists, engineers, astronauts, researchers, and set the bar
    even higher. And I do believe the first step on that journey is
    to execute on the mission.
        I mean, nothing is going to create more future scientists
    and engineers than seeing American astronauts on the Moon,
    American astronauts on Mars, in line with President Trump's
    vision, planting the stars and stripes on Mars.
        So I do think that is a fundamental obligation. I think
    that NASA right now we could do a better job, if confirmed, on
    emphasizing quality, content over quantity. There is, I think,
    about 300 different NASA social channels. They are awesome.
    They put a lot of good things out. I think we can narrow that
    down and make sure we are capturing the really inspirational
    footage, what everybody wants to see that inspires them to grow
    up and want to reach even higher.
        Senator Sullivan. Good. I think you will have strong
    bipartisan support for doing that. I also want to get your
    commitment, if confirmed, to come to Alaska?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, as a pilot, I have been fortunate to
    fly around Alaska quite a bit. And I would point out on
    aircraft that rolled off assembly lines in Wichita--I know
    Senator Moran would like to hear that--I am looking forward to
    returning.
        Senator Sullivan. Good. Because as you know, and you have
    helped pioneered commercial space flight, you know better than
    most that the future of space access is not just Cape
    Canaveral, or Vandenberg, it is increasingly spread across our
    entire country, including places like Alaska. The specific
    Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island is the only high altitude,
    polar-capable spaceport in the United States. There is rising
    demand for facilities like that at Kodiak in terms of both
    government and commercial launches. They have done both.
        And I would love to take you out to Kodiak Island. Not just
    to see the largest brown bears in the world, of which we have
    thousands, but a really, really up and coming spaceport
    complex. Have you ever spent time out at the Kodiak Spaceport
    Complex?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I have been there. I did not see any
    bears. I was looking and I would love to return, sir.
        Senator Sullivan. OK. So you and I are going to return, and
    we will get an eye on some bears, maybe do some fishing with
    Ms. Trusty when she brings her family.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Sullivan. But in all seriousness, that is a
    spaceport complex that I think has enormous potential. Would
    you agree with that?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I think that, as mentioned before,
    space is the ultimate high ground. It is a vitally important
    domain for national security. I frankly think we need more
    spaceports. We have to always ensure our access to low Earth
    orbit and ensure national security.
        Senator Sullivan. Great. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. And by the way, if anything, Senator Sullivan
    is underselling the fishing in Alaska. It is phenomenal. It is
    not quite as big a state as Texas, but it, but it has enormous
    natural beauty.
        Senator Sullivan. OK, Mr. Chairman, you do not want to do
    the size stuff with me.
        [Laughter.]
        The Chairman. Senator Blunt Rochester; yet another massive
    state.

                STATEMENT OF HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE

        Senator Blunt Rochester. That is correct. That is correct,
    Delaware. And we are, that is right, we are the first state
    though. That is the important thing.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and to Ranking Member Cantwell;
    welcome Ms. Trusty, and Mr. Isaacman, and your families.
        I would like to start my questions with Ms. Trusty. As an
    avid tech person myself, I love this stuff. Based on
    predictions, I have seen that 6G is coming sometime in the
    early 2030s. And I have heard exciting things about how 6G
    networks will be integrated with AI to enable better
    connectivity. In the House, I was fortunate to lead bills on
    immersive technology, and it really helped, helping us train
    our workforce. AI literacy was one of the bills that I focused
    on. And just the notion of being able to do things in real
    time, real-time adaptive changes presents a lot of
    opportunities, but it also presents challenges.
        There were some issues that delayed the initial 5G rollout,
    such as Huawei being used as a potential supplier,
    infrastructure build out issues and more. And I view the 6G
    rollout as a crucial step in our competition against China in
    the national security realm as well as technology spaces.
        Ms. Trusty, if confirmed, what specifically do you think
    the FCC can do to ensure that the 6G rollout is smoother than
    the 5G rollout was?
        Ms. Trusty. Great. Thank you for the question and I really
    agree with so much of what you said. I will start with
    cybersecurity and making sure networks are deployed in a secure
    way. And I applaud this committee on making sure the Rip and
    Replace Fund was fully funded.
        I have been interested to see the creation of the National
    Security Council at the FCC. And I think that is an opportunity
    for the FCC to leverage its authorities in the Secure and
    Trusted Communications Networks Act to ban other high-risk
    equipment and vendors from our Nation's communications
    networks. I also think the FCC can promote the adoption of open
    radio access network technology, which can help diversify and
    strengthen our domestic supply chain so that we are not overly
    reliant on one or two vendors. And I think it can help increase
    security, competition, and ultimately reduce the cost of
    providing these networks in the first place.
        Senator Blunt Rochester. I am a big supporter as well on
    strengthening our supply chains. We actually have a Cantwell,
    Blackburn, Blunt Rochester Bill. I like to call those my
    strange bedfellows bills where we come together on these issues
    that we know are going to affect all of us. I want to also
    discuss the potential security concerns about 6G, particularly
    given, again, the flaws in 4G and 5G networks, such as a study
    finding that 100 percent of 4G networks were susceptible to
    denial of service attacks, and 5G being vulnerable to network
    attacks. I know this is an easy one. So maybe it is a yes or
    no. Will you prioritize cybersecurity for 6G networks?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Blunt Rochester. And what other potential measures
    do you think the FCC can take to best secure 6G networks in
    particular?
        Ms. Trusty. You know, I think this, a lot of this can be
    done through AI. I am really excited about the development of
    the technology, and I think there are tremendous use cases in
    not only detecting fraud and scams, but securing the network
    itself. So if I am confirmed, I would look to leverage
    artificial intelligence in these ways.
        Senator Blunt Rochester. You kind of preempted my next
    question, which deals with so many Americans. It is estimated
    that around four million--or four billion robocalls are made
    per month. In fact, Delaware, while we are the first state, I
    do not like the fact that we are the first state in robocall
    complaints. I think I probably received four of them while I
    was sitting here. And there is now this AI-powered grandparent
    scams.
        Back when I was in the House, as I mentioned, some of the
    legislation I introduced, but we had one on the Fraud and Scam
    Reduction Act, to help tackle scams that target seniors. And I
    encouraged the FCC--I am encouraged that they now cover AI
    voice calls under the TCPA. And last year, now Chair Carr
    supported requiring callers to disclose, upfront, to consumers
    when they receive an AI-generated call. Do you support
    requiring callers to disclose to consumers when it is an AI-
    generated call?
        Ms. Trusty. I certainly think that can be helpful in
    protecting consumers from illegal robocallers, Senator.
        Senator Blunt Rochester. And I will say consumer protection
    is one of the areas that we are very much focused on. Should
    you be confirmed, we would like to continue to work with you on
    that.
        And Mr. Isaacman, we had a very good conversation as well.
    I will be submitting questions for the record because I respect
    the Chairman's time. So I yield back.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Young.

                     STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA

        Senator Young. Well, thank you both for being here today.
    Mr. Isaacson--Isaacman, rather, the U.S. economy, national
    defense infrastructure, they all rely on satellites extensively
    these days, for GPS, for weather, for communications purposes,
    for surveillance, and much more. So a collision or a loss of
    key satellites could result in even catastrophic national
    security and economic costs. As you know, the TraCSS system,
    Traffic Coordination System for Space was launched in 2024. It
    is being developed to provide situational awareness data across
    civil, military, and commercial sectors.
        Mr. Isaacman, if confirmed, how would you ensure that NASA
    coordinates with the Department of Commerce and DOD on space
    situational awareness, and space traffic management efforts?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, thank you very much for the
    question. This is a subject that I am pretty passionate about.
    My two missions to space, the number one risk we faced was from
    orbital debris. For starters, I think NASA absolutely will play
    a role. As you know, this new frontier continues to open, and
    ideally, we have lots of space stations, and lots of activity,
    and a great, flourishing economic environment in space, I
    believe all of the information that we can gather from our
    assets on space debris should be funneled into a single mission
    control that has the ultimate situational awareness.
        But I have to say also, the biggest threat, Senator, is
    what we cannot track, what is so tiny, the millimeter-size
    objects at orbital velocity that can shred a satellite or a
    spacecraft. And in that respect, we have to stop adding to the
    problem.
        The United States is very good at not adding to the
    problem. I cannot say that is the same for some of our
    geopolitical rivals, sir.
        Senator Young. Maybe you could speak with a little more
    specificity about the gravity of the problem. Paint the picture
    for those who might be watching these proceedings about how
    extensive this challenge has become. I will just let you take
    it from there.
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, absolutely. A lot of people think of
    whether it is a discarded second stage in orbit or a defunct
    satellite as the problem. We know where they are, and we can
    have trajectories that avoid them. The issue is the speck of
    paint that falls off that satellite that is now traveling at
    17,500 miles an hour and can collide with another object going
    17,500 miles an hour.
        I had an opportunity to visit the NASA facility, the White
    Sands Missile Range, and see what a one- and two-millimeter
    piece of aluminum does at near orbital velocities, and I can
    tell you what it penetrates through is pretty--it is eye-
    opening, to say the least.
        It is an issue. We certainly need to do all we can to avoid
    any sort of kinetic conflict in low Earth orbit, to stop adding
    to the problem. Again, I think the United States does a
    fantastic job at doing this. We need to work really hard to
    make sure others, maybe less responsible actors do not add to
    the problem.
        Senator Young. Well, I would like to work with you on this
    challenge, should you be confirmed, as I believe you will be.
    So clearly, you are conversant in it, and it sounds like you
    will be prioritizing this.
        Ms. Trusty, the FCC's International Bureau Telecom and
    Analysis Division, TAD, issues licenses to own and operate
    submarine cables and associated landing stations in the United
    States. Commercial undersea telecom cables carry approximately
    99 percent of transoceanic digital communication, serving as a
    physical backbone for our internet. Since 2022, Russia has
    stepped up its attacks on this infrastructure. In 2023, Yi Peng
    3, a Chinese tanker that had previously departed a Russian
    port, cut two Baltic Sea cables.
        You know, incidents like this we are reading about them on
    a regular basis these days. Ms. Trusty, what steps is the FCC's
    TAD Office taking to protect undersea cable infrastructure and
    the sensitive data and information transmitted across undersea
    cables every day?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I think
    this is such an important issue. I focused a lot on it during
    my time on the Armed Services Committee. This is such an
    important part of our critical infrastructure, and I think we
    need to do more to secure it. As you mentioned, the FCC works
    closely with Team Telecom to review and approve undersea cable
    applications. I think we can promote more transparency in our
    foreign ownership in these undersea cables, so we have a better
    sense of what the risk might be.
        I also think we should try to promote more U.S.-led
    undersea cable projects so that we can eliminate the risks
    entirely. In addition to that, I think exploring the
    diversification of undersea cable routes to ensure that there
    is no single point of failure to the extent an undersea cable
    is disrupted. But I think, as a protective measure, we should
    work on strengthening our disaster recovery and emergency
    response plans, given that some of these cables are so
    vulnerable to exploitation.
        If I am confirmed, Senator, this would be a priority of
    mine.
        Senator Young. My office will follow up with you on some of
    your answers for further elaboration, but I do get the sense
    you are very much dialed into this. I will just make one last
    comment, knowing that we have colleagues waiting.
        Setting standards, Ms. Trusty, at the FCC through
    international governing bodies is increasingly important. I
    think we have been outflanked over the years by the Chinese in
    particular, but also by others. We need to develop a unified
    position here at the Federal level between the FCC, and state,
    and the NTIA, and various other entities so that we can
    prioritize this moving forward. So we will follow up with a
    question for the record about that as well.
        Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Duckworth.

                  STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS

        Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As Ranking
    Member of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee, I am looking
    forward to getting a bipartisan NASA reauthorization done to
    make sure that NASA is able to execute its mission with a
    consistent vision and congressional support, free of undue
    influence from any temporary government employees.
        According to the Global Counterspace Capabilities Report
    published this month, the PRC is rapidly advancing a broad
    spectrum of counterspace capabilities as part of a sustained
    push to secure military power in orbit and expand their
    presence in space. The PRC has also started building its second
    satellite Internet constellation in low Earth orbit and has
    committed to continued human presence in LEO at its Tiangong
    space station.
        More than ever, NASA's missions need to be consistent and
    laser focused, and avoid major subversions of mission
    priorities and diversion of funds, not only for our global
    space leadership but also for our national security.
        I am going to, Mr. Isaacman, ask you a couple of yes/no
    questions, but first, I just want to say that a sustained human
    presence in low Earth orbit is crucial for advancing scientific
    research, testing technologies for future deep space missions,
    and fostering a thriving economy and global leadership, as LEO
    serves as a unique environment for research, development, and
    training due to its microgravity environment.
        By supporting extended human operations in LEO, NASA can
    test exploration systems, conduct human research, and maintain
    operational expertise vital for missions on the Moon and to
    Mars. These are not things that can be done by machine alone,
    and a gap in our human presence in LEO will likely result in
    ceding our leadership to the PRC.
        Mr. Isaacman, do you support maintaining continuous human
    presence in low Earth orbit?
        Mr. Isaacman. I do, Senator. I think if reusability has
    given us anything, it is a very affordable path to send
    American astronauts to and from low Earth orbit.
        Senator Duckworth. Thank you. Elon Musk has suggested that
    the International Space Station's strategic value has run its
    course and should be deorbited as soon as possible to focus on
    a mission to Mars. For the last--and that is quote, he said,
    ``As soon as possible.'' For the last 26 years, the strategic
    value of the International Space Station has been invaluable,
    serving as a beacon of the United States' global leadership and
    a symbol of what we can accomplish through international
    cooperation.
        Funnily enough, although I do not think it is very funny at
    all, SpaceX has been awarded the contract to deorbit the
    International Space Station. Mr. Isaacman, do you believe there
    is still utility in maintaining a U.S. presence on the ISS, at
    least through 2030, as currently planned?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, as I mentioned in my prepared
    remarks, I think we need to use up every bit of life that is
    remaining on the International Space Station so we can crack
    the code on the space economy and better hand off those
    responsibilities to commercial industry. I am familiar with Mr.
    Musk's remarks in that. I do think he is a very accomplished
    entrepreneur. I would like to understand his rationale behind
    that. Just as I think, you know, Administrator Webb would want
    to hear from all of the commercial contract leaders from the
    1960s during the space race.
        Senator Duckworth. But you do not think that we should
    deorbit the ISS now?
        Mr. Isaacman. I do not think we should deorbit it now. I
    think we need to make the most use of the space station while
    we have it, and figure out what we can accomplish in the unique
    environment of microgravity, and figure out the space economy
    for Commercial LEO.
        Senator Duckworth. Thank you. The Artemis program is
    critical in our effort to return to the Moon, and returning to
    the Moon is seen as a stepping stone for broader human
    exploration, and critical for scientific discovery, advancing
    technology, and as a necessary preparation for eventually
    progressing to human missions to Mars. I know a few of my
    colleagues already today have tried to get a specific answer
    out of you, but you have avoided directly answering them today.
    So I ask again.
        Mr. Isaacman, do you support maintaining NASA's long-term
    mission to maintaining--maintaining NASA's long-term mission to
    maintain a human activity on the Moon?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, and I am sorry if I am not sounding
    clear on this. I think it is imperative that we do both. I
    think that is what NASA was created to do. I would love nothing
    more than to see this crew get around the Moon, for us to land
    on the Moon, figure out its scientific, economic, national
    security value, while we are also charting a course in line
    with President Trump's vision for American astronauts to plant
    the stars and stripes on Mars.
        Senator Duckworth. So you think we can do both
    simultaneously?
        Mr. Isaacman. I mean, we do multiple flagship scientific
    missions at NASA. We maintain a presence in LEO where we are
    undertaking dozens of scientific experiments at once. I think
    we can, ma'am.
        Senator Duckworth. Do you think we can maintain a mission--
    a presence on the Moon and a mission to Mars simultaneously?
        Mr. Isaacman. I think we can do the Moon, and Mars, and
    beyond.
        Senator Duckworth. OK. You know, whatever we can do to
    support the space program, I am on board. I just have one final
    question, I am asking all the Trump nominees: If given an
    illegal or unconstitutional order by President Trump or your
    superiors, would you oppose it?
        Mr. Isaacman. I do not think President Trump would give an
    illegal order, but I would follow the law, ma'am.
        Senator Duckworth. And you would oppose--if he were?
        Mr. Isaacman. I do not believe the President would give me
    an illegal order, ma'am.
        Senator Duckworth. OK, that is fine. But if given an
    illegal or unconstitutional order, will you oppose it?
        Mr. Isaacman. I will always follow the law, ma'am.
        Senator Duckworth. So is that a yes? You will oppose an
    illegal order if given one by either the President or your
    superiors?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I will always follow the law.
        Senator Duckworth. I am out of time, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Senator Moreno.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO

        Senator Moreno. I will start with you, Mrs. Trusty. Thank
    you so much for taking the time in my office. We did not know
    each other before meeting with you. Your parents are beaming
    with pride, which I love to see, with good reason. You are
    somebody who has an incredibly great temperament, incredible
    intellect, and I cannot think of somebody more qualified to do
    your job, honestly.
        The one question I have for you is, there is a scourge of
    robocalls, it creates enormous amounts of scammers. Seniors are
    getting bilked of their life savings. How would you use
    advanced technologies to put an end to this?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. I really appreciate this
    question, because you are right. I worry about the
    susceptibility of our youth and seniors to robocall scams. And
    I really worry about how illegal robocallers, as we just
    discussed, are leveraging artificial intelligence to get around
    call authentication measures.
        So I think, generally, the FCC could benefit from stronger
    enforcement authorities and penalties to go after illegal
    robocallers. I also think the FCC can continue its work in
    working with international counterparts as well as state
    attorneys generals to go after these fraudsters. But I think we
    need to discuss more proactive call-blocking measures so that
    these calls never reach the end user. So again, I think
    artificial intelligence is the key here.
        Senator Moreno. Well, thank you, and I cannot wait to have
    you in that agency taking care of it.
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, sir.
        Senator Moreno. And I am sure you will. And again, thank
    you for serving this country.
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, sir.
        Senator Moreno. Mr. Isaacson [sic], I am sure with your
    deep intellect that you know that the Aircraft Engine Research
    Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio, was created 17 years before NASA
    was created. And there is a sign when you walk, or when drive
    into the center that says ``For the Benefit of All''; what does
    that mean to you?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, I do believe that NASA's
    mission is to undertake the near impossible, to solve the most
    demanding, complex engineering challenges to bring the
    commercial--so the commercial industry can follow, and to bring
    the rest of the world along the way.
        Senator Moreno. And that is something that I am sure you
    have a passion, a deep passion, to make sure that we are always
    the leader; is that correct?
        Mr. Isaacman. A hundred percent, Senator.
        Senator Moreno. And just for the record, could you give me
    a sense of the scale of difficulty it was for you as a kid, if
    I can say that, as a teenager, to create a company that would
    become as successful as yours? Give me the scale of difficulty,
    and kind of some of--give me one example of a deep challenge
    you faced making that happen that you thought maybe was not
    possible?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, there is a--there was certainly a
    lot of ups and downs over the last 26 years. I would say
    probably some of the earliest challenges, although, I mean, as
    a company that went through the Dot-com, the Great Recession,
    the pandemic, we certainly had our fair share of obstacles
    along the way. Probably some of the hardest was the earliest
    days, Senator, where we tried to grow through our own cash-
    flows, which is always a challenge. And I was 16 years old, so
    I had to make sure I hid myself from any trade shows, or in-
    person meetings. Occasionally someone would show up at the
    house for a meeting, and my father fortunately took that for
    me.
        Senator Moreno. It is always hard to meet underachievers.
    So congratulations on that. How will you use that skill set at
    a complex organization like NASA?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, NASA is an extraordinary agency, and
    they are the most accomplished, well-respected space agency in
    the world. I want to do whatever I can and work alongside the
    best and brightest to continue that. I do suspect there are
    some things that I have learned through running two successful
    businesses over the last two--you know, more than two decades
    that I think I can help bring to the Agency.
        I would love to roll up my sleeves, figure out what is
    being--what are the challenges we have from a program
    management perspective that are causing everything to take
    longer than it should, and cost more than it should. I would
    like to instill a very strong mission-first culture at the
    Agency, that if we can execute on our mission and get to the
    Moon, get to Mars, and all the other things, the inspiration,
    the STEM education will all take care of itself.
        A culture of ownership and accountability, that when we
    make mistakes, we own them, we fix them, and we get back to
    delivering on their important objectives.
        Senator Moreno. Well, thank you for that. And I have one
    last question.
        Ms. Trusty, one hundred percent unequivocal support from
    me. I hope to see my Democrat colleagues join us and see if we
    can get as many votes for you as humanly possible.
        But for Mr. Isaacson [sic], I have one question. It does
    hinge for me, the entirety of whether I can support your
    nomination or not. Who is the most important character in the
    movie Armageddon?
        Mr. Isaacman. Clearly Bruce Willis, for the important self-
    sacrifice for all mankind, sir.
        Senator Moreno. Let the record show he did not say Dan
    Truman, which makes me wonder of his judgment. But I will still
    reserve my vote for you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Moreno. I would note that
    when you were describing the motto ``For the Benefit of All''
    at the facility in Ohio, I thought you were going to reference
    the phrase ``To Serve Man'', the classic Twilight Zone episode
    that ends with ``It is a cookbook. It is a cookbook.''
        Senator Markey.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS

        Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Ms. Trusty, congratulations on your nomination. As you
    know, I authored the E-Rate, E for Education, program in the
    House of Representatives as part of the Telecommunications Act
    of 1996, because I believed then, and I believe now, that
    access to education should not depend on your ZIP code. Thanks
    to the E-Rate, thousands of schools in the United States now
    have high-speed Internet access. That is millions of students
    who can research, learn, and grow with the tools they need to
    succeed in the 21st century economy. Do you agree that the E-
    Rate program has been a success?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, thank you. Yes, I agree that E-Rate
    has been an important part of making sure students are
    connected across the country.
        Senator Markey. Student education has changed a lot since I
    created the E-Rate program nearly 30 years ago. Today, learning
    often extends outside the schoolhouse, putting many low-income
    and rural students who lack Internet access at home at a
    serious disadvantage. Do you agree that having access to high-
    speed broadband at home is important for students and educators
    in our modern educational environment?
        Ms. Trusty. Certainly, Senator. I think having access to
    broadband at home, at school, everywhere across the country, is
    important.
        Senator Markey. And do you agree that a predictable funding
    source for E-Rate is critical for schools and libraries to stay
    connected?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator. The Communications Act requires a
    specific, predictable, and sufficient funding source for
    Universal Service.
        Senator Markey. Thank you. Now, let us turn to a different
    issue. Over the past few months, Chairman Carr has taken a
    series of steps to attack broadcasters over their news
    programming. He pressured CBS to release a transcript of an
    interview with Vice President Harris that supposedly contained
    evidence of deceptive editing.
        When the transcript clearly refuted that allegation,
    Chairman Carr still opened a docket to accept public comments
    on it. He has taken similarly baseless steps against ABC and
    NBC, and he opened an investigation into the underwriting
    practices of public broadcasters without citing any evidence of
    wrongdoing.
        Taken together, these actions indicate a Chairman intent on
    weaponizing the FCC's legal authorities for ideological and
    partisan purposes.
        Ms. Trusty, I understand you cannot comment on open
    proceedings, so I will ask generally. Do you agree that the FCC
    should not open or conduct investigations for political
    purposes?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator. I agree with that.
        Senator Markey. If asked to vote on an investigation or
    enforcement matter that violates the First Amendment, will you
    vote against that matter?
        Ms. Trusty. So Senator, I do not want to speculate on
    something that has not happened yet. But what I can tell you
    is----
        Senator Markey. If it is a violation of the First
    Amendment, will you vote against it?
        Ms. Trusty. What I can tell you is, I firmly believe in the
    First Amendment. And I will not do anything to violate it.
        Senator Markey. OK, that is what I wanted to hear, and I am
    glad to hear that you will take that position. And I am going
    to be closely monitoring the Commission's work to ensure that
    it complies with the First Amendment. Thank you.
        Mr. Isaacman, you have deep personal and financial ties to
    Elon Musk. You have invested tens of millions of dollars in
    SpaceX. You have paid millions of dollars to SpaceX for two
    private space flights. Your payments company, Shift4, has an
    ongoing, ``global strategic partnership'' with Starlink worth
    millions each year.
        And according to a recent Wall Street Journal report, Musk
    personally asked you to lead NASA. Given SpaceX's significant
    interest before NASA, you can understand why the public would
    be concerned about conflicts of interest here. So let us try to
    set a few things straight. I understand that you met with Elon
    Musk at Mar-a-Lago in late 2024; is that correct?
        Mr. Isaacman. No, Senator. I was in Mar-a-Lago to be
    interviewed by the President of the United States.
        Senator Markey. So you did not meet with Elon Musk at Mar-
    a-Lago?
        Mr. Isaacman. I went to Mar-a-Lago to be interviewed by the
    President of the United States----
        Senator Markey. I did not ask you that. Did you meet with
    Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago?
        Mr. Isaacman. I believe he was one of dozens of people that
    were around Mar-a-Lago at the time, Senator.
        Senator Markey. So did you meet with him?
        Mr. Isaacman. I would not say we had a meeting. We probably
    had a conversation in passing, Senator.
        Senator Markey. OK. During that same trip, then President-
    elect Trump offered you the NASA Administrator job; is that
    correct?
        Mr. Isaacman. At the conclusion of the meeting, Senator, he
    did.
        Senator Markey. Thank you. Was Elon Musk in your meeting
    when Trump offered you the NASA position at Mar-a-Lago?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I was interviewed by the President
    of the United States.
        Senator Markey. Was Elon Musk in the meeting when he
    offered you the job?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, my meeting was with the President of
    the United States.
        Senator Markey. So Elon Musk was not in the meeting; is
    that what you are saying?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I was being interviewed and speaking
    with the President of the United States.
        Senator Markey. Can you just say he was not in the meeting?
    Was he in the meeting or not in the meeting?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I am trying to be as transparent as
    I can. I was being interviewed by the President of the United
    States.
        Senator Markey. It is not a difficult question. Was Elon
    Musk in the room when the President offered you the job?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I was--again, my meeting was with
    the President of the United States.
        Senator Markey. I am assuming that you do not want to
    answer the question directly because Elon Musk was in the room.
    I think that is the only conclusion anyone listening to this
    could reach, unless you want to dispel us of that notion.
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, again, I was being interviewed by
    the President of the United States. I would also say I have
    no----
        Senator Markey. That is not what--I appreciate that. I am
    just trying to determine Elon Musk's role in this, and you are
    not willing to be fully transparent. Have you discussed your
    plans for NASA with Elon Musk?
        Mr. Isaacman. I have not.
        Senator Markey. So those questions obviously raise serious
    questions. And I want to turn to one more specific question.
    From monitoring sea level rise to polar ice loss, to wildfires,
    NASA's satellites are the backbone of climate research used by
    scientists, policymakers, and the public across the globe.
    NASA's Earth Observing System collects and archives more than
    147 terabytes of data each day. This data underpins climate
    action efforts at every level of the government, and it drives
    global research collaborations, and it informs life-saving
    disaster response.
        It is a public good. Yet the Trump administration is
    seeking to undermine that. A recent investigation found that
    large swaths of climate datasets, visualizations, and web
    tools, once publicly accessible, have been altered or taken
    down. This unprecedented rollback of public information
    compromises scientific continuity and transparency at a time of
    accelerating climate threats and extreme weather events.
        If confirmed, will you commit to fully restoring and
    maintaining access to data, as well as resisting any political
    pressure to sideline climate research at NASA?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I can tell you I am very passionate
    about the Earth Sciences Division inside of NASA, especially
    with respect to anything that has impact on human life and the
    financial repercussions for remediating things such as
    wildfires, landslides, flooding. Earth Sciences also, it plays
    a big role in----
        Senator Markey. But will you----
        Mr. Isaacman.--near-earth asteroid protection.
        Senator Markey. But will you make a commitment to restore
    all of that information so that it is available to the public?
    It is vital scientific information.
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I have not been made aware of any
    information that is not being provided. I mean, I am just not
    familiar with any of these changes, Senator.
        Senator Markey. I am very disappointed in your question
    [sic]. All this information is vital to getting the information
    into the hands of scientists and ultimately ordinary citizens
    too.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Markey.
        Senator Markey. And I appreciate your indulgence, Mr.
    Chairman.
        The Chairman. Mr. Isaacman, in response to Senator
    Duckworth, you said multiple times you will follow the law.
    Under every circumstance, you will follow the law. I appreciate
    that commitment.
        I want to go back and revisit the exchange you had with
    Senator Kim, because one component of the law, you have said,
    and I am glad to hear it, that under your leadership, America
    will beat China back to the Moon. That is important. But the
    law is clear beyond simply going to the Moon, that is part of
    it; that going to the Moon shall be a stepping stone for
    further exploration of Mars. The ultimate objective is Mars,
    but going to the Moon is critical.
        The law also specifies explicitly, ``The Administrator
    shall'', and when legislation uses the word ``shall'', it
    denotes a mandatory obligation, ``The Administrator shall
    establish a program to develop a sustained human presence in
    cislunar space or on the Moon.'' With respect to Senator Kim
    you were reluctant to commit on a sustained human presence on
    the Moon. Could you clarify your view on that to this
    committee?
        Mr. Isaacman. Well, Senator, as a space enthusiast, I would
    like nothing more, as I have said before, to see a number of
    lunar outposts, and Mars outposts, and for us to even progress
    farther out into our solar system. If we have--if we are in an
    unlimited budgetary environment and can maintain an ongoing
    presence on the lunar surface, I am more than supportive of it.
    I think it is imperative that we have to get back to the Moon
    first as quickly as we possibly can, figure out again the
    scientific, economic, national security value to being there,
    which I am very hopeful that we are going to find in order to
    support the ongoing presence on the lunar surface, sir.
        The Chairman. So the statute is written in the disjunctive.
    It gives the choice of either the surface of the Moon or
    cislunar orbit; what is your view on the Gateway project?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, that is an area that if I am
    confirmed, I would, again, would love to roll up my sleeves and
    get--further understand what is working right? What are the
    opportunities the Gateway presents to us? And where are some of
    the challenges? Because I think the Gateway is a component of
    many programs that are over budget and behind schedule, sir.
        The Chairman. So you are describing Gateway as over budget
    and behind schedule. I will say there is a long history in NASA
    of administrations coming in and canceling programs and causing
    massive delays. Barack Obama did that with Constellation, and
    NASA struggled for years as a consequence. As Administrator,
    are you going to cancel the Gateway program?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I have no intention as of now to say
    that I would cancel any program. I need to, if I am confirmed,
    get in the job and understand where things are at. I want to
    assure you and this Committee that I want to see America win
    and succeed and lead in space, whether that be the Moon, Mars,
    low Earth orbit, and beyond. I do not want to see us come in
    second place, and I certainly do not want to see the right-hand
    side of that poster you put up, sir.
        The Chairman. So I want to ask you again, because you have
    said you will follow the law. Are you committed to a sustained
    human presence in cislunar space or on the Moon, and that is
    Federal Statute?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, if that is the law then I am
    committed to it.
        The Chairman. OK. All right. Let us talk LEO. The
    International Space Station is managed at Johnson Space Center
    in Houston, Texas. NASA is planning to retire the ISS by 2030,
    replacing it with one or more commercially developed space
    stations, funded partially by NASA and partially by outside
    customers. Unfortunately, both NASA and commercial replacements
    are behind schedule. Do you agree that we cannot have a gap
    period between the ISS and its successor, when there would be
    zero human U.S. presence in low Earth orbit?
        Mr. Isaacman. I do agree, Senator. We cannot cede low Earth
    orbit to the Chinese.
        The Chairman. Now, I would note, in the first Trump
    administration, there were those in the administration pushing
    to deorbit the International Space Station prematurely. Given
    that we have invested over $100 billion dollars in the station,
    I think that would be profoundly foolish to give up on that
    investment as long as it is safe to continue using it. After
    the administration floated this idea multiple times, the U.S.
    Senate passed legislation that I authored, 100 to nothing.
    Every Republican and every senator came through, committing
    that we would maintain the International Space Station at least
    until 2030, as long as it is safe and scientifically feasible.
    Will you commit to follow the law and not deorbit the space
    station before 2030?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I will absolutely commit to follow
    the law, and I think we need to maximize the return that
    taxpayers have invested in that orbital laboratory, use every
    bit of time we have to crack the code on the space economy, and
    give Commercial LEO destinations a fighting chance when they
    inevitably take over, sir.
        The Chairman. Ms. Trusty, it has been 2 years since the FCC
    lost general auction authority, and 3 years since the last
    meaningful auction of Spectrum. The Spectrum Pipeline Act,
    which I introduced with Leader Thune and with Senator Blackburn
    last year, would restore the FCC's auction authority and would
    establish a clear pipeline of mid-band spectrum for commercial
    use.
        Ms. Trusty, should Congress restore the FCC's general
    auction authority with a clear pipeline of mid-band spectrum?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator, and to the extent it accommodates
    both our economic and national security interests, I believe it
    can.
        The Chairman. So what would be the benefits of restoring
    the auction authority with a clear pipeline of mid-band
    spectrum?
        Ms. Trusty. Thank you, Senator. I think there would be
    tremendous economic benefits: job creation, workforce
    productivity, the expansion of broadband services across the
    country, I also think it is foundational to our leadership
    internationally on global technologies.
        The Chairman. As you know, the Department of Defense has
    been highly resistant to giving up any Spectrum, and for a long
    time they have given a parade of horribles as to what would
    occur if any Spectrum moved to the commercial sector. I find
    that parade of horribles highly incredible and the result of
    bureaucratic intransigence. It is intransigence that began when
    General Milley was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and DOD
    chose a strategy of absolutely resisting and refusing to work
    on freeing up Spectrum.
        I recently had a classified briefing, of which you are
    aware, where I asked two questions to the senior leadership at
    DOD and also senior leadership of the intelligence community.
    The first question I asked was: Over 50 countries across the
    planet have moved substantial portions of the Spectrum in
    question to the commercial sector, and they are being used
    presently for commercial purposes, is it DOD's position that
    our Navy does not operate in the Pacific, that we can only
    defend Topeka, Kansas, and the rest of the world, our military
    is unable to defend the United States?
        You have unique expertise, having worked both on the
    Commerce Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee. In
    your opinion, are we able to defend ourselves across the globe,
    even in areas where other countries have moved significant
    portions of Spectrum to be available for the commercial sector?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, I appreciate this question. So I will
    say I am not privy to all of DOD's Spectrum assets and
    capabilities, but I do think there is an opportunity to move
    forward on Spectrum policy that protects both our national
    security and advances our economic interests. And I think what
    that really requires is, like you said, having classified
    briefings or briefings in the public, where multiple
    stakeholder perspectives are represented to challenge positions
    on various matters. I think it promotes transparency, and it
    ensures, I think, there is more cohesion on Spectrum matters
    going forward.
        The Chairman. The second question that I asked DOD that
    they had a totally insufficient answer to, was what would be
    the national security consequences, and I would add the
    economic security consequences, if America loses the race for
    6G, and the global telecom architecture is built by Huawei and
    controlled by the Chinese communists, and every active duty
    serviceman and woman who has their own cell phone is now
    communicating over Chinese telecom infrastructure. In your
    judgment, what would be the economic interest and the national
    security interest if that occurred, if we lose the race to 6G?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, I think--I hope we could all agree
    that it would be devastating to our economic and national
    security interest if we had to be reliant on Chinese
    technologies.
        The Chairman. Senator Cantwell.
        Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am glad I made
    it back. Ms. Trusty, you both look like you----
        The Chairman. I did filibuster a little bit for you.
        Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I wanted
    to go back to that virtual multichannel video programming
    distribution issue at the FCC. I want to understand whether you
    think the FCC should reexamine and negotiate with online
    platforms the carriage of local news content. I am concerned
    that these large platforms, because of the way things have
    evolved with the affiliates kind of leaving the broadcasters to
    themselves, and yet they could have some ability.
        Right now, I believe local broadcasting is holding us
    together in a lot of ways. It is a trusted source of content
    that people believe in. They believe their local news
    organization. They think that model probably would not exist if
    the community did not believe in the product, and so we do not
    want to lose that.
        But as the digital age continue to evolve, and these
    products and services continue to evolve, like YouTube now
    being a dominant content distributor, then the ability to
    negotiate directly with them is a big revenue opportunity, if
    you will. So how do you look at that issue? Do you think that
    this should be looked at by the FCC and help level the playing
    field for local journalism?
        Ms. Trusty. Senator, I do. So you know, to your point about
    localism, I think it is extremely important. Broadcasters
    provide vital news and information about social and cultural
    events, educational programming, and information in disasters.
    And I think it is incumbent upon the FCC to work with Congress
    to ensure we have a modern regulatory framework that reflects
    the realities of today's media marketplace, that enables
    broadcasters to better compete against technology companies for
    viewers, for ad revenues, for programming, all things that they
    can generate resources by to reinvest into their news gathering
    operations and increase the availability of local news.
        Senator Cantwell. OK. And what do you think the best way
    for--I think they opened that case many years ago and then
    closed--then have not reopened it--or actually, technically, I
    am not sure about that. You probably know the answer.
        Ms. Trusty. I think the----
        Senator Cantwell. It is probably like in quasi-land, where
    you could just easily reopen it; is that right?
        Ms. Trusty. Well, I think it is still open before the
    Commission. I am happy to take a look at it, if confirmed. I
    know that it has been a question on your mind for the past
    couple of FCC nominations hearings, but I think it is an
    important issue, Senator. I am happy to take a look at it and
    ask the questions.
        Senator Cantwell. Right, but you think it should be
    relooked at, is that----
        Ms. Trusty. I am certainly happy to take a look at it.
        Senator Cantwell. Yes. Yes. OK. And then I cannot even--OK.
    I am sure you believe in the First Amendment. I am sure you
    believe in not weaponizing--making sure that we have a free
    press, back to this broadband issue. As we have continued to
    allocate resources and look to the FCC, what do you think the
    best thing the FCC could do now to put more clarity behind the
    shortfall in broadband inequities?
        Ms. Trusty. So I think when we talk about broadband
    inequities, I think about affordability and adoption. And so
    with respect to affordability, I think we can promote more
    competition, embrace more technologies. I think when you have
    more choice in the marketplace that helps to reduce the cost of
    the service.
        I also think we can focus on removing regulatory barriers
    that might impede broadband deployment or raise the cost of
    broadband deployment. If those regulatory barriers are out of
    the way, I also think that can reduce costs for consumers. Of
    course, we have the Lifeline program as well. So as the
    Committee is looking at potential reforms to USF, perhaps there
    is an opportunity to make adjustments to better target those
    services to communities in need.
        I would also speak to digital literacy programs. I know
    that the private industry and public interest groups have
    programs of that sort to help people understand how to maximize
    the benefit of this technology in their lives.
        Senator Cantwell. And what about the mapping? You know
    that--I mean, I think we might probably even have shared with
    you that Microsoft data that they came up with, which can tell
    you by household who does not have broadband.
        Ms. Trusty. Absolutely. I think maps are foundational to
    closing the digital divide. And we have the Broadband Data Act,
    but of course there is always room for improvement, so if I am
    confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to work with private
    sector stakeholders, like your own constituents, to better
    improve the maps.
        Senator Cantwell. Well, I think it could help us elevate a
    conversation into what are the choices that we could have if we
    really understood that people at $40,000 of income probably
    aren't buying broadband, which means their kids, from a school
    perspective and other things, might not be getting the access
    that we want. And then obviously the impact it has on
    communities.
        And then back to the Spectrum. I listened to what you said
    earlier, even though I have been running in and out at various
    votes, that you believe that the DOD side of this equation
    needs to be thought through, that your experience here and then
    your experience there gave you two different viewpoints on
    this. How do you think the FCC could best help in resolving
    this issue?
        How do we--let me say it differently. Ten or fifteen years
    ago, we probably would have said the FCC is the undisputed
    scientific leader. You know, you would go to your scientist and
    you would say, this is what they say about interference, right?
    But now the world has changed, and we have so much more on the
    technology front. And now we have agencies disputing each
    other, right; DOD and FAA, or various things.
        How do you think you can reassert the FCC's scientific
    leadership on this issue when so much of the conversation ends
    up happening, you know, downstairs in a secure briefing room?
        Ms. Trusty. Sure. I appreciate this question. I think this
    is probably the heart of the issue that engineers do not agree
    on interference metrics, among other things. So this is where I
    think the FCC, NTIA, MOU, memorandum of understanding could
    probably come into play.
        Senator Cantwell. The one that they just did, or you mean a
    new one?
        Ms. Trusty. Maybe a new one.
        Senator Cantwell. OK.
        Ms. Trusty. That is updated and reflects some of these
    other considerations. Maybe we have to hire more engineers and
    technical people to help address this issue, who have
    experience in both camps as well. So those are, potentially,
    some ideas to address this.
        Senator Cantwell. And then what about the secure nature of
    this? I am pretty sure, Mr. Isaacman--it is interesting you are
    here together. It has made it harder for all of us because
    there is a lot--there are ample questions to ask both of you.
    But you are an intersection of a very big, important, what is,
    not just a communication system but is a vulnerability for
    national security if we do not get it right. And so I think Mr.
    Isaacman can tell you how broad he thinks this is going to go
    in the future, the constellations, not just the LEOs that he is
    talking about, but how much more of this communication is going
    to happen through the satellite system and why we have to have
    this layer of security.
        But do you have ideas that you think the FCC could do in
    listening more to the private sector--a framework by which the
    private sector and agencies could have more conversations about
    what the future looks like, and thereby, you know, find some
    more common ground?
        Ms. Trusty. So I think this goes back to a conversation we
    had a little bit earlier about folks having clearances, because
    much of this information is classified or in a special access
    program, and it is very sensitive. And so I know that some
    people in the industry do have clearances, but to the extent we
    can bring those folks into the same room with Federal agencies
    to have these robust conversations about what the needs and
    interests are, what the objectives are, to try to find common
    ground, I think that is the most important thing here.
        Senator Cantwell. I did not mean to engage you on this, but
    Mr. Isaacman, do you understand my point? That there is so much
    yet to still happen here, how do we get the dialogue toward the
    advancements that could happen when basically everybody needs a
    national security clearance, and yet at the same time give
    people an understanding of where we could come together?
        Ms. Trusty, you do support the effort, the NTIA's report
    that DOD and NTIA should look at dynamic spectrum sharing; you
    do support that?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes. I think we should be investing in dynamic
    spectrum sharing technologies.
        Senator Cantwell. OK. Mr. Isaacman, any thoughts here?
        Mr. Isaacman. Senator, I would not want to encroach on my
    nominee's clear command over the Spectrum here. I would say, at
    least through the lens of NASA, I am excited about what
    commercial industry is working on in terms of next-generation
    technology. My most recent mission to space, we tested out
    sending an awful lot of data securely over a laser link, a beam
    of light. I think that is a great way, at least from NASA's
    perspective, to not add to the demand problem with respect to
    the Spectrum.
        Senator Cantwell. Um-hum. Well, I do think this will be one
    of the big challenges we face is how do we--if we want this
    leadership position, how do we think ahead? How do we get this
    conversation with the private sector, who is really doing a lot
    of that thinking, but also get the DOD part of it, and then get
    the dynamic spectrum part of it done correctly?
        OK, well thank you both very much. Mr. Isaacman and Miss
    Trusty, I am going to ask you a final question required of all
    nominees: If confirmed, do you pledge to work collaboratively
    with this committee to provide thorough and timely responses to
    the Committee's request and appear before the Committee when
    requested?
        Ms. Trusty. Yes, Senator,
        Mr. Isaacman. I do, Senator.
        Senator Cantwell. Thank you. I have letters of support from
    various organizations for Mr. Isaacman and Ms. Trusty's
    nomination that I would ask unanimous consent to be inserted
    into the record.
        So, without objection, so ordered.
        [The information referred to follows:]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Senator Cantwell. Senators will have until the close of
    business Friday, April 11, to submit questions for the record.
    These nominees will have until the close of business Tuesday,
    April 15 to respond to these questions.
        I thank Senator Cruz for allowing me to come back and ask
    these questions.
        That concludes our hearing today. The Committee stands
    adjourned.
        [Whereupon, at 12:58 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                A P P E N D I X

          Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ted Cruz to
                                 Jared Isaacman
        Question 1. Do you commit to providing NASA's initial reduction in
    force (RIF) plan, as submitted to OMB, to the Committee, if confirmed?
        Answer. To the extent it is permissible, yes. Like all Federal
    departments and agencies, NASA operates within a government-wide
    framework and must adhere to OMB and White House guidance regarding RIF
    procedures.

        Question 2. Do you commit to providing all subsequent RIF plans to
    the Committee prior to executing them?
        Answer. To the extent it is permissible, yes. Like all Federal
    departments and agencies, NASA operates within a government-wide
    framework and must adhere to OMB and White House guidance regarding RIF
    procedures.

        Question 3. In your testimony, you made several important points
    about the economics of space exploration. In particular, you emphasized
    the goal of a commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) economy and the need to
    understand the commercial potential of outer space beyond LEO. You
    promised that NASA would ``ignite a thriving space economy in low Earth
    orbit,'' discussed your desire to maximize the remaining life of the
    International Space Station (ISS), and said you would ``determine the
    economic . . . value'' of the lunar surface as part of your approach to
    lunar exploration.
        Such economic analysis may prove challenging in part because NASA
    recently disbanded the Office of the Chief Economist at NASA
    headquarters, telling Committee staff that ``there is no intention to
    maintain the function of the chief economist at the agency, and no plan
    to transfer those functions within other elements of the agency.''
    Among other things, this office helped with cross-agency economic
    planning, conducted market assessments and economic analyses, and
    advised the Administrator on economic matters related to budget
    planning, program implementation and review, and procurement.

        a. Do you have a strategy for developing a robust space economy,
    particularly in LEO, where private investment, and not just NASA
    funding, sustains various space capabilities and activities? If so,
    please describe it.
        Answer. Yes, hopefully I have been clear and passionate in my
    testimony and responses that unlocking the true space economy is
    imperative. After 60 years of space exploration, we're still largely
    operating under a government-funded model focused on launch,
    communications, and observation. It is not reasonable for taxpayers to
    perpetually fund the future we all envision for space.
        If confirmed, my strategy starts with making the most of the ISS
    while it's deemed safe to operate. We need to prioritize science and
    research with real economic potential--particularly in biotech,
    pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials--to validate commercial use
    cases and give future LEO destinations the best possible chance of
    success. That is our best path to ``crack the code'' on the space
    economy.
        Second, we need to remove the friction and bureaucracy that slows
    commercial progress. That means streamlining NASA's infrastructure
    access, rethinking how we engage with and `do business' private
    industry, and ensuring our funding models don't just subsidize activity
    but instead catalyze scalable, sustainable outcomes.

        b. If confirmed, do you intend to seek out any market assessments,
    economic analyses, or other financial or economic products to inform
    decision making at the agency? If yes, from where or whom will you
    obtain this information?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would absolutely seek out credible economic
    and market analyses to inform decision-making at NASA--especially as we
    work to ignite a true space economy and ensure a responsible return on
    taxpayer investments.
        That said, I would also like to understand the current resources
    and internal capabilities within the agency. I'm aware that certain
    economic offices or roles were recently dissolved, and I'd want to
    review that rationale and determine whether that expertise should be
    restored or supplemented.

        Question 4. During your hearing, you criticized the speed of NASA's
    return to the lunar surface, citing the cost and schedule overruns. You
    said the President and many Americans are probably asking, ``what's
    taking us so long to get back to the Moon and why does it cost so much
    money?'' As you know, the Apollo program was primarily about putting
    man on the Moon, not maintaining a sustained human presence there. In
    contrast, the Artemis program is intended to create a ``sustained human
    presence in cis-lunar space or on the Moon.'' (emphasis added)
    Similarly, the overarching Moon-to-Mars program is intended to ensure
    that the efforts and technologies of the Artemis program feed forward
    to manned missions to Mars. I am concerned about suggestions that the
    United States abandon the statutory requirement for NASA to maintain a
    material presence on or near the Moon. Congress was clear that the
    Artemis architecture is not to be retired or disbanded just because we
    have once again reached the Moon. Rather, Artemis and particularly
    Gateway are to serve as something akin to a forward operating base in
    space.

        a. In your own words, how do understand the term ``sustained human
    presence'' found in Sec. 20302 of Chapter 51, United States Code?
        Answer. In my view, a ``sustained human presence'' means more than
    simply visiting or conducting one-off missions. It implies a continuous
    or regularly recurring physical presence that enables a broader
    strategic objective such as a scientific, economic or national security
    imperative.

        b. Do you believe a sustained human presence at or on the Moon is
    necessary to maintain American leadership in space?
        Answer. As I stated during the hearing, I'm committed to following
    the law--and as a lifelong space enthusiast, I would like nothing more
    than to see lunar operations become continuous, enduring, and routine.
    That said, maintaining American leadership in space will require
    flexible policies that ensure clear scientific, economic, and strategic
    value for the American taxpayer and allow the agency, working with the
    Congress, to adapt to meet the ever changing geopolitical landscape.

        Question 5. During your hearing, several members of the Committee,
    including me, questioned you about whether NASA can meet its existing
    statutory obligations while simultaneously embarking on a new, dual-
    track mission to Mars under current budget levels. Do you believe that
    NASA--under current budget levels--can simultaneously have a continuous
    human presence in LEO through and beyond the life of the ISS as we
    transition to commercial LEO destinations (CLDs); establish a sustained
    human presence at the Moon; continue funding for other, existing
    complex science missions; and stand up a new manned mission to Mars?
        Answer. Historically, NASA managed multiple complex human
    spaceflight programs simultaneously--Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo--
    alongside numerous exploration missions like Ranger, Surveyor, Pioneer,
    in an era with far less technological capability than we possess today.
    More than six decades later, with the advances in industry and
    innovation, I believe the world's premier space agency should be
    capable of executing multiple major initiatives at a time.
        I believe pursuing both lunar and Martian objectives is not
    inherently cost-prohibitive nor expressly prohibited by existing
    Federal statute should such efforts not detract from the near-term
    objective of returning to the Moon first. There is meaningful hardware
    commonality across the existing Artemis Human Landing System (HLS)
    providers. For instance, both contractors are already required to
    validate reusable heavy-lift launch capabilities--technologies
    essential for transporting mass beyond low Earth orbit, whether toward
    the Moon or Mars. In fact, many of the technologies and capabilities
    NASA is already investing in--such as surface nuclear power systems,
    nuclear electric propulsion, and nuclear thermal propulsion--are highly
    relevant for Mars exploration, though they remain underfunded and
    subscale.

        Question 6. During the hearing, when asked by Senator Moran if you
    believe the current Artemis architecture, featuring the Space Launch
    System and Orion, is the best and fastest way to beat China to the
    Moon, you answered, ``I don't think it's the long-term way [SLS and
    Orion] to get to and from the Moon, and to Mars, with great frequency,
    but this is the plan we have now. . .''

        a. What do you envision as the long-term way to get to/from the
    Moon and Mars?
        Answer. As I stated during the hearing, SLS is the current plan and
    the fastest way to send American astronauts back to the Moon ahead of
    our geopolitical rivals. And this is a race we can't risk losing. But
    once our initial lunar objectives have been met, I believe NASA should
    transition from competing with industry and focus again on what no
    other agency or organization is capable of accomplishing.
        The commercial launch market is more capable than ever, with
    numerous American providers investing in heavy-lift capabilities. NASA
    should take advantage of that competition and eventually refocus its
    world-class talent and infrastructure on what no one else is doing:
    developing the next generation of exploration technologies. That
    includes nuclear-powered spacecraft, which I believe represent the
    logical next step for long-duration, deep space missions beyond Mars.

        b. What is the time-frame in which you believe NASA could begin
    executing the plan you describe?
        Answer. Human Landing System (HLS) contractors are already
    developing heavy-lift capabilities as part of the Artemis program. As
    those vehicles prove themselves by supporting Artemis lunar missions,
    they will be well-positioned to take on greater responsibility for
    sustainable, affordable transport to the Moon and Mars.
        Beyond just the existing HLS contractors, there are additional
    commercial providers investing in similar heavy-lift capabilities. As
    commercial readiness increases, NASA will have the opportunity
    eventually to transition away from government-owned heavy-lift launch
    and shift its focus toward enabling technologies for deep space
    exploration.

        Question 7. There has been much speculation in the media about the
    administration's rumored desire to move NASA Headquarters out of
    Washington, DC, and to a NASA field center. Will you commit to
    notifying me or my committee staff of any NASA plans to move
    Headquarters outside of Washington, DC, well ahead of an official
    announcement?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 8. NASA's Science Mission Directorate is responsible for
    the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission and is managed by the Jet
    Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The Mars Sample Return will be crucial for
    helping plan a manned mission to Mars. The astromaterials receiving
    facility at the Johnson Space Center will be responsible for receiving,
    processing, and housing these samples--as they do with all
    astromaterials--once they have returned to Earth. However, NASA has
    halted progress on the program after cost and schedule ballooned well
    beyond expectations. You have said you believe in commercialization and
    helping to spur the space economy. Currently, the commercial space
    company Rocket Lab has a proposal to manage MSR for less than half of
    the last estimate from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Do you
    commit to taking a hard look at whether MSR should be outsourced to
    industry, if confirmed?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 9. When we met in my office, you talked about potentially
    centralizing mission control and space traffic management. Currently,
    the Johnson Space Center is home to Mission Control for all manned
    missions in space. What is your view on the future of mission control
    and space traffic management?
        Answer. NASA currently operates multiple ``mission control''
    functions across the country, and while that's understandable given the
    agency's diverse mission portfolio, I don't believe every mission
    requires its own bespoke mission control center. This problem will only
    further be exacerbated as commercial industry matures and the space
    economy is finally uncovered.
        If we truly envision a future with multiple space stations, regular
    lunar operations, Mars missions, and an expanding array of flagship
    science missions, then we need a more scalable, efficient, and
    centralized approach. This could include the consolidation of mission
    operations into a single, unified mission control architecture--a
    central command center that maintains real-time situational awareness
    across all peaceful space exploration activities. That doesn't mean
    eliminating specialized expertise, but rather integrating and
    streamlining operations where possible to improve coordination,
    resilience, and decision-making.

        Question 10. During your hearing, I asked if you intended, if
    confirmed, to cancel Gateway, the orbital lunar outpost that NASA
    currently plans to use as both the first step in a sustained human
    presence at the Moon and later on as the staging point for a manned
    mission to Mars. You said you ``have no intention, as of now to . . .
    cancel any program . . . if I'm confirmed.'' The Washington Post,
    however, reported on Friday, April 11th that when OMB completed ``pass
    back'' of the forthcoming NASA budget request for Fiscal Year 2026, it
    came to light that the administration intends to cancel Gateway. Just
    this month NASA took possession of the main module of Gateway,
    beginning the process of assembly and integration with other sections.
    Despite the fact that NASA has the hardware on hand, and despite the
    fact that other, partner nations are actually shouldering 60 percent of
    Gateway's cost, the administration appears to want to cancel the entire
    effort.

        a. Given that NASA intends to use Gateway to meet the statutory
    requirement for a sustained human presence at the Moon, how will NASA
    (and you, if confirmed) meet this statutory obligation if Gateway is
    terminated?
        Answer. I am not aware of any plans to cancel Gateway, and as I
    stated during the hearing, I am fully committed to following the law as
    written. I would have to look into the specifics of this matter more
    closely, if confirmed.

        b. If cancelled, how will you ensure the aforementioned
    international partners remain partners in the lunar exploration effort
    given that we might unilaterally upended their investments?
        Answer. American leadership in the ultimate high ground of space
    requires the contributions and trust of our international partners. Our
    credibility is paramount. I have no interest in seeing those
    relationships jeopardized or driving our allies into partnerships with
    geopolitical competitors.
        While, again, I am not aware of any plans to cancel Gateway, if
    such a situation arose, I would work closely with our partners--as I
    have done in countless complex international negotiations in my
    business career--to find an acceptable path forward. I have a long
    track record of bringing people together to accomplish difficult, high-
    stakes objectives, and I would bring that same collaborative mindset to
    NASA.

        c. Would NASA need additional taxpayer dollars to repay the
    international partners of Gateway for the investments and hardware
    contributions they have made to this point if Gateway is cancelled?
        Answer. I wouldn't want to speculate on something I'm not aware is
    actually under consideration.

        Question 11. The Federal government is currently operating under a
    continuing resolution which extends the funding levels and funding
    provisions of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations act through the
    end of the current Fiscal Year. Importantly, Section 739 of the FY24
    appropriations act states that agencies may not change programs,
    projects, or activities unless such changes are approved in a
    subsequent law. Section 1105 of the FY25 continuing resolution, under
    which the Federal government is currently operating, extended this
    prohibition, stating:

            ``Except as otherwise expressly provided in this division, the
            requirements, authorities, conditions, limitations, and other
            provisions of the appropriations Acts referred to in section
            1101 shall continue in effect through [the end of FY25].''

        Given these explicit prohibitions, do you believe the agency has
    the legal authority to unilaterally cancel Gateway or make any changes
    listed in the forthcoming President's Budget Request (PBR)?
        Answer. I am not currently a party to any budget discussions and am
    not aware of any planned program cancellations. As I mentioned during
    my hearing, I believe NASA is capable of managing multiple world-
    changing endeavors--if we eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and stay
    focused on the mission. I remain hopeful that tough trades won't be
    required, but if they are, I would work closely with the Congress to
    ensure the best possible outcomes and to remain fully compliant with
    existing law. The goal must always be to fulfill the agency's
    obligations while advancing American leadership in space.

        Question 12. Public reporting indicates that FY26 PBR will propose
    significant changes to multiple NASA programs, including a number of
    exploration and science-focused programs. If confirmed, will you
    maintain progress on those programs until any changes are made in law,
    as is required by both current authorizing and appropriations law?
        Answer. I am not currently a party to any budget discussions and am
    not aware of any planned program cancellations. As I mentioned during
    my hearing, I believe NASA is capable of managing multiple world-
    changing endeavors--if we eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and stay
    focused on the mission. I remain hopeful that tough trades won't be
    required, but if they are, I would work closely with the Congress to
    ensure the best possible outcomes and to remain fully compliant with
    existing law. The goal must always be to fulfill the agency's
    obligations while advancing American leadership in space.

        Question 13. In your testimony, you highlighted the strategic
    importance of the Moon as a source of Helium-3. There are several
    commercial entities seeking to extract and return Helium-3 to the Earth
    for applications such as fusion energy. What do you see as NASA's role
    in enabling a robust commercial marketplace for resource extraction on
    the Moon?
        Answer. As I've said before, it's imperative that we crack the code
    on the space economy and shift away from a model where taxpayers are
    solely funding the future we all want to see in space. The first step
    is to make the most of the ISS--prioritizing high-potential science and
    research and ensuring we fully leverage its remaining life.
        That said, I believe the next frontier of economic opportunity will
    extend to the lunar surface. If confirmed, I would support NASA in
    enabling early commercial efforts--through technical support, access to
    infrastructure, and policy leadership--while ensuring the agency
    remains focused on exploration, science, and stewardship of this new
    domain. If Helium-3 or other resources prove to be economically viable,
    NASA can play a vital role in catalyzing that marketplace in
    partnership with industry and international partners. This may very
    well be one of the paths to NASA becoming a self-sustaining agency.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
                                 Jared Isaacman
        Question 1. NASA leadership at the John C. Stennis Space Center in
    Mississippi has made great strides in partnering with commercial space
    firms in rocket propulsion testing. However, barriers to more effective
    partnership, such as lengthy decision processes, cost, and risk
    acceptance persist within NASA.
        If confirmed, how will you transform NASA to remove the barriers
    that inhibit the full utilization of NASA's world class test
    capabilities, such as lengthy decision-making processes and outdated
    regulations? How will you utilize your authorities to grow NASA's
    partnerships with commercial space industry for the use of land and
    infrastructure at NASA centers?
        Answer. NASA Stennis is a great example of how the agency can
    reinvent itself to better support commercial industry. That kind of
    transformation needs to happen across more of the organization. I have
    no doubt that outdated regulations, unnecessary layers of bureaucracy,
    and slow decision-making are inhibiting NASA's ability to fully
    leverage its world-class infrastructure--and ultimately slowing down
    mission delivery.
        If confirmed, you can count on me to roll up my sleeves and get in
    the trenches to identify and remove those barriers. I will draw on
    everything I've learned from leading two successful companies,
    including in the aerospace and defense sectors, to help NASA become
    faster, more collaborative, and easier to do business with.
        I would also fully utilize the Administrator's authorities to
    expand public-private partnerships--ensuring that land, infrastructure,
    and talent at NASA centers are being used to their full potential to
    support American innovation, grow the space economy, and accelerate the
    agency's core mission.

        Question 2. NASA is increasing its reliance on the commercial space
    sector to execute its mission. For example, the International Space
    Station will be decommissioned in 2030, and will be replaced by
    commercial space stations. It is important for the United States
    government to both grow the commercial space industry and maintain
    government activity in space, especially as our key competitors, China
    and Russia, have increased their space presence and developed launch
    vehicles capable of reaching all orbits and satellite constellations
    for remote sensing, navigation, and communications.
        If confirmed, will it be a priority of yours to continue to invest
    in Federal capabilities at NASA field centers? I believe we can balance
    increasing opportunities for commercial space industry with the need to
    maintain Federal investments in space exploration. Is that a balance
    that you support?
        Answer. Yes, I believe that balance is not only possible--but
    essential. NASA has partnered with commercial industry since its
    inception, and the line of responsibility has always been clear: NASA
    should focus on the near-impossible--those missions and technologies
    that no other organization, company, or country is capable of
    achieving.
        When NASA accomplishes a major breakthrough, it should hand off
    that capability to commercial partners and shift its focus to the next
    frontier. That's how we scale innovation, grow the space economy, and
    maintain American leadership.
        For example, as industry continues to mature in chemical
    propulsion, NASA should already be shifting its focus toward nuclear
    propulsion and other next-generation technologies. That's what it means
    to push the edge of the possible. If confirmed, I would support
    continued investment in NASA's field centers--not just to preserve core
    capabilities, but to ensure we're always preparing for the next leap
    forward.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Curtis to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    Artemis/Defense in UT
        Question 1. Utah is home to Northrop Grumman's Solid Rocket Motor
    production. Companies in Utah are then able to leverage this technology
    to help lower the costs of no-fail national security missions. As a
    result, Artemis contributes to reducing costs for defense research and
    production. As Administrator, how would you implement efficiencies to
    lower production costs for Space Launch System components?
        Answer. Solid rocket motor production--like the work done in Utah--
    is a critical national capability that not only supports Artemis but
    also strengthens our no-fail defense programs. I understand and
    appreciate the strategic importance of these industrial synergies, and
    I believe Artemis can and should contribute to a broader ecosystem of
    innovation, workforce development, and supply chain resilience.
        That said, SLS has faced well-documented cost and program
    challenges. If confirmed, I would work to implement greater
    accountability and transparency in the production of SLS components
    alongside a broader cultural mission-first transformation at the
    agency. It has taken long enough, cost enough and it's time to get back
    to the Moon, to do so before our rivals get there and press on to Mars.

        Question 2. Utah continues to face serious challenges related to
    drought, wildfire risk, and declining water levels, and particularly at
    the Great Salt Lake. If confirmed, how would you ensure that NASA
    continues to prioritize Earth Science efforts--like satellite-based
    drought monitoring and water resource modeling--that help states like
    Utah manage these risks?
        Answer. I believe Earth Science is one of NASA's most important
    missions--because it delivers real, measurable benefits to the American
    people. Satellite-based observations, including drought monitoring,
    wildfire forecasting, and water resource modeling, provide critical
    data that helps communities and those suffering from real hardships
    that cost billions to remediate.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that NASA continues to prioritize high-
    impact science efforts that support agriculture, safeguard
    infrastructure, and help states respond to drought and natural
    disasters. We should be using our space-based assets not only to
    explore the solar system, but to protect and better understand our own
    planet.
                                     ______

    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Shelley Moore Capito to

                                 Jared Isaacman
    WV Visit
        Question 1. Mr. Isaacman, thank you for your willingness to serve
    and for speaking with me on Monday. The IV&V Center in Fairmont, West
    Virginia is the home of NASA's IVV Program and is a critical resource
    to the agency. The center has identified and fixed thousands of
    software defects, including 18,000 for the Artemis I projects alone. I
    would love to host you at the IV&V Center in Fairmont so you can see
    for yourself how invested they are in safety and mission success.
        If confirmed can you commit to visiting this important facility
    with me?
        Answer. Yes. It would be my pleasure.
    Space Collaboratives
        Question 2. I am a strong supporter of the Keystone Space
    Collaborative (KSC). As a Pennsylvanian I'm sure you recognize that the
    contributions to our space program and the aerospace industry aren't
    limited to just a few geographic regions. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West
    Virginia offer the resources, expertise, research and workforce to make
    major contributions.
        How will you prioritize working with this collaborative and with
    other stakeholders across the country?
        Answer. Absolutely--as mentioned in the hearing, I believe NASA
    will need the best and brightest from across the Nation to achieve
    world-changing objectives. Organizations like the Keystone Space
    Collaborative are helping to ensure that Ohio, Pennsylvania, West
    Virginia, and other regions play a critical role in shaping the future
    of aerospace and space exploration.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
                                 Jared Isaacman
        DOGE, Workforce, Budgets. Mr. Isaacman, I appreciated our
    conversation about NASA's priorities and the importance of sustained,
    robust funding to achieving these goals. You yourself recognized you
    are a ``political newcomer,'' and told me you thought NASA's funding
    would be protected because ``everybody likes NASA.'' Unfortunately, the
    Trump Administration's DOGE team is signaling NASA's budget may be
    next.
        On March 10, pursuant to President Trump's DOGE executive order
    (EO), NASA carried out its first round of reductions in force--
    terminating 23 employees, including NASA's Chief Scientist,
    Technologist, and Economist. A second round of large-scale terminations
    is expected soon.
        Meanwhile, according to recent press reports, the White House is
    considering proposing major cuts to NASA's science budget for FY 2026--
    potentially up to 50 percent.

        Question 1. I know you have said you would like to work on the moon
    and Mars missions in parallel and believe it can be done with NASA's
    current budget. However, if there is enough funding only for a mission
    to the moon or a mission to Mars--which will you prioritize?
        Answer. Given existing law, I would prioritize the Artemis program.
    That said, I believe pursuing both lunar and Martian objectives in
    parallel is not inherently cost-prohibitive. There is meaningful
    hardware commonality across the existing Artemis Human Landing System
    (HLS) providers. For instance, both contractors are already required to
    validate reusable heavy-lift launch capabilities--technologies
    essential for transporting mass beyond low Earth orbit, whether toward
    the Moon or Mars.
        Historically, NASA managed multiple complex programs
    simultaneously--Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo--in an era with far less
    technological capability than we possess today. More than six decades
    later, with the advances in industry and innovation, I believe the
    world's premier space agency should be capable of executing multiple
    major initiatives at a time.

        Question 2. Yes or no: Would you support a 50 percent cut to NASA's
    science budget?
        Answer. I have not reviewed or been party to any official
    discussions, but a 50 percent reduction to NASA's science budget does
    not appear to be an optimal outcome.

        Question 3. Mr. Isaacman, you have expressed ambitious plans for
    NASA if confirmed. How do you plan to accomplish these priorities if
    the Administration tries to shrink NASA's budget and slash its
    workforce?
        Answer. As I stated during the hearing, NASA requires the best and
    brightest talent from across the Nation to accomplish what no other
    agency or organization can--especially in environments that demand
    doing more with less. I support the President's commitment to
    eliminating fraud, waste, abuse, and unnecessary bureaucracy that can
    hinder the agency's mission. If confirmed, I will advocate for NASA's
    priorities and the resources needed to pursue them as efficiently and
    effectively as possible.

        Question 4. In addition to lunar and Martian exploration, do you
    believe that NASA has other important missions to fulfill, such as
    conducting and supporting research and development (R&D) in Earth's
    orbit, space science, Earth science, and aeronautics R&D?
        Answer. Yes. As I noted in my prepared remarks, NASA has a vital
    role to play across science and exploration. The agency should continue
    to lead in the high ground of space--not only to return humans to the
    Moon and journey to Mars, but also to ignite a thriving space economy
    by maximizing the remaining life and utility of the International Space
    Station, and serving as a force multiplier for science. Through this
    work, NASA can accelerate the pace of world-changing discoveries.

        Question 5. Do you support reductions in force at NASA?
        Answer. As I stated during the hearing, NASA must be staffed with
    the best and brightest from across the country to take on its bold and
    complex mission--especially in times that require greater efficiency. I
    support the President's goal of eliminating fraud, waste, abuse, and
    unnecessary bureaucracy that can impede progress. If confirmed, I will
    advocate for the agency's priorities and the resources necessary to
    achieve them while ensuring that any organizational changes are
    thoughtful, mission-focused, and grounded in the need to enhance--not
    diminish--NASA's ability to deliver on the mission.

        Question 6. How will NASA maintain critical expertise in economic
    and technical areas after these reductions in force? Specifically,
    without the Office of the Chief Economist, how will the agency publish
    Economic Impact Reports and how will you make informed decisions
    regarding the economic feasibility and merits of NASA's efforts to
    support sustainable commercialization of space activities?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would want to fully understand the
    rationale behind these reductions--particularly in areas so closely
    tied to one of my top priorities: igniting a space economy. Like
    millions of others, I'm excited about the opportunities space offers,
    but I also recognize that taxpayers cannot carry the full burden of
    those ambitions indefinitely. To unlock the economic potential of
    space, we will need the insight of experts who understand how to
    translate scientific and technical achievements into sustainable, real-
    world value. That type of expertise--economic and technical--must be
    preserved and utilized to ensure that NASA's commercial initiatives are
    both strategically sound and fiscally responsible.

        Question 7. Do you consider supporting NASA's workforce and
    physical infrastructure to be important budget priorities?
        Answer. NASA's people and infrastructure are foundational to the
    agency's success. The workforce represents the talent and expertise
    required to pursue groundbreaking science and exploration, while the
    infrastructure--developed over decades--is a key enabler.

        Question 8. In light of the ongoing reductions in force at NASA and
    potential large-scale budget cuts, are you concerned that NASA will
    lose and fail to attract the scientific and technical expertise that we
    need to stay ahead of our competitors?
        Answer. I firmly believe that if NASA continues to deliver on its
    mission--pursuing what no other agency or organization can--then
    recruitment, retention, STEM engagement, and public inspiration will
    follow. People are drawn to purpose, and few missions are as bold or as
    meaningful as the one NASA undertakes.

        NASA Thermoplastics Research and Development. NASA's aeronautics
    R&D is crucial for both aviation safety and America's global aerospace
    leadership. Through the Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing
    (HiCAM) project, NASA is developing technologies that achieve up to 50
    percent reduced cost for composite structures while enabling high-rate
    production for future aircraft.
        The Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub will complement this work by taking
    NASA's lab-proven technologies and completing the critical final steps
    needed for full-scale industrial production, focusing on thermoplastic
    composites where Europe and Asia currently lead. This capability
    represents both an economic opportunity and a national security
    imperative, ensuring domestic control of technologies essential for
    next-generation fixed-wing aircraft.

        Question 1. Mr. Isaacman, as Administrator, how will you ensure
    that NASA's aeronautics programs and projects such as HiCAM support
    critical initiatives like the Spokane Tech Hub that strengthen our
    domestic supply chains and help American manufacturers compete globally
    in next-generation lightweight aircraft materials?
        Answer. I care deeply about American competitiveness and believe
    NASA should focus on advancing next-generation technologies that align
    with the agency's mission and broader national priorities. If
    confirmed, I will quickly get up to speed on these initiatives and
    evaluate how NASA can best support projects like HiCAM and the Spokane
    Tech Hub to enhance our domestic capabilities and global leadership in
    aerospace.

        Question 2. Will you commit to continue supporting NASA
    participation in the Advanced Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing
    Center (AAMMC) as a member of the Tech Hub's consortium of public and
    private sector members?
        Answer. I am not yet fully familiar with the specifics of the
    AAMMC, but based on what I understand, it seems both logical and
    beneficial for NASA to participate in efforts that bring together
    public and private sector expertise to advance critical aerospace
    technologies.

        Aviation and Spaceflight Safety. This Committee has been focused
    for several years on our legislative and oversight responsibilities
    related to aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
    Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes new measures to improve aviation
    safety. NASA plays a critical role as a technical advisor to the FAA
    and developer of technologies essential to both aviation and human
    spaceflight safety.
        In your private sector experience, you've been a pilot and founded
    a company that provided adversary air training services to the U.S.
    military. You've also participated in commercial human spaceflight
    missions.

        Question 1. Do you agree that NASA's R&D and technical advisory
    capabilities are vital to the safety of our aviation system and the
    safety of the flying public?
        Answer. Yes. NASA has a long and respected history of research and
    innovation that directly supports aviation safety. Its technical
    expertise has played a critical role in improving systems, procedures,
    and technologies that protect the flying public.

        Question 2. How would you ensure NASA continues to provide the
    technical expertise needed by regulatory agencies like the FAA for
    aviation and commercial spaceflight safety?
        Answer. NASA's management of the Aviation Safety Reporting System
    provides unique insight into self-reported safety-related incidents,
    positioning the agency to contribute meaningfully to safety
    improvements. If confirmed, I would collaborate closely with the FAA
    and industry stakeholders to identify the most pressing challenges in
    aviation and commercial spaceflight safety and ensure NASA's resources
    are directed toward developing solutions that produce measurable
    results.

        Lunar lander redundancy. You have publicly criticized many aspects
    of NASA and the current Artemis architecture. For example, you
    previously criticized NASA for supporting two Human Landing System
    (HLS) lunar landers from two providers. However, dissimilar redundancy
    ensures safety and competition between more than one provider spurs
    innovation.

        Question 1. Are you still opposed to redundancy? Or do you now
    support human lunar lander redundancy?
        Answer. Several years ago, I expressed concerns about redundancy
    after a competitive process had already concluded and a single provider
    had been selected. At the time, I found it difficult to reconcile
    having no redundancy for transporting astronauts to lunar orbit--given
    our reliance on a single vehicle like SLS--while simultaneously funding
    multiple redundant systems for the landing itself. My position stemmed
    from a genuine concern over program delays, budget overruns, and the
    risk that my children might not see American astronauts return to the
    Moon within a reasonable time-frame or budget.

        Question 2. If you now support HLS lunar lander dissimilar
    redundancy, please explain why your position has changed.
        Answer. I no longer oppose lunar lander redundancy because the
    decision has already been made, and significant investments have been
    committed. As a result, the United States now has an additional
    commercial provider with heavy-lift launch capability, which enhances
    national resilience and capacity in space exploration.

        Question 3. How would you ensure the safety of our astronauts
    without the added resiliency created through redundancy?
        Answer. Fortunately, we now have two commercial providers
    developing redundant lunar landers, which strengthens mission safety
    and flexibility. However, I believe it's important to highlight that we
    still lack redundancy in the systems that transport astronauts from
    Earth to lunar orbit and back. That remains a critical area of focus if
    we are to ensure complete mission resiliency and crew safety.

        Space Launch System (SLS). You previously called NASA's Space
    Launch System (SLS) ``outrageously expensive'' and suggested it was the
    result of the Federal government being ``lousy at capital allocation.''

        Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support continued Artemis missions
    with NASA's Space Launch System?
        Answer. Yes. As I mentioned during the hearing, the SLS is part of
    the current plan and represents the fastest path to returning American
    astronauts to the Moon. That said, the program has significant
    challenges. Even NASA's Inspector General has issued multiple reports
    critical of the SLS program's cost and schedule performance.

        Question 2. Yes or No: Do you plan to cancel NASA's Space Launch
    System, if confirmed?
        Answer. No. As I stated in the hearing, SLS is the current plan and
    the fastest means of sending American astronauts to the Moon ahead of
    our geopolitical rivals. As I emphasized during the hearing, this is a
    race the United States can't afford to lose. Once those obligations
    have been met, I believe NASA should transition away from competing
    with the commercial sector and instead focus its world-class talent and
    infrastructure on developing the next generation of exploration
    technologies--including nuclear spaceships--as a logical next step.

        Question 3. According to a March 29, 2025, Wall Street Journal
    report titled, ``Elon Musk's Mission to Take Over NASA--and Mars,'' the
    Trump White House plans to propose canceling SLS in its FY 2026 budget
    proposal. Are you aware of any such plan?
        Answer. I am not aware of any plan to cancel SLS.

        Question 4. Have you discussed the prospect of canceling SLS with
    any Trump Administration official?
        Answer. No.

        Question 5. Have you discussed the prospect of canceling SLS with
    any SpaceX representative?
        Answer. No.

        Question 6. Do you believe canceling SLS would be detrimental to
    U.S. efforts to return to the moon before China arrives?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 7. If confirmed, do you intend to move NASA away from SLS
    and toward reliance on commercial heavy lift launch vehicles, such as
    the SpaceX Starship and Blue Origin New Glenn? Why or why not?
        Answer. As I've said, SLS is the plan today and provides the
    fastest pathway for returning American astronauts to the Moon and it is
    imperative we do not lose in this regard. However, at some point in the
    future, after NASA meets the imperative lunar objectives, I believe the
    agency should transition away from competing with commercial providers.
    Instead, NASA's focus should shift toward the technologies that no
    other agency or organization is capable of developing--such as nuclear-
    powered spacecraft--that will enable deeper space exploration and
    sustain U.S. leadership in space.

        NASA Funding and Support to the Commercial Space Economy. In your
    written and verbal testimony before the Committee, you stated that one
    of your three main objectives for NASA was to ``ignite a thriving space
    economy in low Earth orbit.'' You further explained that by working
    alongside international partners and industry, ``we can unlock the true
    economic potential of space and deliver meaningful benefits to the
    American people--potentially charting a course for NASA to become a
    financially self-sustaining agency.''
        NASA's current support to fostering a thriving low Earth orbit
    space economy often involves partnerships with commercial industry that
    include cost sharing, in-kind technical support, and commitments to be
    an ``anchor tenant'' customer in specific mission areas and
    capabilities.

        Question 1. Given the nascent nature of many on-orbit commercial
    space activities and NASA's current role as a source of Federal funding
    and technical assistance to industry, what financial arrangements are
    you envisioning that would allow NASA to be self-sustaining and
    independent of significant Congressional appropriations?
        Answer. Like millions of others, I envision an exciting future in
    space--but I also recognize that budgets are not unlimited. For over 60
    years, American taxpayers have invested in the agency's pursuit and
    exploration of the final frontier. Moving forward, those taxpayer
    contributions should increasingly be supplemented by the economic
    potential space has to offer. Ideally, NASA should begin to explore
    mechanisms for generating offsetting revenue--similar in spirit to the
    FAA's use of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

        CLPS and Lunar Science. The Commercial Lunar Payload Services
    (CLPS) program has emerged as a critical component in supporting NASA's
    sustainable lunar presence and meeting civil and national security
    needs. Key modifications are being considered for CLPS 2.0, such as
    establishing a regular cadence of missions, adopting block buy
    contracts, expanding to heavier cargo-class landers, incorporating
    infrastructure providers, and making CLPS a multi-directorate program.

        Question 1. Will you commit to supporting these modifications to
    CLPS and increasing funding between the Space Technology Mission
    Directorate (STMD) and the Exploration Systems Development Mission
    Directorate (ESDMD) to expand commercial lunar surface demonstrations?
        Answer. While I cannot speak to future budget increases, I am a
    strong advocate for the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
    program and believe it represents a compelling model not only for lunar
    missions, but for future exploration and discovery efforts more
    broadly. CLPS embodies a templated, scalable approach that allows for
    more frequent, cost-effective ``shots on goal,'' in contrast to NASA's
    historic reliance on bespoke, high-cost science missions. Expanding
    this type of model can accelerate discovery, spur commercial
    innovation, and better position NASA to pursue a wide range of
    scientific objectives across the solar system.

        Astrophysics. We are aware of your past interest in proposing a
    servicing mission to the Hubble Telescope using private funding. U.S.
    leadership in astronomy dates back to more than a century, with space-
    based telescopes revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
    Sustaining the operations of our existing astrophysical observatories
    is at significant risk due to proposed steep cuts in their operating
    budgets, despite huge demand for observation time using these
    telescopes.

        Question 1. Will you commit to supporting the full operations cost
    of Hubble and JWST, to ensure that taxpayers receive the appropriate
    return on their investments in these missions?
        Answer. I strongly believe in maximizing the value of instruments
    that have already been funded and are delivering meaningful scientific
    returns. Telescopes like JWST, Hubble, Chandra, and others represent
    decades of investment and are producing groundbreaking insights.

        Heliophysics. Space weather caused by the relationship between the
    Sun and the Earth, is an area of NASA science that is vital to the
    global economy. Warning times for the impact of a direct hit on our
    planet from a coronal mass ejection (CME) remain dangerously low,
    putting at risk assets in space and critical infrastructure on Earth.
    Unfortunately, NASA's most recent budget requests for this field of
    research have been lower than expected.

        Question 1. Will you support growing the Heliophysics budget so
    that it reaches roughly a billion dollars a year to adequately address
    space weather risks?
        Answer. I am personally well aware of the risks posed by space
    weather--not only to our Nation's critical infrastructure but also to
    the lives of astronauts. If confirmed, I will be an advocate for
    continued investments in heliophysics and for ensuring that we remain
    vigilant in understanding and mitigating these risks.

        Question 2. What are your plans to implement the National Academies
    most recent Heliophysics decadal survey that called for developing the
    Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC)?
        Answer. I am not yet deeply familiar with the details of the GDC
    program, but if confirmed, I intend to become well-versed in the latest
    decadal recommendations and do everything I can to support their
    thoughtful implementation. The decadal surveys represent a vital,
    community-driven process for setting scientific priorities, and I take
    that guidance seriously.

        Question 3. Will you commit to protecting the operations and
    science data analysis budgets for currently operating missions like the
    Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission so that U.S. scientists and
    researchers, rather than their Chinese counterparts, can continue to
    lead the world in the analysis needed to better understand the risks
    from space weather?
        Answer. I am not yet familiar with the specific status of the MMS
    mission, but I care deeply about maintaining U.S. leadership in science
    and ensuring that our investments continue to yield important data and
    discoveries. If confirmed, I will take a close look at the mission's
    contributions and work to understand both the risks it helps address
    and the opportunities it presents for continued leadership in
    heliophysics.

        Elon Musk and Conflicts of Interest. I understand you have a close
    relationship with Mr. Musk and his company, SpaceX.
        I want to be clear about my expectations: The American people must
    have confidence that their leaders are not beholden to any one person.
    If you are confirmed, I expect you will go above and beyond the bare
    minimum and clearly demonstrate that you are acting in the public's
    interest--not Mr. Musk's or your own.
    Context:
        My relationship with SpaceX is not unlike NASA's, in that they are
    currently the only commercial provider offering crewed transportation
    to and from low Earth orbit. I do not have a close personal
    relationship with Mr. Musk. While I've spoken with him occasionally
    over the years in my capacity as a SpaceX customer, I would describe
    our interactions as professional. I admire and respect his
    contributions to space and technology, but it would be inaccurate to
    characterize our relationship as close.

        Question 1. How will you ensure that your relationship with Mr.
    Musk and SpaceX will not result in conflicts of interest or the
    appearance of conflicts?
        Answer. I disclosed all financial and contractual relationships
    during the ethics process and have fully complied with the guidance and
    conclusions provided by government ethics officials. I will not
    hesitate to involve NASA's General Counsel, or other designated agency
    ethics officials, on any matter that could even give the appearance of
    a conflict. I have no interest in personal gain or benefiting any
    contractor--I am here solely to serve my country and lead the world's
    greatest space agency with integrity and transparency.

        Question 2. Will you commit to recusing yourself from NASA
    decisions that would impact SpaceX or Mr. Musk?
        Answer. I fully commit to adhering to my ethics agreement, and
    whenever there is uncertainty, I will consult with the NASA General
    Counsel, or other designated agency ethics officials, to ensure full
    compliance.

        Question 3. If no, what will you do to ensure Mr. Musk does not
    inappropriately influence these decisions?
        Answer. The commercial launch market today is more competitive than
    at any point in the history of space exploration. NASA will continue to
    conduct open and fair competitions with the objective of delivering the
    best capability to taxpayers at the lowest cost.

        Question 4. What procedures will you put into place to ensure that
    Mr. Musk does not inappropriately influence the independent decision
    making of NASA?
        Answer. NASA has operated for decades alongside a broad base of
    major contractors--including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman,
    Blue Origin, and SpaceX. I trust the agency has well-established
    internal controls to preserve independent decision-making, and if
    confirmed, I will uphold and reinforce those standards across the
    board.

        Question 5. To promote public confidence and transparency, will you
    notify Congress every time Mr. Musk meets with you or anyone on your
    senior team?
        Answer. Upon confirmation, I will execute my duties as
    Administrator consistent with applicable government ethics laws and
    regulations and based on guidance from the NASA's General Counsel or
    other designated agency ethics officials.

        Question 6. You have made the decision to retain a 25 percent
    ownership interest in Shift4, rather than divesting entirely, while
    Shift4 maintains a financial relationship with Starlink that pays your
    company between $10-16 million per year. Given this ongoing financial
    relationship with one of Mr. Musk's companies, what specific steps will
    you take, if confirmed, to avoid the appearance of conflicts of
    interest with Mr. Musk or Starlink?
        Answer. Upon confirmation, I will resign from my positions with
    Shift4 Payments, LLC and Shift4 Payments, Inc, and its wholly owned
    subsidiaries. I will also surrender my majority voting control of the
    business. I will take these actions pursuant to my ethics agreement.
    Furthermore, upon confirmation, I will execute my duties as
    Administrator consistent with applicable government ethics laws and
    regulations and based on guidance from the NASA's General Counsel or
    other designated agency ethics officials.

        Question 7. Will you ensure SpaceX employees are not given access
    to NASA computer systems, databases, or facilities that present a
    conflict of interest, like what we have seen at the FAA?
        Answer. No vendor or contractor will have access to NASA systems or
    data beyond what is explicitly permitted under their agreement with the
    agency, existing agency policy, or would be otherwise inconsistent with
    applicable law or regulation.

        Question 8. At your hearing, you testified that you had a
    conversation with Mr. Musk at Mar-a-Lago in late 2024. I understand you
    told my staff this conversation pertained to Musk's DOGE efforts. What
    specifically did you discuss with Mr. Musk at Mar-a-Lago?
        Answer. My conversation with Mr. Musk was unrelated to my interview
    with President Trump for the position of NASA Administrator. We
    discussed the possibility of me volunteering to support the Trump
    administration.

        Question 9. According to a March 29, 2025, Wall Street Journal
    report titled, ``Elon Musk's Mission to Take Over NASA--and Mars,'' Mr.
    Musk called you late last year and asked you to become the head of
    NASA. In your interview with my staff on April 3, 2025, you said this
    reporting was ``1000 percent false.''
        Yes or No: Is the above reporting from the Wall Street Journal
    false?
        Answer. Yes, that reporting is false.

        Question 10. You testified at your hearing that you have not
    discussed your plans for NASA with Mr. Musk. For the record: Since
    November 5, 2024, have you ever discussed anything pertaining to NASA
    with Mr. Musk?
        Answer. No.

        Question 11. Since November 5, 2024, have you been on any text
    chains with Mr. Musk?
        Answer. No.

        Question 12. If your answer is yes to the above question, are any
    of these text chains conducted over a private messaging application
    like Signal?
        Answer. N/A.

        Question 13. Will you abide by all Federal records preservation and
    archiving laws, if confirmed?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 14. How much money have you paid to SpaceX for the two
    spaceflights you purchased (Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn)?
        Answer. Pursuant to my ethics agreement, I have terminated all
    space flight service agreements that I had with SpaceX and all money
    paid to SpaceX for future missions has been refunded. Furthermore,
    pursuant to my ethics agreement, I am committed to ensuring that these
    funds are reinvested in non-conflicting passive investments. The amount
    I paid to SpaceX for past missions is subject to confidentiality
    obligations in my contractual agreements with SpaceX.

        Question 15. According to a March 29, 2025, Wall Street Journal
    report titled, ``Elon Musk's Mission to Take Over NASA--and Mars,'' you
    talk ``frequently'' with SpaceX executive Michael Altenhofen, who was
    recently named a NASA senior adviser.
        Yes or No: Is the above reporting from the Wall Street Journal
    accurate?
        Answer. No.

        Question 16. What role and portfolio would Mr. Altenhofen hold at
    NASA under your leadership, if confirmed?
        Answer. Senior Advisor to the Administrator--Aerospace Engineering.

        Legal. I am aware you were detained by U.S. Custom and Border
    Patrol agents in 2010 on a warrant for drawing and passing checks
    without sufficient funds to a Las Vegas casino. I am aware you were
    also sued on four separate occasions around this time (2008-2010) in
    connection with casino debts and allegations of fraudulent checks,
    which I understand you dispute.

        Question 1. Do you agree that violating legal obligations is
    unacceptable, irrespective of one's ability to pay any fines or other
    related costs?
        Answer. Yes--I agree that violating legal obligations is
    unacceptable, regardless of one's financial means. That said, I believe
    some additional context is important. In my early 20s, I was fortunate
    to experience business success at a young age, and I spent time in
    casinos as an immature hobby. The legal matters referenced were, in
    fact, forms of negotiation and were all resolved promptly. The incident
    at the border, following my return from the Olympics, stemmed from a
    payment issue that had already been resolved, which is why I was
    detained for only a few hours.
        I fully acknowledge this was a brief and immature period in my
    youth and a poor use of my time and resources. Since then, I've
    redirected my focus toward far more meaningful and productive
    pursuits--starting a family, building successful companies, developing
    an accomplished aviation and space career, and engaging in significant
    philanthropic efforts. I have always been transparent about these
    matters in all security clearance documentation and have held a
    clearance since 2013 without issue.
        Mistakes made in youth don't excuse poor decisions, but I believe
    growth, accountability, and public service are powerful ways to
    demonstrate how far one has come.

        Question 2. Can you assure the Committee that this type of behavior
    is in your past?
        Answer. Yes.

        Climate and Earth Science. The Science Mission Directorate is an
    important part of NASA that funds scientists through more than 4,000
    openly competed research awards--including many in the Earth Science
    Division. The Earth Science Division operates more than 20 satellites
    in orbit, sponsors hundreds of research programs and studies, and funds
    opportunities to put data to use for societal needs. NASA's Climate
    Change webpage contains critical information based on NASA's collection
    of long-term observations of the planet.

        Question 1. Do you agree that man-made climate change is a real and
    serious issue?
        Answer. I am not a climate scientist. My background is in business,
    aviation, and commercial space exploration. I am confident that the
    Earth's climate has changed throughout its 4.5 billion year history. I
    believe in studying the causes and consequences of these changes to
    help mitigate the challenges we face on Earth as a result.

        Question 2. Do you support NASA's Earth Science Division and its
    efforts to develop cutting-edge sensors and data analysis technologies
    that can improve Earth observations important to climate science,
    weather modeling, resource management, and the mitigation and response
    to natural disasters such as wildfires?
        Answer. I fully support NASA's Earth Science Division and its work
    to advance technologies that improve our understanding of our planet
    and help respond to the challenges we face on Earth.

        Question 3. Do you commit to supporting continued funding through
    the Earth Science Division for research programs and researchers
    focused on understanding complex Earth systems and their dynamic
    interactions?
        Answer. I'm not currently aware of any proposed changes to the
    Earth Science Division's budget. If confirmed, I will seek to better
    understand these programs and the contributions they make, and I will
    advocate for investments that are aligned with NASA's mission and
    deliver meaningful value to the public.

        Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Mr. Isaacman, in the past you
    have seemed to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
    into your personal and professional life. You stated prior to the
    Inspiration4 mission that you did not want to send ``four rich white
    guys'' to space and you also implemented DEI policies at your
    companies, Draken and Shift4.

        Question 1. Do you still value diversity in the workplace?
        Answer. I value a merit-based culture that results in the most
    capable team that reflects excellence, commitment, and character--
    regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

        Question 2. In your interview with my staff, you said we need the
    ``best and brightest'' at NASA. I agree. How did the DEI policies at
    Draken and Shift4 benefit your multi-million-and billion-dollar
    companies, and do you think similar policies could benefit the mission
    of NASA?
        Answer. I value a merit-based culture that results in the most
    capable team that reflects excellence, commitment, and character--
    regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

        Question 3. Do you think that targeting and eliminating DEI
    programs and policies will discourage the ``best and brightest'' from
    wanting to work at NASA?
        Answer. I was not involved in any decisions to remove specific DEI
    programs, but I believe that when NASA focuses on bold, challenging
    missions, it will naturally attract high-caliber individuals from all
    backgrounds who want to be part of something extraordinary.

        Question 4. NASA websites no longer state that the Artemis 3 lunar
    mission will aim to land the first person of color and the first woman
    on the moon--a longstanding goal of the Artemis program since the first
    Trump Administration. What message do you think it sends to the
    engineers, mathematicians, and scientists of tomorrow that NASA has
    taken this step to remove this language from the objectives?
        Answer. I was not involved in the decision to remove that language.
    What I do know is that it has been over 50 years since Americans last
    walked on the Moon, and despite commitments from every President since
    1989--and over $100 billion invested--we still haven't returned. Fixing
    that challenge should be our highest priority. If we can't get back to
    the Moon in an economic and safe way, then it won't matter who the crew
    is. Mission success, especially at an agency like NASA, will ultimately
    open the door to broader participation and lasting inspiration for
    future generations.

        Campaign Contributions. You made a $2 million contribution to the
    Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee on November 27, 2024. One week later,
    then-President-elect Trump posted on Truth Social his intention to
    nominate you for the NASA Administrator role.

        Question 1. Did anyone suggest to you that a contribution to
    President Trump's Inaugural Committee would position you to be
    nominated for a position in his Administration? If so, who?
        Answer. I reject the premise of this question, and no one ever
    suggested that a contribution would position me for a nomination.

        Question 2. In July 2024, you posted on X that you ``have never
    been in love with either candidate for President.'' At what point did
    this opinion change?
        Answer. That comment was part of a longer, multi-paragraph post
    that deserves proper context. In it, I expressed outrage over the
    assassination attempt and made clear that such violence has no place in
    the world's greatest democracy. I also stated that I believed President
    Trump would be our next President and wished him well in unifying and
    leading the Nation.
        To be clear, my position has not changed. I've never claimed to
    ``love'' politics, but I have consistently supported President Trump.

        Tariffs. President Trump's tariffs are raising the cost of living,
    crashing the stock market, and causing uncertainty for our business
    community. As you pointed out in your testimony, most NASA programs are
    ``over budget and behind schedule.''

        Question 1. Are you concerned that potential scarcity and cost
    increases within the aerospace manufacturing supply chain caused by
    tariffs will contribute to further delays and budget overruns?
        Answer. I am not deeply familiar with the full details of NASA's
    aerospace supply chain, but I would assume that, given the dual-use
    nature of many space technologies, most of NASA's hardware is
    manufactured and assembled in the United States. That domestic base
    likely provides a degree of insulation from tariff-related volatility,
    though I would want to better understand the nuances if confirmed.

        Question 2. Tariffs pose a particular challenge for small
    companies, which cannot absorb cost increases as easily as big
    contractors. Are you concerned that some start-up NASA partners will be
    unable to survive the uncertainty and disruption caused by the
    Administration's trade war?
        Answer. I support the President's broader objective of reducing the
    trade deficit and bringing more high-quality manufacturing jobs back to
    the United States. As someone who has led a public company for many
    years, I've learned that leadership requires looking beyond short-term
    market volatility to focus on long-term impact.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    Support for Space Science
        Space science is the cornerstone of NASA's work, driving
    achievements and discovery and we face growing competition from China
    in space science investments.

        Question 1. Will you commit to increasing investment and providing
    not less than the FY25 Senate level of $7.576 billion for space science
    in the NASA budget, including in the fields of astrophysics, planetary
    science, earth science, lunar science, and heliophysics?
        Answer. I am deeply passionate about science and spoke extensively
    about its importance during the hearing. If confirmed, I will advocate
    for strong investment in space science--across astrophysics, planetary
    science, Earth science, lunar science, and heliophysics--and for
    securing as much funding as the government can reasonably allocate. I
    also believe we should look to amplify these efforts through
    partnerships with international partners, commercial industry, and
    academia whenever possible.
    Support for Astronomical Science
        NASA's astrophysical observatories have received bipartisan support
    over decades. They are also areas where international partnerships will
    become increasingly important to bring the scale of investment needed
    to support advanced scientific infrastructure.

        Question 2. Will you commit to continuing NASA's leadership in
    astronomy and ensuring a full return on investment by supporting the
    full cost of operations for the Hubble Space Telescope and the James
    Webb Space Telescope?
        Answer. I am a strong believer in maximizing the value of
    instruments that have already been built, funded, and are producing
    meaningful scientific returns. The James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble,
    and Chandra all fall into this category. I've publicly supported each
    of these observatories and believe their continued operation is
    essential to advancing our understanding of the universe. I'm generally
    opposed to small-scale funding cuts that reduce the return on decades
    of investment in world-class scientific tools.

        Question 3. Will you commit to supporting the completion of the
    Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope?
        Answer. To my knowledge, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is
    nearing completion and remains on schedule and within budget--something
    that is unfortunately rare for flagship programs at the agency. I'm not
    aware of any reason why it should be canceled, and I would support its
    completion and successful deployment.

        Question 4. Will you commit to funding for the Habitable Worlds
    Observatory?
        Answer. I'm intrigued by the Habitable Worlds Observatory and the
    promise it holds, but I would need to learn more before making a
    commitment. My understanding is that it's not expected to launch until
    the 2040s. While I support the mission concept, I would also want to
    explore whether aspects of its scientific objectives can be accelerated
    through other near-term opportunities.

        Question 5. What role do you think international partnerships
    similar to those in the Habitable Worlds Observatory will play out in
    the future?
        Answer. I value international partnerships when they are focused,
    well-managed, and aligned around achieving ambitious goals.
    Collaboration can be a powerful multiplier when each partner is fully
    committed and accountable. However, I don't believe in pursuing
    partnerships simply for the optics--results matter. Effective
    international collaboration will continue to play an important role in
    NASA's future, especially for large-scale science missions and deep
    space exploration.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    Elon Musk
        In your nominations hearing, you repeatedly refused to answer
    whether Elon Musk was in the meet when then-President-elect Donald
    Trump offered you the position of NASA administrator. I want to give
    you another opportunity to clarify that question.

        Question 1. Was Elon Musk in the room when then-President-elect
    Donald Trump offered you the position of NASA administrator?
        Answer. My interview was with the President of the United States.
    The person asking me questions--and ultimately offering me the
    opportunity--was the President himself.

        Question 2. How many other people were in the room when then-
    President-elect Donald Trump offered you the position of NASA
    administrator?
        Answer. My interview was with the President of the United States.
    The person asking me questions--and ultimately offering me the
    opportunity--was the President himself.

        Question 3. Did Elon Musk say anything when then-President-elect
    Donald Trump offered you the position of NASA administrator? If so,
    please describe those conversations.
        Answer. My interview was with the President of the United States.
    The person asking me questions--and ultimately offering me the
    opportunity--was the President himself.

        Question 4. The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Elon
    Musk called you ``late last year'' and asked whether you would become
    the head of NASA. Is that reporting accurate? If not, please describe
    any inaccuracies.
        Answer. No, that reporting is entirely false. Mr. Musk never called
    me to discuss becoming NASA Administrator, nor did we have any
    conversations about Mars-related objectives. The only call I received
    regarding this position came from Secretary Lutnick, who was serving as
    co-chair of the transition team. That phone interview ultimately led to
    my in-person meeting and interview with President Trump.
    NASA Reduction in Force
        Mr. Isaacman, I am deeply troubled by the recent, seemingly rushed
    decision to dissolve the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office
    of Technology, Policy and Strategy at NASA. The reported abrupt
    termination of approximately 15 dedicated civil servants, individuals
    with decades of invaluable experience across NASA's diverse centers and
    missions, is particularly concerning. These individuals, vital to
    providing unbiased, science-driven analysis, were given a mere 30-day
    notice of their Reduction in Force, a move that alarmingly predated any
    broader restructuring plan or even the Agency's own submission to OPM
    for such action. This raises serious questions about the rationale
    behind this decision, and whether it represents a troubling disregard
    for scientific expertise and the critical role these public servants
    play in ensuring NASA's mission is based on sound, evidence-based
    policy.

        Question 1. Given my concerns about the abrupt dissolution of these
    offices and the loss of non-partisan, experienced civil servants
    providing ``unbiased, science-driven analysis,'' as the potential next
    Administrator, would you have valued having these offices and their
    expertise to support you in leading NASA? Recognizing these non-
    political civil servants provided mission-driven, agenda-free
    contributions to agency-wide strategy and policy development, distinct
    from the term appointees who led them, how would you ensure such
    valuable expertise is retained and utilized under your leadership?
        Answer. Over the last 26 years, I've founded, led, and grown two
    successful companies, including acquiring and reorganizing
    organizations to improve performance. I take great pride in assembling
    high-performing teams and retaining top talent--whether in business,
    aerospace, or human spaceflight. If confirmed, I intend to bring that
    same approach to NASA.
        Regarding the offices that were closed, I was not involved in those
    decisions. If confirmed, I will review the rationale behind those
    closures and evaluate whether the agency is retaining and properly
    utilizing the expertise necessary to support NASA's mission and
    strategic planning efforts.

        Question 2. If confirmed, would you commit to reviewing the
    decision to terminate these civil servants and prioritize their
    reinstatement to appropriate positions within NASA? This would ensure
    the agency retains their valuable experience and maintains continuity
    in its scientific and strategic planning efforts.
        Answer. As noted in my previous answer, if confirmed, I will review
    the rationale behind these decisions and assess whether reinstating any
    of these individuals would strengthen the agency's ability to deliver
    on its mission.
    NASA Heliophysics and Decadal Survey Priorities
        Mr. Isaacman, Massachusetts was proud to see our homegrown Lunar
    Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI), developed by students and
    faculty at Boston University, successfully land on the Moon aboard
    NASA's Blue Ghost Mission 1 spacecraft in March. LEXI is now sending
    back invaluable global images of the interaction between the solar wind
    and Earth's magnetic field--data that is essential to understanding the
    space environment around our planet.
        Heliophysics research is foundational to protecting our
    infrastructure, ensuring astronaut safety, and supporting the success
    of both human and robotic missions in space.

        Question 1. Given the release of the 2024 Solar and Space Physics
    Decadal Survey, how do you plan to support NASA's Heliophysics Division
    and advance its top priorities, including sustaining the Diversify,
    Realize, Integrate, Venture, Educate (DRIVE) initiative and expanding
    the cadence of the Heliophysics Explorers program, particularly the
    Small Explorer (SMEX) and Mid-sized Explorer (MIDEX) missions and
    Missions of Opportunity (MO)?
        Answer. I believe NASA should be a force multiplier for science.
    Advancing affordable, high-impact discovery must be a top priority. I'm
    very supportive of SMEX, MIDEX, and similar initiatives that can
    increase the cadence of meaningful scientific returns in a cost-
    effective way. If confirmed, I would look forward to working closely
    with the Heliophysics Division, academic institutions, and other
    partners to help implement the priorities outlined in the Decadal
    Survey and accelerate the rate of breakthrough discoveries.

        Question 2. Do you agree that strategic investments in Heliophysics
    should remain a key priority for NASA?
        Answer. Given how central the sun is to our existence, it makes
    sense that we'd want to know as much about it as possible.
    NASA Science Mission Directorate Funding
        Mr. Isaacman, NASA's science missions are foundational to the
    agency's global leadership in space and to the public's trust in its
    work. Programs like the Great Observatories--including Chandra, which
    is operated out of my home state of Massachusetts--provide essential
    data on everything from newborn stars to galaxy clusters, which cannot
    be captured from Earth. It supports approximately 200 jobs requiring
    highly specialized X-ray expertise.
        You've previously expressed support for these observatories.
    However, we've seen repeated attempts to siphon funds from the Science
    Mission Directorate to cover cost overruns in the Artemis program. That
    approach undermines NASA's long-term scientific mission.

        Question 1. Given the importance of NASA Science to the nation, can
    you commit that, under your leadership, funding for the Artemis program
    will not come at the expense of the Science Mission Directorate which
    manage flagship observatories like Chandra?
        Answer. As you've noted, I've been very public in my support for
    exploration assets like Chandra that continue to generate meaningful
    scientific returns. I don't believe in cutting small-dollar programs
    that are delivering real value--especially in science. If confirmed, I
    will advocate for protecting those investments and ensuring that
    science remains a core pillar of NASA's mission, even as we pursue
    ambitious goals through Artemis and other human spaceflight programs.
    NASA and Climate Data
        Mr. Isaacman, from monitoring sea-level rise to polar ice loss to
    wildfires, NASA's satellites are the backbone of climate research used
    by scientists, policymakers, and the public across the globe.
        NASA's Earth Observing System collects and archives more than 147
    terabytes of data each day. This data underpins climate action efforts
    at every level of government, drives global research collaborations,
    and informs life-saving disaster response. It's a public good relied on
    by communities worldwide.
        Yet the Trump administration is undermining that work. A recent
    investigation found that large swaths of climate datasets,
    visualizations, and web tools--once publicly accessible--have been
    altered or taken down. This unprecedented rollback of public
    information compromises scientific continuity and transparency at a
    time of accelerating climate threats and extreme weather events.

        Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to fully restoring and
    maintaining access to data as well as resisting any political pressure
    to sideline climate research?
        Answer. As I mentioned during the hearing, I am not currently aware
    of any restrictions related to public access to NASA data, but if
    confirmed, I would look into this matter closely. I strongly support
    Earth Science and believe the data NASA collects can play a critical
    role in supporting the agriculture industry and mitigating the impacts
    of wildfires, droughts, flooding, and other natural hazards.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
                                 Jared Isaacman
        Question 1. Mr. Isaacman, I was happy to hear you say in the
    hearing that it is a fundamental responsibility of NASA to inspire the
    next generation. I agree that NASA's missions play a key role in doing
    so. The NASA Office of STEM Engagement also develops the next
    generation of scientists by providing for Michigan's Space Grant
    Consortium, which funds graduate fellowships, undergraduate research
    grants, faculty research grants, educational programs at the K-12
    level, and NASA internships.
        President Trump's previous NASA Administrator proposed zeroing out
    the budget for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement--something Congress
    blocked. A failure to invest in the next generation hamstrings U.S.
    competitiveness and makes it difficult to build on the work we have
    already invested billions in.
        If confirmed, are you committed to continuing funding for NASA's
    STEM education programing? Do you agree that it is important for NASA
    to fund workforce initiatives that ultimately support their exploration
    accounts?
        Answer. I hope my track record--both through my human spaceflight
    missions and my financial support for programs like Space Camp--makes
    clear how much I value STEM education. As I emphasized during the
    hearing, it all begins with completing the mission. It's been over half
    a century since Americans last walked on the Moon. Until we deliver on
    those goals, we are not living up to our full inspirational potential.
        That said, I strongly support STEM initiatives that get students
    excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

        Question 2. Mr. Isaacman you've mentioned your passion for science
    and shared that you believe President Trump is hoping to usher in a
    golden age of science.
        I remain deeply concerns about potential budget and staffing cuts
    that would only favor funding for the exploration account. A
    fundamental part of the Artemis missions are its science missions which
    seek to better understand lunar resources in preparation of sending
    humans to the moon. Beyond supporting exploration efforts NASA's
    science budget includes programs to research things like space weather
    which impacts our everyday lives.
        Recent reporting suggests that OMB is planning to propose cutting
    NASA's Science budget by $3.4 billion, or about 45 percent. Do you
    think these cuts would reduce science capacity at the agency to unlock
    the future of space?
        Answer. I have not been privy to any internal budgetary planning or
    decision making conversations at the agency. If confirmed, I look
    forward to reviewing OMB's recommendations and working with Congress to
    determine the appropriate level of funding to ensure NASA can execute
    its mission. That said, I will always be an advocate for NASA and its
    science portfolio.

        Question 3. Recent reporting suggests that OMB is planning to
    propose cutting NASA's Science budget by $3.4 billion, or about 45
    percent. If confirmed, will you commit to pushing back on OMB and the
    President if they recommend these cuts?
        Answer. I have not been privy to any internal budgetary planning or
    decision making conversations at the agency. If confirmed, I look
    forward to reviewing OMB's recommendations and working with Congress to
    determine the appropriate level of funding to ensure NASA can execute
    its mission. That said, I will always be an advocate for NASA and its
    science portfolio.

        Question 4. Mr. Isaacman, in the hearing you stated your commitment
    to following existing law which directs the NASA Administrator to
    ``establish a program to develop a sustained human presence in cis-
    lunar space or on the Moon''. You also mentioned that you do not
    believe that the Space Launch System is a good long-term option for
    getting astronauts to and from the moon with great frequency.
    Commercial heavy lift launch vehicles have been suggested as potential
    alternatives for future missions to and from, but work is still being
    done to make them fully operational. What do you envision as the future
    alternative to the SLS and how will you ensure that NASA has the
    necessary resources to partner with commercial companies and invest in
    these alternatives?
        Answer. As I've said before, I believe the SLS and existing Artemis
    architecture represent the fastest way to get American astronauts back
    to the Moon. But over the long term, it's not a sustainable or
    affordable solution. Fortunately, the commercial launch market is
    stronger than ever. Since SLS was first established, companies like
    Blue Origin, ULA, SpaceX, and Rocket Lab have made major investments in
    heavy-lift capabilities. Competition drives down costs and accelerates
    innovation. In that respect, at some point the government will need to
    move on from competing with commercial industry in launch and invest in
    the next generation spaceship technology, what no other agency or
    organization is capable of delivering, like the practical application
    of nuclear propulsion.

        Question 5. Programs and contracts like those in Artemis support
    thousands of jobs across the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. This is
    extremely important in Michigan especially where suppliers are critical
    to NASA's mission and goals. Any cuts to NASA programs equate to job
    cuts in Michigan and across the country.
        Do you agree that part of the role NASA's programs can and do play
    is to strengthen critical national security manufacturing supply chains
    and jobs in aerospace?
        Answer. Absolutely--but I also believe that every partner, vendor,
    and program must deliver. We should be paying for results and holding
    all stakeholders accountable when expectations aren't met. I'm not
    putting all the responsibility on contractors--NASA's own program
    management plays a role as well. But no one should be satisfied that
    every President since 1989 has called for a return to the Moon and a
    path to Mars, and despite more than $100 billion invested across
    Constellation and Artemis, we have yet to fly a single crewed mission
    around the Moon let alone land on it. That must change.

        Question 6. Every year I coordinate a bipartisan letter to our
    Appropriations Commerce, Science, and Justice subcommittee asking that
    they support the funding necessary to ensure Artemis missions can
    launch on time. Delays in the launch schedule not only delay scientific
    discovery but can lead to additional costs.
        What is your plan to ensure that NASA has the necessary resources
    to maintain Artemis' launch schedule? If your plan is to speed up the
    launch schedule, how exactly do you plan to do so?
        Answer. My approach is shaped by 26 years of experience leading
    high-performance teams in business, along with a background in
    aerospace and commercial space. I've built companies from the ground
    up, led acquisitions and turnarounds, and flown to space twice on
    record-breaking missions. What I've learned is that results don't come
    from slogans or slide decks--they come from leadership that's present,
    hands-on, and relentlessly focused on mission execution. NASA knows
    this better than anyone--based on what has been accomplished
    historically--we just need to restore that mission-first culture.
        If confirmed, I'll roll up my sleeves, get in the trenches with the
    team, and lead a cultural and program management transformation. We'll
    take a hard look at the real problems--both internal and external--that
    slow progress and put timelines and budgets at risk. Key areas of focus
    will include:

       Reducing organizational bureaucracy to streamline
            communication and accelerate decision-making

       Strengthening program management with clear ownership,
            defined timelines, and measurable results

       Driving vendor accountability through transparent
            performance metrics and consequences when expectations--
            especially those owed to taxpayers--are not met

       Reinforcing a culture of urgency and ownership at every
            level of the agency--we don't go home until the day's problem
            is solved because no one else will solve it for us--and then we
            do it all over again the next day NASA has the talent and
            resources to achieve the near-impossible. But when major
            programs fall behind, it delays world-changing discoveries,
            fails to meet our inspirational obligations, and undermines the
            credibility of the agency the public entrusts with its hope for
            future generations.

        Question 7. Mr. Isaacman, we have seen massive reductions in
    staffing across agencies. Earlier this year it was reported that NASA
    negotiated with the Office of Personnel Management to avoid mass
    layoffs. Additionally, there are reports that up to 5 percent of NASA's
    staff already accepted a buyout agreement.
        We have also heard that NASA staff are awaiting a realignment plan
    that will further reduce NASA staffing numbers. You have big plans for
    NASA, but I fail to see how we achieve them if we are not retaining
    talent.
        What is your plan to ensure that NASA remains sufficiently staffed?
    How do you plan to do that in an environment where NASA's budget
    decreases?
        Answer. If confirmed, I hope to be in a position to lead these
    discussions thoughtfully and constructively. As I stated in my prepared
    remarks, I'm stepping away from my business career--and my commercial
    spaceflight career--because I believe I owe a debt to this Nation and
    want to contribute to NASA's extraordinary mission.
        I'm not here for a title. I'm here to help the agency, not
    dismantle it. And if NASA is working on what no other organization on
    Earth can accomplish--world-changing missions--I believe it will
    continue to attract and retain the talent it needs to succeed.

        Question 8. Have you communicated with--including over messaging
    app, e-mail, or in person--Elon Musk since accepting your nomination?
        Answer. No.

        Question 8a. If yes, what was the substance of the communication?
        Answer. N/A.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Baldwin to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    1. Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Professionals
        Each year, the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium hosts an annual
    First Nations Launch National Rocket Competition. This competition
    serves as an opportunity for students at Tribal Colleges and
    Universities, Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, and
    members of American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapters to
    gain experience and explore engineering and design principles to
    inspire these students to pursue careers in aerospace.
        If confirmed, will you support programs, such as the First Nations
    Launch National Rocket Competition, that encourage, inspire and train
    students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in aerospace and
    STEM?
        Answer. While I am not directly familiar with the First Nations
    Launch National Rocket Competition, I firmly believe it is a core
    obligation of NASA to inspire the next generation to join the adventure
    and reach even higher. I am a strong advocate for STEM programs--
    especially those that deliver high-impact outcomes from relatively
    small investments.
    2. Role of Commercial Space Industry
        In your testimony, you briefly discussed the importance of
    determining the future of the space economy before the de-orbiting of
    the International Space Station.
        Why do you believe scientific innovation alone is not justification
    to continue investing in the ISS or future space stations? What do you
    picture the future of the space economy to look like and what economic
    value do you envision discovering if you are confirmed? What role do
    you believe commercial space companies should play in determining the
    economic activity in space?
        Answer. Like millions of others, I envision a future where humanity
    becomes a spacefaring civilization, rich in scientific discovery and
    exploration. But I'm also realistic--budgets are not unlimited. For
    space to reach its full potential, we must unlock its economic value.
    If the ISS or future space stations are to continue operating in the
    long term, they cannot rely solely on government funding; there must be
    a pathway toward sustainable commercial engagement.
        If confirmed, I would welcome input from the best and brightest
    across NASA, academia, and industry. In the near term, I believe the
    greatest opportunities are in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors,
    where the microgravity environment can yield breakthroughs. Over the
    medium term, mineral extraction and on-orbit manufacturing may also
    become economically viable.
        Commercial space companies should play an active and collaborative
    role in shaping this future. Alongside international partners and
    academic institutions, they can help identify the highest-potential
    science and research that will ignite a true space economy. NASA's role
    should be to lead, convene, and help de-risk that future--while keeping
    its focus on what no other agency or organization can accomplish.
    3. NASA Budget
        It has been reported that the preliminary version of President
    Donald Trump's budget calls for a cut of 47 percent to NASA science.
        If NASA's budget is cut by 47 percent, how would this impact future
    science projects at NASA? Would any projects be fully terminated?
        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing OMB's
    recommendations and working with Congress to determine the appropriate
    level of funding to ensure NASA can execute its mission. That said, I
    will always be an advocate for NASA and its science portfolio.
    4. Conflicts of Interests
        During your hearing, you refused to answer whether Elon Musk was in
    the room when President Trump interviewed you and offered you the NASA
    Administrator appointment.

        Question 4a. To your knowledge did Elon Musk recommend your
    nomination to President Trump?

        Question 4b. Do you believe it would have been improper for Elon
    Musk, who holds extensive contracts with NASA and deep conflicts of
    interest, to be in attendance for a nominee's interview with the
    President for the NASA Administrator appointment? If no, why?
        Answer to 4a and 4b. I've heard that several retired Generals and
    Admirals I worked with while running my defense company had recommended
    me for different positions. I also had just returned--about two months
    before my nomination--from a record-breaking space mission. During that
    mission, my crew and I traveled farther from Earth than any humans in
    more than half a century. Two of my crewmates became the women who have
    traveled farthest from Earth, and we conducted dozens of research
    experiments, tested a new EVA suit during a `spacewalk', and pioneered
    next-generation communications--all widely covered in the media. So,
    while the nomination personally came as a surprise and an honor, it
    does not seem that unusual that my name was being circulated.
        It is not my place to speculate on hypothetical situations. As I've
    said previously, my interview was with the President of the United
    States. He asked the questions, and he made the decision.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    Future of Space Stations
        The request for proposals for phase two of the Commercial Low Earth
    Orbit Development Program is expected to define NASA's level of
    investment and commitment, awarding contracts to two or more commercial
    providers to ensure redundancy and competition for services, which are
    essential to driving innovation and economic growth.

        Question 1. Given the critical need for these providers to be
    operational before the ISS deorbits, if confirmed, how do you plan to
    ensure the timely development and deployment of these stations?
        Answer. There are two parallel priorities I would focus on if
    confirmed.
        First, we need to prioritize the highest-potential science and
    research on the ISS that could help ``crack the code'' on a sustainable
    orbital economy. These commercial stations won't succeed unless there's
    a strong value proposition in space, and NASA has a role to play in
    identifying and advancing the research that could unlock it--
    particularly in sectors like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and advanced
    manufacturing.
        Second, we need to identify and clear the obstacles currently
    holding back commercial providers--whether they're technical,
    financial, regulatory, or bureaucratic. That means working closely with
    the companies involved, understanding where delays or hardships are
    occurring, and eliminating roadblocks wherever possible.
        We are on the clock with the ISS's end of life timeline. If
    confirmed, I will do all I can to bring urgency and focus to ensuring a
    successful transition that doesn't leave a gap in our presence in low
    Earth orbit or jeopardize the emergence of a true space economy.
    NASA's Commitment to Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) Project
        Commercial space companies have expressed concerns about
    overburdensome requirements, regulatory delays, indemnification, and
    the unpredictability of NASA's commitment to Commercial LEO
    Destinations project.

        Question 1. How will you ensure continuous presence in space and
    prevent a funding or policy gap that could undermine the success of
    these private space stations?
        Answer. One of the greatest accomplishments of the ISS has been its
    ability to sustain human life in low Earth orbit over long durations.
    Meanwhile, the cost of transporting astronauts to and from LEO has come
    down significantly from prior generation vehicles like Shuttle. So, the
    challenge today isn't launch--it's the economic viability of commercial
    LEO destinations.
        As currently contemplated, these future stations will rely in part
    on government subsidies, but that model is unlikely to be sustainable
    in the absence of a real on-orbit economy. That's why I emphasized
    during my testimony how critical it is to maximize the remaining life
    of the ISS--not just to continue exploration, but to crack the code on
    the space economy and give commercial providers the best possible
    chance to succeed. If confirmed, I'll prioritize this effort and do all
    I can to ensure a seamless transition that avoids a gap in presence and
    purpose in LEO.

        Question 2. Given your private sector background, what changes
    would you advocate for in NASA's approach to managing technical
    requirements, cost, schedule, and risk to make it more agile and
    commercially friendly while maintaining accountability?
        Answer. To start, I'm not convinced the current system enforces any
    real accountability. Programs run over budget, fall behind schedule,
    and the only consequence seems to be cancellation. That's not
    sustainable for an agency with world-changing goals.
        If confirmed, I will get in the trenches to understand the root
    causes. It's clear that bureaucratic layers have formed--often serving
    their own preservation rather than the mission. In the private sector,
    resources--whether people, capital, infrastructure, or leadership--are
    aligned around clear goals with defined outcomes and performance
    metrics. That makes it easy to spot when something is off track and
    implement course corrections early.
        I intend to bring that mindset and my experience running two large,
    successful companies--including in aerospace--into NASA. The agency
    doesn't lack talent or capability; it needs a clearer alignment between
    mission and execution, and a mission-first culture that values
    execution, ownership and urgency. That's how we'll restore momentum and
    complete the ambitious goals the Nation expects from NASA.
    NASA EPSCoR Funding
        One of my top priorities in Congress is supporting growth in STEM
    fields by investing in education and workforce training that will
    bolster STEM opportunities for everyone. As you know, NASA EPSCoR is a
    joint federal-state program designed to allow more states to
    participate in space and aeronautics research. In Nevada, schools such
    as the University of Nevada, Reno and the Desert Research Institute
    rely on NASA EPSCoR seed funding for research and scholarships in order
    to enhance STEM opportunities.

        Question 1. How can Congress further support the ESPCoR program and
    ensure NASA can continue to grow the program's reach and its diversity
    in scientific research?
        Answer. As I mentioned during my testimony, NASA has a fundamental
    obligation to inspire the next generation to join this grand adventure
    and aim even higher. That inspiration starts by getting back to the
    mission--landing astronauts on the Moon and Mars, launching new
    telescopes, and delivering breakthrough scientific discoveries that
    captivate the world.
        But inspiration alone isn't enough--we also need to provide
    pathways for participation. Programs like EPSCoR are essential because
    they help connect students and researchers from underserved regions and
    institutions to the opportunities that NASA provides.
    Initiatives in STEM Funding
        I'm proud to have introduced several bipartisan STEM-related bills
    over the past several years, including my STEM RESTART Act with Senator
    Hyde-Smith, the Rural STEM Act with Senator Wicker--which was included
    in the CHIPS and Science Act--and the Building Blocks of STEM Act with
    Senator Capito, which was signed into law in the 116th Congress.
    However, there is still more work to be done, particularly in breaking
    down barriers that stand in the way of students of all ages and
    backgrounds from pursuing STEM education and STEM careers.

        Question 1. How can NASA work to break down barriers to young
    people in STEM so that in the future you have the workforce you need to
    continue to make scientific breakthroughs?
        Answer. I firmly believe that if NASA can deliver on the mission--
    what no other agency or organization on Earth can achieve--then
    recruiting, retention, STEM engagement, and inspiration will largely
    take care of themselves. That's the first step: accomplish bold, world-
    changing goals that ignite imagination and ambition.
        But we also have to create tangible pathways for participation that
    also serve NASA's mission. As I mentioned in my remarks, NASA should be
    a force multiplier for science--leveraging its talent, infrastructure,
    and partnerships to push down opportunities to academia.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
                                 Jared Isaacman
        Question 1. I recently introduced legislation to hold special
    government employees, like Elon Musk, accountable and prevent them from
    acting in their own financial interest. I'm concerned to hear media
    releases that discuss SpaceX's connection to China, specifically, the
    article published March 26, 2025, titled ``How Elon Musk's SpaceX
    Secretly Allows Investment from China,'' which details how investors
    from China buy stakes in the company as long as funds are routed
    through offshore hubs. As you know, Musk's company SpaceX has been
    awarded many NASA contracts, including their human lander system (HLS)
    for the Artemis moon missions. I understand that the contracting
    officer at NASA who awarded SpaceX this contract now works for SpaceX
    overseeing the Starship development. Do you believe that companies with
    contracts like the HLS should receive investment from China? Will NASA
    proactively identify and mitigate conflicts of interest and enforce
    government transparency?
        Answer. I'm not familiar with the specific article or any related
    claims regarding a particular vendor. That said, I would hope that
    NASA--and the broader U.S. government--have implemented the appropriate
    safeguards to ensure open, fair competition while also protecting
    against influence from geopolitical adversaries. If confirmed, you can
    count on my full commitment to protecting American interests, ensuring
    transparency, and maintaining a level playing field that advances our
    national security and space leadership.

        Question 2. Commercial providers have put forth faster and cheaper
    solutions than the current NASA architecture has laid out. If
    confirmed, can you ensure that NASA will fairly consider all commercial
    procurement options to fund multiple industry concepts through early
    design phases to maximize innovation?
        Answer. Competition is a core ingredient of our economic system--
    and I'm a strong believer in its power to drive both innovation and
    affordability. If confirmed, I will ensure that NASA remains open to
    new ideas and that we create space for commercial solutions to be
    evaluated fairly, particularly in early-phase development where
    multiple concepts can unlock future capability and cost efficiencies.

        Question 3. Congress has consistently supported the development of
    a sustainable Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) economy, including utilizing
    microgravity research, space-based manufacturing, and human
    spaceflight, while leveraging commercial platforms to reduce government
    costs and expand market opportunities. What role do you see for NASA in
    ensuring the United States is a leader in capabilities such as space-
    based manufacturing and microgravity research?
        Answer. As I stated in my prepared remarks and throughout my
    testimony, unlocking a sustainable space economy is imperative. After
    more than 60 years of space exploration, the space economy remains
    centered around launch, observation, and communications--largely funded
    by government contracts. That is not enough for the future we all
    imagine in space.
        If confirmed, I will prioritize identifying the highest-potential
    science and research opportunities--especially in areas like
    biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and on-orbit manufacturing--
    and work closely with commercial partners, academia, and international
    allies to help ignite a true economic engine in space.

        Question 4. NASA's Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program
    is critical to ensuring that China does not surpass the U.S. in
    leadership in LEO. The recently introduced NASA Transition
    Authorization Act pushes NASA to down select to two commercial
    providers by March of 2026, with one being operational by 2030. What
    actions will you take to ensure an orderly transition to commercial
    space stations to maintain our continuous human presence? What are the
    key challenges you foresee in ensuring there is no gap in human
    presence in LEO, and how should NASA support a smooth handover to
    commercial platforms?
        Answer. Keeping astronauts alive in space for long durations is one
    of the ISS's greatest achievements. Meanwhile, the cost of launching to
    and from LEO has declined steadily over the decades. So the challenge
    isn't the continuous `heart beat' in space--it's the economic viability
    of commercial space stations.
        As they are currently structured, many commercial platforms are
    expected to rely on government subsidies, yet we haven't seen a self-
    sustaining on-orbit economy emerge. That's why, during my testimony, I
    emphasized the importance of making the most of the ISS's remaining
    lifespan--to help crack the code on the space economy and give
    commercial providers the best possible shot at success. If confirmed, I
    will make this a priority and ensure NASA provides the technical,
    logistical, and strategic support needed for a seamless transition.

        Question 5. Will you commit to supporting the development of a
    national strategy for commercial spaceports, funding for spaceports,
    and best practices that could be led by NASA?
        Answer. I believe it is a national security vulnerability to have
    too few facilities for the launch and recovery of space vehicles. If
    confirmed, I would work with the Department of Defense, FAA, and other
    stakeholders to ensure the United States has the infrastructure
    capacity to meet the growing demands of national security, commercial,
    and civil space operations.

        Question 6. The Suborbital Crew Program (SubC) offers government
    employees, including NASA astronauts and researchers, the opportunity
    to train aboard suborbital vehicles as a part of their preparations for
    longer-durations missions. The SubC program is also a way for
    astronauts to practice on experiments they might be conducting in
    microgravity in the future. Can you provide an update and explain your
    support for utilizing additional flight training in space and more time
    in microgravity for our NASA astronauts and researchers through the
    SubC program? After all, the first American in space flew a suborbital
    mission and we can all agree on the benefits Alan Shepherd's flight had
    on the future of the Astronaut Corps.
        Answer. Suborbital spaceflight offers meaningful microgravity
    experience at significantly lower cost and likely lower risk than
    orbital missions. It's an efficient capability that we should be using
    to prepare astronauts and researchers for longer-duration missions and
    experiment validation.
                                     ______

     Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
                                 Jared Isaacman
    STEM & Science Missions
        NASA's missions fulfill national goals and advance science. From
    the Artemis Mission to return to the moon, the Hubble and James Webb
    Space Telescopes, and returning samples collected from asteroids and
    Mars, space is a powerful tool to attract students to STEM fields.

        Question 1. Mr. Isaacman, in what way could these key NASA missions
    inspire the next generation of scientists?
        Answer. Exactly right--NASA inspires by doing the mission. When we
    accomplish the near-impossible, when we explore the unknown and deliver
    breakthrough discoveries, we ignite the imagination of the next
    generation. That's how students choose to pursue science, technology,
    engineering, and math--not just because they're told to, but because
    they want to be part of something bold and meaningful.
        Hubble has inspired the world for decades. Now it's time to get the
    next generation of telescopes into orbit--and astronauts on the Moon
    and eventually Mars. That's how we continue the cycle of inspiration
    and achievement.

        Question 2. If confirmed, will you commit to prioritizing the
    advancement of NASA's existing portfolio of science and STEM missions,
    including funding new and existing space telescopes and partnerships
    with academic institutions?
        Answer. Consistent with my testimony, I want NASA to be a force
    multiplier for science. That means launching more missions--more
    telescopes, more probes, more rovers--and deepening partnerships with
    academia (and their healthy endowments) to ensure students and
    researchers are active participants in that work.
        If confirmed, you can expect me to be a passionate advocate for
    science. The discoveries we make--and the way we make them--are
    foundational to both our national competitiveness and our ability to
    inspire future generations.
    Artemis and Gateway
        NASA is currently partnering with commercial space companies to
    return astronauts to the moon and establish an orbiting lunar outpost
    that can be used for scientific research and as a pathway for missions
    to Mars.

        Question 3. How do you plan to prioritize exploration on the Moon
    under the Artemis Program, led by NASA in collaboration with commercial
    partners?
        Answer. As I've stated in previous responses and during my
    testimony, I believe the current Artemis architecture is the fastest
    path to landing American astronauts back on the Moon--something every
    President has called for since 1989. That said, it's clear the program
    has struggled with cost, schedule, and execution. Over $100 billion has
    been invested in this effort, and yet we still haven't flown humans
    around the Moon let alone landing on it.
        If confirmed, I will focus on getting Artemis back on track. That
    means working alongside NASA leadership, commercial partners, and
    program managers to address the root causes of delays--bureaucracy,
    program misalignment, and lack of accountability--and restoring a
    mission-first culture across the agency. We must deliver results,
    demonstrate progress, and prove to the world that NASA can once again
    achieve the extraordinary.

        Question 4. If confirmed, how will you plan for human exploration
    on Mars while maintaining a consistent lunar presence?
        Answer. Artemis is the current plan, but that doesn't preclude
    parallel efforts to pursue the President's inspiring and ambitious goal
    of sending American astronauts to Mars. In fact, many of the
    technologies and capabilities NASA is already investing in--such as
    surface nuclear power systems, nuclear electric propulsion, and nuclear
    thermal propulsion--are highly relevant for Mars exploration, though
    they remain underfunded and subscale. Additionally, commercial partners
    under Artemis are developing very heavy-lift launch vehicles that could
    support both lunar and Mars missions.
    Mission Priorities
        The Mars Sample Return mission is key to advancing our
    understanding of the red planet. NASA also conducts missions that
    observe the Earth to help support water conservation, forest health,
    and crop management.

        Question 5. How will you balance NASA's priorities between
    planetary exploration and Earth Science missions?
        Answer. I am passionate about all of NASA's science and exploration
    missions--including both planetary and Earth sciences. Prioritizing
    these efforts isn't about choosing one over the other, but rather about
    identifying where the greatest breakthroughs are possible.
        Some of this prioritization is guided by the decadal survey
    process, which I fully respect. But if confirmed, I would work closely
    with NASA's experts and stakeholders to evaluate missions based on
    their scientific promise, potential economic value, and relevance to
    national security. Whether we're uncovering the secrets of other worlds
    or advancing our understanding of Earth, the goal is the same: to
    deliver meaningful, world-changing results.
    Spectrum
        Space operators rely on spectrum during launch, to support in-space
    operations, and for transmitting scientific data and imagery from Earth
    observations. As commercial uses of spectrum continue to increase, it
    is important to ensure that Federal agencies can continue conducting
    their missions while using spectrum efficiently.

        Question 6. How does NASA plan to continue working with Federal
    partners such as the NTIA and FCC to ensure sufficient spectrum is
    available to support science, commercial, and national security
    missions in a growing space ecosystem?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would advocate for preserving the spectrum
    NASA requires to fulfill its on-orbit mission requirements. That said,
    I also believe we can take a proactive approach to reducing future
    demand.
        Several commercial companies are already investing in advanced
    technologies like optical/laser forms of communications, which offer
    high-bandwidth alternatives to traditional systems.
    Space Debris
        Satellites and space stations can be damaged or destroyed by
    orbital debris, threatening human lives in addition to commercial and
    national security missions in space. Globally, other nations are
    pursuing demonstration missions to refine their technologies to
    remediate space debris.
        While NASA has studied space debris issues extensively, the U.S.
    cannot fall behind in deploying its own technological capabilities.

        Question 7. How can NASA help catalyze investments in developing
    and demonstrating technologies on-orbit, such as active debris removal,
    to support the safe and resilient use of space?
        Answer. As I mentioned during my hearing, I'm very familiar with
    this issue--MMOD (Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris) was the greatest
    threat to both of my space missions. While I'm not opposed to investing
    in active debris removal technologies, we need to be clear-eyed about
    the real challenge: the majority of the risk comes from millimeter-
    sized debris traveling at orbital velocities--objects too small to see
    or track but large enough to cause serious damage.
        From a policy standpoint, the best thing we can do is stop making
    the problem worse. That means stronger international norms and
    accountability around responsible behavior in space--such as proper
    deorbiting practices, ending destructive ASAT testing, and avoiding
    uncontrolled satellite breakups, which are often caused by less
    responsible foreign actors.
    International Space Station
        The International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled to operate
    through 2030, providing a platform for human presence in space and an
    opportunity to perform scientific research in microgravity.
        Currently, NASA is working with the commercial sector to support
    the development of future commercial LEO destinations, which will
    maintain the United States' presence in LEO and offer the opportunity
    for continued microgravity research on-orbit.

        Question 8. How do you recommend NASA manage the ISS transition to
    ensure a safe deorbit plan while maintaining continued U.S. presence in
    low earth orbit?
        Answer. To my understanding, NASA has already held a competition
    and selected a vendor to support the safe deorbiting of the ISS.
        As such, my priority would be to maximize the remaining value of
    the ISS before it is decommissioned. We must prioritize the highest-
    potential science and research that can be conducted on the station--
    and do everything possible to ``crack the code'' on an on orbit
    economy. The success of commercial LEO destinations will depend on what
    we learn and accomplish now.
                                     ______

    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to

                                 Jared Isaacman
        NASA's Space Grant program has played a critical role in expanding
    STEM education and research opportunities in states like Delaware.

        Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to supporting the Space
    Grant program and ensuring its continued funding?
        Answer. Programs like Space Grant help turn that inspiration into
    action by providing hands-on opportunities, academic support, and real
    pathways into the workforce. If confirmed, I would strongly support
    efforts that connect students to NASA's mission and help develop the
    talent needed to lead in space, science, and innovation.

        Question 2. How do you view NASA's role in fostering STEM education
    and workforce development through programs like Space Grant?
        Answer. Inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM is
    a fundamental obligation of NASA. Programs like Space Grant help turn
    that inspiration into action by providing hands-on opportunities,
    academic support, and real pathways into the workforce. If confirmed, I
    would strongly support efforts that connect students to NASA's mission
    and help develop the talent needed to lead in space, science, and
    innovation.
                                     ______

          Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ted Cruz to
                                 Olivia Trusty
        Question 1. Many in Congress, including myself, are committed to
    ensuring broadband connectivity across the country. However, the
    Universal Service Fund--an annual, multi-billion-dollar program--has
    operated with minimal oversight or accountability from Congress since
    its establishment in 1996. This has led to significant mission creep,
    particularly during the Biden administration with respect to its
    unlawful expansion of the E-Rate program.
        As the ``contribution base'' has continued to shrink, there have
    been increasing calls to expand that base--more accurately, to broaden
    the consumer tax burden--to additional sectors and services. As I
    stated in my Blueprint for USF Reform, expanding the base alone would
    not reduce the amount consumers pay but merely change the method of
    collecting their payments. It would conceal, rather than fix, mission
    creep and unaccountable spending and undermine incentives for the FCC
    to lower costs or improve program performance.
        Expanding the revenue base before pursuing spending reform also
    puts the cart before the horse. As you acknowledged at your hearing,
    there are over 100 different overlapping broadband programs at 15
    different Federal agencies. As such, before expanding the tax base, it
    is necessary to examine what the programs themselves are paying for and
    to what extent they continue to be necessary. Spending reform must
    precede revenue reform.

        Do you agree that reform to root out mission creep and waste,
    fraud, and abuse must be pursued before revenue reform?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. As we discussed in my office, will you commit not to
    expand the contribution base beyond clear, current FCC authority
    without explicit Congressional action to authorize such expansion?
        Answer. Yes.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Alaska Connect Fund
        Question 1. In Alaska, communications access is critical for our
    communities, yet the terrain is unlike anywhere else. The weather is
    extreme. The building season is short. And, the permitting process is
    challenged by Federal land ownership. No other state has so many remote
    communities that are unconnected from any other infrastructure such as
    roads or utilities.
        Providers face numerous challenges from an abbreviated construction
    season, to lack of commercial power, to the need to charter flights to
    conduct maintenance and repairs, and more.
        In recognition of Alaska's challenges, the FCC has long recognized
    the importance of embracing flexible policies for Alaska.

        Will you commit to making sure that FCC policies are flexible so
    that they reflect the unique circumstances facing providers and need to
    tailor their universal service obligations accordingly?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working at the FCC to promote
    policies, including policies that involve universal service
    obligations, that are flexible and reflect the unique connectivity
    needs in Alaska.
    Outdated Media Ownership Requirements
        Question 1. Chairman Carr has called this a ``break glass moment
    for local broadcasting'' and has said that he will be looking at the
    current local broadcast ownership rules and seeing which ones are no
    longer necessary because of all of the disruption in the media
    marketplace and the many different ways people consume media.
        Updating, and in some cases eliminating these ownership rules, is
    important for a state like Alaska if we want to continue to receive
    important local news and information.
        I am a strong supporter of local broadcast stations in my home
    state of Alaska. They provide important news, weather and emergency
    information to my constituents. These stations and stations across the
    country face economic challenges today due to market competition. These
    economic issues can lead to a reduction in their local news coverage,
    which we've seen in areas of our state.

        Ms. Trusty, will you work to ensure that the FCC is pro-active in
    adopting policies that protect local stations' ability to continue to
    serve their key role in our communities, including by relaxing
    ownership rules that were enacted decades ago when the media space
    looked very different from today?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to promoting policies that protect
    local stations' ability to continue to serve their key role in
    communities across this country so that local broadcasters can better
    compete for viewers, programming, and advertising revenues in today's
    vibrant and dynamic media and video marketplace.
                                     ______

      Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to
                                 Olivia Trusty
        Question. As you know, arrangements requiring musical performers to
    play at broadcast station events in exchange for airplay--particularly
    when coupled with threats of reduced airplay for non-compliance--
    violate the FCC's payola rules. These rules prohibit broadcasters from
    making programming decisions based on receiving anything of value
    without on-air disclosure of such consideration. Last month, after I
    sent a letter to the FCC, Chairman Carr issued an enforcement advisory
    addressing complaints that broadcasters are coercing musical artists to
    perform for free at station events or festivals by threatening to
    reduce their airplay if they refuse. If confirmed, will you commit to
    protecting American artists and continued vigilant enforcement of the
    FCC's payola rules?
        Answer. Yes.
                                     ______

         Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Todd Young to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Undersea Cables
        Question 1. As global demand for data capacity grows and
    geopolitical competition intensifies, undersea cable infrastructure has
    become increasingly vital to national security, economic
    competitiveness, and digital resilience.

        What is the FCC's plan to support the private sector's increasing
    demands for greater deployment of subsea infrastructure?
        Answer. The FCC is actively reviewing subsea cable rules for the
    first time since 2001 through a notice of proposed rulemaking initiated
    in November 2024. Information collected through this proceeding will
    help inform the FCC's next steps pertaining to streamlining the
    licensing process of subsea cable infrastructure; more efficient
    coordination with Federal agencies regarding subsea cable projects; and
    enhancing the national security of this critical infrastructure.

        Question 2. What gaps do you see in FCC oversight of subsea
    infrastructure development and usage?
        Answer. Today the FCC lacks sufficient transparency into the
    foreign ownership of undersea cable infrastructure development, as well
    as the security measures that subsea cable operators are implementing
    to protect this critical infrastructure from sabotage, disruption, or
    compromise.

        Question 3. What can Congress do to better support the FCC's
    undersea cable efforts?
        Answer. To support the FCC's undersea cable efforts, Congress could
    do the following: help promote more U.S.-led undersea cable projects to
    reduce potential security risks stemming from the foreign ownership of
    undersea cables; explore the diversification of undersea cable traffic
    patterns or routes to ensure there is no single point of failure if
    there is a cable outage due to sabotage or natural disasters; and
    strengthen disaster recovery and emergency response plans for undersea
    cables that have been compromised.
    NextGen Television Standard
        Question 1. Ms. Trusty, two years ago Senator Schatz and I wrote a
    letter to the FCC that was signed by 26 of our colleagues asking the
    Commission to expedite the continued rollout of the Next Generation
    Television Standard, or ATSC 3.0. The current standard, HD, has been
    around for almost 30 years and the new standard, NextGen, is a pro-
    consumer, innovative technology that not only provides viewers with
    much better picture and audio quality but also allows for targeted
    weather and emergency alerts. Just this week, the FCC invited public
    comment on a petition for rulemaking on this very issue, underscoring
    the growing momentum and continued interest in accelerating the
    modernization of this important technology.

        If confirmed, can you commit to working with your colleagues,
    Congress and industry to ensure the transition to NextGen TV happens
    expeditiously and in a way that benefits television viewers?
        Answer. Yes.
    FCC International Leadership/Standard Setting
        Question 1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alongside
    other U.S. government agencies, is tasked with ensuring that American
    interests and values are effectively represented in these forums. Given
    the strategic importance of emerging technologies like 5G, satellite
    communications, and cybersecurity standards, U.S. engagement and
    leadership in global discussions is more important than ever.

        How do you view the FCC's role in international standard-setting
    bodies, and what steps can the Commission take to strengthen U.S.
    leadership in those forums?
        Answer. The FCC works in coordination with the State Department and
    NTIA to ensure that global standards align with U.S. regulatory
    frameworks and technical priorities to foster more efficient, cost
    effective and interoperable communications services around the world.
    To strengthen U.S. leadership in these global forums, the FCC can work
    with the State Department and NTIA to develop a unified U.S. strategy
    in advance of global meetings and conferences and support efforts to
    build coalitions among international allies and partners. This will
    help ensure the United States is better positioned to counter those
    seeking to undermine U.S. values and interests in global forums.

        Question 2. What are the risks if the U.S. does not actively
    participate or lead in global standard-setting conversations?
        Answer. If the U.S. does not actively participate or lead in global
    standards-setting forums, we risk losing our ability to lead in the
    development of next-generation communications technologies as well as
    our ability to lead in emerging technologies, such as artificial
    intelligence and quantum computing. Maintaining an active U.S. presence
    in these global forums is foundational to our continued ability to
    promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national
    security.

        Question 3. How can the FCC better coordinate with other Federal
    agencies, like NTIA or the State Department, to present a unified U.S.
    position internationally?
        Answer. Coordination among the FCC, State Department, and NTIA is
    essential to advancing the United States' economic and national
    security interests abroad. This coordination can be guided by
    interagency working groups, memoranda of understanding, or joint
    strategic plans that define roles, responsibilities, and procedures for
    coordination and could provide strategic roadmaps for advancing U.S.
    interests in international forums.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Curtis to
                                 Olivia Trusty
        Question 1. Local TV and radio stations are the backbone of our
    communities. They remain one of the last and best sources of local news
    in the areas they serve. But these local broadcasters are at risk of
    being left behind as FCC ownership rules--many of which predate the
    internet--limit their ability to compete with new forms of news
    consumption, like social media. Do you believe the FCC's media
    ownership rules are still appropriate in today's digital landscape? Why
    or why not?
        Answer. The media marketplace has changed dramatically over the
    last two decades. This change has been driven largely by technology
    advancements and changes in consumers preferences. Today, U.S.
    consumers now have access to a variety of programming options across
    multiple platforms, which makes for a more personalized television
    viewing experience.
        To ensure that local broadcasters and radio stations can compete
    and support their vital news gathering operations in the midst of this
    technological change, the FCC has a responsibility to modernize its
    regulatory framework to reflect the realities of this vibrant and
    dynamic media marketplace. Modern rules will better position local
    broadcasters and radio stations to compete for viewers, advertising
    revenues, and programming, which can ultimately foster greater
    investments into local news and investigative journalism in communities
    across the country.
                                     ______

    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Shelley Moore Capito to

                                 Olivia Trusty
    R-DOF Transparency
        Question 1. Miss Trusty, thank you for your willingness to serve on
    the FCC. I enjoyed our conversation, and as I mentioned I care about
    the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. I am looking forward to getting my
    Rural Broadband Protection Act signed into law, which will improve R-
    DOF and other programs on the front end, but I have questions about how
    the program is being carried out right now.
        I would like to see a greater level of public reporting, such as
    state-by-state milestone reports for providers and their committed
    locations which would provide greater visibility into the progress of
    the program. This type of reporting would provide assurance that
    program participants are on track and expected to meet required
    milestones. Moreover, the FCC could detail its methods for performance
    testing and verify that service is being delivered as reported.

        Can you commit to working to improve transparency in R-DOF?
        Answer. Yes.
    Designated Market Areas
        Question 2. I am glad to see the Chairman's ``Delete, delete,
    delete,'' effort underway. There are lots of burdensome regulations
    that the FCC should review. One that I have heard about from my state
    are Designated Market Area requirements for TV providers. Some parts of
    my state are forced to watch D.C. or Pittsburgh channels rather than
    West Virginia stations.

        Do you agree that D-M-A requirements should be reviewed?
        Answer. I agree that D-M-A requirements should be reviewed as part
    of efforts to expand access to local news in West Virginia and other
    states across the country.
    Local Broadcasters
        Question 3. Staying on the broadcast topic, West Virginians trust
    and rely on their local stations more than any other media entity.
    Chairman Carr has stated that the local broadcast industry is at a
    ``break glass moment.''

        Do you agree with that, and if so, what do you think can be done to
    ensure the industry's survival and allow it to better compete with the
    increasing threats from Big Tech in the marketplace?
        Answer. I agree with Chairman Carr that the local broadcast
    industry is at a ``break glass moment.'' To ensure local broadcasters
    can survive, I believe that the regulatory framework governing the U.S.
    media and video marketplace needs to be modernized to help broadcasters
    better compete against Big Tech for viewers, programming, and
    advertising revenues. I believe this will help increase localism and
    diversity, and advance the public interest in the media and video
    marketplace.
    WV Visit
        Question 4. West Virginia is unlike any other state in terms of
    deploying broadband and if confirmed, I would like to host you in the
    state to get to see some of our challenges first hand.

        Can you commit to visiting West Virginia as a member of the FCC
    with me?
        Answer. Absolutely. I would be honored to visit West Virginia.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
                                 Olivia Trusty
        Local journalism. As discussed at your confirmation hearing, I
    believe local journalism is more important than ever, as are the local
    broadcast stations that serve their communities with access to trusted,
    on-the-ground news and reporting. The public deserves relevant,
    authentic local news that tells them what is happening in their
    communities.
        Our democracy relies on open debate, and no government official
    should use their authority to stifle reporting, interfere with
    editorial decisions, or undermine constitutional rights. To ensure that
    the public continues to have access to trusted, non-partisan
    information, we need to find ways to help broadcasters serve their
    communities free from government intimidation.

        Question 1. How can the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, the
    Commission) promote local journalism?
        Answer. The FCC can promote localism by modernizing the regulatory
    framework governing today's media marketplace. Modernizing rules can
    help local broadcasters and radio stations compete against Big Tech for
    viewers, advertising revenues, and programming. Broadcasters can then
    be better positioned to invest more resources into local news and
    investigative journalism in communities across the country.

        Question 2. Would modernizing FCC regulations like the treatment of
    virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPDs) help level
    the playing field for local journalism?
        Answer. It is important for the FCC to conduct a holistic review of
    FCC regulations governing the media marketplace and modernize those
    rules based on information in the record. Such information will likely
    inform how the FCC should move forward to best increase the
    availability of local news and enhance local broadcasters' ability to
    compete against vMVPDs.

        Media and Free Speech Protections. Free speech is paramount under
    our laws, but we have witnessed the Trump Administration's efforts to
    target major outlets and smaller broadcast stations alike in repeated
    attacks against the truth. President Trump's FCC Chair, for example,
    has launched unprecedented attacks on the freedom of the press, using
    sham investigations to pressure and harass regulated companies in an
    effort to intimidate and bully them into submission.

        Question 1. Do you believe that the FCC should be weaponized
    against media organizations?
        Answer. No.

        Question 2. Will you reject efforts by the Commission to impede or
    restrict the freedom of the press?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 3. Should the FCC exercise its regulatory powers,
    including but not limited to merger approvals, spectrum authorization,
    and licensing authority, to threaten companies simply if they do not
    agree with the current administration?
        Answer. No.

        Affordable Connectivity Program. The Affordable Connectivity
    Program (ACP) helped 23 million households pay for essential broadband
    service before it ran out of funding last year. I have long been
    concerned that we don't have the right strategy to make broadband
    affordable for all Americans.

        Question 1. Ms. Trusty, you said that affordable broadband was one
    of your top priorities. How will you accomplish this at the FCC?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to expand access to affordable
    broadband by promoting more competition and choice in the broadband
    marketplace. I believe that more choice in the marketplace will lead to
    lower prices for consumers. I will also work to remove regulatory
    barriers that increase the cost of deploying broadband for providers
    and ultimately increase the cost of purchasing broadband services for
    consumers.

        Question 2. Do you believe that the ACP should be renewed?
        Answer. I support the Committee's continued efforts to expand
    access to affordable broadband. I would ultimately defer to Congress as
    to whether the ACP should be renewed.

        Universal Service Fund. Promoting universal access to
    telecommunications services is one of the FCC's core principles. In
    Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, Congress
    directed the FCC to advance universal access to telecommunications
    services that are essential to education, public health, or public
    safety, and that are consistent with the public interest, convenience,
    and necessity. Yet the Universal Service Fund (USF) is at risk due to
    legal challenges to the FCC's ability to administer the Fund, and to
    Congress's right to direct the FCC to advance the goals of universal
    service. Moreover, a bipartisan group of members of this Committee has
    been working to ensure that the FCC can continue in its mission to
    offer connectivity to modern communications for all.

        Question 1. Yes or no: Will you support the Commission's efforts to
    advance universal service, consistent with the public interest,
    convenience, and necessity, for services essential to education, public
    health, and public safety?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. While I am aware that the issue is currently being
    litigated, do you believe that Section 254 and the USF are legal?
        Answer. It would be imprudent for me to prejudge the legality of an
    issue that is currently being challenged before the Supreme Court.

        Free and Open Internet. Connectivity in the 21st Century depends
    upon access to a free and open Internet that protects consumers,
    competition, and innovation, and promotes public safety and national
    security. As the expert agency on communications, the FCC's policies
    must advance access to broadband without preference for any content or
    traffic online, and without favoring any particular service,
    technology, or provider.

        Question 1. Should Internet service providers be allowed to block
    websites or content?
        Answer. I believe that Congress is best positioned to determine the
    rules governing Internet service providers' network management
    practices to ensure the continuation of a highly competitive, robust,
    and innovative Internet economy that is available to all Americans. If
    confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of any
    legislative effort related to this issue.

        Question 2. Should Internet service providers be allowed to
    prioritize a website or a service by speeding it up or slowing down
    other content in exchange for payment?
        Answer. I believe that Congress is best positioned to determine the
    rules governing Internet service providers' network management
    practices to ensure the continuation of a highly competitive, robust,
    and innovative Internet economy that is available to all Americans. If
    confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of any
    legislative effort related to this issue.

        Question 3. Since the first Trump Administration repealed net
    neutrality rules in 2017, the FCC has received approximately 40,000
    consumer complaints about Internet service providers concerning
    ``speed, throttling, open internet, and data cap'' concerns. Do you
    believe the FCC has a role to play in addressing these complaints?
        Answer. The FCC has a responsibility to investigate consumer
    complaints and act as necessary in accordance with facts in the record,
    FCC precedent, and the FCC's authorities under the law.

        Tribal Coordination and Outreach. Washington State is home to 29
    federally recognized Tribes, each with their own Tribal government
    working to preserve culture, protect resources, and improve the lives
    of those in their communities. Accessing modern communications like
    broadband is an essential tool for advancing these goals and requires
    coordination at the local, state, and Federal level.

        Question 1. Yes or no: Do you commit to working with Tribal
    governments on broadband connectivity and deployment issues relevant to
    their communities?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. If confirmed, will you advance policies at the FCC that
    recognize the sovereignty of Tribal governments and encourage
    coordination with Tribal representatives?
        Answer. Yes

        Question 3. Recently, the Commission has invested in targeted
    outreach efforts to increase participation of Tribal libraries in the
    E-Rate program. If confirmed, what steps will you commit to continuing
    to prioritize support for Tribal libraries? What steps will you take to
    ensure such outreach continues, and what recommendations will you make
    to improve the Commission's efforts?
        Answer. The Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports are
    facing an uncertain future, in part, because of a shrinking
    contribution base. If confirmed, I commit to working with Congress and
    interested stakeholders to identify a ``specific, predictable, and
    sufficient'' form of support that empowers the FCC to continue
    addressing connectivity needs across the country, including the
    connectivity needs of Tribal libraries. I also commit to making
    recommendations and working within the Commission to streamline
    application processes, provide technical assistance, and promote the
    availability of digital literacy and workforce development programs in
    Tribal communities to improve the Commission's efforts to expand access
    to modern communications services in these areas.

        988. In recent years, the FCC has played an integral role in
    expanding access to 988--The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, first by
    designating a three-digit number to make it easier for those in crisis
    to reach help, then by supporting texting to 988, and most recently by
    implementing geo-routing to route callers to their closest 988 call
    center. Yet the Trump Administration's cuts to the Federal workforce,
    including massive cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services,
    threaten to cripple support and staffing resources for 988, cutting off
    access to critical mental health services, including for the LGBTQIA+
    community, veterans, and Spanish speakers.

        Question 1. If confirmed, will you support policies at the FCC that
    will continue to promote and expand access to 988 for all who need it,
    regardless of background, sex, gender, race, or creed?
        Answer. Yes.

        Robocalls and Robotexts. In your testimony, you pledged to protect
    consumers from illegal robocalls. Washingtonians receive tens of
    millions of robocalls each month, and one study in 2024 suggests that
    Washington consumers are among those who receive the most spam calls in
    the country. Unwanted text messages are also a growing nuisance.

        Question 1. How will you work to reduce the number of unwanted, and
    often fraudulent, robocalls for all Americans, including consumers in
    Washington State?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress to help strengthen
    the FCC's authorities to combat unwanted and fraudulent robocalls. I
    will also work with international partners as well as state attorneys
    general to protect consumers from these abusive calls. If confirmed, I
    also commit to supporting efforts to develop more proactive call
    blocking measures to prevent robocalls from reaching consumers in the
    first place.

        Question 2. Do you support regulations that work to reduce the
    number of spam text messages?
        Answer. I support the idea that new regulations may be necessary to
    reduce the number of spam text messages.

        Cyber Security. The United States has been under increasing cyber-
    attacks by hostile foreign powers, notably China and Russia. Last year,
    Chinese hackers, as part of the Salt Typhoon attack, hacked into U.S.
    telecom networks and monitored phone calls and text messages, targeting
    prominent figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance.

        Question 1. What is the FCC's role in mitigating attacks like Salt
    Typhoon, and what should the FCC do to help prevent future attacks?
        Answer. To mitigate future attacks like Salt Typhoon, the FCC has a
    responsibility to work with Federal partners to ensure
    telecommunications providers have the tools and resources they need to
    defend their networks against malicious cyber threat actors. To prevent
    future attacks, I believe the FCC should participate in ongoing whole-
    of-government conversations about how to improve the efficacy of the
    United States' deterrence efforts against nation state actors. The FCC
    should also work with Federal partners and the private sector to
    diversify and strengthen the U.S. domestic supply chain for
    telecommunications network components to increase the security of the
    Nation's communications infrastructure.

        Public Media. Public media provides a vital community service by
    offering local content, breaking news, and weather. But public
    television and radio stations are under attack by the Trump FCC, where
    the current Chair has initiated sham investigations to intimidate
    public media organizations that the President has deemed unfavorable.

        Question 1. If confirmed, will you support policies that promote
    and preserve public media in communities across the country?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that public media can
    operate in accordance with the law.

        FCC Independence. Congress established the FCC to oversee some of
    the most important institutions in our society, including the media
    industry. Because of this influence, the FCC is an independent agency
    and not subject to direct presidential control.
        President Trump is now wrongfully trying to bring independent
    agencies under his control, recently firing the two Democratic
    commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission, another independent
    agency.

        Question 1. Do you believe it is important for the FCC to be
    independent of the President?
        Answer. Whether agencies like the FCC are legally independent from
    the Executive Branch is subject to pending litigation. Whatever the
    FCC's legal status is determined to be, my commitment to this Committee
    and to Congress is that I will follow the facts in the record, FCC
    precedent, and the law with respect to any proceeding before the
    Commission, if confirmed.

        Question 2. Do you believe that the FCC benefits by having both
    Democratic and Republican Commissioners to debate and decide on policy
    and regulatory issues?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will strive to reach consensus with
    everyone and anyone at the FCC in carrying out the agency's mission.

        Question 3. If confirmed, do you commit to carrying out your duties
    independently?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will be guided by the facts in the record,
    FCC precedent, and the law with respect to any proceeding before the
    Commission.

        Question 4. Would you support the President's firing of an FCC
    Commissioner due solely to their political affiliation?
        Answer. I would defer to the President, the Senate, and the Courts
    regarding the oversight and management of nominees.

        Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. President Trump's FCC Chair has
    initiated a startling display of agency overreach by sending letters to
    three regulated companies--Comcast-NBCUniversal, Verizon, and Disney/
    ABC--informing them of investigations into their DEI practices. These
    letters, which cite concerns about each company's compliance with the
    FCC's equal employment opportunities rules, target policies that the
    Chair labels as ``invidious forms of DEI discrimination'' when they are
    in fact focused on encouraging and cultivating business opportunities
    for a diverse and qualified workforce.

        Question 1. Do you agree that a private company should be able to
    make a business decision to prioritize diversity free from FCC
    interference and second-guessing?
        Answer. In accordance with Section 151 of the Communications Act,
    the FCC has a responsibility to make sure communications services are
    available to all Americans without discrimination on the basis of
    protected characteristics, including ``race, color, national origin, or
    sex''. The FCC also has a responsibility to enforce civil rights
    protections contained in Sections 334 and 554 of the Communications Act
    regarding equal employment opportunity. If confirmed, my commitment is
    to uphold and enforce the law.

        Bipartisan cooperation. Nominees to fill open seats on independent
    commissions are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
    This Committee has long worked with the White House to ensure that
    there is bipartisan cooperation when there are vacant seats to be
    filled by both parties.

        Question 1. Yes or no: Will you commit to working with this
    Committee and responding to any inquiries, regardless of party?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. Yes or no: Do you support having a fully staffed FCC
    with five Commissioners, including two Democrats?
        Answer. If confirmed, my job will be to work with everyone and
    anyone at the FCC to carry out the mission of the agency. I would defer
    to the President, the Senate, and the Courts on the oversight and
    management of FCC nominees.

        Question 3. Yes or no: Do you think the American people benefit
    from having a fully staffed FCC?
        Answer. I believe that the American people benefit when the FCC
    operates efficiently in carrying out its mission; is responsive to the
    connectivity needs of unserved or underserved communities across the
    country; and is a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

        Tariffs. President Trump's tariffs are raising the cost of living,
    crashing the stock market, and causing uncertainty for our business
    community.
        Ms. Trusty, you spoke about the importance of affordable broadband.
    A recent study by Price Waterhouse Coopers found that these tariffs
    could raise costs in the telecom and technology sectors by $126
    billion.

        Question 1. Yes or no: Do you think that these tariffs will make
    broadband less affordable?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.

        Question 2. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will make
    broadband more expensive to deploy?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.

        Question 3. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will increase
    costs for entities participating the USF's High Cost program? If so,
    how should the Commission address those increased costs?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.
        As a general matter, to address any unanticipated increased costs
    in the USF High Cost program, the FCC should focus on removing Federal
    regulatory barriers, and working with states and localities to remove
    state and local regulatory barriers, to reduce the cost of broadband
    deployment. The FCC should also work to strengthen and diversify the
    Nation's domestic supply chain to promote more competition and choice
    in telecommunications components and equipment, which can further
    reduce the cost of broadband projects in the USF High Cost program.

        Question 4. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will increase
    costs for entities participating the USF's E-Rate program? If so, how
    should the Commission address those increased costs?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.
        As a general matter, to address any unanticipated increased costs
    in the E-Rate program, the FCC should focus on removing Federal
    regulatory barriers, and working with states and localities to remove
    state and local regulatory barriers, to reduce the cost of broadband
    deployment to schools and libraries. The FCC should also work to
    strengthen and diversify the Nation's domestic supply chain to promote
    more competition and choice in telecommunications components and
    equipment, which can further reduce the cost of broadband projects to
    schools and libraries.

        Question 5. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will increase
    costs for entities participating the USF's Lifeline program? If so, how
    should the Commission address those increased costs?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.
        As a general matter, to address any unanticipated increased costs
    in the Lifeline program, the FCC should focus on removing Federal
    regulatory barriers, and working with states and localities to remove
    state and local regulatory barriers, to reduce the cost of broadband
    deployment, which will ultimately reduce costs for end-users. The FCC
    should also work to strengthen and diversify the Nation's domestic
    supply chain to promote more competition and choice in
    telecommunications components and equipment, which can further reduce
    the cost of broadband projects, and reduce the cost of broadband
    services for low-income consumers.

        Question 6. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will increase
    costs for entities participating the Universal Service Fund's Rural
    Health Care program? If so, how should the Commission address those
    increased costs?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.
        As a general matter, to address any unanticipated increased costs
    in the USF Rural Health Care program, the FCC should focus on removing
    Federal regulatory barriers, and working with states and localities to
    remove state and local regulatory barriers, to reduce the cost of
    broadband deployment projects that support access to health care in
    rural communities. The FCC should also work to strengthen and diversify
    the Nation's domestic supply chain to promote more competition and
    choice in telecommunications components and equipment, which can
    further reduce the cost of broadband projects and promote access to
    health care in unserved or underserved communities.

        Question 7. Yes or no: Do you think that tariffs will increase
    costs for entities participating in the FCC's Secure and Trusted
    Communications Networks Reimbursement Program? If so, how should the
    Commission address those increased costs? Will Congress need to
    appropriate additional funds to remove untrusted Chinese telecom
    equipment from U.S. networks?
        Answer. I am not an economic or finance policy expert and cannot
    offer an informed opinion on tariffs. That said, I have full faith and
    confidence in President Trump and his team to address trade imbalances
    that ultimately benefit the Nation's long-term domestic economic
    interests.
        As a general matter, to address any unanticipated increased costs
    in the FCC's Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement
    Program, the FCC should promote the adoption of Open RAN technologies
    to diversify and strengthen the Nation's domestic supply chain. This
    can help promote more competition and reduce the cost of
    telecommunications equipment. To my knowledge, there is not a current
    need for Congress to appropriate additional funds to remove untrusted
    Chinese telecom equipment from U.S. networks.

        Spectrum. During the first Trump Administration, there were
    failures to coordinate on Federal and commercial spectrum policy.
        I believe we must create a coordinated approach to domestic
    spectrum policy, where agencies such as the Federal Aviation
    Administration, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of
    Defense (DoD), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration work
    together with the National Telecommunications and Information
    Administration (NTIA) and FCC--cooperatively--on spectrum.

        Question 1. How should the FCC coordinate spectrum auctions with
    Federal agencies, if authority is reinstated, to ensure that critical
    Federal systems and capabilities are not compromised or diminished?
        Answer. I believe that the FCC should coordinate with NTIA and
    consult with impacted Federal agencies, through established mechanisms
    such as the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee to ensure that
    spectrum management decisions, including auctions, are informed by
    economic and national security analyses.

        Question 2. Yes or no: Do you agree that we cannot put our national
    security and public safety at risk to free up spectrum for sale to the
    commercial sector?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 3. Yes or no: Do you agree that proper coordination of
    spectrum use is vital?
        Answer. I agree that coordination between the FCC and NTIA on
    spectrum, as well as consultation with impacted Federal agencies, is
    vital to putting spectrum to highest and best use and advancing the
    Nation's economic and national security interests.

        Question 4. Do you think it's wise to auction Federal spectrum
    before technical studies are finished to determine the viability of
    relocating Federal systems?
        Answer. I believe that technical studies can help inform the
    spectrum management process and ensure that both NTIA and the FCC are
    putting spectrum to its highest and best use, in support of the
    Nation's economic and national security interests.

        Question 5. If confirmed, will you commit to collaborating on a
    spectrum policy that engages stakeholders from NTIA and the Department
    of Commerce, DoD, DOT, and industry, to work towards resolution to
    restore U.S. leadership in innovation?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 6. Do you believe that spectrum reallocation studies in
    the Lower 3 GHz and 7/8 GHz need to be completed before the FCC begins
    a proceeding to auction those bands?
        Answer. Given that this is an active topic of debate before
    Congress, I would defer to Congress on how the technical studies of
    these bands should inform spectrum management processes at NTIA and the
    FCC.

        Question 7. Do you agree that if the DoD is required to surrender
    use of a band of frequencies for which the DoD is the primary user that
    the NTIA must make available, if necessary, an alternative band of
    frequencies as replacement for the band being surrendered as described
    in Section 1062(b)(1)(B) of the 2000 NDAA?
        Answer. I agree that Section 1062 (b)(1)(B) of the FY 2000 NDAA
    states the following: ``If, in order to make available for other use a
    band of frequencies of which it is a primary user, the Department of
    Defense is required to surrender use of such band of frequencies, the
    Department shall not surrender use of such band of frequencies until:
    the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, in
    consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, identifies and
    makes available to the Department for its primary use, if necessary, an
    alternative band or bands of frequencies as a replacement for the band
    to be so surrendered.''

        Question 8. Do you agree that the Secretary of Commerce, the
    Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    must jointly certify to the Committee on Armed Services and the
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and
    the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce of the
    House of Representatives that the alternative band that is made
    available to the DoD provides comparable technical characteristics to
    restore essential military capability that will be lost as a result of
    the band of frequencies to be so surrendered as described in Section
    1062(b)(1)(B) of the 2000 NDAA?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 9. Did this process occur in advance of FCC Auction 110 of
    the 3.45 to 3.55 GHz Band where the DoD was the primary user?
        Answer. I was not at the FCC during this time and therefore cannot
    speak to what processes did or did not occur in advance of Auction 110.

        Question 10. Will you commit to me that you will follow the law and
    not vote to auction a band of frequencies where the DoD is the primary
    user unless and until the process as described in Section 1062(b)(1)(B)
    of the 2000 NDAA is completed?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to following the law with respect to
    any proceeding that comes before the Commission.

        Section 230. Congress passed Section 230 in 1996 to provide a
    liability shield for the then-nascent Internet industry. While there
    have been discussions in Congress about updating the law, the FCC has
    rejected the idea that it has the authority to enforce Section 230
    since it was passed nearly 30 years ago. But the current FCC Chairman
    is now talking about attempting to interpret the law to say that the
    FCC can police what is said online, and that they will do so to favor
    conservative voices online.

        Question 1. Do you agree that it is Congress's role, not the FCC's,
    to update Section 230?
        Answer. I agree that Congress has the authority to amend or update
    Section 230 in the Communications Act.

        Question 2. Do you believe that online platforms have First
    Amendment rights?
        Answer. Yes.

        Mapping. It is critical that we have the best data to make
    important decisions about where to expend taxpayer funds for broadband
    deployment. While the FCC has improved its broadband maps over the last
    few years, more remains to be done. I am particularly concerned that
    the current maps wholly rely on providers' assertions about the speed
    and availability of their service.

        Question 1. Will you commit to working with me and this committee
    to continue to improve the FCC's broadband maps?
        Answer. Yes.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Next Generation 9-1-1
        Our 9-1-1 systems are outdated and in need of significant upgrades.
    As co-chair of the Senate Next Generation 9-1-1 Caucus, I've been
    working to secure funding to modernize America's 9-1-1 call centers
    through spectrum auction proceeds.

        Question 1. Do you agree we need to modernize our 9-1-1
    infrastructure?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. If confirmed, will you commit to working with Congress
    to ensure America's 911 Centers have the cybersecurity, resiliency, and
    interoperability that Next Generation 911 technology provides?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 3. What concrete measures should the FCC prioritize to
    promote Next Generation 9-1-1 deployment?
        Answer. To promote Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) deployment, the
    FCC can do the following: proactively enforce Commission rules against
    fee diversion to ensure resources are available for NG911 deployment;
    support the development of interoperability standards between states
    and localities to ensure nationwide NG911 interoperability; and promote
    public awareness and education about the benefits of NG911 technology
    to incentivize greater investments into the technology.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    DOGE Access to FCC
        Reports have found that individuals identified as employees of DOGE
    have been listed in a public directory for FCC staff. Within the scope
    of FCC's jurisdiction includes policy and regulatory matters, including
    broadband and satellite communications, of relevance to Elon Musk's
    business interests.

        Question 1. Will you commit to ensuring that DOGE employees are
    conducting activities that do not pose any conflicts of interest with
    Elon Musk's business interests?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to acting without fear or favor
    toward any individual or entity petitioning the FCC for a certain
    outcome regarding any proceeding before the Commission regardless of
    who is employed at the FCC or any other Federal agencies.

        Question 2. Will you commit to ensuring DOGE employees abide by
    appropriate cybersecurity standards and data access restrictions if
    provided access to internal FCC systems and information?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to abiding by cybersecurity
    standards and data access restrictions to internal FCC systems and
    information, and ensuring that all individuals under my authority do
    the same.
    White House Oversight of Independent Agencies
        On February 18, 2025, President Trump announced an Executive Order
    (EO) entitled, ``Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies.'' The EO
    institutes an unprecedented requirement for direct presidential
    oversight over actions and strategic plans by independent agencies,
    including the FCC.

        Question 3. As Commissioner, will you commit to upholding the
    independence of decision making at the FCC?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to making decisions based on facts
    in the record, FCC precedent, and the law.
    Federal Trust Responsibility to Tribal and Native Communities
        It is critical that the United States continues to uphold its trust
    responsibility to Tribal and Native communities.

        Question 4. Please provide a description of your understanding of
    the Federal trust responsibility to American Indians, Alaska Natives,
    and Native Hawaiians, and how that necessitates continuance of programs
    that directly and indirectly serve these communities.
        Answer. The Federal Indian trust responsibility is a legally
    enforceable fiduciary obligation on the part of the United States to
    protect tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources, as well as
    a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to
    American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native tribes and
    villages.

        Question 5. At FCC, will you commit to upholding this trust
    responsibility?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 6. Yes or no, will you commit to holding Tribal
    consultation before the FCC makes changes to programs that serve
    Tribes, or engages in Reductions in Force and agency reorganization
    efforts that may affect Tribes and service on Tribal lands?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to consulting with a wide range of
    stakeholders, including Tribes, on proceedings that come before the
    FCC.

        Question 7. Yes or no, will you continue to abide by the NTIA-FCC-
    Department of the Interior Tribal Spectrum Memorandum of Understanding
    (MOU)?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to abiding by any and all MOUs in
    force and effect that involve the FCC's coordination with other Federal
    agencies.

        Question 8. Given the growing competition for mid-band spectrum
    between military and commercial users, how should policymakers view
    Tribal governments in this dynamic?
        Answer. Given that spectrum is a finite resource, policymakers
    should always strive to put spectrum to its highest and best use and
    maximize the economic and societal benefits of spectrum use to ensure
    the best return for all people across the country, including those
    living on Tribal lands.

        Question 9. Do Tribes represent a unique category of spectrum
    stakeholders, and what role does direct access to spectrum for them
    play in expanding competition in underserved areas?
        Answer. In Auction 108 (2.5 GHz), the FCC established a Tribal
    priority window in recognition of the unique connectivity needs and
    challenges facing Tribal lands. This particular auction can help inform
    how future opportunities for direct access to spectrum in Tribal
    communities can expand competition in unserved or underserved areas.

        Question 10. Yes or no, will you commit to maintaining the Office
    of Native Affairs and Policy at the FCC?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with the hardworking and
    dedicated staff at the FCC to address the Nation's connectivity needs
    across the country, including on Tribal lands.

        Question 11. Yes or no, will you commit to issuing internal
    guidance clarifying that Executive Order 14151 does not apply to Tribes
    and Tribal programs, as well as services and staff associated with the
    Commission's government-to-government relationship with Tribes?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to upholding and enforcing the law,
    which requires the FCC to make communications services available across
    the country without discrimination on the basis of protected
    characteristics. I also commit to promoting policies that acknowledge
    and support the unique connectivity needs of individuals, families, and
    communities living in rural and remote areas, including Tribal lands.
    Next Generation Television/ATSC 3.0
        In 2023, I co-authored a bipartisan letter, signed by 28 senators,
    to the FCC urging the Commission to take an active role in a successful
    ATSC 3.0 transition. This transition will play an important role in
    supporting the competitiveness of local TV broadcasters and the
    services they provide to their communities, including expanded local
    news, advanced emergency alerting, and improved viewer experience.

        Question 12. Will you commit to ensuring that the FCC provides a
    timely regulatory framework and next steps for this initiative?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working to ensure that the FCC
    provides a timely regulatory framework and next steps for this
    initiative.

        Question 13. Will you commit to ensuring the FCC takes an active
    role in addressing potential challenges posed by the transition from
    ATSC 1.0 to 3.0, including working with Congress, public broadcasters,
    industry, and consumer groups to ensure that consumers with legacy TVs
    are not harmed by any changes?
        Answer. Yes.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Disability Accessibility
        People with disabilities rely on accessible services, including
    Telecommunications Relay Services, audio description, and accessible
    software to communicate and access video programming. The FCC has been
    tasked by Congress in numerous laws to ensure telecommunications and
    video programming providers make their services and products
    accessibility to people with disabilities.

        Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to carrying out these
    laws and to ensuring the FCC fully enforces the laws within its
    jurisdiction, including the Communications and Video Accessibility Act?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 2. If confirmed, will you ensure that the FCC itself
    maintains accessible websites, facilities, and services so that the
    public and employees with disabilities can fully benefit from,
    participate in, and contribute to the FCC's work?
        Answer. Yes.

        Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that people
    with disabilities continue to be able to access emerging communications
    services as technology evolves?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working to ensure that people
    with disabilities can continue to access emerging communications
    services consistent with the law and the scope of the FCC's authority.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    FCC Independence
        Question 1. The FCC website states that the FCC is ``an independent
    U.S. government agency overseen by Congress.'' We have unfortunately
    seen this President undermine independent agencies by illegally firing
    Democratic commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission.

        a. Do you agree that the FCC is an independent agency?
        Answer. Whether Federal agencies like the FCC are legally
    independent from the Executive Branch is subject to pending litigation.
    Whatever the FCC's legal status is determined to be, if confirmed, I
    commit to following the facts in the record, FCC precedent, and the law
    with respect to any proceeding that comes before the Commission.

        b. What protections and practices make the FCC an independent
    agency?
        Answer. Whether Federal agencies like the FCC are legally
    independent from the Executive Branch is subject to pending litigation.
    Whatever the FCC's legal status is determined to be, if confirmed, I
    commit to following the facts in the record, FCC precedent, and the law
    with respect to any proceeding that comes before the Commission.

        c. If confirmed, will you commit to carrying out the FCC's mission
    free from undue influence or control from the President?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to following the facts in the
    record, FCC precedent, and the law with respect to any proceeding that
    comes before the Commission.
    Weaponization of the FCC
        Question 2. President Trump has suggested on multiple occasions
    that licenses for major news organizations like CBS, ABC or NBC should
    be revoked when they conducted reporting he disagreed with. However,
    under the first amendment, major news organizations can and should
    publish news that is inconvenient or critical of politicians--including
    the President--without fear of retaliation.
        This isn't a partisan concern either--in 2017 former FCC Chairman
    Ajit Pai said: ``Under the law, the FCC does not have the authority to
    revoke a license of a broadcast station based on the content of a
    particular newscast.''
        If confirmed, will you oppose any attempt to weaponize the FCC to
    intimidate news media or limit freedom of the press?
        Answer. Yes.
    Public Broadcasting and Emergencies
        Question 3. Public television and radio stations play an integral
    role in our Nation's emergency alert system. In 2022, FEMA selected CPB
    to administer the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) grant program,
    providing public media stations funding to replace and upgrade
    infrastructure to expand alert, warning, and interoperable
    communications, creating a more resilient and secure public alerting
    system during emergencies.
        Delta College Public Media, which serves a largely rural and
    underserved audience in the crook of Michigan's thumb, received a grant
    allocation of up to $976,708 under this program. Modernizing emergency
    communications to be able to reach underserved areas is becoming
    increasingly crucial--particularly with recent ice storms in northern
    Michigan causing widespread power outages and a complete wipeout of
    phone and cellular services.
        If confirmed, do you commit to working to preserve this important
    funding stream to CPB and supporting public media stations' efforts to
    reach underserved communities during emergencies?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that public media can
    operate in accordance with the law. I would defer to Congress on
    preserving funding streams to CPB as the FCC has no authority over
    these funds.
    Public Broadcasting Community Good
        Question 4. Public broadcasting plays an essential role in local
    news and programming, education, public safety, and more. For 2025,
    Congress appropriated $535 million to the CPB, which is less than 1/
    100th of a percent out of the total budget and costs, on average, only
    $1.50 per American per year.
        In my state, the Michigan Learning Channel is a publicly funded
    statewide initiative to improve math and literacy, and I always like
    watching Michigan Out-of-Doors, a program which promotes the outdoor
    recreation and beauty our state has to offer.
        Do you agree that public media plays an essential role in
    communities that traditional profit-based broadcasters are not able to
    fill?
        Answer. Public television was formally created in the late 1960s
    through the Public Broadcasting Act to serve and promote cultural,
    educational, and civic engagement. The FCC has a responsibility to
    ensure that public media (i.e., non-commercial stations) operate
    legally and in the public interest. I would defer to Congress as to
    whether public media plays an essential role in today's video and media
    marketplace.
    Support for USF
        Question 5. You discussed in your testimony and during the hearing
    that one of your primary goals on the FCC will be closing the digital
    divide.
        One of the FCC's most powerful tools to that end has been the
    Universal Service Fund, which supports rural broadband, Internet access
    at schools and libraries, affordability, and more. As a member of the
    bipartisan USF Working Group, I know reforms are needed to make this
    fund sustainable for decades to come. Unfortunately, the USF has been
    under attack.
        Do you agree that the Universal Service Fund is a vital resource
    that must be maintained in some form if we are to close the digital
    divide?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to advancing and preserving
    universal service, as required by Section 254 of the Communications
    Act, to meet the connectivity needs of all Americans. I also commit to
    working with Congress to identify a ``specific, predictable, and
    sufficient'' form of support for the FCC to continue expanding access
    to modern communications services to communities across the country.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Baldwin to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    1. Robocalls and Scams
        Robocalls and ever increasingly sophisticated scams pose a serious
    threat to millions of Americans, especially to our seniors. These scams
    can lead to significant financial losses including people losing their
    life's retirement savings, breach of sensitive personal information,
    and loss of peace of mind as people are bombarded by these spam
    communications.
        As Commissioner of the FCC, how would you work to protect Americans
    from these increasingly dangerous scam calls and text messages?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress to help strengthen
    the FCC's authorities to combat unwanted and fraudulent robocalls. I
    will also work with international partners as well as state attorneys
    general to protect consumers from these abusive calls. I will also
    support efforts to develop more proactive call blocking measures to
    prevent robocalls from reaching consumers in the first place.
    2. Local Programming
        Unfortunately, Wisconsin is home to a number of ``orphan counties''
    who find themselves put into out of state television media markets and
    are unable to access local programming such as local news and local
    sports.
        If confirmed, will you work with my office to address the issue of
    ``orphan counties'' and help ensure Americans are able to obtain access
    to local, relevant television programming?
        Answer. Yes.
    3. Rural Connectivity
        In your testimony you emphasized the importance of quality Internet
    connection for people to fully participate in our increasingly digital
    economy.
        As Commissioner, how would you work to increase broadband
    connectivity in rural areas? Additionally, how would you ensure that
    connectivity is financially accessible?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would work to increase broadband
    connectivity in rural areas by doing the following: coordinating with
    other Federal agencies with broadband programs to eliminate program
    fragmentation and duplication across the Federal government and ensure
    Federal resources are better targeted to unserved areas; remove
    regulatory barriers that impede or increase the cost of deploying
    broadband to rural areas; embrace new technologies such as satellite
    broadband or fixed wireless services that can provide a more cost
    effective solution in expanding connectivity to rural, unserved areas;
    and consider adjustments to USF programs to better target resources to
    unserved communities.
        To ensure connectivity is financially accessibility or affordable,
    if confirmed, I will work to promote more competition and choice in the
    broadband marketplace, which can improve the quality of service and
    reduce costs for consumers. I will also work to remove regulatory
    barriers that increase the cost of deploying broadband for providers
    and increase the cost of purchasing broadband services for consumers.
    4. 988-lifeline
        The 988-lifeline program is a vital resource for Americans,
    offering support in critical times of need. LGBTQ+ people, especially
    youth, experience increasing rates of suicide, with these individuals
    being 8.4 times more likely to have reported an attempt to end their
    lives.
        To continue to support all Americans in times of need, will you
    commit to ensuring all existing FCC support services and resources for
    LGBTQ+ people will remain accessible?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that FCC support
    services and resources are accessible to all Americans, including
    LGBTQ+ individuals.
                                     ______

      Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act
        Question 1. In 2023, my bipartisan Martha Wright-Reed Just and
    Reasonable Communications Act was signed into law to prevent prison
    telecom providers from gouging consumers when they call their
    incarcerated loved ones. Last year, the FCC voted unanimously to
    implement the law, cutting the cost of a fifteen-minute phone call to
    or from large jails from as much as eleven dollars to just ninety
    cents. The FCC also took the first step and slashing the cost of video
    calls by implementing an interim rate cap on video calls as they
    collect more data.
        Had you been a member of the FCC last year, would you have joined
    all the other Commissioners in voting to adopt the rule implementing my
    Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act?
        Answer. In light of pending litigation regarding the FCC's
    implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable
    Communications Act, I believe it would be imprudent for me to comment
    or speculate on what I would have done, if I had been a member of the
    Commission. That said, if confirmed, I commit to protecting consumers
    from exploitation in the telecommunications marketplace.
                                     ______

        Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Network Security
        Our adversaries continue to grow more sophisticated and aggressive
    in their cyberattacks, including those in the telecom sector. A big
    part of network security is not just ensuring we have secure hardware--
    though I am thankful we secured additional funding last fall for ``Rip
    and Replace'' to help providers use trusted equipment--but
    increasingly, our networks must have sophisticated and dynamic defenses
    against network intrusions, like Salt Typhoon.

        Question 1. What do you see the FCC's role in promoting secure
    networks and cybersecurity?
        Answer. To mitigate future attacks like Salt Typhoon, the FCC has a
    responsibility to work with Federal partners to ensure
    telecommunications providers have the tools and resources they need to
    defend their networks against malicious cyber threat actors. To prevent
    future attacks, I believe the FCC should participate in ongoing whole-
    of-government conversations about how to improve the efficacy of the
    United States' deterrence efforts against nation state actors. The FCC
    should also work with Federal partners and the private sector to
    diversify and strengthen the U.S. domestic supply chain for
    telecommunications network components to increase the security of the
    Nation's communications infrastructure.

        Question 2. If confirmed, what steps would you take to move the
    telecom sector forward in adopting better cybersecurity practices and
    standards?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will promote the adoption of Open RAN
    technologies that can help strengthen and diversify the Nation's
    telecommunications supply chain and increase network security. I will
    also promote the use of the FCC's authorities in the Secure and Trusted
    Communications Networks Act to ban high-risk equipment and vendors from
    the Nation's communications infrastructure. If confirmed, I would also
    focus on increasing the security of undersea cable infrastructure to
    better protect the Nation's economic and national security interests.
    USF Cybersecurity
        Hackers are increasingly targeting schools and health care
    organizations in ransomware attacks. In fact, Clark County School
    District was the target of a ransomware attack in 2023 that exposed the
    sensitive information of over 200,000 Nevada students. The previous FCC
    chair established a cybersecurity pilot program within the USF's E-Rate
    program, allowing schools and libraries to use E-rate funding for
    cybersecurity expenses.

        Question 1. If confirmed, would you support actions like this pilot
    program and work with Congress to help protect schools from ransomware
    attacks?
        Answer. Schools are a target-rich environment for cyber-attacks
    because they have legacy infrastructure that is vulnerable to
    exploitation and they store a lot of sensitive personal information. If
    confirmed, I commit to working with schools and libraries to strengthen
    their cybersecurity defenses from ransomware attackers and other cyber
    threat actors.
    Broadband Affordability
        Ensuring that communities can afford broadband is just as critical
    as building the networks themselves, and not every option is
    affordable. Satellite Internet providers like Elon Musk's Starlink can
    be much more expensive for consumers than fiber or fixed wireless
    service. With monthly fees from $120 to $500, these prices are simply
    out of reach for many low-income and rural households.

        Question 1. If confirmed, would you support expanding the FCC's
    Lifeline program to provide a more robust, ACP-like subsidy--so that
    affordability doesn't remain a barrier for newly connected communities,
    and the investments in broadband deployment translate into meaningful
    adoption?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to expand access to affordable
    broadband by promoting more competition and choice in the broadband
    marketplace. I believe that more choice in the marketplace will lead to
    lower prices for consumers. I will also work to remove regulatory
    barriers that increase the cost of deploying broadband for providers
    and ultimately increase the cost of purchasing broadband services for
    consumers.
        I believe the FCC needs to work urgently with Congress to identify
    a ``specific, predictable, and sufficient'' form of support to continue
    meeting connectivity needs across the country, before making
    significant reforms to the USF programs.
    Tribal Priority Windows
        The FCC's 2.5 gigahertz Tribal Priority Window, enacted by former
    Chairman Pai in 2020, helped hundreds of Tribes claim spectrum and
    deploy broadband where commercial providers failed to reach. The
    upcoming AWS-3 auction presents a similar opportunity--and it could be
    done without significantly delaying the auction or impacting the value
    of the licenses.

        Question 1. If confirmed, would you support creating future Tribal
    Priority Windows or other public interest set-asides to ensure Tribal
    Nations and unserved communities can access spectrum and grow their
    communities directly, rather than waiting on commercial deployment?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to putting spectrum to its highest
    and best use and maximizing the economic and societal benefits of
    spectrum use to ensure the best return for all people across the
    country, including those living on Tribal lands. In Auction 108 (2.5
    GHz), the FCC established a Tribal priority window in recognition of
    the unique connectivity needs and challenges facing Tribal lands. This
    particular auction can help inform how future opportunities for direct
    access to spectrum in Tribal communities can expand competition and
    access to modern communications services in unserved or underserved
    areas.
    CBRS & DOD
        Since the FCC finalized the rules for the CBRS band, we have seen
    it being used in a variety of innovative ways. In Las Vegas, Cox worked
    with the City to launch a private network on CBRS that powers smart
    cities and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As you know, CBRS is
    shared with the military, and has been an important model in how the
    FCC and the military can work together to enhance commercial spectrum
    use while protecting defense equities.

        Question 1. Will you commit to continuing to work with DoD and the
    NTIA to ensure any changes to CBRS's rules are not made unilaterally
    and do not harm our national defense?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with NTIA, DOD, and any
    other impacted Federal agency in spectrum proceedings that come before
    the FCC.
                                     ______

       Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
                                 Olivia Trusty
        Question 1. I have been on the record in support of FCC policies
    that help many points of view reach the public. This does not just mean
    viewpoints I agree with. Whereas Chair Carr has put pressure on
    broadcasters that take positions President Trump dislikes, I have been
    supportive of rules that would help independent video programmers gain
    an opportunity to compete by bringing their content to the public no
    matter their viewpoint. I am similarly concerned that the broadcast
    industry is now asking the FCC to eliminate ownership limits
    altogether. Do you think there is any limit to how many households a
    single company can reach? As you know, although Congress set a national
    ownership cap at 39 percent of U.S. households, the way the FCC
    measures the cap means some companies already reach 70 percent of the
    U.S. audience. Is 70 percent of the country too large? How few
    independently owned TV stations in a single community or local market
    are too few?
        Answer. There is currently an active proceeding before the FCC on
    media ownership limits. To remain impartial, I believe it would be
    imprudent for me to comment on issues related to the active proceeding
    in my capacity as a nominee. As a general matter, for any media related
    proceeding before the FCC, I commit to following the facts in the
    record, FCC precedent, and the law, if confirmed.

        Question 2. As you know, Congress unfortunately failed to extend
    the American Connectivity Program (ACP), which expanded affordable
    broadband access to over 23 million households. That makes the FCC's
    Lifeline program, a part of the universal service fund (USF), even more
    important today for helping eligible, low-income Americans access
    wireless and Internet service. Could you share more about ways you
    believe Lifeline could be improved? Please be specific.
        Answer. I support the Committee's continued efforts to expand
    access to affordable broadband. To improve Lifeline, I believe the FCC
    should work with Congress to do the following: develop performance
    metrics to better track the program's effectiveness in expanding access
    to affordable communications services; conduct enhanced oversight over
    the eligibility of Lifeline recipients to ensure the resources are
    going to those in need; and closely align the Lifeline program with
    digital literacy efforts.

        Question 3. Yes or no, do you think that the Universal Service Fund
    should have a stable, dedicated funding source--rather than rely on
    annual appropriations?
        Answer. I believe that carrying out the FCC's universal service
    mission requires the funding source to be ``specific, predictable, and
    sufficient'' in accordance with Section 254 of the Communications Act.

        Question 4. How do you think the FCC should modernize the Universal
    Service Fund to ensure its long-term sustainability?
        Answer. I believe the FCC should modernize the USF to ensure its
    long-term sustainability by increasing transparency and accountability
    into how USF monies are spent across the four programs it supports.
    This will ensure that the funds are spent judiciously and go further in
    expanding access to communications services across the country. I also
    believe USF should be better coordinated with other Federal broadband
    programs, like BEAD, to avoid fragmentation, duplication, overbuilding,
    and the waste of taxpayer dollars.

        Question 5. Would you support creating future Tribal Priority
    Windows or other public interest set-asides to ensure Tribal Nations
    and unserved communities can access spectrum and grow their communities
    directly, rather than waiting on commercial deployment?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to putting spectrum to its highest
    and best use and maximizing the economic and societal benefits of
    spectrum use to ensure the best return for all people across the
    country, including those living on Tribal lands. In Auction 108 (2.5
    GHz), the FCC established a Tribal priority window in recognition of
    the unique connectivity needs and challenges facing Tribal lands. This
    particular auction can help inform how future opportunities for direct
    access to spectrum in Tribal communities can expand competition and
    access to modern communications services in unserved or underserved
    areas.

        Question 6. When we met in my office you said that both President
    Biden and President Trump were the ``certified'' winners in 2020 and
    2024 respectively. You would not say whether of them were ``lawfully''
    elected. Yes or no, were 100 members of the currently sitting U.S.
    Senate lawfully elected?
        Answer. All 100 members of the sitting U.S. Senate were certified
    as the winners of each of their respective elections.
                                     ______

     Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
                                 Olivia Trusty
    Media Oversight
        Chairman Carr has initiated investigations into Disney, ABC,
    Comcast, CBS, and others regarding what he sees as discriminatory
    practices or unfair news coverage. These investigations come at a time
    when Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to attract journalists
    to newsrooms in Colorado and across the country.

        Question 1. Do you think Chairman Carr's investigations of
    broadcasters could negatively affect attracting future journalists to
    newsrooms? Why or why not?
        Answer. As a nominee to be a Commissioner at the FCC, I believe it
    would be imprudent for me to comment on the impact of any pending
    proceeding before the Commission. That said, I believe local news is
    vital to communities across the country. Local broadcasters provide
    news and information about social and cultural events, educational
    programming, and critical information during emergencies and disasters.
    If confirmed, I commit to promoting policies that empower local
    broadcasters to expand access to local news to all Americans.
    Spectrum Relocation Fund
        The Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF) provides a funding mechanism
    through which Federal agencies can recover the costs associated with
    relocating their radio communications systems or sharing the
    reallocated spectrum.

        Question 2. What changes do you think need to be made to the SRF to
    enable agencies to continue performing their Federal missions without
    harmful interference from potential commercial uses of reallocated
    spectrum? In your view, could a reformed SRF allow for increases in
    non-federal uses of spectrum? Will you commit to carefully considering
    the perspectives raised by Federal agencies and work to ensure spectrum
    decisions made by the FCC fully account for necessary steps to mitigate
    potential interference?
        Answer. I believe the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF) is an
    important tool in the spectrum management process. I am aware of
    concerns from Federal agencies regarding delays in accessing SRF
    resources and constraints on how the SRF monies can be used. I believe
    the SRF should be modernized to be a more effective tool in the
    spectrum management process. If confirmed, I commit to carefully
    considering the perspectives raised by Federal agencies and working to
    ensure spectrum decisions account for necessary steps to mitigate
    potential interference.

        Question 3. How can the FCC coordinate with industry and other
    Federal agencies to develop and incentivize the adoption of
    technologies that minimize harmful interference and increase flexible
    access to spectrum?
        Answer. I believe that the FCC should coordinate with NTIA and
    consult with impacted Federal agencies, through established mechanisms
    such as the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee and the Commerce
    Spectrum Management Advisory Committee to ensure that spectrum
    management decisions, including auctions, are informed by economic and
    national security analysis and incentivize the adoption of technologies
    that minimize harmful interference and increase flexible access to
    spectrum.
    Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
        Breaches such as Salt Typhoon demonstrate the need for increased
    preventive and corrective cybersecurity measures. In the past, the FCC
    has pursued consent decrees with companies to resolve investigations
    over data breaches. Data breaches can cause harmful exposure of
    consumers' data and cyber attacks can damage key communications
    services.

        Question 4. In what specific ways could the FCC further incentivize
    measures to increase resiliency across the communications sector from
    data breaches and cybersecurity attacks? To date, do you believe the
    FCC's pursuit of consent decrees has been sufficient? Should the FCC
    consider new rulemakings to encourage enhanced protections from
    cyberattacks and data breaches?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will promote the adoption of Open RAN
    technologies, which can help strengthen and diversify the Nation's
    telecommunications supply chain and increase resiliency across the
    communications sector from data breaches and cybersecurity attacks.
        I believe the FCC should increase transparency into enforcement
    actions, to the extent possible, to ensure that consent decrees improve
    compliance, deterrence, and lead to a faster resolution of rule
    violations.
        To enhance network protections from cyberattacks and data breaches,
    I believe the FCC needs to work with Federal partners to ensure
    telecommunications providers have the tools and resources they need to
    defend their networks against malicious cyber threat actors. This
    includes working with telecommunications providers to improve their
    cyber hygiene to counter increasingly sophisticated and hostile cyber
    threat actors. I also believe the FCC should participate in ongoing
    whole-of-government conversations about how to improve the efficacy of
    the United States' deterrence efforts against nation state actors,
    which can further protect our Nation's networks from cyberattacks and
    data breaches.
    Direct to Cell
        Reliable communications can be a lifeline in a public safety
    emergency or while exploring the great outdoors across the mountains of
    Colorado. Last month, the FCC approved rules for expanding cellular
    coverage for cellphones outside of cell tower range using satellite
    communications. In a remote environment, direct to cell service could
    help enhance public safety and save lives.

        Question 5. If confirmed, what will your priorities be to enhance
    the reliability and accessibility of public safety communications
    services? What future improvements do you see in the field of direct to
    cell services?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with Congress and
    interested stakeholders to improve back-up power solutions and promote
    the hardening of communications infrastructure to enhance the
    reliability and accessibility of public safety communications services.
    I would also advocate for more accurate, timely, and accessible
    information in the FCC's Disaster Information Reporting System.
        Some future improvements in direct-to-cell services could include
    broader device capability with these services, more support for 911 or
    location tracking capabilities during emergencies or disasters, and
    wider geographic coverage.
    Telecom Supply Chain
        In order for us to succeed in our efforts to connect every American
    to high-speed and affordable broadband, we need reliable, secure, and
    readily-available supply of infrastructure network equipment.

        Question 6. What role should the FCC play in continuously
    monitoring and strengthening supply chains to support our existing and
    future communications networks? Do you believe the FCC should receive
    more voluntary notifications, on a timely basis, from the private
    sector about potential shortages of network equipment that could impede
    the timely completion of broadband infrastructure projects funded by
    the FCC?
        Answer. I believe that transparency into the health and resilience
    of the Nation's telecommunications supply chain is vital to the FCC's
    continued ability to close the digital divide and strengthen network
    security. Voluntary notifications from the private sector about
    potential equipment shortages could help the FCC quickly address such
    shortages and ensure the timely completion of broadband projects.
                                     ______

    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to

                                 Olivia Trusty
        Question 1. Should consumer protection be a top FCC priority?
        Answer. If confirmed, protecting consumers is among my top
    priorities. I believe that protecting consumers is critical to the
    FCC's mission in making communications services available to all
    Americans.

        Question 2. Ms. Trusty, do you think Federal workers at the FCC are
    crucial for advancing consumer transparency?
        Answer. FCC staff are critical to carrying out the mission of the
    agency in expanding access to communications services, advancing
    consumer transparency, and upholding and enforcing the law.

        Question 3. Last year, the FCC introduced ``broadband nutrition
    labels'' to show what ISPs charge. However, potential Federal staffing
    or funding cuts could jeopardize this and similar initiatives.
        Ms. Trusty, for consumer transparency purposes, will you commit to
    defending the broadband nutrition label program if it, and programs
    like it, face cuts?
        Answer. In accordance with the bipartisan Infrastructure,
    Investment, and Jobs Act, the FCC has a responsibility to establish
    rules requiring the display of broadband consumer labels (also referred
    to as the ``broadband nutrition label program''). If confirmed, I
    commit to uphold and enforce these rules--or any successor rules--in
    accordance with the law.

        Question 4. What concrete measures would you implement to improve
    telehealth access and quality for underserved Americans?
        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to coordinating with Federal
    partners to better target broadband funds to underserved areas to
    provide improved support for telehealth-enabling infrastructure. I also
    commit to promoting the use of the FCC's special temporary authority to
    experiment with expanding access to telehealth initiatives.

        Question 5. Ms. Trusty, what additional policy reforms or actions
    should the FCC pursue to ensure broadband deployment is strategically
    targeted to underserved communities?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would work to increase broadband
    connectivity in rural areas by doing the following: coordinating with
    other Federal agencies with broadband programs to eliminate program
    fragmentation and duplication across the Federal government and ensure
    Federal resources are better targeted to unserved areas; remove
    regulatory barriers that impede or increase the cost of deploying
    broadband to rural areas; embrace new technologies such as satellite
    broadband or fixed wireless services that can provide a more cost
    effective solution in expanding connectivity to rural, unserved areas;
    and consider adjustments to USF programs to better target resources to
    unserved communities.

                                      [all]