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

[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

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.
______