Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz commended Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee for NASA Administrator, during a nominations hearing on Wednesday. Cruz highlighted Isaacman’s commitment to ensuring the United States maintains leadership in space exploration, particularly as competition with China intensifies.
Cruz pointed out that Isaacman would benefit from nearly $10 billion in funding secured for NASA through the One Big Beautiful Bill. The funding is designated for several key initiatives, including the Space Launch System, future Artemis lunar missions, the Gateway station at the Moon, and continued support for the International Space Station.
“If confirmed, Mr. Isaacman will be taking the helm just as NASA is set to launch Artemis 2—the agency’s first crewed use of the Space Launch System rocket and the first crewed mission on the Orion spacecraft, which will bring American astronauts closer to the lunar surface than at any point since 1972,” said Cruz.
He added that Isaacman’s leadership would be critical in achieving Artemis 3's goal of landing Americans on the Moon before China attempts its own lunar mission by 2030. Cruz emphasized that congressional direction and funding have been clearly established for these objectives.
Cruz also acknowledged Houston’s Johnson Space Center as an essential part of NASA’s workforce and expressed confidence that it would continue to excel under Isaacman's direction. He stated: “Mr. Isaacman will prioritize stability, accountability, and respect for the men and women who make the agency’s missions possible. As the commander of Inspiration 4, the first all-civilian spaceflight, and the first private citizen to walk in space, he knows that every successful mission depends on the skills and dedication of its crew, as well as the countless professionals supporting them from the ground.”
Cruz further endorsed Steven Haines for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis. He described Haines as prepared to assist U.S. companies with market intelligence and navigating trade barriers abroad due to his background across federal agencies.
Both nominees are expected by Cruz to advance U.S. interests domestically and internationally if confirmed by committee vote next week.
“Jared, I know you are as committed as I am to American supremacy in the final frontier. The United States must remain the unquestioned leader in space exploration, and this imperative is why we must confirm your nomination as expeditiously as possible,” Cruz concluded.
