U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced her support for Jared Isaacman’s nomination as administrator of NASA. Speaking on the Senate floor, Cantwell cited Isaacman’s commitment to advancing NASA’s science mission and addressing international competition in lunar exploration.
Cantwell addressed concerns over proposed budget cuts to NASA. “As my colleagues know, the President's budget request called for cutting NASA's budget nearly a quarter, its workforce by nearly a third, and its science funding by half. Simply put, this is not the way we're going to win the race to the moon or accomplish anything else enduring for that matter,” she said.
She highlighted Isaacman’s focus on developing future talent within NASA: “Fortunately, I believe Mr. Isaacman recognizes that some of the most talented people in America work at NASA. I know the presiding officer agrees with this, and that we need to be investing in NASA's missions, not gutting them. During his nomination process, Mr. Isaacman emphasized the importance of developing a pipeline of future scientists, engineers, researchers, [and] astronauts to support the science and technology development and align with NASA's objectives. I strongly agree.”
Cantwell also referenced testimony from September indicating that SpaceX’s lunar lander would not be ready for American lunar return in 2027 or 2028. She noted Secretary Duffy’s decision to reopen competition for Artemis lunar landing missions: “In September, witnesses told the Commerce Committee that the SpaceX lunar lander would not be ready to put Americans back on the moon, either in 2027 or 2028,” Cantwell stated. “This would almost certainly mean we would lose the race to China, which was unacceptable. In response, Secretary Duffy directed NASA to reopen the competition for Artemis lunar landing mission to ensure that a lander can be ready by the end of 2028 and I believe this was a correct decision, and I am pleased that our nominee, Mr. Isaacman, agrees.”
During his nomination process before Congress—which reviews legislation related to commerce and science according to its official website—Isaacman assured Cantwell he did not intend any drastic changes or reductions at NASA through his Project Athena strategic plan.
Cantwell has previously advocated for American leadership in space exploration through legislative efforts such as introducing bipartisan bills setting priorities for NASA programs and supporting oversight measures included in larger science policy laws.
“I look forward to working with Administrator Isaacman on the future STEM talent with both NASA and more broadly with the aerospace and innovation sector,” Cantwell said during her remarks.
The Senate Commerce Committee serves as a standing committee focused on issues involving commerce, science and transportation within Congress (source). The committee includes senators from both parties (source) and works from its main office in Washington D.C.’s Russell Senate Office Building (source).
Cantwell concluded her remarks by expressing optimism about Isaacman's leadership at NASA: “I am optimistic that Mr. Isaacman will bring a steady hand and clear vision to NASA...I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting Mr. Isaacman on the floor.”
