At a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted the importance of nominees Matthew Anderson and Arvind Raman for roles at NASA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), respectively. The committee is responsible for reviewing legislation on commerce, science, and transportation matters during congressional sessions, as outlined on its official website.
Matthew Anderson has been nominated to serve as Deputy Administrator of NASA. Senator Cruz described him as "a strong leader who will work with Administrator Isaacman to ensure the Artemis program succeeds and America beats China back to the Moon." Anderson's background includes 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, nearly 5,000 flight hours, command experience in airlift nuclear squadrons, and a leadership role at CACI International overseeing space-related portfolios.
Senator Cruz stated that Anderson "joins NASA at a crucial moment," with Artemis 2 set to launch this spring. He noted that Congress has provided significant funding through the Working Families Tax Cut Act—nearly $10 billion—to support NASA’s operations in low Earth orbit and deep-space exploration.
Arvind Raman has been nominated as Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of NIST. Cruz praised President Trump’s direction to return NIST to its original non-regulatory mission while supporting AI research grounded in objective science. He expressed hope that Raman would implement these changes if confirmed.
Cruz commented: “NIST establishes voluntary measurement standards and technical guidelines to advance American innovation. Mr. Raman knows these standards are valuable because they give industry a trusted, common framework for measurement and interoperability.” He criticized recent actions under the Biden administration but supported efforts to refocus NIST's mission under new leadership.
Raman is currently Dean of Purdue University’s College of Engineering and previously worked on attracting private investment into research facilities. Senator Cruz remarked that these skills could benefit NIST’s role in supporting measurement standards, research, and technologies important to American industry.
The Senate Commerce Committee is directed by a chairman with members from both parties; it serves as a standing committee focused on policy issues related to interstate commerce, science, and transportation within the legislative branch (source). Its main office is located in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington (source).
During his remarks, Senator Cruz said: “Good morning. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
“Today, we are considering the nominations of Matthew Anderson, to serve as Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Arvind Raman, to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
“The 21st century will belong to the nation that can innovate the fastest. NASA and NIST are integral to that effort.
“Let’s start with NASA, which has long been at the forefront of human exploration and scientific discovery. In 1969, that meant being the first nation to put a man on the Moon. Today, it means returning there and staying there.
“Mr. Anderson is well-equipped to execute that mission. During his 24 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Anderson logged nearly 5,000 flight hours. He commanded the Department of War’s only airlift nuclear squadron and led ‘no fail’ missions transporting nuclear weapons around the world.
“Since retiring from the Air Force in 2021, Mr. Anderson has served as Vice President at CACI International, overseeing the company’s Space Force and Air Force portfolio.
“Mr. Anderson joins NASA at a crucial moment. Artemis 2 is set to launch this spring. It will bring American astronauts closer to the Moon than at any point in the last 50 years. Our nominee will work with Administrator Isaacman to ensure a safe and successful launch for Artemis 2. But his work will not end there. Congress has provided a clear vision and significant funding for NASA... The Working Families Tax Cut Act committed nearly $10 billion to specific components of space program… The NASA Authorization Act... outlines strategic direction... I am confident that... Mr Anderson will implement law faithfully.”
“Let’s now turn to Arvind Raman... our nominee for Director of NIST... NIST establishes voluntary measurement standards... Mr Raman knows these standards are valuable because they give industry trusted… framework...
Under Biden administration… NIST was diverted from its objective… It put out AI Risk Management Framework focusing on left-wing social engineering… undermining institute's reputation… I was encouraged by President Trump’s decision to replace Biden’s AI censorship regime with new AI Action Plan… My sincere hope is Mr Raman will execute President Trump’s plan...
A UC Berkley-educated engineer… Mr Raman serves as John A Edwardson Dean Purdue University College Engineering… There he helped turn Purdue Engineering into private investment magnet bringing billions new R&D facility investments At NIST he can apply these skills...
I look forward hearing from both nominees learning how they advance American interests outer space home.”
