“Today we will consider the nomination of Jared Isaacman to serve as the administrator of NASA,” Sen. Ted Cruz said.
On Wednesday, billionaire and Lehigh Valley businessman Jared Isaacman appeared before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in Washington for a hearing on his bid to lead NASA.
Isaacman said if voted in, he would bring urgency and an extreme sense of focus to the agency and its mission.
“We will ensure the following: the success of the Artemis program that President Trump began during his first term. America will return to the moon before our great rival, and we will establish an enduring presence to understand the scientific, economic and national security value on the lunar surface,” said Isaacman.
If confirmed, Isaacman would oversee NASA’s efforts to send astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The mission is set to start early next year.
“NASA cannot take its eyes off the ball,” Cruz said. “The United States must remain the unquestioned leader in space exploration.”
The goal is to beat China and achieve a lunar touchdown by 2030.
“The agency must prioritize if we are to beat China back to the moon and then to Mars,” Cruz continued.
Ahead of the vote, Isaacman has received 40 letters of support.
Sen. John Fetterman said: “I’m a huge fan of NASA and its mission, and plan to vote yes for Jared Isaacman as administrator of NASA.”
Committee leaders hope to have Isaacman confirmed and in the role before the end of the year.