The Senate CS&T Committee held the confirmation hearing for Matthew Anderson to be Deputy Administrator fo NASA
Keith’s note: The Senate CS&T Committee held the confirmation hearing for Matthew Anderson to be Deputy Administrator of NASA. He sailed through with the usual questions from both sides of the aisle. As to when the full Senate will vote on his nomination – stay tuned. Probably soon. Update: according to Marcia Smith: “Following today’s nomination hearing for Matt Anderson to be NASA Deputy Admin, the Senate Commerce Cmte will vote on his nomination (and several others) next Thursday, Mar 12, at approx 11:30 am ET. It’s in the Capitol (S-216) so likely not livestreamed”. Opening statement below:
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Nomination Hearing for Matthew Anderson to be Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
March 5, 2026
Anderson’s Opening Remarks
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as President Trump’s nominee to serve as the Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
First, I want to recognize and thank my family sitting behind me – my wife, Christine, and our daughters, Kayla and Lauren. During my Air Force career, we have shared every move, every deployment, and every difficult decision. They have always been the true force multiplier for my career, and I would not be here today without their strength and sacrifice.
I’d also like to thank the 45 aerospace companies and non-profits who sent letters of support to this Committee, advocating for me and this nomination.
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 grew up moving around the world as the son of an Air Force chaplain and a schoolteacher. I spent my middle school years in the Philippines and graduated from high school in New Jersey. I’m proud to call Colorado Springs our home right now.
Following high school, I played four years of Division I soccer and majored in Biology at the Air Force Academy.
I then served more than 24 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot and commander, logging nearly 5,000 flight hours in five different aircrafts – including 650 in combat. My passion for aeronautics and science converged when I had the privilege of piloting multiple missions to Antarctica… landing a C-17 on an ice runway… delivering scientists and critical equipment for the National Science Foundation. I also have commanded America’s only nuclear airlift squadron… where I proudly led and personally flew America’s nuclear weapons around the world.
Since retiring as Colonel nearly 5 years ago, I’ve had the honor of working as a Vice President in a 25,000 person, publicly traded, national security company named CACI International. I’d like to thank CEO John Mengucii and Chief of Staff Dan Walsh for their mentorship.
Over six years ago, one month before President Trump signed the United States Space Force into law, I helped create and grow the Space Force Association. Since that day, I have served as the
Chief Operating Officer and currently still serve as the Chief Growth Officer to support our nation’s Guardians and national security space community. I’d like to thank SFA Founder Bill Woolf and CEO Damon Feltman for their continued mentorship.
That brings me to leadership. If we’ve learned anything from Administrator Isaacman’s first two months on the job, it’s that bold leadership matters. I’ve been very fortunate to lead large organizations in my career. I’ve proudly certified… but also had to decertify Air Force pilots who didn’t meet the high standards our nation demands. Similarly, I’ve proudly commissioned hundreds of Air Force Academy cadets as officers but also had to remove cadets from the Academy who didn’t meet the required high standards.
If confirmed, I will reinforce the culture of safety, accountability, and transparency that Administrator Isaacman has recently outlined to NASA, as well as the American public.
President Trump has given NASA clear direction through the National Space Policy. That policy sets a bold but achievable course: Return American astronauts to the lunar surface by the end of 2028, establish a lasting presence on the Moon, prepare for human missions to Mars, and accelerate the growth of a vibrant commercial economy in orbit.
At its core, that vision is to expand America’s presence beyond Earth, and to ensure that we maintain our position of leadership in that domain.
Administrator Isaacman has already demonstrated NASA’s full commitment to executing on the President’s mission.
Make no mistake… we are on a shot clock, and the stakes are high. Stakes that directly affect the balance of power here on earth.
If confirmed, I will 100 percent support the Administrator in executing the President’s space policy. I will roll up my sleeves and tirelessly serve the talented workforce at NASA, be a great teammate with Congress, and beat China to the moon.
Together, we have the opportunity to usher in a new Golden Age of science and discovery. One that strengthens our nation, expands human knowledge, and inspires the next generation. Thank you again for the opportunity to be here today. I look forward to your questions.