Overview

• The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance Jared Isaacman’s nomination as NASA administrator to the full Senate for confirmation.
• Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell backed Isaacman after he committed to maintaining the Artemis moon program as a priority.
• Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and two-time SpaceX astronaut, emphasized beating China to the moon and balancing lunar and Martian goals during his testimony.
• All nine opposing votes came from Democratic senators, though some Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the nomination.
• If confirmed, Isaacman will become NASA’s 15th administrator, succeeding Bill Nelson and interim chief Janet Petro.