Bridenstine at NASA – and Pace at NSC – Expected Soon
Keith’s note: Sources continue to report that Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) is still the Administration’s preferred choice to become NASA Administrator and that they expect to nominate him in the coming weeks. Former Rep. Bob Walker stated several weeks ago in a public event that the executive order creating (reinstating) the National Space Council has been drafted and that it is awaiting signature. The only thing holding that executive order up is identifying an Executive Secretary for the National Space Council. Sources report that the odds-on favorite for that position is veteran space policy expert Scott Pace.
Right now routine matters such as these positions are at the mercy of the growing chaos at the White House. Then, of course, once Bridenstine is nominated the issue of his confirmation arises and the same White House chaos – and Congress’ response to it – is likely to drag out routine business even further. Once this all settles out you can expect a change in the composition of Trump political appointees at NASA HQ as well – so hang in there folks.
– Bridenstine Had To Be Re-Interviewed For Top NASA Job, earlier post
– Likely NASA Administrator Bridenstine Speaks, earlier post
– National Space Council Announcements Soon?, earlier post
– Bob Walker: National Space Council Executive Order Already Written, earlier post
One wants to “fully fund SLS” and the other states that “global temperatures stopped rising 10 years ago”… is there no consequences for one’s actions?
Hey, it makes total sense for some defense guy from an oil state to run NASA.
My concern is those appointed to executive positions it seems are chosen for primarily for loyalty over best person to administer the agency. That is what is best for the country, not necessarily for a specific elected official(s). which is what I guess we all argue about.
I don’t have an issue with this – appointing qualified party members, for instance, to key posts. Elections have consequences. My side lost. I expect the winning side to populate these posts in ways that will forward their agenda.
The key word is ‘qualified’, of course. Egregious examples abound – Mr. Perry at DOE comes to mind, as does the son-in-law. But in general it’s what is expected.
Assessing who is qualified – and, determining the criteria for such an assessment – is a weakness in the current WH. They are on a hell of a learning curve. Let’s hope they catch up.
More critical than Administrator is the Deputy. Believe me, I know, that a solid a solid Deputy is essential to actually manage the organizationwhile the Administrator is fulfilling the ribbon cutting, Congessional, VIP game. NASA desperately needs a Deputy who understands policy, program, budget, cost and schedule. No matter who becomes Administrator, Scott Pace needs to be Deputy. We CAN NOT take another four years like the previous eight.