WASHINGTON -- On April 19, 2018, the Senate confirmed Jim Bridenstine as the next NASA administrator. Bridenstine, a Republican Representative from Oklahoma's first congressional district since 2013, was nominated by President Donald Trump to take over the role as NASA administrator in September 2017.
It took the Senate over eight months to finally nominate Bridenstine, leaving NASA without a permanent administrator during that time. Bridenstine was considered a controversial pick. Democrats in the Senate took issue with his stance on climate change, while some Republicans disagreed with appointing a former politician, as that would risk politicizing the space agency.
Despite the controversy, Bridenstine was finally confirmed by the Senate on April 19 in a 50-49 vote in the Senate. A last minute change by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Az) led to Bridenstine's victory.
Following the vote, Bridenstine said, "It is an honor to be confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as NASA Administrator. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I once again thank President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their confidence. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at NASA to achieve the President's vision for American leadership in space."
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