The Oklahoman tapped by President Donald Trump to lead NASA is drawing criticism from some prominent leaders in the Senate.
As POLITICO reports, Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine’s nomination was met with opposition from both of Florida’s senators, who see the selection of a strong NASA administrator as a matter of great importance to their state.
“The head of NASA ought to be a space professional, not a politician,” Democratic Senator Bill Nelson told POLITICO.
Across the aisle, Nelson’s Republican colleague Marco Rubio agreed, saying he thought Bridenstine’s “political baggage” could taint his nomination. Rubio said he thought Bridenstine’s nomination “could be devastating for the space program.”
He added, “being from Florida, I’m very sensitive to anything that slows up NASA and its mission.” Bridenstine openly trashed Rubio during last year’s presidential primary, but Rubio said that past isn’t affecting his view of the nomination.