Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science
Credit: Inside Outer Space Screengrab

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, along with Ranking member U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) recently received a letter of support from former NASA astronauts for Jared Isaacman’s nomination to be NASA Administrator.

Isaacman is now poised Wednesday, December 3, 2025 to appear at a hearing for NASA and Commerce Nominees at 10:00 AM Eastern Time in Washington, D.C.

Entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to be NASA administrator.
NASA / Bill Ingalls

2^nd time around

The Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee is convening the hearing to consider the nominations of:

• Jared Isaacman, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Steven Haines, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis

Isaacman is a “been there and done that once before” NASA Administrator nominee. That earlier confirmation hearing was back on April 9. But his name was withdrawn by President Trump on May 31, then reinstated on November 6.

Image credit: Jared Isaacman

NASA facing challenges

“He will bring renewed energy and sense of purpose to NASA,” the November 22 letter from former NASA astronauts states. “NASA is facing many challenges right now including the rapidly approaching launch of the Artemis II mission. We therefore urge the Senate to move expeditiously towards Mr. Isaacman’s confirmation.”

For a look at the letter, go to Keith Cowing’s informative NASA Watch website at:

https://nasawatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/isaacmanAstro.pdf