Newman Nomination Approved by Committee

Dava Newman’s nomination to be the next NASA Deputy Administrator was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on March 25.

Neither the full committee, chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), nor the Space, Science and Competitiveness subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), held a hearing on the nomination indicating that it was not controversial and neither wanted to use the opportunity to debate NASA issues.

Newman’s nomination was one of three on the agenda of the committee’s executive session, along with five bills.  Thune read an extensive opening statement about the bills, but there was no discussion of any of the nominations (the others were unrelated to NASA).   The entire meeting lasted only about 20 minutes and the bills and nominations were approved by voice vote.   Cruz was not present due to a scheduling conflict according to his office.

The nomination still must be voted on by the full Senate.  No timetable for action has been announced.

If approved, Newman will succeed Lori Garver as Deputy Administrator.  The position has been vacant since Garver left in September 2013.  Newman is a professor of aeronautics and astronautics and engineering systems at MIT.