Bridenstine faces tough questions in NASA confirmation hearing

TULSA — Congressman Jim Bridenstine faced some tough questioning at the hands of Democrats who say they will oppose his appointment as the next Director of NASA.

President Trump nominated the Oklahoma lawmaker in September, and it didn’t take long for critics to point out statements he’s made on climate change, LGBTQ issues, and fellow lawmakers that some found divisive and highly partisan.

But Bridenstine told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that he does indeed know how to reach across the aisle and work with others in a bipartisan manner.

“I do have a history of working with both sides of the aisle on important issues for our country,” he said Tuesday, especially “when it comes to space issues, and when it comes to issues that are important to the national security of this country.”

He did agree that climate change is occurring, though he stopped short of saying that he believed human activity was the primary reason for it.

And while some Democrats reiterated their opposition, Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the committee chairman, said after the hearing that he felt there would be enough “yes” votes to confirm Bridenstine’s nomination.

He said he hopes to move that nomination on to the full Senate as early as next week.