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During Nomination Hearing, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson Criticizes Trump's NASA Pick

Bill Nelson's youtube

A U.S. Senate hearing to consider the next administrator of NASA started Wednesday. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) says he’s not confident in President Trump’s nominee, Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK). Nelson—a former astronaut—is the top Democrat who sits on the Senate Commerce Committee that oversees the nation’s space program. He spoke directly to the nominee during opening remarks.

“Your record and your behavior in Congress has been divisive, and it’s been extreme as any as we have seen in Washington,” Nelson said, at the time. “And, this Senator is wondering how does that fit with the leader of a technical agency where unity is often right on the line as to what is going to happen in success or failure of a mission or program.”

Nelson says despite the Congressman’s current efforts, Bridenstine has a lot to do to show that he’s changed his past behavior and is non-partisan. Nelson pointed to Bridenstine’s past record of ridiculing those in Congress who have reached across the aisle, like U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.