NASA finally has a permanent administrator — 15 months into Trump’s presidency

The Verge -------- NASA has a full-time administrator at last. Today, the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee, Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), for the job, voting 50 to 49 along party lines. The vote finally brings to an end the longest period the space agency has gone without a permanent leader. It was a close call for Bridenstine on the Senate floor today. With Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) absent, the vote came down to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who has been away from the Senate after recently having a baby, and Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), who held out for a while. If Flake had voted no, it would have created a tie vote, 49 yeses to 49 nos. If that happened, Duckworth could have sunk the confirmation. However, Flake ultimately voted for Bridenstine, confirming the nomination. (Duckworth ultimately did come to the floor with her newborn to vote “no.”) To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.