NASA Alumnus Gets An Important Congressional Committee Seat
Rep. George Whitesides D-CA-27
House of Representatives
Keith’s note: according to a press release “Today, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) was selected by the Democratic members of the Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Committee to serve as Vice Ranking Member.”
“I’m honored to assume the Vice Ranking member position on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and will draw on my experience in aerospace and innovation to help this Committee advance our nation’s goals of scientific discovery,” said Rep. Whitesides. “The SST Committee has a long history of working across the aisle on behalf of the American people, and while I am deeply concerned about the increased attacks on the scientific community, I am determined to work with my colleagues to maintain American leadership in innovation and its accompanying job creation engine.”
“Congressman Whitesides has and will continue to be an asset to the Committee,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “I’m delighted that he will now serve as our Vice Ranking Member. George’s experience as NASA’s Chief of Staff offers him a unique insight on how best to support our science agencies, especially as the Trump administration works to tear them down. I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout the Congress.”
Having served as the Chief of Staff of NASA, the CEO of aerospace company Virgin Galactic, and the Executive Director of the National Space Society, Rep. Whitesides will draw on his deep and wide-ranging experience in relevant fields when handling committee work.
Additionally, Rep. Whitesides sat on advisory committees for leading research universities like Caltech and Princeton, allowing him to understand the intersection of research and innovation as crucial elements to America’s future competitiveness. As the founder of non-profit and venture organizations focused on the wildfire crisis, and on the heels of the devastating wildfires that ripped through Southern California in January, he will utilize his experience addressing climate change and natural disasters to evaluate key legislation that comes before the committee.