"The Republican congressman picked by President Trump to lead NASA is facing headwinds over his past comments on science, including a skeptical view on climate change.

The confirmation of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), a tea party conservative and a Navy aviator, stalled recently amid concerns by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Bridenstine, whose nomination has not come to the Senate floor for a vote, said he's appealing personally to the Florida senator. So far, Rubio has not committed to support him, Bridenstine said.

"We've had a good conversation, and I'm doing everything I can to earn his support," Bridenstine said in a brief interview.

Earlier this month, Bridenstine's nomination passed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on a 14-13 vote, along party lines. Bridenstine also passed out of that committee in November, but the panel had to vote again after the Senate failed to bring his confirmation to the floor before the new year."

Scott Waldman reports for ClimateWire January 25, 2018. [2]