Senate Commerce Committee vets NASA deputy nominee and NIST director nominee amid questions on standards and MEP funding

Chairman Cruz convened the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to consider two nominations and framed the hearing as pivotal to U.S. competitiveness: the committee reviewed Matthew Anderson to be deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Dr. Arvin Ramen to be under secretary of commerce for standards and technology and director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The hearing opened with Chairman Cruz stressing national innovation as a strategic priority and describing the nominees' credentials. Senator Shehy introduced Anderson, highlighting his 24-year Air Force career and command of the nation’s nuclear airlift squadron; Senator Young introduced Ramen, emphasizing his leadership at Purdue University’s College of Engineering.

In his opening statement, Matthew Anderson said he would "reinforce the culture of safety, accountability, and transparency" at NASA and pledged to support Administrator Isaacman and the administration's national space policy, including efforts to return astronauts to the lunar surface. Anderson cited his operational background—about 5,000 flight hours and combat experience—and his industry work since leaving the Air Force.

Dr. Arvin Ramen told the committee he would champion NIST’s role in measurement science and voluntary standard setting and said he would work to "maximize American innovation" across AI, chips, biotechnology and quantum technologies. Ramen described his academic career at Purdue and prior collaborations with NIST laboratories.

Committee questioning focused on three themes: NASA program priorities, the role and scope of NIST, and accountability for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). On NASA, senators pressed Anderson on support for advanced aerospace materials, the lunar lander competition and nuclear surface power; Anderson affirmed support for the initiatives discussed and committed to visiting relevant NASA facilities after confirmation.

On NIST, senators sought clarity about its role in AI standards versus regulation. Ramen repeatedly stated that NIST's primary "swim lane" is metrology and voluntary frameworks and committed to the administration's AI action plan while saying he would provide fuller answers for the record when needed.

Several senators pressed both nominees on oversight and cooperation with Congress and watchdogs. Ramen was asked repeatedly about a reported NIST-related funding freeze affecting MEP centers (committee members cited a $6.1 million federal freeze tied to an almost $15 million total shortfall in one state, and raised an IG review). Ramen told senators he lacked full details as a nominee but committed that, if confirmed, he would "follow the law," cooperate with GAO audits and work with Congress to restore funding as appropriate after audit findings are resolved.

The hearing included pointed exchanges about the political framing of NIST's prior AI "risk management framework," with one senator characterizing it as partisan and urging Ramen to return NIST to an "apolitical" mission. Ramen responded that NIST should focus on measurement science and provide standards that reflect American values in international standard-setting fora.

On biometric testing and transparency, a senator asked whether NIST would maintain public access to facial recognition test results; Ramen affirmed NIST's leadership in AI metrology but did not give a definitive on-the-record yes/no for public access during the hearing and offered to follow up.

Both nominees committed to respond promptly to committee requests for information. The chair announced deadlines for questions and responses to be placed in the record and adjourned the committee.

The hearing did not include a committee vote on either nomination; senators will submit additional questions for the record and nominees must respond by the deadlines the chair set.