Zoe Lofgren

"I am deeply concerned that Brian Hughes, a political hack that has a proven record of harming the agency, has been named the de facto Director of Kennedy Space Center at such a critical time of global consequence for NASA and our leadership in space exploration,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “It is unconscionable that the White House would bring him back and frustrating that NASA did not bother notifying the Committee in advance of this decision.”

Ranking Member Lofgren continued, “We are not going to beat China to the Moon by putting a political operative in charge of launching our astronauts into space. Brian Hughes does not possess the background, knowledge, expertise, or temperament to hold a position of such immense responsibility. The leader of Kennedy Space Center, who also has been granted responsibility for Wallops launch operations, must be beyond reproach in both character and competence. It is no place for a former Trump campaign consultant who personally directed the agency’s illegal implementation of the White House budget last year, as the Committee’s oversight recently detailed. This decision is inexcusable. NASA must reverse it immediately."

"Farmers across the country are being adversely impacted by the agricultural workforce shortage. That's leading to unpicked crops and increased food prices," said Rep. Lofgren. "I've worked across the aisle for years to pass this labor solution, including with my late colleague Doug LaMalfa. It's critical that this Farm Bill includes the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and I'm hopeful that Congress can finally bring some stability to our agricultural sector."