U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) on Thursday released a statement after meeting with President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).

In 1986, Nelson became the second-ever sitting member of Congress to fly in space when he served as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Tuberville has been a staunch supporter of Alabama’s defense and aerospace sectors during his first few months in office. His committee assignments include serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which deals with national security space-related issues.

“Given the role that the space industry plays in our state, it was important for me to speak with former Senator Bill Nelson and ensure he knows the contributions the Huntsville area makes to the industry,” said Tuberville in a written statement. “We had a good, productive conversation, and I’m confident he recognizes Alabama’s significant contributions to America’s space programs.”

Alabama’s junior senator advised, “When it comes to space, he said to me, ‘You really have the juice in Huntsville,’ and I couldn’t agree more. Senator Nelson trained in Huntsville and is very up-to-date on the region’s space facilities and growth.”

“Senator Nelson is clearly committed to the Artemis program and knows how important Marshall Space Flight Center is to NASA’s mission. I look forward to working with him to ensure NASA’s continued success,” Tuberville concluded.

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Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn