The Senate on Tuesday afternoon easily confirmed Michael Kratsios to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The chamber also advanced former Rep. Dan Bishop to be President Donald Trump’s deputy budget director.
Lawmakers voted 74-25 for Kratsios, with several Democrats crossing the aisle to support Trump’s science pick. The nominee similarly cleared committee on a bipartisan basis.
Kratsios served as chief technology officer during the first Trump administration with a focus on artificial intelligence, even more of a government focus this time around. The Princeton graduate also spent some time at the Pentagon.
During his confirmation hearing in February, Kratsios spoke about a “free-market approach to scientific discovery” and “removing barriers to innovation.” He defended cuts at the National Science Foundation and other agencies.
