Michael Kratsios didn’t flinch Tuesday when asked by federal lawmakers about mass layoffs at federal science agencies.
Instead, the man whom President Donald Trump has picked to serve as his next science adviser said it was Trump’s prerogative to reshape the government as he sees fit. And Kratsios argued that federal regulations too often get in the way of scientific and technological progress anyway.
“I think it’s very important when you enter into a new administration to have the opportunity to assess the team that you have on the field and determine what is the best way to be able to drive the priorities of American people and the president,” Kratsios told members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, who are weighing his nomination.
“And I think it’s very natural and common sense and logical to do that evaluation,” he added.
