You want astronauts and firefighters in charge of a political body?
Yes.
Mercury Astronaut John Glenn served as senator for Ohio from 1974 through 1999.
Apollo 17 Astronaut Harrison Schmitt served as Senator for New Mexico from 1976 to 1982.
Apollo 13 Astronaut Jack Swigert was elected to a congressional seat in 1982, but died before taking office.
Senators Jake Harm and Bill Nelson became astronauts while in office.
And for the most relevant person, Scott Kelly is actually a twin. He and his brother Mark both earned the rank of Captain in the Navy, both became astronauts, and Mark is now serving as Senator for Arizona.
Yes, I want this particular astronaut in charge of the House.
So out of all the astronauts, many of whom actually DO have political experience that might qualify them for the job, you want one who’s only RELATED to someone who’s qualified? 🤦
It’s an actual job that requires specialized ability and knowledge. It’s not a ceremonial position that anyone who’s good at anything can do.
The speakership does not require any particular ability or knowledge. The important functions of the speakership are delegation and mediation. They can rely on the House Parliamentarian for guidance on the specifically applicable House rules, for example, deferring to their wisdom and judgment where appropriate.
Yes.
Mercury Astronaut John Glenn served as senator for Ohio from 1974 through 1999.
Apollo 17 Astronaut Harrison Schmitt served as Senator for New Mexico from 1976 to 1982.
Apollo 13 Astronaut Jack Swigert was elected to a congressional seat in 1982, but died before taking office.
Senators Jake Harm and Bill Nelson became astronauts while in office.
And for the most relevant person, Scott Kelly is actually a twin. He and his brother Mark both earned the rank of Captain in the Navy, both became astronauts, and Mark is now serving as Senator for Arizona.
Yes, I want this particular astronaut in charge of the House.
So out of all the astronauts, many of whom actually DO have political experience that might qualify them for the job, you want one who’s only RELATED to someone who’s qualified? 🤦
It’s an actual job that requires specialized ability and knowledge. It’s not a ceremonial position that anyone who’s good at anything can do.
The speakership does not require any particular ability or knowledge. The important functions of the speakership are delegation and mediation. They can rely on the House Parliamentarian for guidance on the specifically applicable House rules, for example, deferring to their wisdom and judgment where appropriate.