Colorado Springs resident and former NASA astronaut James Reilly is set for his first hearing to lead the U.S. Geological Survey Tuesday before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The committee includes Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, who supports President Trump’s nomination. If Reilly’s nomination is approved by the committee, as expected, it will got to the full Senate for confirmation.

“Dr. Reilly is uniquely qualified candidate to become the next U.S. Geological Survey director,” Gardner said in a statement. “As a former astronaut who has immense experience in geological research, Dr. Reilly has a deep understanding of the issues at hand. He also has the management experience necessary to run USGS. It’s also always good to have someone with some Colorado commonsense in positions like this one. I look forward to Congress getting to know Dr. Reilly during the confirmation process.”

Reilly, 63, flew three shuttle missions and executed five spacewalks during a 13-year NASA career, which included 856 hours in space between 1995 to 2008. The Department of Interior notes Reilly also participated in multiple expeditions, including the Antarctic peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico’s continental shelf.

He serves as an adviser to military space operations for the U.S. and its allies, including for the National Security Space Institute at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs according to the White House.

“Dr. Reilly has proven himself as an explorer, accomplished scientist and public servant,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in an announcement after the White House announced Reilly’s nomination on Jan. 26. “He will be a strong leader for the USGS as it addresses the natural resource opportunities and challenges we face as a nation. I look forward to working with him.”

Stated U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs: “He brings years of experience and knowledge to the table. Without a doubt, the Department of the Interior will flourish under his leadership. It’s always great to see a fellow Coloradan representing us.”

The USGS is the nation’s chief scientific agency concerned with the country’s landscape, natural resources and natural hazards. If confirmed, Reilly would take on an agency facing a 15 percent cut under the budget approved by Republicans this year.

“The USGS is finding solutions to the natural resource issues that impact local communities and our nation, and I’m excited to lead its future endeavors,” Reilly stated.

If confirmed, he would succeed acting director William Werkheiser, who previously was the agency’s associate director of water before taking over for President Obama’s appointee, Suzette Kimball.