Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis.
Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search.
Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page.
All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified.
This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, House Committee on Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Ciscomani's strong fiscal conservatism and prioritization of border security present a significant hurdle for increased NASA space science funding, particularly with the proposed deep cuts for FY2026. His public advocacy often emphasizes national security space, and his role in the Conservative Climate Caucus may lead to skepticism regarding certain Earth science initiatives. While he sits on the Appropriations Committee, his stated commitment to "reining in wasteful spending" suggests a high bar for new investments.
However, his position on the Appropriations Committee also provides a direct opportunity for influence, and the substantial local NASA science contracts and grants in his district offer concrete evidence of economic and research benefits. His University of Arizona affiliation further connects him to institutions performing significant NASA-funded science. Advocates should emphasize these local impacts and the broader economic contributions of space science to potentially align with his priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific NASA-funded projects at the University of Arizona, his alma mater, and local companies like Litespar Inc. to demonstrate the direct economic and educational benefits of NASA science investment in his district.
Explore how NASA's Earth science activities, including local grants for precipitation and climate indicators, provide practical, non-regulatory benefits to Arizona, potentially aligning with his focus on local needs and fiscal responsibility.
Look into how NASA science investment fosters STEM education and future workforce development in Arizona, connecting to his background in community outreach and his influential role on the Appropriations Committee to advocate for these opportunities.
About Juan Ciscomani
Attended Pima Community College; graduated from the University of Arizona.
Worked as a program development specialist at the University of Arizona.
Served as a senior advisor to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.
Vice President of Outreach for the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Interned for U.S. Representatives Ed Pastor and Loretta Sanchez.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Role: Representative Ciscomani's membership on the House Committee on Appropriations provides him direct influence over NASA's budget, including allocations for science activities. (Space Committees, 119th Congress)
Local NASA Earth Science Grants: NASA's Science Mission Directorate awarded grants to the Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Inc. and Kenneth L. Cummins in Tucson, AZ, for Earth science research related to precipitation and climate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local NASA Technology Contracts: Litespar Inc. in Tucson and Oro Valley, AZ, received NASA contracts for laser transmitters for smallsats, which can support various science missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
University of Arizona Affiliation: As an alumnus and former program development specialist at the University of Arizona, Representative Ciscomani has a connection to an institution with significant NASA-funded space science research, particularly in planetary science. (Biography, N/A)
Support for NASA Funding in Appropriations: Representative Ciscomani voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which included funding for NASA. (Ciscomani.house.gov, 2024-03)
Challenges
Competing Priorities (Border Security): Representative Ciscomani has consistently identified border security as his "number one priority" and holds a key position as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, indicating a strong focus on this area.
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Reduction Stance: Ciscomani has advocated for "fiscal responsibility" and "reining in wasteful spending," and despite initial concerns, voted for a budget resolution that included significant cuts to social programs, suggesting a willingness to support broader spending reductions.
Emphasis on National Security Space over Science: While supporting space, Representative Ciscomani's recent public advocacy for space initiatives has primarily focused on military applications, specifically promoting Fort Huachuca as a U.S. Space Force mission hub to enhance national defense capabilities.
Conservative Approach to Climate Science and Regulation: As Vice Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, Representative Ciscomani supports policies that prioritize private sector innovation and reduced regulation for clean energy, which may lead to skepticism or opposition to certain NASA Earth science activities perceived as promoting regulation or not aligning with these principles.
Potential for Party-Line Voting on Budget Issues: Public records indicate that Representative Ciscomani has, at times, voted along party lines on budget-related legislation, even when it involved cuts to programs he initially expressed concerns about, suggesting potential susceptibility to party directives on appropriations.