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.
Overall Summary
Representative Matsui's public record suggests a primary focus on healthcare, education, and climate change, with no specific mention of NASA or space science. Her lack of space-related committee assignments limits her direct legislative influence on NASA's budget. Furthermore, the minimal NASA Science Mission Directorate funding in her district provides little direct economic incentive for her to champion increased investment in these areas, especially given broader concerns about federal budget cuts.
Despite these challenges, there are potential avenues for engagement. Her strong advocacy for environmental and climate science aligns well with NASA's Earth Science mission, which could be a compelling point of connection. Additionally, her general support for federal research and development and commitment to STEM education indicate a foundational appreciation for scientific advancement, offering an opportunity to highlight the broader benefits of NASA's science portfolio.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific NASA Earth Science missions or data products that directly relate to environmental issues in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, such as water management, air quality, or climate resilience, to demonstrate local relevance to her strong environmental advocacy.
Explore how NASA's broader science investments contribute to fundamental research and technological advancements that could foster innovation and inspire STEM education within her district, even beyond direct contracts, aligning with her support for federal R&D and STEM.
Look into potential constituent stories or local examples where NASA science data or discoveries have indirectly benefited residents or industries in CA-07, such as informing agricultural practices or urban planning, to create a personal connection despite the lack of major direct contracts.
About Doris O. Matsui
Earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Served as Deputy Assistant to the President in the Clinton Administration.
Worked as a government affairs consultant and lobbyist.
Advocated for technology innovation, including wireless technologies and broadband access.
Supported stem cell research and environmental protection initiatives.
Opportunities
Environmental and Climate Science Advocacy: Representative Matsui consistently champions policies to combat climate change and protect the environment, aligning with NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate, as evidenced by her role as Co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force and her participation in recent letters advocating for nature-based climate solutions. Her district includes the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, a focus of environmental concern. (Mirage News, 2025-04; Congresswoman Doris Matsui, 2025)
Support for Federal Research and Development: Representative Matsui actively supports federal investments in technology innovation and research and development, demonstrated by her leadership on the CHIPS Act and commitment to fostering technological breakthroughs. She aims to bring innovation and technology jobs to the Sacramento region. (Doris Matsui for Congress, 2025; Congresswoman Doris Matsui, 2025)
Commitment to STEM Education: Representative Matsui prioritizes investments in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, recognizing its importance for developing a skilled workforce in scientific fields. Her district includes the University of California, Davis, a significant research institution. (Congresswoman Doris Matsui, 2025)
Challenges
Competing Priorities Focus: Representative Matsui's recent public record emphasizes healthcare, education, climate change, clean energy, and technology innovation, without specific mention of NASA or space science funding. (Sacramento Standard, 2025-09; Sacramento Standard, 2025-03; House.gov, 2025-09; Doris Matsui for Congress, 2025-09)
Lack of Direct Legislative Platform: Representative Matsui does not hold any space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which limits her direct legislative influence on NASA's budget and policy. (space_committees, 2025-09)
Limited Local NASA Economic Ties: No significant NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants for CA-07 were found in recent public records, indicating a lack of direct local economic incentive to champion NASA science. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Budgetary Concerns: Representative Matsui has expressed concerns about federal budget cuts impacting social programs, suggesting a broader focus on fiscal priorities that could indirectly affect discretionary spending like NASA science. (Sacramento Standard, 2025-03; Sacramento Standard, 2025-02)