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 DeSaulnier's lack of direct committee assignments related to space or science funding, coupled with his established legislative priorities in terrestrial environmental protection, healthcare, and education, suggests that increased NASA space science funding may not be a primary focus. The district's limited economic ties to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, with only a single, relatively small planetary science grant identified, further indicate a potential lack of strong incentive for direct advocacy.
However, his consistent support for federal environmental and education investments, along with the specific NASA planetary science grant to Saint Mary's College in his district, offers a clear opportunity for engagement. Advocates can highlight how NASA's Earth science directly supports his environmental protection and climate action priorities, and how broader space science programs foster the STEM workforce and educational opportunities he consistently champions.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider gathering specific stories or testimonials from students or faculty at Saint Mary's College of California who have benefited from the NASA planetary science grant, demonstrating the direct local impact of NASA's Science Mission Directorate investments on STEM education and workforce development in the district.
Explore how NASA's Earth Science data and research directly contribute to understanding and addressing the environmental and air quality issues Representative DeSaulnier has consistently championed, preparing specific examples of how space-based observations inform terrestrial environmental policy in California.
Look into how NASA's broader science mission, beyond Earth science, contributes to public health advancements, technological innovation, and inspires STEM education, aligning with his established legislative priorities in public health, education, and economic development.
About Mark DeSaulnier
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the College of the Holy Cross.
Owned and operated several restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Served on the California Air Resources Board, supporting strong environmental regulations.
Chaired state legislative committees focused on transportation and air quality.
Advocated for public health and environmental safety through various legislative efforts.
Opportunities
Local Investment in Planetary Science and STEM: Representative DeSaulnier's district includes Saint Mary's College of California, which received a NASA grant for planetary analog field science experiences for undergraduates, directly supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities and STEM workforce development. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Federal Environmental Investments: Representative DeSaulnier voted for bipartisan government funding bills in March 2024 and September 2023, which included investments in environmental protection, aligning with NASA's Earth Science objectives. (DeSaulnier.house.gov, 2024-03; DeSaulnier.house.gov, 2023-09)
Support for Federal Education Investments: Representative DeSaulnier voted for bipartisan government funding bills in March 2024 and September 2023, which included investments in education, broadly supporting the STEM pipeline critical for NASA's future workforce. (DeSaulnier.house.gov, 2024-03; DeSaulnier.house.gov, 2023-09)
Consistent Environmental Advocacy: Representative DeSaulnier has a public record of advocating for environmental justice and clean energy, which indicates a general alignment with the scientific research conducted by NASA's Earth Science division. (DeSaulnier.house.gov, 2024-03)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative DeSaulnier does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space or science funding, limiting his direct legislative influence on NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (Authoritative Committee Data, 119th Congress)
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative DeSaulnier's public statements and legislative activities consistently prioritize issues such as disability rights, public safety, environmental protection, healthcare, and education, which may divert his focus from advocating for increased investment in NASA science. (West Contra Costa News, 2025-07-24; Rep. DeSaulnier House.gov, various 2023-2024)
Limited Public Record on Specific NASA Science Advocacy: Beyond co-sponsoring a general NASA reauthorization bill, there is a limited public record of Representative DeSaulnier explicitly advocating for increased investment in specific NASA science activities (astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, Earth science, and biological and physical sciences) or exploration programs. (Congress.gov, 2024-09-23; Rep. DeSaulnier House.gov, various 2023-2024)
Focus on Terrestrial Environmental Issues: While Representative DeSaulnier is a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate action, his public record primarily emphasizes terrestrial-focused policies and clean energy initiatives, without explicitly highlighting the role of NASA's space-based Earth science activities in these efforts. (Rep. DeSaulnier House.gov, 2023-2024; West Contra Costa News, 2025-07-24)
Limited Local Economic Ties to NASA SMD: The provided contract data indicates a single, relatively small grant for planetary analog field science in the district, suggesting limited broad economic ties to NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities that might otherwise incentivize strong advocacy for increased investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)