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 Pelosi has a strong record of supporting scientific investment, notably through her leadership in passing the CHIPS and Science Act, which included directives to increase NASA's Science Mission Directorate funding and continue key programs like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Her district also benefits directly from NASA science, with over $25 million in contracts for Earth observation data from local companies and over $16 million in grants for science education and outreach, establishing a clear local stake in these activities.
However, her recent public statements emphasize social safety nets and economic justice as primary federal budget priorities, which could mean that advocating for increased NASA science funding, especially against a proposed 47% cut, may compete with these other areas. While she understands the value of science, advocates will need to clearly demonstrate how robust NASA science funding aligns with her broader priorities and directly benefits her constituents to secure her strong support.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how specific NASA science initiatives, particularly those related to the search for life and Earth science data, directly fulfill the directives and spirit of the CHIPS and Science Act, which Representative Pelosi played a key role in passing.
Explore how the substantial NASA science contracts and grants awarded to San Francisco-based entities like Spire Global, Planet Labs, The Exploratorium, and WestEd translate into local job creation, economic growth, and STEM education opportunities for her constituents.
Look into how NASA's Earth science data, supported by local companies, contributes to understanding and addressing environmental challenges relevant to California, aligning with her past support for energy research and environmental remediation.
About Nancy Pelosi
Graduated from Trinity College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
Began her political career as a Democratic Party volunteer in the 1960s.
Husband, Paul Pelosi, is an investor with holdings in major technology companies.
Played a key role in passing the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022.
Supported energy research appropriations and new technologies for environmental remediation.
Opportunities
Support for Science Legislation: Representative Pelosi played a key role in the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, which included directives for NASA to increase funding for Research and Analysis in the Science Mission Directorate and continue programs like the search for life beyond Earth and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
Local Earth Science Data Acquisition: Companies in her district, Spire Global Subsidiary, Inc. and Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco, received multiple NASA contracts totaling over $25 million for the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program, providing critical GNSS satellite and PlanetScope/RapidEye data for Earth science. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Science Education and Outreach: Several organizations in her district, including The Exploratorium, WestEd, The Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and Carbonplan in San Francisco, received NASA grants totaling over $16 million for science education, Earth science data integration, and astronomy outreach. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for STEM Workforce Development: Pelosi has highlighted the CHIPS and Science Act's role in reinvesting in America's youth and workforce, supporting STEM education and training, which aligns with NASA's need for a skilled science and engineering pipeline.
Bipartisan Collaboration on Science Policy: Her leadership in the bipartisan and bicameral negotiations for the CHIPS and Science Act demonstrates a capacity for working across the aisle on significant science and technology investment legislation.
Challenges
Competing Priorities Focus: Representative Pelosi's recent public statements regarding federal budget priorities emphasize investments in social safety nets, healthcare, and economic justice, indicating these areas may take precedence in her advocacy for significant funding increases or protection from cuts compared to NASA science activities. (Office of Rep. Pelosi, 2023-03; Office of Rep. Pelosi, 2025-02)
Additional Sources
[1] spacenews.com
"Cruz skeptical about prospects for NASA appropriations or other legislation. February 27, 2020. WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s space subcommittee expressed doubts any space-related legislation, or even spending bills,..."
https://spacenews.com/cruz-skeptical-about-prospects-for-nasa-appropriations-or-other-legislation/
[2] norcross.house.gov
"Norcross Appointed to Science, Space and Technology Committee for 117th Congress. . WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) has been appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as a member of the Science, Space and Technology..."
https://norcross.house.gov/2021/2/norcross-appointed-science-space-and-technology-committee-117th-congress