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.
Representative Lofgren, as Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, is uniquely positioned and has demonstrated a strong understanding of NASA's science mission. She has explicitly voiced concern over proposed cuts to NASA's science budget, vowing to fight "reckless proposals" and prevent the impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds. Her district's significant ties to NASA Ames Research Center and substantial local science grants further align her interests with robust space science funding.
While her record indicates a commitment to maintaining NASA's scientific leadership and preventing budget erosion, her public statements often emphasize preserving existing levels rather than advocating for significant new growth across all science directorates. Given her broad legislative agenda and the massive proposed FY2026 cuts, advocates may need to clearly articulate the necessity of increased investment beyond just preventing cuts, emphasizing the direct benefits to her district and the nation's scientific future.
Ranking Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Representative Lofgren's role as Ranking Member of this committee positions her as a key voice in shaping NASA's budget and policy, providing a direct platform to advocate for science and exploration programs. She actively participates in hearings on NASA's budget and science mission directorate. (House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 2024-03-21)
Opposition to NASA Science Budget Cuts: Representative Lofgren has explicitly voiced concern over proposed cuts to NASA's science budget, stating that NASA's science portfolio took an "outsized share of the decrease" in recent appropriations and that she would do "everything in my power to ensure these reckless proposals never come to fruition." She also warned against illegal impoundment of congressionally appropriated FY25 funds for NASA. (House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 2024-03-21), (Forbes Breaking News, 2024-05-05), (House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, 2025-07-17)
Strong Local NASA and Research Presence: Her district includes NASA Ames Research Center, a significant hub for space science and technology. Local institutions like San Jose State University Research Foundation and Bay Area Environmental Research Institute receive substantial NASA grants for human systems integration, planetary atmospheres, and exoplanet research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024), (NASA, 2023-10-11)
Advocacy for STEM Workforce and Education: Representative Lofgren has emphasized the importance of NASA's STEM education portfolio and expressed concern over the loss of skilled talent due to budget cuts, particularly mentioning layoffs at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She supported the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which fully supports NASA's STEM education portfolio. (Forbes Breaking News, 2024-05-05), (House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, 2024-07-10)
Support for NASA's Role in National Leadership and Societal Challenges: She consistently highlights NASA's critical contributions to understanding climate change, space weather, and maintaining U.S. leadership in space, especially in the context of international competition. She co-sponsored the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, reaffirming commitment to Earth and space science. (House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, 2024-04-30), (Forbes, 2024-01-17), (House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, 2024-07-10)
[1] aip.org
"House Science Committee Advances Weather Research Bill. SEP 11, 2025. A bipartisan bill for weather research advanced out of the House Science Committee on Wednesday by unanimous vote. The Weather Act Reauthorization reaffirms and updates NOAA..." https://www.aip.org/fyi/house-science-committee-advances-weather-research-bill
[2] republicans-science.house.gov
"Science Committee Leaders Release Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize NASA. July 9, 2024. (Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), along with..." https://republicans-science.house.gov/2024/7/science-committee-leaders-release-bipartisan-legislation-to-reauthorize-nasa