Representative George Whitesides (D-CA-27)

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 Science, Space, and Technology
• Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee

Overall Summary

Representative Whitesides's extensive background as former NASA Chief of Staff, his academic focus on Earth science, and his current position on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee suggest a strong foundational understanding and potential receptiveness to NASA's science mission. He has publicly criticized proposed cuts to NASA's budget, indicating a general alignment with protecting the agency's funding. However, his significant legislative focus on other priorities, such as wildfire crisis mitigation, coupled with a challenging overall budget environment, may limit his capacity to actively champion increased investment in space science.

Despite these challenges, his district's connection to NASA science, including a 3D scanner for the OSIRIS-REx mission and grants for STEM engagement in sub-orbital flight programs, provides specific local ties that advocates can highlight. His co-sponsorship of the Interagency Research Coordination Act also demonstrates a commitment to scientific collaboration. While securing substantial new funding may be difficult given the fiscal climate, his deep agency knowledge and past statements suggest he will likely be open to hearing arguments for robust support for NASA's science activities.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching specific examples of how NASA Earth science data and remote sensing technologies contribute to wildfire prevention, detection, or climate resilience efforts relevant to California, to connect NASA's mission with his key legislative priorities.
• Explore personal stories or testimonials from students, educators, or local businesses in his district who have benefited from NASA science grants or contracts, such as those related to the Santa Clarita Community College District or the OSIRIS-REx mission, to illustrate local impact.
• Look into his public statements or legislative actions regarding NASA's budget challenges, particularly concerning science, to understand his specific concerns and identify ways your advocacy can reinforce his efforts to secure robust funding.

About George Whitesides

• Earned MPhil in geographic information systems and remote sensing from Cambridge.
• Served as Chief of Staff at NASA (2009-2010), receiving Distinguished Service Medal.
• First CEO of Virgin Galactic for a decade, leading commercial spaceflight development.
• Executive Director National Space Society; chaired FAA's COMSTAC working group.
• Co-sponsored 2025 DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act.

Opportunities

• Former NASA Chief of Staff: Representative Whitesides served as NASA Chief of Staff (2009-2010) and received the Distinguished Service Medal, indicating a deep understanding of and commitment to the agency's mission, including its science activities. (Biography)
• Legislative Support for Research Coordination: His co-sponsorship of the 2025 DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act demonstrates a legislative commitment to enhancing scientific collaboration and research, directly benefiting NASA's science mission directorate. (Congress.gov, 2025)
• Key Committee Assignment: As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, he is directly involved in legislative oversight and funding decisions for NASA, positioning him to advocate for science programs. (House.gov, 2025)
• District Engagement in NASA Science: His district benefits from NASA contracts, including a 3D scanner for the OSIRIS-REx planetary science mission, and grants for STEM engagement in NASA student-oriented sub-orbital flight programs, demonstrating local interest and direct ties to NASA science. (USAspending, FY2023)
• Academic Background in Earth Science: His MPhil in geographic information systems and remote sensing from Cambridge provides a foundational understanding of Earth science data and applications, aligning with NASA's Earth Science Division. (Biography)

Challenges

• Competing Priorities Focus (Wildfire Crisis): Representative Whitesides has co-founded Megafire Action and prioritized public safety and climate resilience related to wildfires, co-sponsoring the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House. This indicates a significant legislative focus outside of direct space science and exploration.
• Challenging Budget Environment: Representative Whitesides is operating within a political climate where the administration has proposed significant cuts to NASA's budget, including science, which he has publicly called a "full-scale assault" and "catastrophic". This challenging budgetary environment may limit the practical ability to secure increased investment, despite his strong advocacy.

Additional Sources

[1] whitesides.house.gov

"Representative George Whitesides. Congressman George Whitesides is proudly serving his first term representing California’s 27th Congressional District and sits on both the House Armed Services Committee and as Vice Ranking Member of the House..." https://whitesides.house.gov/about

[2] whitesides.house.gov

"Congressman George Whitesides Celebrates House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Leadership in Space and Energy Innovation. March 24, 2025. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) celebrated the House passage of..." https://whitesides.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-george-whitesides-celebrates-house-passage-bipartisan-legislation

[3] whitesides.house.gov

"Committees and Caucuses. COMMITTEES. House Armed Services Committee (HASC). Rep. Whitesides is a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), where he works to support the military installations vital to national security, including those..." https://whitesides.house.gov/about/committees-and-caucuses

[4] nss.org

"NSS Congratulates George Whitesides for Appointment to House Committee Related to Space - NSS. March 13, 2025. NSS Press Releases. One Comment. Former Executive Director of NSS Selected for Critical Government Duties The National Space Society..." https://nss.org/nss-congratulates-george-whitesides-for-appointment-to-house-committee-related-to-space/

[5] space.com

"Page Title: Former Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides wins seat in US Congress | Space. Publish Date: 13 November 2024. Main Textual Content:. Former Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides is headed to Capitol Hill. Whitesides, who..." https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-ceo-george-whitesides-congress-win

[6] 314action.org

"George Whitesides - 3.14 Action. George has spent his career solving problems. Over the past 20 years, he has helped lead NASA to new heights as Chief of Staff, created hundreds of quality jobs in the Antelope Valley as CEO of Virgin Galactic, and..." https://314action.org/candidates/george-whitesides/