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
Overall Summary
Representative Rivas's background as an MIT-trained electrical engineer and her seat on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology suggest a strong foundational understanding and direct legislative interest in NASA's scientific endeavors. Her advocacy for STEM workforce development and "science-backed solutions," coupled with a significant local contract for the Roman Space Telescope, provides clear points of alignment for increased NASA space science funding.
While her district benefits from NASA science contracts, the overall volume is modest, and no specific challenges or opposing priorities are evident in public records. Advocates should emphasize the scientific advancements, workforce development, and the direct local economic impact of NASA's Science Mission Directorate to leverage her existing interest and background, making her likely receptive to arguments against proposed budget cuts.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching Spectrolab, Inc. in Sylmar, CA, to understand the local jobs and economic benefits derived from their work on the Roman Space Telescope, providing a tangible example of NASA science investment in the district.
Explore how NASA's space science missions inspire students and create demand for skilled STEM professionals, directly aligning with her commitment to STEM education and workforce development, including for girls.
Look into specific examples of how NASA's space science discoveries and Earth science data provide "science-backed solutions" and inform U.S. space strategy, connecting to her legislative interests and public statements.
About Luz M. Rivas
Earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from MIT.
Worked for Motorola, an electronics and telecommunications company.
Founded a non-profit encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers.
Served on the Los Angeles City Public Works Commission.
Previously served in the California State Assembly (2018-2024).
Opportunities
STEM Background and Committee Leadership: Representative Rivas's electrical engineering degree from MIT and her membership on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology demonstrate a foundational understanding and direct legislative engagement with scientific and technological advancements, including those at NASA. (Congresswoman Rivas, 2025-01)
Local Economic Investment in NASA Astrophysics: A company in her district, Spectrolab, Inc. in Sylmar, CA, received a $6.0M contract for solar array panels for NASA's Roman Space Telescope, directly linking NASA astrophysics investment to local economic activity and job creation. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for STEM Workforce Development: Her history of founding a non-profit to encourage girls in STEM and her introduction of the "STEM Pathways for the Future Act" indicate a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce crucial for advanced scientific and aerospace endeavors. (Representative Luz Rivas, 2025-09)
Support for Science-Backed Solutions and Earth Science: Representative Rivas's public statements emphasize leveraging her STEM background for "science-backed solutions" and addressing climate change, aligning with NASA's Earth science missions and broader scientific research goals. (Congresswoman Rivas, 2025-01)
Direct Legislative Engagement on Space Policy: Representative Rivas introduced H.R.5449, the "Space Strategy Act," in September 2025, which was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, indicating a direct legislative interest in U.S. space policy. (Congress.gov, 2025-09)
Challenges
No salient risk indicators identified in the public record.