Representative J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46)

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 Correa's district benefits directly from NASA science, with local companies holding significant contracts for planetary missions and spaceflight hardware, including Airborne Systems North America's involvement in the Dragonfly mission. His consistent support for STEM education, securing federal funding for local environmental research, and voting for the CHIPS and Science Act demonstrate a general appreciation for scientific investment. He also opposed a funding bill that cut research programs, suggesting a willingness to protect scientific endeavors.

However, Representative Correa does not sit on any space-related committees, limiting his direct influence on NASA policy. His primary legislative focus lies elsewhere, and there is no explicit public record of him advocating specifically for increased NASA Science Mission Directorate funding. While he has supported science broadly, advocates should be prepared to connect NASA science investment to his stated priorities and the direct economic benefits to his district.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider highlighting the specific NASA science contracts within his district, such as Airborne Systems' work on the Dragonfly mission and Superior Jig's fabrication services, to demonstrate the direct economic benefits and high-tech job creation that increased investment in NASA science brings to his constituents.
• Explore how NASA's science missions inspire students and create pathways for future STEM careers, potentially connecting to local educational institutions or research efforts in his district, building on his past support for STEM education and local scientific funding.
• Look into framing increased NASA science investment as a strategic national investment that drives innovation, maintains U.S. global leadership in technology, and fosters economic growth, aligning with his stated reasons for supporting the CHIPS and Science Act.

About J. Luis Correa

• Holds a BA in economics, JD, and MBA from California universities.
• Professional background includes investment banking, real estate, and college instruction.
• Served in the California State Assembly and State Senate for many years.
• No public record found of military service or direct STEM/space experience.

Opportunities

• District's direct involvement in NASA missions: Companies in Representative Correa's district hold significant NASA contracts for critical components of planetary science missions and spaceflight hardware, demonstrating direct economic benefit from NASA's activities. Airborne Systems North America of Ca Inc (Santa Ana, CA) is involved in the Dragonfly mission, and Superior Jig Inc (Anaheim, CA) provides fabrication services for spaceflight hardware. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Consistent advocacy for STEM education: Representative Correa has publicly emphasized the importance of STEM education for national development, including speaking at an Engineering and Public Works Roadshow in October 2024, and previously supported legislation to promote STEM careers for underrepresented groups. (YouTube, 2024-10-03), (U.S. Congressman Lou Correa of California, 2019-05-15)

• Secured federal funding for local scientific research: In April 2023, Representative Correa announced over $2 million in federal funding for drought and environmental research at Chapman University in his district, which aligns with Earth systems science and climate-related studies. (U.S. Congressman Lou Correa of California, 2023-04-13)

• Support for broad science and technology investment: Representative Correa voted for the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in July 2022, stating its importance for research, investment in information systems, and global technological advancement. (U.S. Congressman Lou Correa of California, 2022-07-28)

• Opposition to cuts in research funding: In December 2024, Representative Correa voted against a "rushed, partisan government funding bill" that removed funding for various research programs, indicating a general willingness to oppose cuts to scientific endeavors. (U.S. Congressman Lou Correa of California, 2024-12-19)

Challenges

• No direct space-related committee assignments: Representative Correa does not hold a position on any House committee directly overseeing NASA or space policy in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct influence on space science funding and policy decisions. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-09)
• Competing legislative priorities: Representative Correa's public statements and legislative focus primarily highlight healthcare, immigration, jobs and economy, national security, and education, suggesting these may take precedence over broader space science initiatives.
• Limited explicit advocacy for broad NASA science: While Representative Correa has supported federal funding for local environmental research, there is no recent public record of explicit statements or legislative actions specifically advocating for increased investment across NASA's broader Science Mission Directorate or exploration programs.
• Willingness to oppose omnibus spending bills: Representative Correa has voted against omnibus funding packages and continuing resolutions due to concerns unrelated to space, indicating a potential willingness to oppose future broad spending bills that could include NASA science funding.