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 Levin's recent appointment to the House Appropriations Committee provides a significant opportunity for direct influence over NASA's budget, and his consistent support for federal science funding, including the CHIPS and Science Act, indicates a generally receptive stance. His strong background in environmental law and advocacy for climate change solutions align particularly well with NASA's Earth Science activities, as evidenced by his efforts to fund climate scientists and his district's grant for Earth magnetosphere research. Furthermore, his emphasis on Congress's "power of the purse" suggests a willingness to defend congressionally approved budgets against executive branch cuts.
However, advocates should be aware that his primary focus on climate and environmental issues may lead him to prioritize terrestrial solutions or NASA's Earth Science over other science directorates if budget choices become necessary, especially given the proposed FY26 cuts. While his district benefits from some NASA contracts, these are relatively modest and primarily manufacturing-focused, offering less direct economic incentive for broad NASA science advocacy. Explicit advocacy for astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, or biological and physical sciences has been less prominent in his public statements, suggesting advocates will need to clearly articulate the value and local connections of these diverse scientific pursuits.
Strong Climate/Environmental Focus: Representative Levin's consistent public record emphasizes climate change, clean energy, and environmental protection, which, while supportive of NASA Earth science, may lead to a prioritization of terrestrial climate solutions over other NASA science directorates or exploration programs if budget choices are necessary. (U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, 2025-09; U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, 2025-01; U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, 2024-01)
Limited Direct Economic Incentive for Broad NASA Science: The NASA contracts and grants within the 49th district are relatively modest in total value and primarily involve manufacturing components or a specific Earth magnetosphere research grant, suggesting less direct economic impetus for broad NASA science and exploration advocacy compared to districts with major NASA facilities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Budgetary Scrutiny and Competing Priorities on Appropriations: As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative Levin has voiced concerns about congressional power over spending and has highlighted other pressing district and national challenges like nuclear waste removal, sand replenishment, and veterans' health, which could compete for federal resources. (U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, 2025-01; U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, 2024-09; Forbes Breaking News, 2025-07)
Lack of Explicit Advocacy for Non-Earth Science/Exploration: While co-sponsoring the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes exploration and various science areas, Representative Levin's recent individual public statements and press releases within the last 24 months do not feature explicit, strong advocacy for specific astrophysics, planetary science (beyond the reauthorization bill), heliophysics, or biological and physical sciences missions or increased funding. (Congress.gov, 2024-09)
[1] neguse.house.gov
"Neguse, Levin and Casten Lead Freshman Letter Urging Prioritization of Climate Issues in FY2020 Appropriations. April 24, 2019. Washington D.C.— Representatives Joe Neguse (CO-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sean Casten (IL-06) are leading a letter..." https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-levin-and-casten-lead-freshman-letter-urging-prioritization-climate