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 Neguse has a demonstrated history of supporting federal science funding, including securing a NASA-funded earmark for the University of Colorado Boulder and introducing bipartisan legislation related to NASA's scientific and technological development. His district holds a substantial stake in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, with over half a billion dollars in contracts and grants flowing to local entities like the University of Colorado Boulder and Bae Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. across astrophysics, Earth science, and heliophysics.
Despite not holding a direct oversight role on committees for NASA and managing a broad legislative portfolio, his consistent advocacy for federal research and opposition to cuts for science agencies like NOAA suggest potential receptiveness. Advocates should emphasize the direct local economic and academic impacts of NASA science investments to encourage his support against the proposed significant budget reductions.
Securing NASA-funded Research Earmarks: Representative Neguse secured a NASA-funded Congressional earmark for a research project at the University of Colorado Boulder to monitor water quality and wildfire impacts, demonstrating direct support for NASA's Earth science activities. Local connection: University of Colorado Boulder Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience. (University of Colorado Boulder, 2024-06)
Opposition to Cuts to Federal Science Agencies: He has led bipartisan efforts to oppose proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), emphasizing the irreversible damage to science and public safety, and the impact on Boulder's research labs, which conduct Earth system science. Local connection: Several NOAA labs and cooperative institutes in Boulder, including CIRES at CU Boulder, which has connections to former NASA scientists. (Congressman Joe Neguse, 2025-07; Rocky Mountain PBS, 2025-04)
Introduction of Bipartisan Space Legislation Involving NASA: Representative Neguse introduced the bipartisan Orbital Sustainability (ORBITS) Act, which directs NASA to establish a demonstration program with industry to develop technology for remediating space debris, highlighting support for scientific research and technological development within NASA's purview. Local connection: His district is a hub for the space industry, and he heard about the issue from scientists in his district with NASA connections. (Congressman Joe Neguse, 2024-07; Colorado Public Radio, 2024-08)
Advocacy for Federal Research Funding for Local Institutions: He has consistently advocated for robust federal funding for research institutions, including successfully announcing significant National Science Foundation awards for transformative research at the University of Colorado Boulder and securing federal funding for local labs to enhance climate impact research. Local connection: University of Colorado Boulder and other federal labs in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District. (Congressman Joe Neguse, 2024-06; Congressman Joe Neguse, 2024-10)
Strong Local Economic and Academic Ties to NASA Science: His district hosts numerous entities, including the University of Colorado Boulder and Bae Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc., that receive substantial NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts and grants across astrophysics, Earth science, and heliophysics, indicating a vested local interest in NASA's scientific enterprise. Local connection: University of Colorado Boulder, Bae Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc., University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, and Space Science Institute in Boulder, CO. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
[1] neguse.house.gov
"Rep. Neguse, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper Demand Investigation into NOAA Dismantling. . Press Release Lafayette, CO — In a letter sent Thursday evening, Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02), alongside Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John..." https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-senators-bennet-and-hickenlooper-demand-investigation-noaa
[2] cpr.org
"Space debris is a danger to satellites and astronauts. Colorado’s members of Congress want to do something about it. Aug. 12, 2024, 4:00 am. Look up into the night sky and — if you’re lucky — you’ll see lots of stars or even the Milky Way, maybe a..." https://www.cpr.org/2024/08/12/space-debris-bill-congress/
[3] neguse.house.gov
"Rep. Neguse Introduces Bipartisan ORBITS Act, Bill to Clear Space Junk & Protect Space Operations. . Press Release Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse introduced the Orbital Sustainability (ORBITS) Act, a..." https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-introduces-bipartisan-orbits-act-bill-clear-space-junk-protect
[4] neguse.house.gov
"U.S. House Passes Rep. Neguse Amendment to Increase Community Collaboration on Aviation Issues. July 20, 2023. The amendment will better ensure that the FAA listens to impacted residents about their noise and pollution concerns. Washington, D.C. —..." https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-passes-rep-neguse-amendment-increase-community-collaboration-aviation
[5] neguse.house.gov
"Neguse Secures CO-02 Funding Priorities in House-Passed Appropriations Package. June 25, 2019. Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Joe Neguse secured key funding priorities for Colorado’s public lands, labs, and state NASA partnerships in H.R...." https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-secures-co-02-funding-priorities-house-passed-appropriations-package
[6] neguse.house.gov
"Neguse Passes Amendment to Increase NASA Space Grant Funding By $1 Million. Neguse Passes Amendment to Increase NASA Space Grant Funding By $1 Million" https://neguse.house.gov/media/videos/neguse-passes-amendment-increase-nasa-space-grant-funding-1-million-3
[7] neguse.house.gov
"Former NASA Astronaut Vance Brand Testifies on Neguse Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park. . Former NASA Astronaut Vance Brand Testifies on Neguse Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park" https://neguse.house.gov/media/videos/former-nasa-astronaut-vance-brand-testifies-neguse-bills-expand-rocky-mountain