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 DeLauro, as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, is a key figure in federal spending decisions. She has explicitly opposed "senseless attacks on America's scientific supremacy" and cuts to "scientific goals in space," even co-releasing an alternative funding measure that specifically required NASA to continue all Science Mission Directorate missions under formulation. This demonstrates a clear stance against the type of deep cuts proposed for NASA's science activities.
While her extensive background in health policy indicates a strong focus on other critical areas, her district benefits significantly from NASA Science Mission Directorate investments, including astrophysics research at Yale University and optical technology development for space-based telescopes at Zygo Corporation. These local ties, combined with her stated opposition to science funding impoundments and proposed cuts, suggest she may be guardedly receptive to advocacy highlighting how increased NASA space science funding supports both national scientific leadership and local economic and research interests.
Key Appropriations Role: As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative DeLauro holds a powerful position to influence federal spending, including NASA's budget, and has used this platform to oppose cuts to scientific research. (House Committee on Appropriations, 2025-07-15)
Opposition to Science Cuts: Representative DeLauro explicitly opposed the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding bill, criticizing "senseless attacks on America's scientific supremacy" and the firing of scientists, including those advancing "scientific goals in space." (House Committee on Appropriations, 2025-07-15; Space Foundation, 2025-07-15)
Support for NASA Science Missions: In an alternative Continuing Resolution (CR) she co-released in September 2025, a provision was included that "Requires NASA to continue all missions under formulation by the Science Mission Directorate," indicating direct support for ongoing science activities. (EPIC for America, 2025-09-18)
Advocacy Against Funding Impoundments: DeLauro has consistently challenged executive actions to freeze or disrupt congressionally approved federal funds, specifically noting that "Over $900 million in investments in NASA and other efforts to ensure the United States is the global leader in space" were put at risk by such actions. (House Committee on Appropriations, 2025-03-27; Connecticut Public, 2025-04-29)
Direct District Investment in NASA Science: Her district benefits from significant NASA Science Mission Directorate grants and contracts, including astrophysics research at Yale University and optical technology development for space-based telescopes at Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
[1] democrats-appropriations.house.gov
"DeLauro to Vought: “You have provided ineffective and misleading counsel to the President”. . House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) wrote to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought on the Trump..." https://democrats-appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/delauro-vought-you-have-provided-ineffective-and-misleading-counsel-president
[2] democrats-appropriations.house.gov
"Ranking Member DeLauro Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Funding Bill. . Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the..." https://democrats-appropriations.house.gov/news/statements/ranking-member-delauro-statement-at-the-subcommittee-markup-of-the-2024-commerce