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 McBride's position on the House Science Committee offers a direct avenue for advocating for NASA's space science budget, and the significant local investments in space biology, astrobiology, and astrophysics research through grants to Blue Marble Space and the University of Delaware demonstrate existing district benefits from these programs. The presence of multiple local companies receiving NASA science-related contracts further highlights a tangible economic stake in the agency's scientific endeavors.
However, her public focus on healthcare, economic affordability, and social services suggests that increased NASA science funding might not be a top priority unless a clear, direct local impact can be demonstrated. While her district benefits from specific science contracts, her emphasis on applied science with tangible benefits for Delaware could lead to less advocacy for pure space science or exploration without obvious local connections. Given her stance on protecting existing budgetary allocations, she may prioritize defending current NASA science funding levels rather than actively championing significant increases, especially in light of proposed cuts.
Competing Priorities Focus: Representative McBride's public statements consistently prioritize healthcare, economic affordability for families, and social services, which may limit her capacity or inclination to champion significant increases in NASA's broader space science budget over other pressing constituent needs.
Preference for Applied Science with Direct Local Impact: While her district benefits from NASA contracts related to space biology and cosmic ray research, her public statements often emphasize scientific endeavors with clear, tangible benefits to Delaware's economy, health, or environmental resilience, which could lead to less advocacy for pure space science or exploration programs without obvious direct local connections. [cite: USAspending, FY2022-FY2024; 5, 12, 17]
Budgetary Conservatism/Defense of Existing Programs over New Growth: Her consistent opposition to federal funding cuts, particularly those impacting social services and local programs, indicates a focus on protecting existing budgetary allocations. In a constrained fiscal environment, this posture might lead her to prioritize defending current NASA science funding levels rather than actively advocating for significant increases in investment for new or expanded space science and exploration activities.
[1] planetary.org
"The 2025 Day of Action. . On Monday, March 24, 2025, more than 100 space advocates from across the country convened in Washington, D.C., as part of The Planetary Society’s annual Day of Action. The turnout was the highest since The Society began..." https://www.planetary.org/articles/2025-day-of-action-recap
[2] web.archive.org
"US election 2020: Sarah McBride to be first trans state senator. Publishedduration1 hour ago. Sarah McBride is to become the first transgender state senator in the US after she won her race in Delaware.She beat Republican Steve Washington to take..." https://web.archive.org/web/20201104155840/https:/www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-54806677