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.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, House Committee on Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Rutherford's position on the House Appropriations Committee offers a direct avenue for influence on NASA's budget, and his district benefits from local NASA science grants, including significant awards to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and the University of North Florida. His support for local scientific infrastructure, such as the Atomic Force Microscope acquisition, and his concern for sea level rise, which aligns with NASA Earth Science, suggest potential receptiveness to certain science investments.
However, his absence from the CJS Appropriations subcommittee limits his direct oversight of NASA's budget specifics. His consistent advocacy for fiscal conservatism and scrutiny of federal spending, coupled with a focus on national defense and border security, may lead to skepticism regarding increased NASA science funding, especially given the proposed FY2026 cuts. Advocates should highlight the direct economic and scientific benefits to his district and connect NASA's Earth science work to his environmental concerns to maximize impact.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider preparing specific examples of how NASA science grants, such as those to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and the University of North Florida, directly benefit his constituents through research, job creation, or educational opportunities, aligning with his support for local scientific infrastructure.
Explore how NASA's Earth Science mission provides objective data and monitoring capabilities directly relevant to his expressed concerns about sea level rise and Atlantic coastal environmental protections, framing these investments as essential for local resilience and informed decision-making.
Look into how increased investment in NASA science aligns with his role on the Appropriations Committee by demonstrating fiscal responsibility and delivering tangible benefits to Florida's broader space ecosystem, emphasizing the long-term value and innovation generated.
About John H. Rutherford
Earned Associate of Science (1972) and Bachelor of Science (1974) in Criminology.
Served 41 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, including 12 years as elected Sheriff.
Expressed concern over sea level rise and supported Atlantic coastal environmental protections.
Introduced legislation to extend moratoriums on offshore drilling near Florida.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Member: As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative Rutherford holds a direct role in shaping federal spending, including NASA's budget, indicating a position of influence over funding decisions. (House.gov, 2025-09)
Local NASA Science Grants: His district benefits from NASA science investments, including a $1.1 million grant to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for microgravity research (biological and physical sciences) and a $343,000 grant to the University of North Florida for astrophysics research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Local Scientific Infrastructure: Representative Rutherford requested $250,000 in community project funding for an Atomic Force Microscope Acquisition for the University of North Florida in Fiscal Year 2024, demonstrating support for scientific research capabilities in his district. (House.gov, 2023-03)
Environmental Protection Alignment: His expressed concern over sea level rise and support for Atlantic coastal environmental protections, including joining the American Flood Coalition, aligns with NASA's Earth Science mission, which provides critical data for climate and environmental monitoring. (House.gov, 2025-06)
Engagement with Florida's Space Ecosystem: Representative Rutherford has shown engagement with the broader space community in Florida, including discussions on strengthening relationships with academia and local communities regarding space-related entities, which could extend to NASA's scientific presence. (Forbes, 2025-04)
Challenges
Appropriations Subcommittee Exclusion: Representative Rutherford is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations but does not serve on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) subcommittee, which directly oversees NASA's budget, limiting his direct influence over specific NASA funding decisions within the committee.
Fiscal Conservative Stance: Representative Rutherford consistently advocates for fiscal responsibility, wise spending, and identifying waste, fraud, and abuse, which may lead to scrutiny of increased federal spending, including for NASA science.
Skepticism Towards Certain Earth Science Funding: While expressing concern for sea level rise, he has criticized "Green New Deal initiatives" and voted against legislation that authorized federal funding for climate change research, indicating potential reservations about certain Earth science programs.
Competing Priorities: His public statements and Appropriations subcommittee assignments highlight a strong focus on national defense, border security, and veterans' affairs, which could lead to these areas being prioritized over increased investment in NASA science.