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.
Overall Summary
Representative Bilirakis has publicly affirmed the importance of NASA's science funding for national security and technological leadership, co-sponsored interagency research legislation, and voted for a NASA reauthorization that included science programs. His interest in a local "Space Innovation Incubator" also suggests a general appreciation for the space sector's economic benefits. These actions provide a foundation for advocating for increased investment in NASA's science activities.
However, his lack of direct committee assignments with NASA oversight, coupled with minimal NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants within his district, may limit his direct engagement and local economic incentive for a significant funding boost. Given his consistent emphasis on fiscal responsibility and competing legislative priorities, advocates may find him receptive to the value of NASA science but potentially cautious about championing a substantial increase in funding, especially in the context of a proposed 47% cut.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching how increased NASA science investment, even without direct local contracts, could indirectly support the goals of his proposed "Space Innovation Incubator" or contribute to the national security and technological leadership he champions.
Explore data or examples demonstrating the long-term economic returns, technological spin-offs, or strategic value of NASA science investments, to align with his emphasis on fiscal responsibility and national debt reduction.
Look into how NASA science initiatives, such as Earth science or interagency research, might align with his focus on local infrastructure, public safety, or healthcare, or resonate with his background in law and state government.
About Gus M. Bilirakis
Graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Political Science (1986).
Received a J.D. degree from Stetson University College of Law (1989).
Practiced law, specializing in probate and estate planning.
Served as a Florida State Representative from 1998 to 2006.
Interned for U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Opportunities
Advocacy for NASA Science Funding: Representative Bilirakis publicly stated on National Space Day that "significant cuts to NASA's science funding would not only impact our space economy and workforce but could threaten our national security and technological leadership position," emphasizing the need to protect NASA's crucial programs and funding. (Congress.gov, 2025-05)
Support for Interagency Research: He co-sponsored H.R.1368, the "DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act," introduced in February 2025, which provides statutory authority for collaborative research and development between the Department of Energy and NASA, including areas like dark matter. (Congress.gov, 2025-02)
Vote for NASA Reauthorization: Representative Bilirakis was a member of the House when H.R.8958, the "NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024," passed with strong bipartisan support (366-21) in September 2024, reauthorizing NASA programs including efforts for crewed lunar landings, Mars explorations, and Earth science and monitoring. (Congress.gov, 2024-09)
Local Space Innovation Initiative: He submitted a Community Project Funding request for a "Space Innovation Incubator" aimed at stimulating economic growth and fostering space innovation within Florida's 12th District, indicating a direct local interest in space-related development. (House.gov, FY2026)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Bilirakis holds no current assignments on committees with direct oversight or jurisdiction over NASA or space policy, potentially limiting his direct engagement with NASA science funding decisions. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-09)
Limited Local NASA Science Economic Ties: Public records indicate no relevant NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants awarded within Florida's 12th congressional district, potentially reducing direct local economic incentives for increased NASA science investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Emphasis on Fiscal Responsibility: Representative Bilirakis has consistently emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and reducing the national debt, which may lead to caution regarding proposals for increased government spending, including for NASA science. (Gus Bilirakis, 2023-09-28; Gus Bilirakis, 2024-01-11)
Competing Legislative Priorities: His public statements and legislative actions frequently highlight securing funding for local infrastructure, public safety, and healthcare initiatives, indicating a focus on other pressing district needs. (Gus Bilirakis, 2024-03-07)