Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13)

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 Luna's background in biology and her district's involvement in space biology research, including a grant for "Stressors to spaceflight identification," suggest a foundational appreciation for scientific inquiry, particularly in biological and physical sciences. Her advocacy for rigorous scientific inquiry into Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) and general support for strengthening NASA's presence in Florida also indicate a potential openness to certain aspects of NASA's mission. These points offer a basis for engagement on the value of scientific exploration.

However, her lack of space-related committee assignments limits direct legislative influence, and her expressed skepticism regarding Earth science and consistent advocacy for reduced government spending pose significant challenges to securing increased funding for the broader Science Mission Directorate. The relatively low direct NASA science economic ties in her district, coupled with a primary focus on UAP transparency, suggest that broader science funding may not be a top priority, making advocacy an uphill battle.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching the specific scientific progress or local community benefits resulting from the Bay Pines Foundation's NASA grant on spaceflight stressors, connecting NASA's biological sciences investment directly to her district and her scientific background.
• Explore how NASA's established scientific processes and discoveries, particularly in areas like astrobiology or planetary exploration, exemplify the rigorous scientific inquiry she champions, demonstrating shared values in evidence-based investigation.
• Look into how the engineering and testing work performed by companies like Honeywell in her district, though not always labeled "science," is foundational to the success of NASA's science missions and contributes to high-tech job creation within her constituency.

About Anna Paulina Luna

• Served five years in the U.S. Air Force as an airfield management specialist.
• Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of West Florida.
• Appointed to lead a House Oversight Task Force on UAP transparency and whistleblower protection.
• Expressed views on non-human and interdimensional beings on Earth.

Opportunities

• Science Education Background: Her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of West Florida demonstrates a foundational understanding and potential appreciation for scientific research, including areas relevant to NASA's biological and physical sciences. (Biography, Ballotpedia, 2017)

• District Support for Space Biology Research: A grant to Bay Pines Foundation, Inc. in her district for "Stressors to spaceflight identification of transposon driven changes to gene networks in genelab data" directly supports NASA's biological and physical sciences research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• District Involvement in NASA Mission Hardware: Contracts to Honeywell International Inc. in Clearwater, FL, for "Imu operational testing" and "Procurement of edu accelerometer and angular rate sensors, engineering support for vasi" indicate district involvement in critical engineering and testing activities that support NASA missions, including science missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Advocacy for UAP Scientific Inquiry: As Chairwoman of the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, Representative Luna has stated that Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) "demand rigorous scientific inquiry" and that "we cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions" (YouTube, 2025-09). She also formally requested NASA to investigate 3I/ATLAS using the Juno probe (Reddit, 2025-08; Avi Loeb, 2025-08).

• Support for Florida's Space Economy and NASA Presence: Representative Luna advocated for moving NASA's headquarters to Florida's Space Coast, citing "significant strategic, economic, and logistical advantages" and enhanced collaboration with the U.S. Space Force, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening NASA's presence and operations within the state. (Florida Politics, 2025-01)

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Legislative Influence: Representative Luna does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, limiting her direct legislative leverage over NASA's budget and policy. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-09)
• Skepticism Towards Earth Science: Representative Luna has expressed skepticism regarding climate change, voted for legislation expanding fossil fuel drilling, and supported repealing climate-related funds, indicating a potential disinclination to support NASA's Earth science activities.
• Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Scrutiny: Representative Luna has consistently advocated for reduced government spending, voted against a bipartisan spending bill, and expressed opposition to "woke ideologies, funded programs," which could lead to pressure for cuts in discretionary budgets like NASA's science programs.
• Focus on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP): As Chairwoman of the House Oversight Task Force on Declassification of Federal Secrets, Representative Luna's significant focus on UAP transparency and related inquiries, including discussions of "interdimensional beings," may divert attention or resources from broader NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities.
• Limited Direct NASA Science Economic Ties: While her district has some NASA contracts, the total value is relatively small, and only one explicitly ties to the Science Mission Directorate's biological and physical sciences, suggesting limited direct local economic incentive for increased NASA science investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

Additional Sources

[1] haridopolos.house.gov

"Haridopolos: NASA Should Relocate From DC. February 3, 2025. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) is joining other elected officials in suggesting NASA relocate its headquarters. Florida, with its proximity to Cape Canaveral and numerous space companies,..." https://haridopolos.house.gov/media/in-the-news/haridopolos-nasa-should-relocate-dc