Representative W. Gregory Steube (R-FL-17)

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 Steube's strong fiscal conservative record, including votes against government funding measures, suggests he may be resistant to calls for increased NASA space science funding, particularly given the proposed 47% budget cut for FY26. His district also lacks direct economic ties to NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants, which could diminish a local incentive for such investment. Furthermore, his skepticism towards federal environmental regulations might extend to certain Earth science programs if perceived as leading to increased spending or bureaucracy.

Despite these challenges, there are potential avenues for engagement. His co-sponsorship of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes Earth science activities, and his advocacy for Florida's broader aerospace leadership indicate a general supportive posture toward NASA. Additionally, his interest in local aerospace education and bipartisan scientific research, such as the microplastics study, could provide common ground for discussing the value of scientific inquiry and its benefits to Florida's communities and future workforce.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider exploring how NASA's space science, particularly Earth science, provides critical data and research relevant to Florida's unique environmental challenges, such as water quality or agricultural resilience, aligning with his bipartisan science interests and Animal Science background.
• Look into how NASA's space science missions, through their discoveries and technological advancements, directly inspire STEM education and cultivate the future aerospace workforce in Florida, reinforcing the goals behind his appropriations requests for local aerospace education.
• Explore how targeted investments in NASA's space science contribute to U.S. technological leadership, national security, and economic competitiveness, framing these activities as strategic, long-term investments rather than discretionary spending, which may align with his military background and fiscal priorities.

About W. Gregory Steube

• Graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Animal Science (2000).
• Earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law (2003).
• Served as a Captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, including deployment to Iraq (2004-2008).
• Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate.

Opportunities

• Advocacy for Florida's Aerospace Leadership: Representative Steube recently affirmed his commitment to ensuring Florida remains a leader in space innovation and exploration, indicating a general supportive posture toward the broader space sector. Florida's significant role in the space industry, including Kennedy Space Center, provides a strong local connection. (Sarasota Review, 2025-09)

• Support for NASA Reauthorization: Representative Steube co-sponsored H.R.8958, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which reauthorizes programs for crewed lunar landings, Mars exploration, private sector involvement with the International Space Station, and Earth science activities. This legislative action directly supports NASA's exploration and science missions, with broad implications for Florida's space industry. (Congress.gov, 2024-09)

• Investment in Local Aerospace Education: Representative Steube submitted appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2026 to fund an aerospace hangar and aerospace and cybersecurity centers for Charlotte County Public Schools. This demonstrates a commitment to developing the future aerospace workforce within his district. (Congressman Greg Steube, FY2026)

• Bipartisan Science Research Initiative: Representative Steube co-introduced bipartisan legislation requiring the FDA to study the health impacts of microplastic exposure in food and water. This indicates an interest in scientific research and a willingness to collaborate across the aisle on science-related issues, particularly those affecting Florida's coastal communities. (Congressman Greg Steube, 2025)

Challenges

• Limited Local Economic Ties: The provided contracts data indicates no relevant NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants within Representative Steube's district (FL-17). (USAspending, FY2022-2024)
• Fiscal Conservatism and Opposition to Increased Spending: Representative Steube has consistently voted against government funding measures, including a continuing resolution in November 2023, stating a need for "spending cuts, not CRs" to achieve fiscal responsibility. He also opposed the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, citing its failure to rein in government spending.
• Skepticism Towards Federal Environmental Regulations and Climate Initiatives: Representative Steube's official website indicates a preference for environmental conservation without expanding federal bureaucracy or regulations, and he opposes the Biden-Harris Administration's electric vehicle mandates and associated spending. This stance may extend to skepticism about certain Earth science programs if perceived as leading to increased regulation or spending. (Congressman Greg Steube, 2025-09)
• Primary Focus on Non-Space Related Legislative Priorities: Representative Steube's publicly stated legislative priorities and reintroduced legislation for the 118th Congress, as well as recent actions in 2025, primarily focus on issues such as immigration, veterans' affairs, national security, trade, and disaster relief, with no explicit mention of NASA or space science.
• Absence of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Steube does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement and influence on NASA's space science activities and exploration programs. (Authoritative Committee Data)