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.
Senator Ossoff's role on the Senate Appropriations Committee offers a direct opportunity to influence NASA's Science Mission Directorate funding. His past support for robust NASA funding, including science, and his engagement with Georgia's research institutions like Georgia Tech, which receives substantial NASA science grants for astrobiology and planetary science, indicate a potential receptiveness to the value of these programs. His general support for strengthening Georgia's R&D sector further aligns with the goals of increased science investment.
However, Senator Ossoff's public concerns about fiscal responsibility and the national debt, alongside a broad array of competing federal spending priorities for Georgia, suggest he may be cautious about significant budget increases. While he has advocated for "robust" NASA funding, there is no explicit public record of him pushing for increased overall funding for the Science Mission Directorate, which is critical in light of the proposed FY26 cuts. Advocates will need to clearly articulate the specific benefits and necessity of preventing such drastic reductions and securing additional investment.
Direct Influence on Funding: As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Ossoff directly participates in decisions regarding federal spending, including allocations for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Georgia-based institutions like Georgia Tech Research Corp receive significant NASA grants for science activities, making federal appropriations directly impactful to his constituents. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024) (Senate.gov, Current)
Support for Research & Development: Senator Ossoff has publicly announced new federal investments to strengthen Georgia's research and development sector, indicating a general posture supportive of scientific funding. Georgia Tech Research Corp in Atlanta is a major recipient of NASA science grants, including for astrobiology and solar system exploration research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024) (Ossoff.senate.gov, 2024-03)
Engagement with Science Stakeholders: Senator Ossoff has engaged with Georgia's leading research institutions, such as Georgia Tech, discussing federal funding for research and innovation, which benefits NASA-affiliated science programs. Georgia Tech Research Corp holds multiple multi-million dollar NASA grants for projects in astrobiology and planetary science. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024) (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2023-11)
Bipartisan Technology Leadership: Senator Ossoff co-introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate on initiatives that often underpin advancements in space science and exploration. Strengthening U.S. competitiveness benefits research institutions and companies in Georgia involved in advanced technologies. (Ossoff.senate.gov, 2024-07)
Advocacy for Robust NASA Funding: Senator Ossoff was a signatory on a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging robust funding for NASA's critical missions, including human spaceflight, science, and aeronautics research. This action demonstrates direct support for the broader NASA ecosystem that benefits Georgia contractors and researchers. (SpaceNews, 2023-02)
[1] ossoff.senate.gov
"Key U.S. Senate Committee Passes Sen. Ossoff, Rep. Johnson’s Bipartisan Bill to Advance Adoption of Hydrogen Energy for Aviation. February 9, 2024. Sen. Ossoff continues bipartisan leadership to advance hydrogen energy Washington, D.C. — U.S...." https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/news-key-u-s-senate-committee-passes-sen-ossoff-rep-johnsons-bipartisan-bill-to-advance-adoption-of-hydrogen-energy-for-aviation/
[2] ossoff.senate.gov
"Sens. Ossoff & Graham Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Study Hydrogen for Aviation Industry, Strengthen American Energy Security. June 9, 2023. Bipartisan legislation would help boost the study of hydrogen for aviation industry, helping improve air..." https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-graham-introduce-bipartisan-bills-to-study-hydrogen-for-aviation-industry-strengthen-american-energy-security/
[3] hankjohnson.house.gov
"Congressman Johnson, Sen. Ossoff Introduce Bill To Boost Efforts To Decarbonize Aviation. June 9, 2023. Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (GA) introduced the Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act..." https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-sen-ossoff-introduce-bill-boost-efforts-decarbonize