Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA)

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

Overall Summary

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.

Preparation Recommendations

About Jon Ossoff

Opportunities

Challenges

Additional Sources

[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