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 Grassley's consistent emphasis on fiscal conservatism and his lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy present significant challenges for advocating increased NASA science funding, especially given the proposed 47% cut. His public statements prioritize other legislative issues, and he has expressed skepticism regarding "partisan-driven efforts" in climate science, which could impact receptiveness to Earth science initiatives.
However, there is a guarded optimism for outreach potential. Grassley has a strong record of supporting Iowa's research institutions, particularly the University of Iowa, which receives substantial NASA heliophysics and Earth science grants. His recent advocacy for strengthening domestic critical technology supply chains also aligns with investing in U.S.-based space research. Highlighting these local economic and scientific contributions, especially those not framed as "climate change" but as fundamental space science or technological advancement, could be a pathway to engage his office.
Support for Iowa's Research Institutions: Senator Grassley has engaged with NASA leadership regarding significant agency investments in Iowa, such as his presence during the NASA Administrator's 2019 visit to the University of Iowa to highlight a major heliophysics grant. This directly connects to the University of Iowa's substantial NASA contracts and grants for heliophysics missions (e.g., TRACERS, ACES II) and Earth science applications. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Emphasis on Domestic Critical Technology: Senator Grassley recently communicated concerns to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in January 2025 about the agency's reliance on foreign adversaries for critical technologies, advocating for strengthened U.S. security and supply chains. This position suggests potential support for domestic investment in space technology and research, which benefits NASA science activities and related industries in Iowa. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Recognition of Federal Research Grants: Senator Grassley has a consistent public record of announcing federal grants awarded to Iowa universities for various research projects, demonstrating a general appreciation for federal investment in scientific endeavors. This aligns with the significant NASA grants and contracts received by the University of Iowa and other Iowa entities for science and technology development. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Bipartisan Approach to Research Integrity: Senator Grassley joined a bipartisan group of senators in September 2025 to request documents from Meta concerning safety research, indicating a willingness to collaborate across the aisle on issues related to research integrity and public interest. This demonstrates a potential for bipartisan engagement on federal research policy that could extend to supporting NASA's science mission.
[1] spacenews.com
"Grassley calls on NASA to meet its commitment in procurement probe. April 6, 2007. WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the National Aeronautics and Space Administration – NASA – to account for its failure to follow-up on pledges made to..." https://spacenews.com/grassley-calls-on-nasa-to-meet-its-commitment-in-procurement-probe/