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 Ramirez's strong focus on social justice, affordable housing, healthcare, and immigration, combined with a lack of direct space-related committee assignments, suggests that increased NASA space science funding may not be a top legislative priority. Her district's limited direct economic ties to NASA science programs, beyond a single STEM engagement grant, further reduces local pressure for such investments.
However, her consistent advocacy for robust public education, STEM infrastructure, and climate action, including co-sponsorship of the Green New Deal, offers potential alignment with NASA's Earth science missions and broader STEM education initiatives. Advocates could highlight how NASA's climate research directly supports her environmental justice goals and how local STEM engagement grants, like the one for North Park University, align with her commitment to accessible education and minority participation in STEM fields.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting the local impact of NASA's STEM investments, particularly the North Park University AERONET sensor grant, and how these initiatives align with her strong advocacy for public education and increasing minority engagement in STEM fields within her district.
Explore how NASA's Earth science missions provide critical data and understanding for addressing climate change, framing increased investment as a direct support for her commitment to climate justice and environmental protection.
Look into how broader NASA science investments can foster technological innovation and create high-tech job opportunities, connecting these benefits to her interest in community economic development and social progress.
About Delia C. Ramirez
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in justice studies from Northeastern Illinois University.
Served as Executive Director of a homelessness-focused nonprofit (2004-2013).
Held leadership roles in various community and social service organizations.
Served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2018 to 2023.
First Guatemalan American elected to the Illinois General Assembly.
Opportunities
Local STEM Engagement: Representative Ramirez's district received a NASA grant for North Park University to install an AERONET sensor, aimed at increasing minority engagement in STEM, directly linking local educational initiatives with NASA Earth science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for STEM Education Infrastructure: She requested Community Project Funding for a STEM Lab & Locker Room Renovation at Von Steuben High School in Chicago, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing local STEM learning environments. (House.gov, 2025-04-01)
Advocacy for Public Education: Representative Ramirez consistently advocates for robust public education and accessible higher education, which provides a foundational environment for future scientists and engineers. (Delia Ramirez for Congress, 2025-04-01)
Climate Action and Earth Science Alignment: Her strong stance on climate justice and co-sponsorship of legislation like the Green New Deal aligns with NASA's critical role in Earth science research and climate monitoring. (Delia Ramirez for Congress, 2025-04-01)
Local Economic Ties to Technology: Her district includes companies like Wittenstein, Inc. and Thermoelectric Cooling America Corporation, which have received NASA contracts, indicating local economic activity connected to advanced technology and manufacturing that could benefit from broader NASA investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Ramirez's public record consistently emphasizes a primary focus on social justice, affordable housing, healthcare, immigration, and environmental protection, which may lead to competing demands for federal funding. (House.gov, Environment, Conservation, and Infrastructure; House.gov, Health Care; House.gov, Housing; Delia Ramirez for Congress, Meet Delia)
Lack of Direct Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Ramirez holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit her direct legislative influence or engagement on NASA's space science and exploration activities. [cite: space_committees]
Limited Direct NASA Economic Ties: Beyond a grant for STEM engagement related to an AERONET sensor, the provided contracts and grants for IL-03 do not indicate significant direct economic ties to NASA's science or exploration programs, potentially reducing local advocacy pressure for increased funding. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Focus on Terrestrial Climate Solutions: While a strong advocate for climate action, Representative Ramirez's public statements and legislative efforts primarily emphasize terrestrial clean energy infrastructure and environmental justice, rather than specifically advocating for space-based Earth science missions. (House.gov, Environment, Conservation, and Infrastructure; Delia Ramirez for Congress, Climate Change and Clean Energy)
Progressive Spending Priorities: As a progressive Democrat, Representative Ramirez prioritizes federal spending on social safety nets, community investments, and addressing income inequality, which could lead to a preference for these areas over increased NASA science and exploration funding during budget discussions. (Delia Ramirez for Congress, Meet Delia; YouTube, CBS News Chicago, 2025-03)