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 Schakowsky's lack of direct committee assignments related to space and her strong focus on competing domestic priorities like healthcare and economic justice suggest that NASA science funding may not be a top-tier issue for her. Her general fiscal scrutiny, while often directed elsewhere, could also lead to questions about NASA's budget, especially in light of the proposed 47% cut to science activities in FY2026.
Despite these challenges, her consistent support for science investments in appropriations and public advocacy for the scientific community indicate a receptive audience for the value of science. Crucially, her district benefits significantly from NASA science research grants, particularly to Northwestern University, and local companies contribute to key science missions like Hubble. Emphasizing these direct local impacts and framing NASA science as a vital investment in innovation and education, rather than a discretionary expense, will be key to gaining her support against the proposed drastic cuts.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific local economic and research impacts of NASA science investments in IL-09, highlighting the grants at Northwestern University and contracts with local businesses like Microtech Machine Co Inc.
Explore how NASA's space science initiatives, such as those in materials science or climate research, align with Representative Schakowsky's broader interests in public good, scientific integrity, and inspiring future generations, given her biography and past statements.
Look into identifying constituents in her district, such as students or researchers at Northwestern University, who are directly involved in or benefit from NASA-funded science projects, to share compelling personal stories of innovation and opportunity.
About Janice D. Schakowsky
Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois.
Served as Program Director for Illinois Public Action, a public interest group.
Was Executive Director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens.
Expressed concern about the misuse of a National Academy of Sciences global warming report.
Served in the Illinois House of Representatives before election to Congress in 1998.
Opportunities
Support for Science Investments in Appropriations: Representative Schakowsky voted to advance the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which included over $15 billion in investments for clean energy and science.
Public Advocacy for Scientific Community: Representative Schakowsky participated in a "Stand Up for Science Rally" in March 2025, stating her commitment to supporting students, scientists, and civil servants in the scientific community.
District Benefit from NASA Science Research Grants: Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, within her district, received multiple NASA grants totaling over $3.5 million for research in astrophysics, heliophysics, and biological and physical sciences. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Industry Support for NASA Missions: Companies in her district, including Microtech Machine Co Inc (Wheeling, IL) and Paragon Micro Inc (Lake Zurich, IL), received NASA contracts for fabrication services and IT support, including for Hubble Space Telescope operations. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Stance Against Funding Cuts: Representative Schakowsky has consistently voted for appropriations packages that expand crucial investments and reject devastating cuts, indicating a general disposition to support federal funding for beneficial programs.
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Schakowsky does not currently hold any committee assignments directly related to space or NASA in the 119th Congress, which may limit her direct engagement and influence on space policy. (Authoritative data)
Strong Focus on Competing Domestic Priorities: Her public record consistently emphasizes healthcare, senior issues, economic justice, and immigration reform as primary legislative priorities, potentially diverting focus from NASA science and exploration initiatives. (House.gov, About Jan, 2025-09-22; House.gov, Issues, 2025-09-22)
Fiscal Scrutiny on Spending: Representative Schakowsky has advocated for reallocating funds from defense spending and tax breaks for the wealthy to social programs, which could lead to scrutiny of NASA's budget, particularly for large-scale exploration programs. (Vote Smart, 2024; House.gov, Federal Budget, 2025-09-19)