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 LaHood's receptiveness to increased NASA space science funding is likely to be tempered by his strong fiscal conservative stance and the complete absence of NASA science contracts or grants within his district, offering no direct economic benefit. His lack of current assignments on space-related committees further limits his direct legislative influence on NASA policy, and his stated priorities do not explicitly include space science.
However, there is guarded optimism for engagement. His past authorship of the NITRD Modernization Act and recent co-introduction of the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act demonstrate a clear commitment to federal research and development, advanced computing, and technological leadership for national security and innovation. Advocates could frame increased NASA science investment as a critical component of maintaining American leadership in advanced technology and R&D, aligning with his established interests in digital innovation and competitiveness.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching how NASA's space science activities utilize advanced computing, AI, and data analytics, and identify any local universities or tech companies in the 16th District that could indirectly benefit from or contribute to these foundational technologies.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's space science contributes to national security, strengthens American technological leadership, and enhances overall digital competitiveness, aligning with his interests in AI security and digital trade.
Look into specific examples of how NASA space science investments have historically led to economic returns, job creation, or critical technological advancements that benefit other sectors, framing them as strategic investments rather than mere expenditures.
About Darin LaHood
Holds a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School.
Served as a prosecutor in both state and federal attorney's offices.
Introduced the NITRD Modernization Act of 2016 via Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
This Act addressed high-end computing, networking, cybersecurity, and advanced information technologies.
Opportunities
R&D Modernization Advocacy: Representative LaHood authored and passed the bipartisan NITRD Modernization Act of 2016, demonstrating a commitment to streamlining and investing in federal research and development in high-end computing and information technology, which are foundational to space science. (Congressman Darin LaHood, 2016-06)
Local R&D Benefit: The NITRD Modernization Act was noted to benefit local entities such as the University of Illinois and Caterpillar, which utilize advanced information technologies and supercomputing for research and product development. (Congressman Darin LaHood, 2016-06)
Advanced Technology and National Security: In June 2025, Representative LaHood co-introduced the bipartisan Advanced AI Security Readiness Act, emphasizing the importance of securing and leading in advanced AI technology for national security and innovation, a domain increasingly relevant to space science. (Congressman Darin LaHood, 2025-06)
Digital Innovation and Competitiveness: As co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, Representative LaHood has expressed concerns about regulations stifling American digital competitiveness and innovation, indicating a broader interest in fostering technological leadership. (Congressman Darin LaHood, 2024-09)
Challenges
Lack of Local Economic Ties: No relevant NASA contracts or grants were found for Illinois' 16th Congressional District in recent fiscal years. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Absence from Space-Related Committees: Representative LaHood holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, limiting his direct legislative influence on NASA policy. ( data)
Strong Fiscal Conservative Stance: Representative LaHood's official website emphasizes concerns about "out of control" federal spending and the national debt, indicating a general reluctance to support increased government expenditures, including potential NASA science investments. (Congressman Darin LaHood, undated)
Competing Legislative Priorities: His publicly stated legislative priorities focus on the economy, national security, agriculture, and other areas, without explicitly listing NASA or space science as a primary concern. (Congressman Darin LaHood, undated)
Specific Science/Technology Focus: While previously involved with the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, his legislative focus, as evidenced by the NITRD Modernization Act of 2016, centered on computing, networking, cybersecurity, and advanced information technologies, rather than space science. (Biography, 2016)