Representative André Carson (D-IN-07)

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 Carson's direct influence on NASA space science funding is limited by his lack of relevant committee assignments, and his primary legislative focus areas lean towards infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety. While he supports scientific research, his specific advocacy often centers on medical fields, and the overall economic ties between his district and NASA science are not extensive, suggesting a potential lack of immediate prioritization for this issue.

However, there are clear opportunities for engagement: he recently secured federal funding for a local STEM program explicitly inspired by NASA, and his district benefits from modest NASA grants for astrophysics research and contracts for cryogenic systems. Given his consistent advocacy for education and workforce development, and his active use of Community Project Funding, advocates can connect increased NASA science investment to local STEM growth and economic benefits, particularly when highlighting the impact of proposed budget cuts.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider highlighting how increased NASA science investment directly supports and expands the type of NASA-inspired STEM education initiatives, like the Boys and Girls Club program, that Representative Carson has championed in his district.
• Explore how continued and increased investment in NASA's space science activities can lead to more research grants for institutions like Butler University and contracts for local businesses such as Precision Cryogenic Systems, Inc., directly benefiting his constituents.
• Look into how NASA's space science missions contribute to broader scientific advancement and workforce development, aligning with his general support for federal research and the talent pipeline, and potentially opening avenues for future community project funding.

About André Carson

• Holds a B.A. in criminal justice and management, and an M.S. in business management.
• Worked as a compliance officer for the Indiana State Excise Police.
• Served in Indiana's Department of Homeland Security, anti-terrorism division.
• Was a marketing specialist for Cripe Architects + Engineers, an engineering firm.
• Elected to Indianapolis/Marion city-county council before joining Congress.

Opportunities

• Local NASA-Inspired STEM Funding: Representative Carson secured federal funding in March 2024 for the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis's STEM program, explicitly noting its inspiration by NASA's mission, demonstrating direct support for science education with a space connection in his district. (Congressman Andre Carson, 2024-03)

• District Benefits from NASA Science Investments: Entities within Representative Carson's district, including Butler University and Precision Cryogenic Systems, Inc., have received NASA grants for astrophysics research and contracts for cryogenic systems and telescope components, indicating direct local engagement with NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Commitment to Education and Workforce Development: Representative Carson consistently advocates for robust investments in education, including STEM initiatives and workforce training, which are crucial for developing the talent pipeline necessary for NASA's scientific and exploration endeavors. (Congressman Andre Carson, undated)

• Support for Federal Scientific Research: Representative Carson's public record includes advocating for increased federal funding for scientific research, such as in biomedical fields, which suggests a general posture supportive of government investment in scientific advancement. (Andre Carson for Congress, undated)

• Active Pursuit of Community Project Funding: Representative Carson actively utilizes the Community Project Funding process to bring federal resources to his district for various local initiatives, a mechanism that could be leveraged for future NASA science-related projects. (Congressman Andre Carson, 2024-03)

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative Carson holds no current space-related committee assignments, limiting his direct legislative leverage over NASA's space science activities. (space_committees)
• Competing Legislative Priorities: His official priorities emphasize fairness, equity, transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety, with less explicit focus on space science. (House.gov, 2025)
• Primary Science Focus on Medical Research: While supporting science, Representative Carson's specific advocacy for research funding is predominantly directed towards medical research, such as NIH funding and cancer research. (AAMC, 2025; Indy Standard, 2025)
• National Security Lens on Space-Related Issues: His engagement with Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) is primarily framed through a national security and intelligence perspective, rather than a scientific exploration one. (Congressman Andre Carson, 2023; Space.com, 2022)
• Limited Direct NASA Science Economic Ties: While his district has some NASA contracts for cryogenics and astrophysics research, the overall value and explicit connection to direct science mission development are not extensive. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

Additional Sources

[1] carson.house.gov

"Congressman Carson Secures Over $10 Million for Indianapolis Organizations. March 26, 2024. WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) announced that he successfully secured federal funding for 14 community projects in Indianapolis. In..." https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-secures-over-10-million-indianapolis-organizations