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 Scalise's strong emphasis on reducing government spending and his lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy present significant challenges to advocating for increased NASA science funding. His skepticism toward climate science also suggests potential resistance to Earth science programs.
However, his co-sponsorship of the Space Exploration Research Act and his office's highlighting of appropriations bills that "advance space exploration and discovery" indicate a general appreciation for space activities. The substantial NASA science grants received by Tulane Educational Fund in his district, particularly for planetary and Earth science, offer a tangible local benefit that could be leveraged to demonstrate the value of these investments.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting the specific NASA science grants received by Tulane Educational Fund in New Orleans, emphasizing how these investments directly benefit his constituents through research, job creation, and educational opportunities in his district.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's space science activities aligns with principles of fiscal responsibility by demonstrating the long-term economic returns, technological spin-offs, and national security benefits derived from these programs.
Look into connecting NASA's space science endeavors to his stated support for enhancing the nation's capabilities in scientific research and technological advancement, potentially drawing parallels to his computer science background and interest in innovation.
About Steve Scalise
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University, majoring in computer science.
Served three terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives and four months in the State Senate.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, representing Louisiana's 1st district.
Held significant leadership positions, including House Majority Leader and both Majority and Minority Whip.
Opportunities
Support for Space Exploration Research: Representative Scalise is a co-sponsor of S.2351, the Space Exploration Research Act, introduced in July 2025, indicating direct legislative support for advancing space-related scientific inquiry.
Advancement of FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations: As House Majority Leader, his office highlighted the advancement of the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill, which includes "advancing space exploration and discovery" and passed with bipartisan support, demonstrating commitment to federal funding that encompasses NASA's activities.
Local NASA Science Investments: Tulane Educational Fund in New Orleans, within his district, received multiple NASA Science Mission Directorate grants for planetary science and Earth science research, directly benefiting a local institution through federal science investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Support for Scientific Research and Technological Advancement: His office noted the bipartisan passage of legislation in April 2025 that "will significantly enhance our nation's capabilities in space exploration, energy production, scientific research, and technological advancement," reflecting a broad commitment to scientific progress.
Historical Advocacy for Local NASA Infrastructure: Representative Scalise has previously promoted funding for NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, located in his district, emphasizing its critical role in America's space program and future exploration missions.
Challenges
Ideological Barriers to Government Spending: Representative Scalise consistently advocates for reducing overall government spending and eliminating perceived "waste, fraud, and abuse," which could lead to scrutiny or reductions in discretionary spending areas like NASA science. (Majority Leader, 2025-07-17; Majority Leader, 2025-04-10)
Opposition to Climate-Related Earth Science Funding: He has expressed skepticism regarding the "political science" of climate change and has voted against measures related to climate emissions reporting and funding for international climate action, indicating potential resistance to Earth science activities focused on climate research. (Majority Leader, 2023-08-21; League of Conservation Voters, 2024)
Competing Legislative Priorities: As House Majority Leader, Scalise's stated priorities include border security, increasing domestic energy production, and preventing tax increases, which may divert legislative focus and federal resources away from increased investment in NASA science. (Fox News, 2025-01-29; YouTube, 2025-05-19)
Lack of Direct Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Scalise does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct legislative engagement or specific advocacy for NASA's space science activities. (space_committees)
Advocacy for Regulatory Rollbacks: He has identified specific environmental regulations, such as those related to "Net Zero Cities" and "carbon credits," as targets for legislative action, reflecting a broader stance that could impact Earth science programs aligned with environmental policy objectives. (Majority Leader, 2025-02-20)