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 Carter's lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy and his broad legislative agenda suggest that broader NASA space science funding may not be a top priority. While his district benefits from NASA Earth science contracts and grants, these are modest in scope and heavily concentrated on environmental monitoring and climate resilience, rather than the full breadth of the Science Mission Directorate, such as astrophysics or planetary science. This narrow focus, combined with competing priorities, could make advocacy for a significant increase across all science disciplines challenging, especially in light of proposed budget cuts.
However, the existing local NASA Earth science investments, particularly at Xavier University and with HDR, L.L.C., provide a tangible connection to the value of federal science funding within his district. These direct benefits offer a foundation for discussion, allowing advocates to highlight how NASA's scientific endeavors, including those beyond Earth science, contribute to innovation, economic development, and scientific leadership that can ultimately benefit Louisiana. Framing the importance of sustained investment in the entire Science Mission Directorate, building on the established local value of Earth science, could foster receptiveness.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how NASA's broader science portfolio, including planetary science and astrophysics, contributes to the technological advancements and scientific understanding that ultimately benefit Earth science initiatives like those at Xavier University and HDR, L.L.C. in the district.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's diverse space science activities can directly contribute to local economic development, job creation, and STEM education opportunities within the district, aligning with Representative Carter's stated legislative priorities beyond just environmental monitoring.
Look into sharing personal stories from constituents in the district who have been inspired by or directly benefited from NASA's space science missions, emphasizing the broader societal impacts and educational inspiration that resonate beyond specific Earth science applications.
About Troy A. Carter
Earned a BA in business administration and political science from Xavier University.
Holds an MS in management from the University of Holy Cross.
Served in the Louisiana House, New Orleans City Council, and State Senate.
Previously an adjunct political science instructor at Xavier University.
No public record found of specific STEM or space-related professional experience.
Opportunities
Local NASA Earth Science Contract: A company in the district, HDR, L.L.C., received a NASA contract for technical exchange support related to the SERVIR program, which utilizes Earth observation data, indicating direct local benefit from NASA's Earth science activities and a potential basis for bipartisan support for such federal investments. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
University Earth Science Grant: Xavier University of Louisiana, located in the district, received a NASA grant for a surface-based measurement initiative focused on environmental and air quality monitoring, demonstrating local academic engagement with and benefit from NASA's Earth science objectives, which often garners broad support. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Space Policy Platform: Representative Carter does not hold a current assignment on any space-related congressional committees, which may limit his direct legislative influence or dedicated focus on broader NASA science and exploration policy.
Prioritization of Earth Science and Climate Resilience: While supportive of NASA's Earth science activities, his public statements and district contracts indicate a strong emphasis on climate resilience and environmental monitoring, potentially leading to less dedicated advocacy for other NASA Science Mission Directorate disciplines such as astrophysics or planetary science. [cite: 3, 6, 12, 17, USAspending, FY2022-FY2024]
Extensive Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Carter's public record highlights a broad legislative agenda focused on issues like healthcare, infrastructure, criminal justice reform, and local economic development, which could divert attention and advocacy from non-district-specific NASA science and exploration initiatives.
Additional Sources
[1] troycarter.house.gov
"Congressman Carter Highlights Funding for STEM NOLA. . NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – On Saturday, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) joined Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA, local elected officials, and community leaders at STEM Saturday..."
https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carter-highlights-funding-stem-nola
[2] troycarter.house.gov
"Carter Statement on Passage of Bill to Support NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in Eastern New Orleans. December 8, 2021. Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5746, the NASA Enhanced Use Leasing..."
https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/carter-statement-passage-bill-support-nasas-michoud-assembly-facility-eastern