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 Fields's lack of a direct assignment on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee or other space-related committees suggests his direct legislative influence on NASA funding may be limited. His public statements and campaign platform also indicate a broad legislative focus spanning education, economic development, and healthcare, suggesting numerous competing priorities for his attention beyond space science. This broad focus could make it challenging to elevate space science as a top concern.
However, advocates have a strong local angle to present. Louisiana State University in his district receives substantial NASA grants for diverse science activities, including astroparticle physics, astrophysics, and Earth science, totaling millions over the last three fiscal years. Additionally, local businesses like Jabalon LLC secure contracts for critical operational support of scientific ballooning programs. These direct district investments in NASA science infrastructure and research provide a tangible economic and research interest that could make Representative Fields receptive to arguments for continued and increased funding.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting specific examples of how NASA science investments at Louisiana State University and through local businesses like Jabalon LLC directly contribute to job creation and economic development within the 6th congressional district, aligning with the Representative's focus on these issues.
Explore how the NASA grants to Louisiana State University foster educational opportunities, STEM workforce development, and research excellence for students and faculty in the district, connecting to the Representative's interest in education.
Look into personal stories from constituents in LA-06 who are directly involved in or benefit from NASA-funded science projects, such as those at LSU or related to scientific ballooning, to personalize the impact of these investments.
About Cleo Fields
Earned Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Southern University.
Practiced as an attorney; founded Young Adults for Positive Action fundraising group.
Served multiple terms in the Louisiana State Senate across different periods.
Previously represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House.
No public record found regarding military service, industry ties, or STEM/space exposure.
Opportunities
Local NASA Science Investment: Representative Fields' district benefits from substantial NASA grants to Louisiana State University for diverse science activities, including astroparticle physics, astrophysics, and Earth science, indicating a local economic and research interest in continued NASA science funding. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
District Support for Scientific Operations: Entities within LA-06, such as Jabalon LLC and Louisiana State University, receive NASA contracts and grants for critical operational support of scientific ballooning programs, demonstrating direct district involvement in NASA's scientific infrastructure. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Specific Committee Assignment: Representative Fields does not hold a current assignment on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee or any other committee directly overseeing NASA, which may limit his direct legislative influence on space policy and funding. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Broad Legislative Focus: Representative Fields' public statements and campaign platform emphasize a wide range of issues including education, economic development, flood insurance, and healthcare, indicating numerous competing priorities for his legislative attention beyond space science. (Representative Cleo Fields, House.gov, 2025-01; Cleo For Congress, 2024)