Representative Katherine M. Clark (D-MA-05)

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 Clark's lack of direct space-related committee assignments and her demanding role as House Minority Whip suggest that NASA science funding may not be a top-tier legislative priority. Her professional background in law and state government also indicates less inherent familiarity with STEM or space issues.

However, there is guarded optimism. Clark has a strong record of advocating for federal investment in fundamental scientific research, including receiving a "Champion of Science Award" and opposing cuts to research grants, which aligns with the broader goal of supporting NASA science. Crucially, her district benefits significantly from NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts and grants, particularly through institutions like the Smithsonian and Harvard, providing a clear local economic and research interest in these programs.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching the specific scientific achievements or local impacts that led to Representative Clark receiving the Champion of Science Award, to demonstrate how NASA science investments align with her recognized support for fundamental research.
• Explore specific examples of NASA science projects and grants in her district, particularly at Harvard and the Smithsonian, to illustrate local job creation, scientific breakthroughs, and educational opportunities directly benefiting her constituents.
• Look into how robust funding for NASA's space science activities contributes to the broader federal research ecosystem and strengthens Massachusetts' position as a leading research hub, aligning with her general opposition to cuts in federal research investment.

About Katherine M. Clark

• Earned degrees from St. Lawrence University, Cornell Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School.
• Worked as an attorney in Chicago, Colorado, and for Massachusetts state government.
• Served on the Melrose School Committee, becoming chair in 2005.
• Elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives (2008-2011) and Senate (2011-2013).
• No direct STEM or space-related professional background is noted.

Opportunities

• Recognized for Science Advocacy: Representative Clark received the Champion of Science Award for her support of federal investment in fundamental scientific research, with the award presented by Harvard University, a significant recipient of NASA science grants in her district. (The Science Coalition, 2022-03)

• Opposes Cuts to Research Grants: Representative Clark condemned the freezing of federal research grants to Harvard University, including those from the National Science Foundation and NIH, emphasizing the impact on medical innovation and public health. (New Bedford Guide, 2025-05; Quiver CongressRadar, 2025-09)

• Advocates for Massachusetts as Research Hub: Representative Clark joined the Massachusetts delegation in advocating for the Advanced Research Project Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to be located in the Commonwealth, highlighting its leading universities and research institutions. (Congresswoman Katherine Clark Press Release, 2022-05)

• District Benefits from NASA Science Contracts: Her district receives substantial NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts and grants for astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, and biological and physical sciences, with the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard College in Cambridge being major recipients. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Opposes Broad Federal Spending Cuts: As House Democratic Whip, Representative Clark has consistently opposed Republican-led spending bills that propose cuts to federal programs, indicating a general stance against reductions in federal investment that could impact research funding. (Democratic Whip Press Release, 2025-03; NOTUS, 2025-09; Yahoo News Singapore, 2025-09)

Challenges

• Lack of Space-Specific Committee Focus: Representative Clark holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, indicating that space policy may not be a primary legislative focus. (Congress.gov, 2025-09; Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, 2025-09)
• High-Level Leadership Role with Broad Priorities: As House Minority Whip, Representative Clark's demanding leadership position involves a broad legislative agenda focused on party priorities such as healthcare, climate change, and social welfare, potentially limiting specific attention to NASA science funding. (Wikipedia, 2023; Katherine Clark for Congress, 2023)
• Absence of Direct STEM/Space Professional Background: Representative Clark's professional background is in law and state government, without direct experience in STEM or space, which may mean less inherent familiarity or personal advocacy for space science. (Biography; Ballotpedia, 2023)