Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-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.

NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses

Overall Summary

Representative Hoyer has recently demonstrated strong, vocal opposition to proposed cuts to NASA science, particularly for missions like the Roman Space Telescope which has direct contract support in his district. His consistent advocacy for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, located in his district, and his successful efforts to reinstate Earth science missions like GEDI, highlight a clear commitment to NASA's scientific endeavors and their local impact. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, he holds a key position to influence NASA's budget and has explicitly linked NASA's work to national security and economic competitiveness.

However, his consistent emphasis on fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction, alongside a broad range of competing legislative priorities, suggests that securing significant new investments for NASA science may be challenging. While he is likely receptive to arguments against cuts and for maintaining programs with strong local ties, advocates should be prepared to frame increased science funding within the context of economic benefits, national security, and the efficient use of existing resources, rather than solely as new spending.

Preparation Recommendations

About Steny H. Hoyer

Opportunities

Challenges

Additional Sources

[1] hoyer.house.gov

"Maryland and Virginia Lawmakers Urge Congressional Leaders to Prioritize NASA Goddard and Wallops Flight Facility Funding. January 9, 2024. WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen..." https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-and-virginia-lawmakers-urge-congressional-leaders-prioritize-nasa


[2] hoyer.house.gov

"Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference on the Impact of Trump’s Proposed Cuts to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. . WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a press conference with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen..." https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-press-conference-impact-trumps-proposed-cuts-nasa-goddard-space


[3] hoyer.house.gov

"Hoyer, Maryland Delegation Members Slam OMB’s Proposed NASA Goddard Cuts, Vow to Fight Back Against NASA Budget. . WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and..." https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-delegation-members-slam-ombs-proposed-nasa-goddard-cuts-vow


[4] hoyer.house.gov

"Hoyer, Van Hollen, Cardin Announce NASA’s Reinstatement of Maryland-Led GEDI Mission for Climate Change Research. . WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD)..." https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-van-hollen-cardin-announce-nasas-reinstatement-maryland-led-gedi-mission


[5] hoyer.house.gov

"Hoyer Joins Bipartisan Push for Defense Department Partnership with UMD-Led Coalition to Support National Security Needs. . WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a bipartisan group of more than 20 of his Congressional..." https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-joins-bipartisan-push-defense-department-partnership-umd-led-coalition


[6] hoyer.house.gov

"Hoyer, Van Hollen, Cardin Urge NASA to Extend University of Maryland, Goddard Research Mission on Climate Change. . WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) urged the..." https://hoyer.house.gov/content/hoyer-van-hollen-cardin-urge-nasa-extend-university-maryland-goddard-research-mission