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.
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.
Opposition to proposed NASA science cuts: Representative Hoyer recently (2025-04) vocally opposed proposed cuts to NASA Goddard missions, including the Roman Space Telescope, stating that "savaged NASA science" would "savage our entire exploration program" and expressing hope for bipartisan support. This stance indicates a potential openness to rejecting cuts and supporting program growth, especially given the presence of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in his district and direct contract support for the Roman Space Telescope. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for Earth science and climate research: Representative Hoyer, along with other Maryland delegation members, successfully advocated for the reinstatement of the Maryland-led Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission for climate change research in 2024, highlighting its importance for understanding Earth's ecosystems and climate impacts. This demonstrates support for NASA's Earth science activities, which have local connections through the University of Maryland and grants in his district for related research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Consistent support for local NASA facilities: Representative Hoyer has a long history of advocating for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, located in his district, and recently (2023-10) emphasized its role in deepening knowledge of the universe and addressing the climate crisis, stating Congress should continue supporting this crucial work. This consistent advocacy for a major NASA center suggests a strong inclination to support its missions and funding.
Recognition of economic and national security benefits: In 2025, Representative Hoyer explicitly linked NASA's work at Goddard to national security and economic impact, stating it is "critical as we compete with China in science and in space and in technology." This perspective indicates a broader understanding of space investment beyond pure science, potentially aligning with arguments for program growth.
Influential position on the House Committee on Appropriations: As a Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative Hoyer holds a direct and influential position to shape federal spending, including NASA's budget for science and exploration activities. This committee assignment provides a strategic avenue for him to advocate for increased investment in NASA science.
[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