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 Mfume's legislative priorities have historically centered on social justice, healthcare, and community development, and he does not hold a committee assignment directly related to space or appropriations. This suggests that proactively championing increased NASA science funding may not be a primary focus, and his past scrutiny of federal spending efficiency could lead to questions about expanding such programs.
Despite these challenges, the significant NASA science investments within his district, totaling over $900 million in the last three years, provide a strong local economic and scientific argument for support. Key institutions like AURA, UMBC, and Johns Hopkins receive substantial contracts and grants for astrophysics, Earth science, and heliophysics, directly benefiting his constituents. Furthermore, his recent action to secure $1.5 million for NASA research at Morgan State University demonstrates a direct, recent commitment to bolstering NASA's scientific endeavors within his district.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific projects and student opportunities enabled by the $1.5 million NASA research funding Representative Mfume recently announced for Morgan State University, his alma mater, to highlight direct local impact.
Explore how the substantial NASA science investments in the district, particularly with AURA, UMBC, and Johns Hopkins, translate into high-tech job creation, economic growth, and educational pathways for constituents, aligning with community prosperity.
Look into how NASA's Earth science or astrophysics research, especially projects at UMBC or Johns Hopkins, might address issues related to environmental justice, public health, or technological equity, which align with Representative Mfume's broader legislative priorities.
About Kweisi Mfume
Received a B.S. from Morgan State University (1976) and M.A. from Johns Hopkins University (1984).
Served on the Baltimore City Council before his first tenure in Congress.
Led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as President/CEO (1996-2004).
Served as CEO of the National Medical Association (2010-2011).
Was Principal Investigator for the Health Policy Research Consortium (2013-2018).
Opportunities
Significant District Investment in Astrophysics: Representative Mfume's district benefits from substantial NASA contracts and grants to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) in Baltimore, supporting critical astrophysics missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, indicating a direct local economic and scientific stake in NASA's astrophysics programs. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Engagement in Earth and Heliophysics Science: The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in Baltimore, located within the district, receives significant NASA contracts and grants for projects in Earth science (e.g., Atmosphere Observing System) and Heliophysics (e.g., Solar-Planetary Science Center, Center for Geospace Storms), demonstrating a strong local research presence tied to NASA's science mission directorate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for University-Led Space Research: Johns Hopkins University, also in Baltimore, receives NASA grants for geospace storms research, further highlighting the district's role in advanced space science and the potential for Representative Mfume to support continued investment in university-led NASA research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Recent Support for NASA Research Funding: In September 2023, Representative Mfume announced $1.5 million in federal funding for Morgan State University, his alma mater, to support NASA research, demonstrating a recent and direct commitment to bolstering NASA's scientific endeavors within his district.
Challenges
Lack of Direct Legislative Platform: Representative Mfume does not hold a current committee assignment directly related to space, science, or appropriations, which could limit his direct legislative influence on proactively growing NASA's science budget.
Competing Legislative Priorities: His public record and legislative activities frequently prioritize social justice, healthcare, and community development, suggesting these areas may command more of his legislative attention than expanding space science initiatives.
General Scrutiny of Federal Spending Efficiency: Mfume has expressed concerns about inefficient federal spending in other departments and advocated for fiscal solutions, indicating a general scrutiny of large budgets that could potentially extend to new or expanded NASA science programs if not clearly justified.
Additional Sources
[1] mfume.house.gov
"Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Slam OMB’s Proposed NASA Goddard Cuts, Vow to Fight Back Against NASA Budget. . WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives Steny..."
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-members-slam-omb-s-proposed-nasa-goddard-cuts-vow-to-fight-back-against-nasa-budget
[2] mfume.house.gov
"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation, Virginia lawmakers Urge Appropriations Committee Leaders to Prioritize NASA Goddard and Wallops Flight Facility Project Funding, Keeping Jobs Intact and Mission in Focus. January 9, 2024. Senators and..."
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-virginia-lawmakers-urge-appropriations-committee-leaders-to-prioritize-nasa-goddard-and-wallops-flight-facility-project-funding-keeping-jobs-intact-and-mission-in-focus
[3] mfume.house.gov
"Mfume, Maryland Members Announce Nearly $130,000 for NASA Partnership with University of Baltimore, UMES to Support Students Pursuing STEM Careers. May 11, 2022. Mfume, Maryland Members Announce Nearly $130,000 for NASA Partnership with University..."
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-members-announce-nearly-130000-for-nasa-partnership-with-university-of-baltimore-umes-to-support-students-pursuing-stem-careers