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
Senator Slotkin's extensive background in national security and her focus on economic competitiveness and the "tech race" suggest she may prioritize defense-related technology over pure space science, especially given her lack of direct space-related committee assignments. However, her state benefits significantly from NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts, including major projects at the University of Michigan for missions like Dragonfly, SPICES, MOMA-MS, and SUNRISE, representing a substantial local stake in these activities.
While she has expressed concerns about federal spending, her demonstrated commitment to securing federal investment for Michigan and fostering advanced technology and innovation provides an opening. Advocates can highlight how sustained investment in NASA science, particularly against proposed cuts like the 47% reduction in FY26, directly supports Michigan's economy, drives cutting-edge research, and strengthens the state's STEM pipeline, aligning with her broader interest in long-term strategic funding.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how NASA's space science investments, particularly those fostering advanced technology and R&D in Michigan, directly contribute to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness, aligning with Senator Slotkin's stated priorities.
Explore specific NASA science projects and grants in Michigan, such as those at the University of Michigan or the AEROKATS and ROVER education network, to share personal stories about their impact on local jobs, innovation, and STEM education.
Look into how sustained, long-term federal investment in NASA's science missions, rather than short-term fluctuations, offers strategic benefits and a strong return on investment for taxpayers, addressing concerns about fiscal scrutiny.
About Elissa Slotkin
Earned a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University (2003).
Served as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst and intelligence briefer.
Completed three tours in Iraq as a CIA intelligence assessment team leader.
Held senior national security roles at the Department of Defense and NSC.
Served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.
Opportunities
Strong Local NASA Science Portfolio: Senator Slotkin's state benefits from significant NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts and grants, including for the Dragonfly mass spectrometer, Solar Wind and Pickup Ion Composition-Energy Spectrometer (SPICES), Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer Mass Spectrometer (MOMA-MS), and the SUNRISE mission, all at the University of Michigan, indicating a direct local stake in NASA science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for Federal Investment in Michigan: Senator Slotkin has actively sought and secured tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for various community projects in Michigan through Congressionally Directed Spending, demonstrating a general posture of bringing federal investment to her state. (Slotkin, Senate.gov, FY26; Michigan Advance, 2024-05-28)
Support for Advanced Technology and Innovation: Slotkin has championed initiatives like the "Future of Defense Manufacturing Act" and secured provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to foster advanced manufacturing, dual-use technology hubs, and innovation in Michigan, indicating a broader interest in cutting-edge research and development that could extend to space science. (Slotkin, Senate.gov, 2025-07-11; Slotkin, Senate.gov, 2025-05-28)
Engagement with STEM Education: A NASA grant to the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency for the AEROKATS and ROVER education network highlights a local connection to STEM education, which is vital for cultivating future talent in space science and related fields. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Emphasis on Long-Term Strategic Funding: Senator Slotkin has expressed the importance of longer-term budget cycles for federal agencies like the Pentagon to enable strategic investments and innovation, a principle that could support sustained funding for NASA's long-duration science missions. (CFR, 2025-09-05)
Challenges
Competing National Security Focus: Senator Slotkin's recent public statements emphasize a national security vision rooted in economic competitiveness and winning the "tech race," which may prioritize defense-related technology development over pure space science.
Lack of Direct Space Committee Role: Senator Slotkin does not hold any current space-related committee assignments, which limits her direct legislative platform and specific responsibility for advocating for NASA's Science Mission Directorate and exploration programs.
Extensive Domestic Policy Priorities: Her public agenda highlights a broad range of domestic issues, including healthcare, gun safety, and manufacturing, potentially diverting her focus and advocacy from increased investment in NASA science.
Fiscal Scrutiny of Federal Spending: Senator Slotkin has expressed concerns regarding federal spending and its economic impact, suggesting a potential for critical examination of federal budgets, including NASA's, to ensure fiscal responsibility.