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 Cleaver's public record suggests that NASA's Science Mission Directorate may not be a primary focus. He does not hold any space-related committee assignments, and his public statements and legislative priorities tend to center on local economic development, housing, and social issues. While he supports federal science funding generally and climate action, there is limited explicit evidence connecting these priorities directly to NASA's unique contributions in space or Earth science, and direct NASA science contract activity in his district has been minimal.
Despite these challenges, opportunities for advocacy exist. His vote for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 indicates a willingness to support federal science investments, including those rejecting cuts. Furthermore, the University of Missouri-Kansas City's participation in the NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium and a small NASA contract to a local company provide tangible connections that advocates can leverage to highlight the benefits of increased NASA science funding for his constituents.
Preparation Recommendations
Explore how the NASA contract with Advanced Clustering Technologies, Inc. in Kansas City directly supports local jobs and economic activity, providing a tangible example of NASA science investment benefiting his constituents.
Look into the specific programs and student success stories from the NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium at UMKC to illustrate how NASA science funding directly benefits education and workforce development in his district.
Consider how NASA's broader science missions, especially Earth science, contribute to community resilience and address issues like climate change, aligning with his stated priorities and potentially resonating with his background in faith and community service.
About Emanuel Cleaver
Earned a degree from Prairie View A&M University (1972) and a Master of Divinity.
Served as a United Methodist pastor for 37 years in Kansas City, Missouri.
Elected Kansas City Councilman (1979-1991) and Mayor (1991-1999).
First African American Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, serving two terms.
Has represented Missouri's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House since 2005.
Opportunities
Support for Federal Science Funding: Representative Cleaver voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which rejected proposed cuts and included significant investments in science and clean energy, indicating a general commitment to federal science funding.
Advocacy for Local Federal Investment: He consistently advocates for and secures federal funding for various local projects, demonstrating a proactive stance on bringing federal resources to his district. Advanced Clustering Technologies, Inc. in Kansas City, MO, received a NASA contract for server equipment. [cite: contracts]
Engagement with NASA STEM Programs: The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), located within his district, is a member of the NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium, which fosters STEM education and research aligned with NASA's mission. This consortium provides scholarships and supports student and faculty involvement in NASA-related STEM fields, directly benefiting constituents.
Support for Climate and Environmental Science: His vote for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 included over $15 billion for investments in clean energy and science to confront the climate crisis, which aligns with NASA's Earth Science mission.
Emphasis on Education and Innovation: Representative Cleaver's official statements highlight the importance of investing in public education to generate knowledge and innovation, which is foundational for a robust scientific and technological workforce, including for NASA.
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Cleaver does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct influence or specific focus on NASA science and exploration funding. (Provided )
Primary Focus on Local and Social Issues: Representative Cleaver's public record consistently prioritizes housing, economic development, and securing federal funding for local community projects, potentially leading to less emphasis on national space science investments.
Limited Explicit Stance on NASA Science: No recent public records explicitly detail Representative Cleaver's specific support or opposition to NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities or exploration programs, suggesting it may not be a prominent issue in his public agenda.
Climate Focus Not Explicitly Tied to NASA Science: While Representative Cleaver actively supports addressing climate change and investing in clean energy, his public statements and caucus involvement do not specifically highlight NASA's unique contributions to Earth science or other science mission directorate activities.
District-Level Redistricting Challenges: Ongoing efforts by Missouri Republicans to redraw congressional districts, potentially splitting Representative Cleaver's 5th District, could divert his focus and resources towards re-election and local political battles.
Additional Sources
[1] krps.org
"Page Title: 'Guns should go silent' — Kansas City Congressman Emanuel Cleaver joins calls for cease-fire. Publish Date: . Main Textual Content:. In a meeting with constituents and faith leaders, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat..."
https://www.krps.org/missouri-news/2023-11-19/guns-should-go-silent-kansas-city-congressman-emanuel-cleaver-joins-calls-for-cease-fire