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 Burlison's background as a software engineer and his active pursuit of scientific investigation into Unidentified Aerial Phenomena indicate an appreciation for technical fields and government-funded research. The presence of a local company contributing components to NASA space science instruments also provides a direct, tangible connection to the agency's scientific mission within his district.
Despite these potential alignments, his strong fiscal conservatism and skepticism towards increased federal spending, coupled with specific opposition to climate science funding, present significant challenges for advocating for increased NASA science appropriations. Advocates will need to carefully frame the value of NASA's science mission in terms of national interest, technological advancement, and district benefits, while acknowledging his budgetary priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how NASA's foundational scientific research and advanced sensor development, which are critical for understanding known celestial and atmospheric phenomena, also provide the infrastructure and expertise necessary for rigorous investigation of any aerospace observations, aligning with his interest in UAPs.
Explore how the specific NASA science-related contracts in Joplin and Ozark, such as those for specialized instrumentation and advanced manufacturing, directly contribute to the nation's scientific capabilities and support high-tech jobs within his district, appealing to his technical and business background.
Look into concise examples of how investments in NASA's space science activities have historically yielded significant returns through technological innovation, economic growth, and advancements in areas like weather forecasting or resource management, to address fiscal concerns.
About Eric Burlison
Earned a Master of Business Administration and worked as a software engineer.
Served multiple terms in the Missouri House of Representatives and State Senate.
Professional background includes roles as a software engineer and business analyst.
Petitioned for a House committee to study UFOs; serves on a related task force.
Introduced UFO-related legislation and presented evidence during a congressional hearing.
Opportunities
UAP/UFO Interest: Representative Burlison has actively pursued transparency and scientific investigation into Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), introducing legislation (H.R. 5199) and serving on a related task force, indicating an interest in government-funded research into aerospace phenomena. (Congress.gov, 2023-08)
Technical Professional Background: His professional experience as a software engineer and business analyst suggests an understanding and appreciation for technical fields and data-driven initiatives, which are fundamental to NASA's science activities. (Biography)
Local NASA Science Instrumentation Contract: Eaglepicher Technologies LLC in Joplin, MO, received a NASA contract for "spare bellows actuators for neutral gas and ion mass spectrometers," which are components for space science instruments used in various NASA missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Aerospace Manufacturing Support: Morgan Industrial Technology, Inc. in Ozark, MO, received a NASA contract for an "Ot orbital welder," indicating local industrial involvement in advanced manufacturing technologies potentially relevant to space hardware development. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Competing Priority - UAP Focus: Representative Burlison has demonstrated a significant and ongoing focus on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), including introducing legislation for disclosure and questioning NASA officials on UAP footage, which may divert attention and legislative effort from traditional NASA science and exploration programs. (Akin Gump, 2025-04; Missourinet, 2025-09; Rep. Burlison Press Release, 2025-08; Reddit r/UFOs, 2025-09)
Ideological Barriers to Government Spending: He consistently advocates for fiscal conservatism, reducing federal spending, and balancing the budget, having introduced a Balanced Budget Amendment and criticized "reckless overspending," which could lead to opposition to increased appropriations for NASA science and exploration activities. (Rep. Burlison Press Release, 2025-08; Springfield Standard, 2025-09; Springfield Times, 2025-09; Forbes, 2025-02)
Opposition to Climate Science Funding: Representative Burlison has expressed skepticism towards "climate zealots" and a desire to end "taxpayer handouts that prop up failed climate schemes," indicating potential opposition to funding for NASA's Earth Science activities. (Springfield Standard, 2025-09; Rep. Burlison Press Release, 2025-08)
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative Burlison holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct legislative influence or specific advocacy for NASA's science and exploration budget.
Additional Sources
[1] space.com
"US hiding evidence of UFOs, alien intelligence, whistleblower claims | Space. 26 July 2023. "The American public has a right to learn about technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence and unexplainable phenomena.". UFOs came to..."
https://www.space.com/us-hiding-evidence-alien-intelligence-ufo-whistleblower-claims