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.
Senator Hawley's receptiveness to increased NASA space science funding is uncertain, given his lack of direct committee assignments related to space and his consistent fiscal conservatism, including opposition to large spending bills and earmarks. While he emphasizes American innovation and national competitiveness, which aligns with NASA's mission, his skepticism towards federal funding overhead and prioritization of economic issues over climate initiatives could pose challenges, particularly for Earth science funding.
However, the significant NASA science grants received by Missouri institutions, totaling over $37 million in recent years, particularly by Washington University and the University of Missouri System, directly support research and jobs within his state. Highlighting how increased science funding translates to direct research investment and strengthens Missouri's role in cutting-edge technology and STEM could resonate with his stated focus on American leadership and directing funds to actual research rather than administrative costs.
Lack of Direct Space-Related Committee Assignments: Senator Hawley does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space or science, which may limit his direct engagement and influence on NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities and exploration programs.
Fiscal Conservatism and Opposition to Earmarks: Senator Hawley has consistently voted against large spending bills and refuses to participate in congressionally directed spending (earmarks), citing concerns about government overspending and corruption, which could limit his support for increased federal funding for specific projects, including those for NASA.
Skepticism Towards Federal Research Funding Overhead: Senator Hawley has publicly defended efforts to limit federal funding for university overhead expenses, suggesting a preference for direct research spending over administrative costs, which could impact the financial models of institutions receiving NASA grants.
Prioritization of Economic and National Security Concerns over Climate Agenda: Senator Hawley has criticized the Biden Administration's "climate agenda," stating that the "overriding crisis" is the wages and jobs of American workers, indicating a potential prioritization of economic issues over climate-related scientific endeavors, which could affect Earth science funding.
Opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives in Federal Grants: Senator Hawley has expressed concerns and sought information regarding federal agencies, including NASA, contracting with DEI consulting firms, and has defended directives to review grants to ensure they are not awarded based on DEI criteria, which could impact broader NASA initiatives.
[1] hawley.senate.gov
"Senator Hawley Demands Explanation for Racially Divisive Training Sessions at Federally Funded Facilities. Friday, August 14, 2020. Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Under Secretary for..." https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-demands-explanation-racially-divisive-training-sessions-federally-funded-facilities/