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 Schmitt's direct involvement on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and its Aviation, Space, and Innovation Subcommittee, along with his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, indicates a foundational understanding and general support for NASA's mission, including science and exploration. His emphasis on leveraging U.S. innovation and R&D for space dominance aligns with the outcomes of scientific discovery, and the substantial NASA science grants awarded to Missouri institutions for planetary science, lunar research, and astrophysics provide a strong local economic and research benefit that advocates can highlight.
However, Senator Schmitt's fiscal conservatism and concerns about government spending may lead to reluctance for increased discretionary funding. He has also expressed opposition to NASA's focus on climate-related initiatives, which could impact support for Earth science, and has criticized DEI spending. Advocates will need to clearly articulate how increased science funding directly contributes to innovation, economic growth, and American leadership, particularly in light of the proposed FY2026 budget cuts, to overcome his skepticism regarding agency priorities and overall spending.
Key Committee Assignment: Senator Schmitt serves as a Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and its Aviation, Space, and Innovation Subcommittee, which has direct oversight of NASA and national and civil space policy, indicating a direct role in shaping space legislation and funding.
Bipartisan NASA Authorization Support: Senator Schmitt co-sponsored the bipartisan NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 (S.933), which authorizes $25.478 billion for NASA in FY2025 and supports American leadership in space, including critical science and exploration missions.
Advocacy for Space Innovation and R&D: During a May 2023 Senate hearing on NASA's FY2024 budget, Senator Schmitt emphasized leveraging U.S. innovation and research and development to maintain American space dominance, noting that over 20 Missouri-based companies support the Artemis mission.
Support for Commercial Space Sector: Senator Schmitt co-sponsored the Commercial Standards Paramount to Accelerating Cosmic Exploration (SPACE) Leadership Act (S.4064) in March 2024, aiming to extend the FAA's learning period for commercial human spaceflight, which fosters private sector growth and partnerships relevant to NASA's exploration goals.
Significant Local NASA Science Grants: Missouri institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri System, have received substantial NASA grants totaling over $29 million for planetary data systems, lunar research, origins-of-life studies, and astrophysics instruments, demonstrating direct local benefits from NASA's Science Mission Directorate. [cite: contracts]
[1] aip.org
"Congress Fills Out Leadership of Science Committees. FEB 27, 2025. The policy committees that oversee science agencies have finalized their leaders for the 119th Congress, including several who are new to their positions. While the committee..." https://www.aip.org/fyi/congress-fills-out-leadership-of-science-committees
[2] commerce.senate.gov
"Cantwell, Cruz Lead Bipartisan NASA Reauthorization Legislation. December 19, 2024. Bill will support continued American leadership in Earth’s orbit & exploration of the Moon; Preparation for future journey to Mars. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell..." https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2024/12/cantwell-cruz-lead-bipartisan-nasa-reauthorization-legislation
[3] schmitt.senate.gov
"Senator Schmitt, Senator Sinema, Introduce The Commercial SPACE Leadership Act. . The bipartisan bill is supported by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. WASHINGTON – Recently, Senator Eric Schmitt,..." https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-senator-sinema-introduce-the-commercial-space-leadership-act/
[4] schmitt.senate.gov
"Senators Schmitt, Duckworth and Reps. Hill, Caraveo Introduce the Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024. . Senators Schmitt, Duckworth and Reps. Hill, Caraveo Introduce the Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024. WASHINGTON –..." https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senators-schmitt-duckworth-and-reps-hill-caraveo-introduce-the-taiwan-and-america-space-assistance-act-of-2024/
[5] space.com
"Senate Republicans criticize NASA for climate change, diversity efforts. 18 May 2023. Two Senate Republicans have accused the space agency of becoming politicized.. The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite captured its first view of..." https://www.space.com/senate-republicans-criticize-nasa-climate-change-diversity