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 Norcross's legislative focus consistently emphasizes labor, economic development, and defense-related R&D, and he does not hold a space-specific committee assignment, which may limit his direct influence on NASA's budget. There is limited public record of him explicitly advocating for increased overall NASA science funding, suggesting that a significant budget increase for the Science Mission Directorate might not be a primary legislative priority compared to other pressing issues.
However, local NASA science contracts in his district for astrophysics and Earth science, alongside his public support for university research and STEM initiatives, demonstrate a direct economic and scientific stake in NASA's work. His stated commitment to environmental protection also aligns with NASA's Earth Science mission, offering a potential avenue for advocacy. These local ties and his general inclination to secure federal investments for his constituents provide opportunities for engagement, suggesting a guarded optimism for outreach efforts.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting the specific NASA science contracts and grants in his district, such as those with Edmund Optics, Science Pump Corp, and Rowan University, to demonstrate direct local job creation, innovation, and economic benefit.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's Earth science activities directly supports his stated commitment to environmental protection and provides critical data for addressing local and global challenges.
Look into sharing a personal story about how NASA science has inspired you or impacted your community, connecting the broader societal value of scientific discovery to his interest in education and future workforce development in South Jersey.
About Donald Norcross
Graduated from Camden County College with a degree in criminal justice.
Began career as an apprentice in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Served as a labor leader for IBEW Local 351 and Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO.
Prior to Congress, served in the New Jersey General Assembly and State Senate.
Opportunities
Local NASA Science Contracts: Contracts within his district for microshutter arrays for a habitable worlds observatory and ozonesondes for atmospheric research demonstrate a direct local economic and scientific stake in NASA's astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for University Research: Representative Norcross has publicly announced and supported significant National Science Foundation grants for Rowan University, a local institution that also receives NASA Earth science grants, emphasizing the importance of cutting-edge research and innovation for the region. (United States Congressman Donald Norcross Press Release, 2025-06)
Support for STEM and Innovation: His statements frequently underscore the value of investing in research, development, and fostering the next generation of innovators in South Jersey, aligning with the workforce development and technological advancement aspects of NASA's science and exploration programs. (United States Congressman Donald Norcross Press Release, 2024-02)
Environmental Protection Stance: Representative Norcross's stated commitment to "Protecting the Environment" aligns with NASA's Earth Science mission, which provides crucial data and research for understanding and addressing environmental challenges. (Donald Norcross Issues Page, Undated)
Record of Securing Federal Funding: He consistently highlights his success in securing federal funding for various projects in his district, including for research and development, indicating a general inclination to support federal investments that benefit his constituents and local institutions. (Camden County, NJ Press Release, 2024-12)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Specific Committee Assignment: Representative Norcross does not hold a current committee assignment directly related to space policy or NASA oversight in the 119th Congress, limiting his direct influence on NASA's budget and activities. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Dominance of Competing Legislative Priorities: His public statements and legislative focus consistently emphasize labor, economic development, healthcare, education, and national defense, suggesting space science may not be a primary legislative focus compared to these areas.
Strong Focus on Defense-Related R&D: Recent public records highlight his efforts to secure investments and advance research and development within the defense sector, which could potentially divert attention or resources from civilian space science initiatives.
Limited Public Advocacy for Broader NASA Science: Despite local NASA-related contracts and grants in his district, there is a limited public record in the last 24 months of Representative Norcross explicitly advocating for increased overall NASA science funding or specific NASA Science Mission Directorate activities beyond local economic impact.
Additional Sources
[1] spacenews.com
"Legislation To Establish And Clarify Space Situational Awareness Roles For Civilian Agencies Introduced. December 14, 2022. Today, Chairman Don Beyer (D-VA) of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, along with Congressman Donald Norcross..."
https://spacenews.com/legislation-to-establish-and-clarify-space-situational-awareness-roles-for-civilian-agencies-introduced/
[2] norcross.house.gov
"Norcross Votes to Advance Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Provisions of the Build Back Better Act, Including Historic Investments to Combat Climate Change. September 9, 2021. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross..."
https://norcross.house.gov/2021/9/norcross-votes-advance-science-space-and-technology-committee-s
[3] norcross.house.gov
"Norcross Appointed to Science, Space and Technology Committee for 117th Congress. . WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) has been appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as a member of the Science, Space and Technology..."
https://norcross.house.gov/2021/2/norcross-appointed-science-space-and-technology-committee-117th-congress