Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV-04)

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 Horsford's primary legislative focus appears to be on critical local social and economic issues, including healthcare, housing, and public safety, which may limit his immediate receptiveness to increased NASA space science funding. His district currently lacks direct economic ties to NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants, and he does not hold assignments on committees directly overseeing space policy or appropriations. This, combined with his strong emphasis on protecting social programs from budget cuts, suggests that advocating for new federal investment in space science may face an uphill battle, especially in light of the proposed significant budget reduction.

However, there are opportunities for engagement. Representative Horsford has demonstrated support for STEM education and broader federal investment in science and technology, as evidenced by his backing of the Nevada Tech Hub and the Congressional App Challenge. Furthermore, the Nevada System of Higher Education's recent NASA EPSCoR grant for astrobiology-related research and the presence of the Nevada Space Proving Grounds for NASA training offer concrete local connections that can be leveraged to illustrate the value and impact of NASA's scientific endeavors. These points provide a foundation for discussing how increased space science funding can align with his interest in scientific advancement and local educational opportunities.

Preparation Recommendations

About Steven Horsford

Opportunities

Challenges