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.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Aviation, Space, and Innovation Subcommittee
Overall Summary
Senator Rosen's public record indicates a guarded but potentially receptive stance towards increased NASA space science funding, particularly given the proposed FY26 budget cuts. She has voiced "real concerns" about such cuts, linking NASA's role to research, innovation, STEM education, economic growth, and national security. Her position on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and its Aviation, Space, and Innovation Subcommittee, provides a direct legislative pathway for influence.
Crucially, Nevada benefits significantly from NASA contracts, with Trax International Corporation in Las Vegas receiving hundreds of millions of dollars for logistics directly supporting Earth and space science missions, providing a strong local economic argument for continued investment. While Senator Rosen's focus on fiscal responsibility and national security in space could lead to scrutiny, the substantial local economic and academic ties to NASA science, combined with her stated opposition to budget cuts, suggest that advocacy emphasizing these benefits could find a receptive audience despite competing priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific examples of how NASA science contracts and grants in Nevada, particularly with Trax International or the Nevada System of Higher Education, translate into local jobs, economic activity, or STEM workforce development, to highlight the tangible benefits of investment.
Explore opportunities to share personal stories from Nevada students, educators, or researchers who have been directly impacted by NASA science programs or grants, demonstrating how these investments foster STEM education and inspire the next generation of innovators in the state.
Look into how NASA's space science activities, beyond pure exploration, contribute to broader societal benefits relevant to Nevada, such as climate monitoring, technological advancements with commercial applications, or national security insights, to align with her focus on fiscal responsibility and diverse priorities.
About Jacky Rosen
Earned an associate degree in computing and information technology.
Worked as a computer programmer before entering public service.
Graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota.
Professional experience includes roles at Summa Corporation and Southwest Gas.
Served as president of Congregation Ner Tamid synagogue in Henderson, Nevada.
Opportunities
Opposition to NASA Budget Cuts: Senator Rosen expressed "real concerns" over proposed budget cuts to NASA, emphasizing the agency's role in research, innovation, STEM education, economic growth, and national security. (YouTube, 2025-09)
Support for Space Exploration and Infrastructure: Senator Rosen highlighted the importance of investing in fully mission-capable space stations to replace the International Space Station, noting microgravity's criticality for advanced materials and the need to maintain U.S. leadership in space. (YouTube, 2025-09)
Advocacy for STEM Education: Senator Rosen explicitly stated that NASA's investments in STEM education inspire future scientists and engineers, linking these efforts to economic benefits and national security. (YouTube, 2025-09)
Key Committee Assignment: As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and its Aviation, Space, and Innovation Subcommittee, Senator Rosen holds a direct oversight and legislative role concerning NASA's budget and programs. (space_committees)
Economic Benefit from NASA Contracts: Nevada-based companies, such as Trax International Corporation in Las Vegas, receive substantial NASA contracts for logistics and technical services that directly support Earth science, space science, and exploration missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Fiscal Responsibility Focus: Senator Rosen has actively supported bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending, which could lead to increased scrutiny of all federal programs, including NASA science, for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Broad Competing Domestic Priorities: Senator Rosen's public record highlights a wide array of top priorities, such as healthcare, housing, education, and economic development, which could potentially compete for attention and resources against increased investment in NASA's science and exploration activities.
Emphasis on Space for National Security: While supportive of space, some of Senator Rosen's recent legislative efforts related to space have focused on national security, such as introducing the Space Technology and Regional Security (STARS) Act to counter threats from adversaries, which could potentially prioritize defense-related space initiatives.
Additional Sources
[1] schiff.senate.gov
"Sen. Schiff, Colleagues Demand End to Illegal Cuts at NASA, Reassert Congress’ Sole Power to Authorize Science Funding. August 1, 2025. NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Colleagues Demand End to Illegal Cuts at NASA, Reassert Congress’ Sole Power to Authorize..."
https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-colleagues-demand-end-to-illegal-cuts-at-nasa-reassert-congress-sole-power-to-authorize-science-funding/
[2] alsobrooks.senate.gov
"Senators Alsobrooks, Schiff Demand End to NASA Cuts, Reassert Congress’ Sole Power to Authorize Science Funding. August 1, 2025. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and other Senators representing..."
https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-alsobrooks-schiff-demand-end-to-nasa-cuts-reassert-congress-sole-power-to-authorize-science-funding/
[3] rosen.senate.gov
"Rosen Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Resolution She Co-Sponsored Honoring First All-Female Spacewalk. December 13, 2019. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) applauded news of the passage of a bipartisan resolution, which she..."
https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2019/12/13/rosen-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-she-co-sponsored-honoring-first-all-female-spacewalk/
[4] bennet.senate.gov
"Bennet, Senate Democrats Call for Continued Support of NASA Lander Program. Feb 3, 2021. Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined 10 of his Senate Democratic colleagues in writing to the White House in support of continued..."
https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2021/02/03/press-releases-id-4917b489-35b5-4e4a-bbed-9f7c650628de/
[5] murray.senate.gov
"Murray, Senate Democrats Call for Continued Support of NASA Lander Program. February 3, 2021. Murray, Senate Democrats Call for Continued Support of NASA Lander Program. Human Landing System program will be critical to mission to land first woman..."
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-senate-democrats-call-for-continued-support-of-nasa-lander-program/