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, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee
Overall Summary
Representative Gillen's position on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee offers a direct opportunity to influence NASA's science budget. Her stated commitment to bolstering research, driving STEM innovation, and creating jobs in Nassau County aligns with the economic and scientific benefits of space science. The presence of a local company, Tecoptics Corp, receiving a NASA contract for astronomy-related components further establishes a direct, albeit modest, economic tie to NASA science within her district.
However, the overall direct economic impact of NASA science in her district remains limited, and the proposed 47% budget cut for NASA Science in FY2026 presents a significant hurdle. Advocates should therefore emphasize how increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate can directly support her stated goals of STEM innovation and job creation, leveraging her committee engagement and the existing local connection to make a compelling case.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching Tecoptics Corp in Merrick, NY, and how their NASA contract for "Elatons" directly supports local jobs and scientific innovation within the district, aligning with Representative Gillen's stated goals for Nassau County.
Explore how NASA's Earth science or astrobiology missions, which involve data collection and exploration, might resonate with Representative Gillen's background as a scuba diving instructor and her support for a water testing lab.
Look into specific examples of how increased investment in NASA's science activities directly contributes to "bolstering research and driving STEM innovation," connecting these outcomes to her legislative priorities on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
About Laura Gillen
Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from NYU School of Law.
Practiced as an attorney in commercial litigation for several years.
Served as the Town Supervisor of Hempstead, New York.
Professional experience includes working as a scuba diving instructor in Thailand.
As supervisor, supported a capital plan including a water testing lab.
Opportunities
Committee Leadership Role: Representative Gillen serves as a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, indicating a direct legislative role in overseeing NASA's activities. (House.gov, 2025-01)
Commitment to STEM and Research: Upon her appointment to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Representative Gillen stated her intention to "bolster research and drive STEM innovation," directly linking her committee work to scientific advancement. This commitment aims to bring good-paying jobs to Nassau County. (House.gov, 2025-01)
Local NASA Contract: A company in her district, Tecoptics Corp in Merrick, NY, received a NASA contract for "Elatons," which are Fabry-Perot Etalons used in applications such as astronomy and remote sensing, demonstrating a direct economic tie between NASA science and her constituency. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024; GovTribe, 2025-03; TecOptics Corp, 2021)
Engagement in Science Committee Deliberations: As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Representative Gillen is involved in hearings and markups directly related to NASA, including discussions on the "NASA Science Mission Directorate" and the "NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024." (House.gov, 2024-03, 2024-07)
Bipartisan Legislative Approach: Representative Gillen has demonstrated a willingness to engage in bipartisan legislative efforts within the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as evidenced by her amendments included in the bipartisan Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025. (House.gov, 2025-09)
Challenges
Additional Sources
[1] gillen.house.gov
"Gillen Named to Key Committees for Long Island. Gillen Named to Key Committees for Long Island. Press Release. Gillen will serve on House Transportation & Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology Committees; Ready to Deliver Results for..."
https://gillen.house.gov/media/press-releases/gillen-named-key-committees-long-island