Representative Hakeem S. Jeffries (D-NY-08)

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 Jeffries's role as House Minority Leader means his primary focus is on broad Democratic legislative priorities and federal budget negotiations, often without specific emphasis on NASA science. While he has a strong record of opposing federal research cuts and supporting STEM education, and his district benefits from significant planetary science grants, his lack of direct committee assignments related to space or appropriations may limit his proactive engagement on this specific issue.

Despite these challenges, his general support for federal research funding and STEM initiatives, coupled with local planetary science investments, suggests he may be receptive to advocacy that frames increased NASA science funding as aligned with broader Democratic goals of scientific advancement and economic competitiveness. Advocates should emphasize the local impact of NASA science and its contribution to national priorities.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider highlighting the specific NASA planetary science grants awarded to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York in Brooklyn, emphasizing how increased NASA science investment directly supports local research and educational institutions within his district.
• Explore how robust investment in NASA's space science activities aligns with his stated support for federal research funding, STEM education initiatives, and the CHIPS and Science Act, framing it as critical for American innovation and global competitiveness.
• Look into framing increased NASA science funding as a strategic, bipartisan investment that supports national priorities and aligns with his broader advocacy for stable federal funding and opposition to cuts, demonstrating its value within overall budget negotiations.

About Hakeem S. Jeffries

• Holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Public Policy, and Juris Doctor degree.
• Worked as a corporate lawyer, including intellectual property litigation.
• Served three terms in the New York State Assembly (2007-2012).
• Elected House Minority Leader in 2022, leading the Democratic Caucus.
• Previously chaired the House Democratic Caucus from 2019 to 2023.

Opportunities

• Local Planetary Science Investment: NASA's Science Mission Directorate has awarded over $1.3 million in grants to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York in Brooklyn for planetary science research, including studies on enstatite chondrites and lunar surface alteration. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Defense of Federal Research Funding: As House Minority Leader, Representative Jeffries has strongly opposed cuts to federal research grants, emphasizing Congress's constitutional authority to appropriate funds for scientific endeavors. (House Democrats, 2025-06)

• Advocacy for STEM Education: He has submitted Community Project Funding requests for STEM education initiatives within his district, explicitly noting alignment with NASA's mission directorates for STEM education activities and scientific research. (Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, FY2023)

• Support for Science and Competitiveness Legislation: Representative Jeffries supported the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to boost American manufacturing and global competitiveness through investment in scientific research and development. (Hakeem Jeffries Official Website, Undated)

• Opposition to Federal Funding Cuts: As House Minority Leader, he has consistently opposed government shutdowns and partisan spending bills that propose cuts to federal agencies and research, advocating for stable and adequate funding. (Al Jazeera, 2025-09)

Challenges

• Competing Legislative Priorities: As House Minority Leader, Representative Jeffries' public statements and legislative focus are predominantly on broader Democratic priorities such as healthcare, economic well-being, and social safety nets, which may limit his proactive engagement on specific NASA science funding.
• Absence of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Jeffries does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space, science, or appropriations for NASA, which could reduce his direct influence or focus on these issues. (Authoritative Committee Data)
• Limited Public Advocacy for NASA Science: Representative Jeffries' recent public record (last 24 months) consistently emphasizes broader Democratic policy goals and budget negotiations without prominent, specific advocacy for NASA's science mission or increased investment in space science activities.
• Focus on Broader Budgetary Conflicts: His prominent role in federal budget negotiations has primarily involved advocating for Democratic priorities in social spending and opposing Republican cuts, rather than championing specific increases for NASA science.
• Limited Direct Economic Ties to Diverse NASA Activities: While his district benefits from specific planetary science research grants, there is no public record of broader, diverse NASA-related industrial or institutional presence that would create a strong, varied local economic imperative for increased overall NASA science and exploration investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)