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 Clarke's legislative record suggests that space science may not be a primary focus, given her lack of space-related committee assignments and extensive engagement with issues like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and social justice. The district's economic ties to NASA's core Science Mission Directorate are minimal, limited to a single, small citizen science event, which offers little direct local economic incentive for increased funding. While she actively supports climate action, her efforts are primarily directed towards terrestrial climate justice and preparedness rather than specifically advocating for NASA's Earth science research budget.
However, there are avenues for potential receptiveness. Representative Clarke's strong advocacy for STEM education, advanced technology, and investments in AI research, coupled with her bipartisan leadership on innovation issues, aligns with the broader benefits of space science. Advocates could frame increased NASA science funding as a vital investment in cutting-edge research, STEM workforce development, and the advancement of key technologies that contribute to national competitiveness and community resilience, potentially resonating with her existing priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider exploring how NASA's Earth science missions and data can directly support the climate education and STEM initiatives Representative Clarke champions, such as the hydroponic farm-classrooms, to demonstrate local relevance.
Look into specific examples of how NASA's space science missions utilize artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and cutting-edge technologies, aligning with Representative Clarke's strong focus on AI research and technological advancement.
Consider preparing a brief, personal story or example of how NASA's space science, including citizen science initiatives like the one funded in her district, has inspired you or directly benefited your community, to build a local connection.
About Yvette D. Clarke
Attended Oberlin College; later stated degree completion at Medgar Evers College.
Worked as childcare specialist, legislative assistant, and economic development director.
Served on the New York City Council, succeeding her mother.
Authored legislation on cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability, and deepfake technology.
Opportunities
Local Citizen Science Support: Representative Clarke's district received a NASA grant for a citizen science event, indicating direct local engagement with NASA-funded scientific activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
STEM and Climate Education Advocacy: Representative Clarke secured Community Project Funding to establish hydroponic farm-classrooms in 20 public schools in her district, emphasizing the importance of climate education and STEM. (NY Sun Works, 2023-06)
Advanced Technology and Research Focus: Representative Clarke actively champions legislation and serves on a bipartisan task force focused on artificial intelligence, advocating for "investments in AI research" and the "advancement of key technologies." (FedScoop, 2024-02; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, 2024-12)
Bipartisan Technology Leadership: Her leadership on the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and co-sponsorship of bills like the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act demonstrate a willingness to collaborate across the aisle on technology and innovation issues. (FedScoop, 2024-02; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, 2025-07)
Smart City Technology Development: Representative Clarke co-introduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act, which aims to expand smart city technologies and improve federal coordination, recognizing their role in community resilience and economic growth. (Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, 2025-07)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Clarke does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may indicate that space policy is not a primary legislative focus. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025)
Broad Competing Legislative Priorities: Her public record demonstrates a strong and consistent focus on a wide array of issues including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, immigration, housing, and social justice, which may divert legislative attention and resources from NASA's space science and exploration programs. (House.gov, 2025-09; FedScoop, 2024-02; Brookings, 2023-10; PoliScore, 2025; Clarke for Congress, 2025)
Limited Direct NASA Science Economic Ties: The district has a small contract for a citizen science event, but lacks significant, direct economic ties to NASA's core Science Mission Directorate or exploration program investments, potentially reducing local economic incentive for increased funding in these areas. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Focus on Climate Justice and Terrestrial Environmental Policy: While Representative Clarke actively supports climate action, her legislative efforts in this domain are primarily directed towards climate justice, renewable energy, and FEMA's role in climate preparedness, rather than specifically advocating for NASA's Earth science research budget. (Clarke Press Release, 2024-05; PoliScore, 2025; Clarke for Congress, 2025)