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 Malliotakis's lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy and her stated priorities on fiscal conservatism and other legislative issues, such as border security and local infrastructure, suggest a potential challenge for advocating increased NASA science funding. Her emphasis on "reining in reckless spending" could make her hesitant to support new appropriations, particularly in the context of proposed significant budget cuts to science.
However, her demonstrated support for STEM education, including securing federal funding for physics labs and telescopes at the College of Staten Island, indicates an appreciation for science and technology. The presence of local NASA contracts, albeit modest, for specialized instrumentation also provides a tangible connection to the agency's work. These factors, combined with her record of securing federal investments for local projects, suggest an opportunity to frame increased NASA science funding in terms of local economic benefit, STEM workforce development, and scientific advancement.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how NASA science investments directly benefit local institutions like the College of Staten Island and support local businesses such as Caen Technologies, fostering innovation and job creation within her district.
Explore how to frame increased NASA science funding as a strategic investment with a strong return, detailing economic benefits, technological spin-offs, and job growth that align with her stated commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Look into connecting NASA's science mission to local STEM education initiatives and workforce development, emphasizing how these investments inspire students and prepare them for future careers, leveraging her support for the Congressional App Challenge and CSI.
About Nicole Malliotakis
Holds a B.A. in communications and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Worked on state energy policy as a public affairs manager for Consolidated Edison.
Served ten years as a New York State Assemblywoman.
Began her career as a community liaison for state and gubernatorial offices.
Opportunities
Support for STEM Education Funding: Representative Malliotakis secured $2.9 million in federal funding for the College of Staten Island (CSI) STEM Labs, including upgrades to physics labs with new telescopes, demonstrating support for science and technology education and research. (Representative Nicole Malliotakis, 2024-03)
Local NASA-Related Contracts: Caen Technologies Inc. in Staten Island, NY, received NASA contracts for specialized instrumentation, including high voltage power supplies and SiPM read-out chips, indicating a local economic tie to NASA's technological needs. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Promotion of STEM Engagement: Her office actively participates in the Congressional App Challenge, encouraging local students to explore STEM fields, coding, and computer science. (House.gov, 2023-07)
Advocacy for Federal Investment: Representative Malliotakis has a demonstrated record of securing federal appropriations for local projects and institutions within her district, suggesting a willingness to advocate for federal funding. (Staten Island Reporter, 2025-08)
Bipartisan Engagement: She has engaged in bipartisan efforts with other members of Congress on issues of shared concern, indicating a potential for cross-party collaboration on federal initiatives. (GreekReporter.com, 2025-09)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Malliotakis does not hold any current committee assignments directly overseeing NASA or space policy, which may limit her direct engagement with NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities and exploration programs. (space_committees, 2025-09)
Competing Legislative Priorities: Her public statements and press releases frequently emphasize issues such as border security, fiscal responsibility, combating fentanyl, and local infrastructure, indicating a focus on priorities other than space science and exploration. (Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, 2023-05; Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, 2023-07; Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, 2024-03; Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, 2024-09)
Fiscal Conservatism and Opposition to Increased Government Spending: Representative Malliotakis's official website highlights a commitment to "reining in reckless spending and reducing our national debt," suggesting a general reluctance to support increased federal appropriations, which could impact NASA's budget. (Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, 2025-09; Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, 2022-08)