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 Nadler has shown a clear receptiveness to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, notably by co-signing a letter opposing the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget cuts and advocating for robust, stable funding. His district benefits directly from NASA science, with significant grants to institutions like the American Museum of Natural History for informal science education and to the Research Foundation of CUNY and Weill Medical College of Cornell University for Earth science and space biology research. This local engagement, coupled with his support for interagency research and general science funding, suggests a foundational appreciation for NASA's scientific endeavors.
However, advocates should be aware that Representative Nadler does not hold direct committee assignments related to space, limiting his direct influence on NASA's budget and policy. While he has championed climate science, his public record indicates a wide array of legislative priorities, and explicit advocacy for other areas of NASA science, such as astrophysics or planetary science, is less frequent. Therefore, while he is likely to be sympathetic, advocates should clearly articulate the broad value of NASA science and its specific benefits to his constituents and the nation.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how to highlight the direct impact of NASA science grants on institutions within his district, such as the American Museum of Natural History or CUNY, by sharing personal stories or local connections to these programs.
Explore how advocating for stable, robust funding for NASA's full range of science missions aligns with his past opposition to science budget cuts and his support for interagency research collaboration.
Look into framing increased NASA science investment as a critical component of national STEM education, workforce development, and scientific leadership, resonating with his general support for education and research.
About Jerrold Nadler
Graduated from Stuyvesant High School (1965) and Columbia University (1969).
Earned a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law (1978).
Served eight terms as a New York State Assemblyman (1977-1992).
Chaired the Assembly Subcommittee on Mass Transit and Rail Freight.
Worked as a legal and legislative assistant before entering elected office.
Opportunities
Opposes NASA Science Funding Cuts: Representative Nadler co-signed a letter to NASA leadership expressing concern over proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget cuts to the Science Mission Directorate and advocating for robust, stable, and consistent funding for NASA's science programs.
Supports Local NASA Science Engagement: Representative Nadler secured federal funding, administered by NASA, for the American Museum of Natural History's new Hayden Planetarium Space Show, "Encounters in the Milky Way," highlighting its role in science and learning. The American Museum of Natural History in New York, NY, also received a $13.5 million NASA grant for informal science education., (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocates for Interagency NASA Research Collaboration: Representative Nadler co-sponsored H.R.1368, the "DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act," which provides statutory authority for collaborative research and development between the Department of Energy and NASA, including areas like dark matter.
General Support for Science Funding: Representative Nadler issued a joint statement opposing federal grant cuts to Columbia University, characterizing them as a "war on education and science" that undermines critical research. He also opposed a Continuing Resolution that included cuts to nondefense programs and medical research.
Supports Local NASA-Funded Science Research: Institutions in his district, such as the Research Foundation of the City University of New York and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, received significant NASA grants for Earth science (GLOBE partnership, Snow Albedo Feedback) and space biology research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Competing Priorities: Representative Nadler's recent public statements and press releases frequently highlight his focus on healthcare research funding, climate change legislation, and local issues such as housing and transportation, indicating these may be higher legislative priorities.
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative Nadler holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which limits his direct legislative influence over NASA's budget and policy. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Limited Explicit Advocacy for Broader NASA Science/Exploration: While Representative Nadler has actively supported climate science initiatives, his recent public record does not frequently feature explicit advocacy for other NASA Science Mission Directorate activities (e.g., astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, biological and physical sciences) or human exploration programs.