Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY-17)

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 Lawler's strong fiscal conservative stance and lack of direct committee assignments related to space or appropriations suggest an uphill battle for securing increased NASA science funding, particularly in the face of proposed significant budget cuts for FY26. His legislative focus on financial services, foreign affairs, and reducing federal spending indicates that NASA science may not be a top priority, and his mixed record on environmental issues could pose a challenge for certain Earth science initiatives.

Despite these hurdles, advocates have several avenues for engagement. His district benefits from NASA science contracts, including for critical scientific instrumentation, providing a tangible local economic connection. Furthermore, his support for STEM workforce development, broader investment in science and technology, and recognition of advanced technologies for national security offer opportunities to frame NASA science as vital for economic competitiveness and strategic leadership, potentially leveraging his bipartisan approach to federal investments.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching the specific jobs and economic benefits generated by NASA science contracts with companies like Teledyne Lecroy and FJG Chemical in his district, connecting these local impacts to his stated support for STEM talent and manufacturing.
• Explore how NASA's space science activities contribute to U.S. technological leadership and national security, framing these investments as bipartisan priorities consistent with his support for advanced technologies and efforts to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring American innovation.
• Look into specific examples of how investments in NASA science provide a strong return on investment through technological innovation, economic growth, or strategic advantage, framing the request within his focus on fiscal responsibility and effective federal spending.

About Michael Lawler

• Earned B.S. in accounting and finance from Manhattan College (2009), valedictorian.
• Co-founded political communications firm Checkmate Strategies in 2018.
• Served in the New York State Assembly from 2021 to 2022.
• Supported analysis of Chinese biotechnology and U.S. alternative proteins innovation.

Opportunities

• Local NASA-related Contracts: Companies in Representative Lawler's district, such as Teledyne Lecroy, Inc. and Teledyne Digital Imaging Us, Inc., have received NASA contracts for scientific instrumentation, including components for a sounding rocket mission, indicating a local economic connection to space science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Support for STEM Workforce: Representative Lawler co-sponsored the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act (H.R. 2627) in April 2025, stating that retaining advanced STEM degree holders in the U.S. strengthens the economy, creates jobs, and enhances global competitiveness in science and technological innovation.

• Investment in Science and Technology: In December 2023, Representative Lawler joined a bipartisan letter supporting federal CHIPS and Science Act funding for Micron Technology, emphasizing its role in revitalizing American manufacturing, creating jobs, and fostering U.S. technological leadership.

• National Security and Technological Advancement: Representative Lawler co-sponsored the Remote Access Security Act in April 2024 to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring American technology and supported investments in "next-generation technologies like AI" in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, aligning with strategic aspects of advanced scientific research.

• Demonstrated Bipartisanship: Recognized as one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress, Representative Lawler has actively engaged in bipartisan legislative efforts, suggesting a potential openness to cross-aisle collaboration on federal investments in areas like NASA science.

Challenges

• Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Lawler holds no current committee assignments directly related to space, science, or appropriations for NASA in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct legislative influence on NASA's budget and policy. [cite: Authoritative Committee Data]
• Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Reduction Focus: Representative Lawler has consistently emphasized the need to rein in federal spending due to the national debt and supported legislation like the Fiscal Responsibility Act, indicating a general posture towards budget cuts that could impact non-defense discretionary programs such as NASA science.
• Competing Legislative Priorities: His current roles on the House Financial Services Committee and as Chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside a focus on border security, national defense, and tax cuts, suggest other primary areas of legislative attention.
• Mixed Stance on Environmental/Earth Science Issues: While a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, Representative Lawler voted for H.R. 1, which would expand fossil fuel activities and reduce environmental protections, potentially indicating a cautious or opposing stance on certain NASA Earth science initiatives.
• Limited Explicit Advocacy for NASA Science: Public records indicate a general interest in space as a "critical national interest" and in NASA's budget and technologies, but a lack of specific, strong public advocacy for NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities or exploration programs.