Representative Elise M. Stefanik (R-NY-21)

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 Stefanik's strong focus on defense-related science and technology, particularly at AFRL Rome, and her consistent advocacy for fiscal conservatism suggest a cautious approach to new federal spending. Her lack of direct committee assignments for NASA further limits her immediate influence on space science initiatives.

However, the presence of NASA Science Mission Directorate grants in her district for planetary science and remote sensing, coupled with her broader support for STEM/STEAM education and securing federal research funding for local institutions, indicates potential receptivity. Advocates could highlight how NASA science investments align with her interest in advanced research, regional economic benefits, and American leadership in technology.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider highlighting the specific NASA science grants received by the Research Foundation for the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, explaining how these investments directly benefit local researchers, students, and the North Country economy.
• Explore how increased NASA science funding supports STEM/STEAM education and workforce development initiatives within the district, aligning with her consistent advocacy for preparing students for future high-tech careers.
• Look into framing NASA's space science activities as a critical national investment that maintains American leadership in innovation, contributes to national security through technological advancements, and inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

About Elise M. Stefanik

• Graduated Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in government (2006).
• Served in the George W. Bush administration on the Domestic Policy Council.
• Currently pursuing a master's in defense and strategic studies at Naval War College.
• Co-sponsored legislation to expand cybersecurity workforce apprenticeships.
• Worked at foreign policy think tanks before congressional service.

Opportunities

• Local NASA Science Investment: Representative Stefanik's district benefits from NASA Science Mission Directorate grants to the Research Foundation for the State University of New York in Plattsburgh for planetary science and remote sensing research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Advocacy for STEM/STEAM Education: Representative Stefanik has consistently advocated for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education, co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation in 2019 to expand programs and emphasizing its benefit to the North Country economy. (U.S. Congress, 2019; NNY360, 2019-06; Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Press Release, 2019-06)

• Securing Federal Research Funding: She has secured over $415 million in Fiscal Year 2024 for the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY, for work in quantum information science and emerging technologies, demonstrating support for federal investment in advanced research within her district. (Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Press Release, 2024-03; Utica Observer Dispatch, 2024-04)

• Support for Quantum Technology Development: Representative Stefanik has expressed strong support for American leadership and investment in quantum information science, citing the work at AFRL Rome and IonQ's quantum internet milestones as crucial for national defense and regional innovation. (Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Press Release, 2024-03; IonQ, 2025-09)

• General Higher Education and Research Support: Her office highlights delivering federal funding to North Country colleges and universities and has requested community project funding for biotech research, indicating a broader commitment to academic and scientific institutions in her district. (Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Education; Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Community Project Funding Requests)

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Space Committee Influence: Representative Stefanik holds no current assignments on committees with direct jurisdiction over NASA or space policy, limiting her direct legislative influence on space science initiatives.
• Strong Emphasis on Defense-Related Science and Technology: Her recent efforts have focused on securing significant funding for the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY, for quantum and cyber research, indicating a primary focus on defense-oriented science and technology.
• Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Reduction: Representative Stefanik has consistently advocated for reining in government spending and cutting waste, as evidenced by her votes for rescissions packages and budget resolutions.
• Broad Competing Legislative Priorities: Her public statements and legislative actions frequently highlight a wide array of priorities, including national security, border security, economic growth, and local infrastructure, which may divert focus from advocating for increased NASA science funding.
• Nuanced Stance on Federal Earth Science Funding: While supporting local environmental projects, her recent public record emphasizes "American energy dominance" and local conservation efforts, with less explicit advocacy for broader federal Earth science research, which could impact NASA's Earth Science Directorate.