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 Langworthy's strong emphasis on fiscal conservatism and reducing federal spending, coupled with his lack of a direct committee assignment related to space, suggests a cautious approach to increasing NASA science funding. His stated legislative priorities, focused on border security, energy independence, and crime, may also overshadow advocacy for increased investment in space science. Furthermore, his past skepticism regarding federal mandates and climate policy could extend to certain Earth science initiatives.
However, a significant opportunity exists to highlight the direct economic benefits of NASA science to his district. Moog Inc. in Elma, NY, received a substantial contract for components of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, directly linking local manufacturing jobs to NASA's astrophysics missions. Emphasizing how continued investment in NASA science translates into tangible economic activity and high-tech jobs within NY-23 could be a compelling argument for his support.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the local economic impact of the Moog Inc. contract for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, focusing on jobs and manufacturing in Elma, NY, to highlight direct district benefits from NASA science investment.
Explore how NASA science investments, particularly those with local economic ties, align with broader conservative principles such as American innovation, economic competitiveness, and efficient use of taxpayer dollars, to connect with his fiscal priorities.
Look into how NASA science discoveries and technological advancements, beyond direct contracts, might indirectly support his stated priorities like energy independence or national security, or find relatable stories that resonate with a non-STEM background.
About Nicholas A. Langworthy
Graduated from Niagara University with a bachelor's degree in political science.
Served as a congressional staffer and managed multiple re-election campaigns.
Founded and served as president of Liberty Opinion Research, a polling firm.
Chaired the Erie County Republican Committee and New York State Republican Committee.
No public record found of specific STEM, science, or space-related professional experience.
Opportunities
Local Economic Benefit from NASA Science: Moog Inc. in Elma, NY (NY-23) received a contract for WFIRST (Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope) latch valves, directly connecting the district's economy to NASA's astrophysics mission activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
No Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Langworthy does not hold a position on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which is typically responsible for NASA oversight and authorization.
Fiscal Conservatism: He has publicly emphasized a commitment to "getting this nation's finances back on track" and "delivering historic savings of taxpayer dollars that eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse," indicating a focus on reducing government spending.
Skepticism of Federal Mandates/Climate Policy: Representative Langworthy introduced legislation to repeal federal building mandates, stating that "aggressive federal climate policy push" creates "unnecessary cost burdens," which may indicate skepticism toward certain Earth science-related federal initiatives.
Competing Priorities: His stated legislative priorities include securing the border, achieving energy independence, and reducing crime, which may divert focus from increased investment in NASA science and exploration.
Lack of Direct STEM/Science Background: His professional background is in political science, congressional staffing, and political consulting, with no public record of specific STEM, science, or space-related professional experience. [cite: biography]