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.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, Senate Committee on Appropriations
Member, Senate Committee on Appropriations: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee
Overall Summary
Senator Gillibrand's position on the Senate Appropriations Committee and her public criticism of proposed NASA budget reductions indicate a foundational receptiveness to your advocacy for increased space science funding. New York State benefits substantially from NASA science investments, including major contracts for astrophysics projects at L3Harris, planetary exploration at Honeybee Robotics, and extensive Earth science research at Columbia University, providing strong local economic and scientific arguments for robust funding.
However, her significant focus on national security space issues like Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and a general prioritization of Earth-focused and biomedical research could compete for her attention. While she supports science, advocates should be prepared to clearly articulate how a broad investment across all NASA science mission directorates, beyond just Earth science, directly benefits New York's economy, scientific community, and national leadership, especially in light of the severe proposed cuts.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider gathering specific examples of how NASA science investments, such as the L3Harris telescope work or Honeybee Robotics' planetary exploration tools, translate into high-tech job creation and economic growth within New York, directly impacting constituents.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate, particularly projects at institutions like Columbia University, directly supports New York's climate resilience goals and aligns with Senator Gillibrand's established advocacy for environmental protection.
Look into how foundational NASA science research, including astrophysics and planetary science, contributes to the broader U.S. technological leadership and scientific workforce development, which are critical for both civilian and national security space endeavors, potentially aligning with her interest in the STARS Act.
About Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College; earned a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law.
Practiced law in private firms and served as Special Counsel at HUD.
Husband, Jonathan Gillibrand, was a senior adviser for oceans and scientific affairs at State Department.
No military service or direct personal STEM professional background found.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Influence: As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Senator Gillibrand holds a direct position to influence NASA's budget, including its science activities. This role directly impacts funding for institutions and companies in New York that receive NASA contracts and grants. (Senate.gov, Current)
Opposition to NASA and Science Cuts: Senator Gillibrand has publicly criticized proposed cuts to NASA funding, calling a $6 billion reduction "an incredible retreat for American leadership and ambition in space," and has opposed cuts to scientific research generally. (Gillibrand.senate.gov, 2025-05)
Significant Local NASA Investment: New York State entities, including L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, Columbia University in New York City, and Honeybee Robotics in Brooklyn, have received substantial NASA contracts and grants for projects spanning astrophysics, planetary exploration, and Earth science, representing a significant local economic and scientific interest. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024); (HigherGov, 2025-06)
Engagement in Space Technology and Strategy: Senator Gillibrand has demonstrated interest in space capabilities through her co-leadership on legislation like the Space Technology and Regional Security (STARS) Act, which aims to expand defense cooperation and integrated regional space strategies. (Atlantic Council, 2024-11)
Support for Earth Science and Climate Resilience: Senator Gillibrand has advocated for federal resources to address climate change impacts and support agencies like NOAA, aligning with NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate, which includes significant research at New York institutions like Columbia University. (City & State New York, 2025-09); (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Competing National Security Priorities: Senator Gillibrand has demonstrated a strong and consistent focus on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) as a national security concern, leading efforts to establish and fund the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and chairing Senate Armed Services Committee hearings on the topic. This significant legislative attention to defense-related space and intelligence activities could potentially compete for focus or resources with civilian NASA science and exploration programs.
Prioritization of Earth-focused and Biomedical Science: Senator Gillibrand's recent public statements and legislative efforts frequently highlight support for climate science, environmental protection, and biomedical/biodefense research, including securing funding for institutions like the University at Buffalo, Cornell, and the Trudeau Institute. While generally supportive of science, this strong emphasis on Earth-focused and health-related scientific domains could indicate a prioritization that might limit the push for substantial growth in other NASA science mission directorates like astrophysics or planetary science.