Representative Robert E. Latta (R-OH-05)

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 Latta's consistent record of fiscal conservatism, including past votes against increased federal spending, suggests he may be cautious about new appropriations for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. His primary legislative focus on energy policy within the House Energy and Commerce Committee, coupled with his lack of a direct role on space-related committees, indicates competing priorities that could divert his attention from space science advocacy.

However, a significant opportunity exists in the $376,000 NASA Earth science grant awarded to Bowling Green State University, his alma mater and a local institution, which directly benefits his constituents. His engagement with technology and innovation policy, along with his acknowledgment of climate change, also provide potential avenues to connect NASA's science mission to his legislative interests and local impact, offering a guardedly optimistic outlook for outreach.

Preparation Recommendations

Consider highlighting the $376K NASA Earth science grant to Bowling Green State University, his alma mater, emphasizing its local research impact and how it directly benefits his constituents.
Explore how NASA's space science, particularly Earth observation data, supports his interests in technology and innovation, and provides objective information relevant to his acknowledgment of climate change.
Look into framing increased NASA science investment as a strategic national research and development priority, aligning with his support for domestic R&D and demonstrating tangible returns on investment for the nation.

About Robert E. Latta

Earned a B.A. from Bowling Green State University and a J.D. from the University of Toledo.
Practiced law privately before beginning his extensive public service career.
Served in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate prior to Congress.
Introduced legislation concerning digital display on electronic devices and broadband networks.
No direct military service or specific space/science industry experience noted.

Opportunities

Local NASA Earth Science Research: Bowling Green State University, located in his district and his alma mater, received a $376K NASA grant for Earth science research focused on surface deformation using space-geodetic techniques, indicating a direct local connection to NASA science activities. [cite: USAspending, FY2022-FY2024], [cite: Wikipedia, 2024], [cite: Congressman Bob Latta (Official Website), 2025]
Engagement with Technology and Innovation: As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and a member of the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology, Representative Latta is involved in policy areas that foster advanced technology and innovation, which are critical for space science advancements. [cite: Congressman Bob Latta (Official Website), 2025], [cite: C3 Solutions, 2024]
Acknowledgment of Climate Change: Representative Latta has joined the Conservative Climate Caucus and publicly acknowledged the reality of climate change, stating, "Our climate is constantly changing," which aligns with NASA's Earth science mission to monitor and understand Earth's systems. [cite: C3 Solutions, 2024]
Support for Domestic Research and Development: He authored the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, which was signed into law, and co-sponsored related legislation to expand domestic nuclear fuel production, demonstrating support for strategic national investment in advanced technology and research and development. [cite: Latta-for-congress, 2025], [cite: C3 Solutions, 2024]

Challenges

Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Latta's primary committee assignments are with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and his recent public statements and legislative efforts have focused on energy policy, including advocating for scalable energy infrastructure and streamlined regulation, which may divert his legislative focus from NASA science and exploration. [cite: 1 Congress.gov, 2025-09; 1 UH Energy, 2025-06]
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Restraint: As a member of the Republican Study Committee, Representative Latta has demonstrated a consistent posture of fiscal conservatism, including signing a letter in 2021 opposing raising the debt ceiling due to concerns about "out-of-control spending" and voting against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, indicating a preference for greater spending cuts. This stance may lead to resistance to increased federal appropriations for NASA science activities. [cite: 7 Hern, 2021-08; 8 CBS News, 2023-06]
Skepticism Towards Broad Environmental Regulation: Representative Latta has supported limiting the scope of federal environmental reviews, as evidenced by his positive remarks on a May 2025 Supreme Court decision that narrowed the assessment of environmental impacts under NEPA, which could indicate a less expansive view of Earth science research that informs environmental policy. [cite: 1 UH Energy, 2025-06]
Absence of Direct Space-Related Committee Role: Representative Latta does not hold a current assignment on a House committee with direct jurisdiction over NASA or space policy, which may limit his direct engagement with and advocacy for NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities and exploration programs. [cite: space_committees]