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 Brown's legislative priorities heavily emphasize social and economic issues, and she does not hold direct committee assignments related to space or science, which may limit her immediate focus on NASA's Science Mission Directorate. While she supports NASA Glenn Research Center, her public statements often highlight its local economic impact, military space applications, and STEM workforce development rather than explicitly advocating for broad increases in fundamental scientific research across all NASA science disciplines like astrophysics or planetary science. Her advocacy for science appears more targeted, aligning with specific local environmental concerns or health research.
However, there are significant local connections that could make her receptive. Universities in her district receive substantial NASA science grants for planetary science, astrophysics, and Earth science, directly benefiting local research and the economy. Her support for federal workers at NASA Glenn and her leadership on STEM workforce development initiatives align with the need for a robust scientific pipeline. Furthermore, her focus on environmental issues, particularly the Great Lakes, directly intersects with NASA's Earth science mission, providing a clear avenue to highlight the value of increased science funding. The district's receipt of over $123 million in NASA science contracts and grants over the last three years demonstrates a tangible local stake in these activities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how increased NASA science investment directly supports the goals of her "Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act" by creating more local internship and career opportunities, referencing the work done by Paragon Tec in her district.
Explore specific examples of how NASA Earth science research, particularly from Cleveland State University, provides critical data and insights directly supporting her stated priorities for protecting the Great Lakes and combating climate change.
Look into the broader economic and innovation impact of NASA science grants on local universities like Case Western Reserve and Cleveland State, framing increased investment as a boost to high-tech job creation and research leadership in the district.
About Shontel M. Brown
Earned an Associate of Science in business management and a Bachelor of Science.
Founded and led Diversified Digital Solutions, a marketing support company.
Served on Warrensville Heights City Council and Cuyahoga County Council.
Chaired the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party prior to congressional service.
No specific background in STEM fields or the space industry is noted.
Opportunities
Direct NASA Science Grants: Universities in her district receive significant NASA grants for planetary science (Antarctic Search for Meteorites), astrophysics (topology of the universe), and Earth science (PACE OCI data, Lake Erie dynamics), indicating direct local economic and research benefits from NASA science activities. Local Connection: Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH, are direct recipients. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for NASA Glenn Research Center: Representative Brown has publicly supported NASA Glenn Research Center, including speaking at a "Stand Up for Science Cleveland's rally for NASA Glenn" and joining a bipartisan call to locate a Space Force mission at NASA Glenn's Neil Armstrong Test Facility, highlighting its scientific infrastructure. Local Connection: NASA Glenn Research Center is a major federal facility in her district. (Representative Shontel Brown, 2024-02-26; Reddit, 2025-07-18)
Advocacy for STEM Workforce Development: She co-led the reintroduction of the "Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025," which aims to create federal grants for professional development, mentoring, and internships in STEM fields, directly supporting the pipeline for future NASA scientists and engineers. Local Connection: Paragon Tec, Inc. in Cleveland, OH, holds contracts for NASA STEM mission-driven activities and internships at GRC. (Representative Shontel Brown, 2025-04-30; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Federal Workers at NASA Glenn: Representative Brown spoke on the House floor in support of federal workers, specifically mentioning "researchers developing new technologies at NASA Glenn," demonstrating support for the personnel who conduct NASA's scientific and technological work. Local Connection: NASA Glenn Research Center employs federal researchers in her district. (Representative Shontel Brown, 2025-02-06)
Focus on Environmental and Climate Issues: Her official House.gov page outlines priorities including combating climate change and protecting the Great Lakes, which aligns with NASA's Earth science mission that provides critical data and research for these areas. Local Connection: Cleveland State University receives NASA grants for Earth science research related to the Great Lakes. (Representative Shontel Brown, Undated; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Brown's public statements and campaign priorities heavily emphasize social and economic issues such as gun violence, healthcare, housing, and poverty, with no explicit mention of NASA or space science as a primary legislative focus.
Absence of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Brown does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space or science policy in the 119th Congress, which may limit her direct influence on NASA's budget and priorities. [cite: space_committees]
Narrow Focus on Specific Science/Research Areas: While she advocates for STEM diversity and specific health research (e.g., HER Act), her public record does not indicate a broad advocacy for all NASA Science Mission Directorate activities (astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics) beyond local economic ties or applied environmental science.
Emphasis on Local Economic Impact and Military Space over Broad Science Mission Growth: Her public support for NASA Glenn Research Center often highlights its role in local jobs and military space applications (e.g., Space Force testing), rather than explicitly advocating for increased funding or expansion of NASA's fundamental scientific research missions.