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, House Committee on Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Joyce's position on the House Appropriations Committee and his past votes for bipartisan funding bills that included NASA suggest a foundational understanding of the agency's importance and a willingness to support its overall budget. His explicit advocacy for NASA Glenn Research Center and the significant NASA science grants received by Kent State University in his district provide tangible local connections to NASA's scientific and economic impact, which could make him receptive to arguments for continued investment.
However, advocates face an uphill battle given Representative Joyce's consistent emphasis on fiscal discipline, reducing federal spending, and competing legislative priorities. While he supports "fundamental scientific research" at "fiscally responsible levels," the proposed 47% cut to NASA's Science Mission Directorate in FY 2026 would likely be framed by his office as a necessary measure to achieve fiscal responsibility, rather than an opportunity for increased investment. His lack of a direct STEM background means advocates will need to clearly articulate the value and local benefits of specific science programs.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific local impacts of the NASA science grants at Kent State University, such as jobs created or unique educational opportunities, to highlight direct district benefits.
Explore how NASA's space science investments, particularly those with local ties, demonstrate a strong return on investment or foster private sector growth, aligning with his emphasis on fiscal discipline and economic benefit.
Look into how NASA's space science activities, including those at NASA Glenn, foster bipartisan support and contribute to national priorities, framing the discussion within his stated commitment to nonpartisan problem-solving on the Appropriations Committee.
About David P. Joyce
Received a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton.
Served as a public defender and assistant county attorney in Ohio counties.
Prior to Congress, served as the elected prosecutor of Geauga County, Ohio.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's 14th district in 2012.
No specific background in STEM fields or the space industry is publicly recorded.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Membership: Representative Joyce's role on the House Committee on Appropriations provides him direct influence over federal spending, including NASA's budget, indicating a structural position to support or reject cuts to NASA science. (House.gov, 2025)
Support for NASA Funding in Appropriations Bills: He voted to pass bipartisan government funding bills in March 2023 and March 2024 that included "robust funding for NASA," demonstrating recent legislative support for the agency's overall budget. (davidjoyce.house.gov, 2023-03; davidjoyce.house.gov, 2024-03)
Advocacy for NASA Glenn Research Center: Representative Joyce has explicitly supported the NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio, a significant regional NASA facility, by ensuring its inclusion in appropriations bills, which suggests an understanding of NASA's local economic and scientific impact. (davidjoyce.house.gov, 2023-03; davidjoyce.house.gov, 2024-03)
District's Engagement in NASA Science Grants: Kent State University, located within his district, has received substantial NASA grants for science activities, including research on liquid crystals in microgravity and armed conflict's effect on land use, providing a direct local connection to NASA's scientific endeavors. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Bipartisan Approach to Appropriations: Representative Joyce has publicly stated his view of the Appropriations Committee as a "nonpartisan committee trying to solve the problems" and work together, suggesting potential openness to bipartisan collaboration on NASA science funding. (YouTube/Rep. Mike Johnson, 2024-07)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Joyce consistently emphasizes "fiscal discipline," "reining in wasteful spending," and "capping federal spending" as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, suggesting a challenging environment for increasing NASA science budgets (Dave Joyce, 2025-07-20; Dave Joyce, 2025-09-04; YouTube, 2024-07-08).
Competing Legislative Priorities: His public statements and legislative focus frequently highlight other areas such as national security, health care, and Great Lakes preservation, which may compete for federal funding within the appropriations process (Dave Joyce, 2025-09-18; Dave Joyce, 2025-09-11; Dave Joyce, 2024-06-25).
General Skepticism Towards Federal Spending Growth: As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, he supports efforts to "reduce the size of the Federal Government" and "scaling back unsustainable spending levels," which could create a difficult climate for advocating for increased NASA science funding, despite support for "fundamental scientific research" at "fiscally responsible levels" (Congress.gov, 2025-07-24).
Limited Direct STEM/Space Background: His biography indicates no specific background in STEM fields or the space industry, which may mean he lacks an inherent personal connection or deep understanding of space science activities without direct advocacy ().