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
Chair, House Committee on Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Cole, as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, is a critical voice in federal spending decisions, including NASA's budget. While he has expressed concern that proposed budget cuts could have "crippling effects" on the space program and his committee has rejected some White House-proposed reductions to NASA, his committee's own FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science bill proposes an 18% cut to the Science Mission Directorate. This indicates that while he may generally support NASA, fiscal conservatism and competing priorities could lead to specific reductions in science funding.
Despite these challenges, there are clear opportunities for advocacy. His district benefits significantly from NASA Earth science, including a substantial $173.7 million contract to the University of Oklahoma for the GEOCARB mission, which monitors greenhouse gases and vegetation. Highlighting these direct local economic and scientific contributions, alongside his stated appreciation for public investment in research and scientific institutions, could be effective in demonstrating the tangible value of NASA's science portfolio, even amidst broader budget constraints.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting specific local economic benefits and job creation stemming from NASA science investments in Oklahoma, such as the GEOCARB mission at the University of Oklahoma and the robotics program, to demonstrate the tangible returns on federal investment in his district.
Explore connecting NASA's science mission to America's historical leadership in scientific discovery and technological innovation, appealing to his background in history and his appreciation for institutions like the Smithsonian, to frame space science as a vital component of national prestige and long-term strategic advantage.
Look into framing increased investment in NASA's space science as a fiscally responsible, strategic investment that drives innovation, supports critical research, and maintains U.S. competitiveness, aligning with his stated concerns about "crippling effects" of cuts and the importance of targeted public investment.
About Tom Cole
Holds a BA in history, MA from Yale, and PhD from the University of Oklahoma in British history.
Served as an assistant professor of history and politics before entering public service.
Previously served as Oklahoma Secretary of State and in the Oklahoma State Senate.
Worked as a political consultant and for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Serves on the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents, overseeing cultural and scientific institutions.
Opportunities
Support for Local NASA Earth Science: Representative Cole's district benefits from significant NASA investment in Earth science, including a $173.7 million contract to the University of Oklahoma for the GEOCARB mission, which focuses on monitoring greenhouse gases and vegetation health. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Leadership in Rejecting Proposed NASA Cuts: As Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative Cole is central to congressional efforts that have advanced full-year funding bills rejecting the White House's proposed cuts to NASA, including significant reductions to space science activities. (Astronomy Magazine, 2025-09; Letter to House Appropriations Committee, 2025-09)
Concern over "Crippling Effects" of NASA Budget Reductions: Representative Cole has expressed concern that proposed budget cuts from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) could have "crippling effects" on the space program, potentially impacting America's leadership in space and vital research. (News 9, 2025-06)
Advocacy for Public Investment in Research: Representative Cole has highlighted the importance of public investment in research, noting its role in driving advancements and supporting institutions like the University of Oklahoma, which also receives NASA grants for robotics and atmospheric research. (News 9, 2025-06; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Engagement with Scientific and Cultural Institutions: His service on the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents indicates an appreciation for institutions that advance science and culture, aligning with NASA's broader mission of scientific discovery. (House.gov, 2025-09)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Cole, as Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, consistently advocates for fiscal responsibility and reevaluating federal spending to target investments, which could lead to overall budget constraints impacting NASA's science budget.
Competing National Security Priorities: Representative Cole frequently frames NASA investments within the context of countering China and maintaining American leadership, suggesting that science activities not directly aligned with national security or geopolitical competition may face lower prioritization.
Skepticism Towards Climate-Related Earth Science: Despite significant NASA Earth science contracts in his district, the House Appropriations Committee, under Cole's leadership, has supported measures to reduce funding for climate-related efforts and reject climate change executive orders in other agencies.
Proposed Cuts to NASA Science Mission Directorate: The House Appropriations Committee's FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science bill, overseen by Chairman Cole, proposes an 18% cut to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, reducing it from $7.3 billion to $6 billion.
Additional Sources
[1] appropriations.house.gov
"Rogers, Cole at FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee Markup. . Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The measure was..."
https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/rogers-cole-fy26-commerce-justice-science-subcommittee-markup
[2] spacenews.com
"Congress seeks NASA authorization, commercial space bills. . WASHINGTON — The chairs of the congressional committees that oversee civil and commercial spaceflight say their priorities for the new Congress include a NASA authorization bill and..."
https://spacenews.com/congress-seeks-nasa-authorization-commercial-space-bills/
[3] cole.house.gov
"KFOR: Two OK congressmen to lead two top committees. January 10, 2023. Washington, DC (KFOR) – The House Republican Conference elected two Oklahomans to chair committee's in 2023.One of them being, Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) to chair the House..."
https://cole.house.gov/news-stories/kfor-two-ok-congressmen-lead-two-top-committees
[4] cole.house.gov
"Science and Technology. October 13, 2015. The health and longevity of Oklahoma's economy depends in large part on the acceleration of scientific and technological innovations. Maintaining Oklahoma's leadership in these fields requires a concerted..."
https://cole.house.gov/issues/science-and-technology?page=2