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 Mackenzie's strong fiscal conservative stance and lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy suggest he may be initially skeptical of calls for increased NASA science funding. His consistent focus on reducing government spending and past alignment with administrations proposing significant non-defense discretionary cuts, particularly in light of the proposed 47% cut to NASA science in FY2026, could present a challenge. Furthermore, his public opposition to certain climate initiatives might lead to scrutiny of NASA's Earth science programs.
However, there are clear avenues for engagement. His district benefits significantly from NASA contracts with Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., supporting local manufacturing jobs and critical supply chains, aligning with his stated priorities for American industry. Lafayette College in his district also receives NASA grants for space science research, and his active encouragement of Community Project Funding indicates openness to supporting local research initiatives. Advocates should emphasize how NASA science investments directly translate into local economic benefits, job creation, and technological innovation within his district.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific number of jobs at Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. in Allentown that are directly supported by their NASA contracts for critical materials, and be prepared to share how these contracts contribute to local manufacturing and the district's economy.
Explore how the NASA grant to Lafayette College for Kepler/K2 mission research contributes to local educational opportunities and scientific advancement, and consider discussing how future NASA science-related projects could align with the Representative's encouragement for Community Project Funding.
Look into examples of how NASA's broader space science investments have historically generated economic returns, fostered innovation, or created new industries, to align with Representative Mackenzie's focus on economic growth and address potential fiscal conservatism concerns.
About Ryan Mackenzie
Graduated from New York University with a finance and international business degree.
Earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2010.
Served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2012 to 2024.
Chaired the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee.
Previously chaired the Pennsylvania House Government Oversight Committee.
Opportunities
Local NASA Industrial Base: Representative Mackenzie's district benefits from significant NASA contracts with Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. for critical materials, directly supporting local manufacturing and jobs. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local NASA Science Research: Lafayette College in his district received a NASA grant for research utilizing data from the Kepler and K2 missions, demonstrating local engagement in space science. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for Community Project Funding: Representative Mackenzie is actively encouraging local entities, including colleges and non-profits, to apply for federal Community Project Funding for FY2026, which could support local science and research initiatives. (WFMZ-TV, 2025-03)
Support for American Manufacturing and Supply Chains: His stated priority to protect American jobs and manufacturing and revamp critical supply chains aligns with the industrial base that supports NASA's missions, including companies in his district. (Ryan Mackenzie for Congress, 2025)
Emphasis on Economic Growth: Representative Mackenzie's focus on policies that grow the economy and deliver tax relief for families and businesses suggests potential openness to federal investments, such as in NASA science, that demonstrate economic benefits. (Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, 2025-05)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Mackenzie consistently advocates for reducing wasteful government spending and balancing the budget, which may lead to scrutiny of non-defense discretionary spending, including NASA science.
Competing Legislative Priorities: His publicly stated legislative priorities focus on issues such as inflation, border security, healthcare, and national defense, with no explicit mention of NASA or space science.
Absence of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Mackenzie does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space policy or appropriations, which may limit his direct engagement with NASA's budget and programs. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025)
Opposition to Climate-Related Initiatives: He has publicly opposed "radical climate agenda" and cap-and-tax schemes, which could indicate skepticism towards certain Earth science components of NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Alignment with Administration's Fiscal Stance: Representative Mackenzie has a high voting alignment with the Trump administration's priorities, which have historically included proposals for significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, potentially impacting NASA's budget.