Representative Christopher R. Deluzio (D-PA-17)

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 Deluzio's strong support for STEM education, federal research funding, and local innovation suggests a potential receptiveness to arguments for increased NASA science investment, especially if framed around economic benefits and workforce development in Western Pennsylvania. His opposition to research funding cuts generally indicates a favorable stance towards federal science spending.

However, his lack of direct space-related committee assignments and primary focus on national security, defense, and local infrastructure projects pose challenges. While his district benefits from NASA contracts, these are largely for facility support rather than direct science research, and he has not made explicit public statements on NASA science or exploration. Advocates should emphasize the local economic and educational impacts of NASA science to align with his established priorities.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching how NASA's space science missions directly inspire K-12 STEM education and workforce development programs in Pennsylvania, linking these to the types of grants and initiatives Representative Deluzio has already championed.
• Explore specific examples of NASA science-driven technological advancements or research partnerships that have led to commercial applications or job creation in sectors relevant to Western Pennsylvania's innovation economy.
• Look into how NASA's space science activities, such as Earth observation or heliophysics research, contribute to national strategic interests and long-term technological leadership, aligning with his background in national security and defense.

About Christopher R. Deluzio

• Graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Served six years as a U.S. Navy surface warfare officer.
• Earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
• Worked as a legal and policy scholar at a cyber law institute.

Opportunities

• Support for STEM Education: Representative Deluzio has actively supported federal grants for STEM education, emphasizing its role in developing high-demand skills and fostering innovation in Western Pennsylvania. For example, he announced a $150,000 grant for the STEM Coding Lab in his district to provide robotics and manufacturing workforce education to K-8 students. (Rep. Deluzio, 2023-11-16)

• Advocacy for Federal Research Funding: He has publicly championed federal research grants, including National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds, highlighting their importance for local innovation and economic growth. An O'Hara Township company in his district received a $305,000 NSF SBIR grant for innovative research. (Rep. Deluzio, 2025-06-30)

• Opposition to Research Funding Cuts: Representative Deluzio has demonstrated a clear stance against cuts to federal research funding, noting the significant economic impact on his district. He joined colleagues in opposing cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, stating such actions threaten medical advances and Western Pennsylvania's economy. (Rep. Deluzio, 2025-02-21)

• Promotion of Local Technology and Innovation: He actively promotes the growth of high-tech industries and research in Western Pennsylvania, which aligns with NASA's technological advancements. He organized a Naval Research & Innovation Expo to foster connections between the U.S. Navy and local technology sectors and visited SKA Robotics to discuss the region's robotics cluster. (Quiver Quantitative, 2025-08-28)

• District Ties to NASA Contracts: Several companies within or near Representative Deluzio's district have received NASA contracts, indicating direct economic benefits from NASA activities. These include Advantus Engineers LLC, Tetra Tech, Inc., Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Ohio Valley Industrial Services, Inc., and Fisher Scientific Company LLC. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Deluzio holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct legislative engagement with NASA's budget and policy. (Authoritative Committee Data)
• Strong Focus on National Security and Defense: His background as a Naval officer and his stated legislative priorities emphasize national security, defense, and military readiness, indicating a potential competing focus for federal investment. (Congressman Chris Deluzio, 2023-01-26)
• Emphasis on Local Infrastructure and Economic Development: Representative Deluzio has highlighted securing over $2.2 billion in federal grants and contracts for his district, primarily for infrastructure, defense contracts, and other local projects, without specific mention of NASA science or exploration. (Congressman Chris Deluzio, 2024-10-18)
• Limited Direct Economic Ties to NASA Science/Exploration: While his district receives NASA contracts, these are predominantly for facility support and general services rather than direct investment in space science research or exploration program development. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
• No Explicit Public Statements on NASA Science/Exploration: No public record found of explicit statements or legislative actions by Representative Deluzio directly advocating for or against NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities or exploration programs within the last 24 months.