Representative Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (R-TN-03)

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 Science, Space, and Technology
• Member, House Committee on Appropriations

Overall Summary

Representative Fleischmann's key positions on the House Appropriations and Science, Space, and Technology Committees provide direct influence over NASA's budget and policy. His district benefits significantly from NASA science investments, including substantial funding for the NASA Postdoctoral Program and remote sensing research at local institutions. He has also demonstrated support for federal science funding, successfully advocating for increased investment in the Department of Energy's Office of Science, indicating a general appreciation for scientific discovery and America's leadership in research.

However, his consistent advocacy for fiscal conservatism and his primary focus on nuclear energy as Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee may present challenges for securing increased NASA science funding, particularly in light of proposed cuts. Advocates should emphasize the direct economic and workforce benefits of NASA science to his district, framing proposals around national security, economic competitiveness, and the critical role of scientific infrastructure like the Postdoctoral Program, rather than solely on broad scientific exploration or certain Earth science initiatives.

Preparation Recommendations

• Explore how specific NASA science investments, such as the Postdoctoral Program at Oak Ridge Associated Universities or remote sensing research at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, directly benefit his district's economy and scientific workforce.
• Consider how increased NASA science investment aligns with Representative Fleischmann's stated priorities for national scientific leadership, economic competitiveness, and national security, drawing parallels to his support for the DOE Office of Science.
• Look into how foundational NASA science discoveries and technological advancements, particularly in areas like materials science or advanced computing, could indirectly benefit the nuclear energy sector or other high-priority industries in his district.

About Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann

• Earned a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
• Founded and practiced at his own law firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• Represents a district that includes the scientific hub of Oak Ridge.
• Chairs the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus, advocating for nuclear energy.
• Supports advanced nuclear energy projects, including small modular reactors.

Opportunities

• Key Committee Membership: As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Representative Fleischmann holds direct influence over NASA's budget and policy, including its science mission. (House.gov, Current)
• Direct District Investment in NASA Science: His district receives substantial NASA contracts and grants, totaling over $130 million in recent fiscal years, for activities directly supporting NASA's science mission, including program management for the NASA Postdoctoral Program and remote sensing research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
• Advocacy for Increased Science Funding (DOE Office of Science): Representative Fleischmann has publicly stated that the "Office of Science" is a "high priority" and worked to secure increased funding for it in the FY24 Act, emphasizing its criticality for America's leadership in scientific discovery. (Congressman Chuck Fleischmann Press Release, 2024-03-20)
• Engagement in NASA Budget Oversight: As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he participated in hearings concerning NASA's budget requests for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, demonstrating direct engagement with the agency's financial needs and priorities. (House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 2023-04-27; House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 2024-04-30)
• General Support for National Scientific Research: Representative Fleischmann has consistently expressed strong support for America's National Laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory in his district, highlighting their role in groundbreaking technologies and referring to them as "national treasures." (House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 2025-02-12)

Challenges

• Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Fleischmann consistently advocates for reduced government spending and balanced budgets, which may limit support for increased NASA science funding. (House Appropriations Committee, 2025-07; Chuck Fleischmann for Congress, undated)
• Competing Priority - Nuclear Energy: As Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, Representative Fleischmann's primary focus for federal scientific investment is on nuclear energy, potentially competing with growth in other science areas like NASA's. (YouTube, 2025-02; House.gov, 2025-04; AIP.ORG, 2024-07; House Appropriations Committee, 2025-07)
• Skepticism on certain Earth Science approaches: Representative Fleischmann has expressed concerns with the Biden Administration's climate change goals and advocates for a diversified energy mix including fossil fuels, which could indicate less enthusiasm for certain Earth science initiatives. (House.gov, 2024-03; Punchbowl News, undated)
• Emphasis on National Security and Economic Competitiveness: Representative Fleischmann frequently frames funding priorities around national security, energy dominance, and economic competitiveness, suggesting that NASA science proposals may be evaluated primarily through these lenses. (House Appropriations Committee, 2025-07; House Appropriations Committee, 2024-06)