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 Green's legislative focus primarily centers on social and economic justice, and he does not hold a position on committees with direct jurisdiction over NASA's budget or space policy. While he has publicly supported NASA's workforce and STEM education broadly, direct NASA science research and development spending in his district has been minimal, suggesting a limited direct economic incentive to champion significant increases for science mission directorates.
However, his membership in the Congressional STEM Caucus and past opposition to cuts affecting Minority-Serving Institutions indicate a foundational appreciation for STEM fields. His strong advocacy for NASA's presence at Johnson Space Center and his own history as a NASA employee demonstrate a connection to the agency, which could be leveraged to highlight how robust science funding underpins the very workforce and innovation he supports.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how increased NASA science investment directly supports STEM education initiatives and creates "lifelines for opportunity" for students in TX-09, particularly within Minority-Serving Institutions, aligning with his stated priorities.
Explore how robust funding for NASA's science mission strengthens the overall agency presence in the Houston area, including the Johnson Space Center and local contractors like Mecx, Inc., thereby supporting jobs and economic stability in his district.
Look into sharing personal stories or examples of how NASA's scientific discoveries and missions inspire students, foster innovation, or lead to technological advancements that benefit his constituents, connecting to his interest in STEM and community opportunity.
About Al Green
Earned a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1973.
Co-founded a law firm and served as president of the Houston NAACP.
Served as Justice of the Peace for Harris County, Texas, from 1977 to 2004.
Member of the Congressional Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) Caucus.
Opportunities
STEM Caucus Membership: Representative Green's membership in the Congressional Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) Caucus indicates a general interest in and support for fields foundational to NASA's scientific endeavors. (Biography)
Opposition to STEM Education Funding Cuts: Representative Green recently opposed Department of Education funding cuts to Minority-Serving Institutions, emphasizing their role as "lifelines for opportunity, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields." His district, TX-09, likely includes or benefits from such institutions and STEM education initiatives.
Direct NASA Investment in District: NASA has awarded contracts to companies within Representative Green's district, demonstrating direct federal investment and economic activity tied to the agency. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024) Mecx, Inc. and Sri Global Inc. are located in Houston, TX, and PKJ International LLC is in Stafford, TX, all within or adjacent to TX-09.
Advocacy for NASA Workforce and Presence: Representative Green participated in a March 2025 rally at NASA Johnson Space Center, protesting budget cuts and firings, and highlighted his past experience as a NASA employee, indicating strong support for NASA's operations and personnel. Johnson Space Center is a major NASA facility in the greater Houston area, directly impacting the regional economy and workforce.
Challenges
Lack of Direct Legislative Influence: Representative Green holds no current assignments on committees with direct jurisdiction over NASA's budget or space policy, limiting his direct legislative platform for advocating for increased NASA science funding.
Primary Focus on Social and Economic Justice: His legislative record and public statements consistently prioritize issues such as fair housing, civil rights, economic opportunity, and social safety nets, which may divert his legislative attention from advocating for increased NASA science and exploration funding.
Advocacy for NASA Workforce, Not Explicit Science Growth: While he has publicly supported NASA employees and opposed budget cuts impacting the workforce at Johnson Space Center, his recent statements do not explicitly advocate for increased funding for NASA's science mission directorates or exploration programs.
General STEM Education Focus: His membership in the Congressional STEM Caucus indicates support for STEM education broadly, but this does not specifically translate to a public record of advocating for increased budgets for NASA's scientific research and exploration activities.
Limited Direct Economic Tie to Core Science R&D: While his district benefits from NASA contracts, these are primarily for support services and minor equipment purchases, rather than significant research and development for science instruments or major exploration programs, which might limit a direct economic incentive to champion substantial increases in science funding. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)