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.
Representative Van Duyne's strong fiscal conservative stance and lack of direct committee assignments related to space or science suggest potential skepticism towards increased federal spending on NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Her public criticism of climate policies also indicates a likely unreceptiveness to Earth science programs, and her background in local government and housing may lead her to prioritize domestic issues over federal space science initiatives.
However, her district directly benefits from significant NASA science investments, including contracts for spacecraft instruments and heliophysics research at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her support for STEM education, federal research funding through the CHIPS Act, and advocacy for R&D tax incentives demonstrate an appreciation for scientific innovation and economic growth that aligns with NASA's mission. Highlighting these local economic and educational ties could be key to fostering a more receptive dialogue.
Direct Local NASA Science Investment: Her district benefits from significant NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts and grants, including for instruments for spacecraft and research into space weather and advanced materials. The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, TX, within TX-24, received a $4.5 million contract for a "Phase a-b bridge tps instrument for gdc spacecraft" and over $3 million in grants for heliophysics-related research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Promotion of STEM Education: Representative Van Duyne actively promotes STEM engagement among students in her district through initiatives like the Congressional App Challenge, which encourages coding and STEM careers. This program is hosted annually for middle and high school students across Texas-24.
Support for NASA's Texas Presence: She publicly supported a proposal to relocate NASA headquarters to the Johnson Space Center in Texas, indicating a general positive stance toward NASA's operations and presence in the state. This directly relates to strengthening NASA's footprint in Texas.
Support for Federal Research Funding: Representative Van Duyne voted for the CHIPS Act, which included substantial federal funding increases for university research through the National Science Foundation and for research at the Department of Energy. Increased federal research funding can benefit universities and research institutions across Texas.
Advocacy for R&D Tax Incentives and Innovation: She supported legislation for research and development expensing and served as Vice Chair of the New Economy Tax Team, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth through R&D. Policies supporting R&D and innovation can benefit technology companies and research institutions in her district and the broader North Texas region.