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 Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Maloy's position on the House Appropriations Committee presents a direct opportunity to influence NASA's budget, and her committee's stated priority for "fundamental scientific research, and space exploration" offers a potential opening. Furthermore, her district has directly benefited from NASA science contracts and grants totaling nearly $1 million over the last three years, including awards for science instruments, high-temperature space transmitters, and Earth observation data preservation, demonstrating tangible local economic impact. Her background in agriculture and conservation also suggests a foundational understanding and potential appreciation for NASA's Earth science data.
However, advocates should anticipate skepticism due to her strong emphasis on fiscal conservatism, "stopping out-of-control spending," and "waging war on 'government waste'." While her focus on public lands aligns with some aspects of NASA Earth science, it may also indicate competing legislative priorities. To be most effective, advocates should clearly articulate how increased NASA science investment aligns with fiscal responsibility and delivers direct, verifiable benefits to her constituents and national interests.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific local companies and organizations in her district (Star Cases LLC, Innosys, Utah Geological Survey) that received NASA science contracts and grants, and be prepared to discuss how these awards support local jobs and technological innovation.
Explore how NASA's Earth science data and research directly support agricultural practices, natural resource management, and public land conservation efforts in Utah, aligning with her professional background and legislative priorities.
Look into specific examples of how NASA science investments have demonstrated fiscal responsibility and delivered tangible benefits or cost savings, particularly in areas relevant to Utah's economy or natural resources, to address her stated concerns about government spending.
About Celeste Maloy
Earned a degree in agriculture from Southern Utah University.
Worked 11 years as a soil conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Served as deputy county attorney, specializing in public land and water law.
Chief legal counsel for U.S. Representative Chris Stewart's district and D.C. offices.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Membership: Her position on the House Committee on Appropriations provides a direct avenue to influence NASA's budget and advocate for science programs. (U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy - House.gov, 2023)
Local NASA Science Contracts: Three organizations in her district received NASA contracts/grants for science-related instruments, high-temperature transmitters for space, and Earth observation data preservation, demonstrating direct local economic benefit from NASA science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Background in Agriculture and Conservation: Her degree in agriculture and 11 years as a soil conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service suggest an understanding and appreciation for Earth science and environmental data, which NASA provides. (U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy - House.gov, 2023)
Support for Federal Science and Space Exploration: The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2026, which she would influence as an appropriator, explicitly prioritizes "fundamental scientific research, and space exploration" at fiscally responsible levels. (House Appropriations Committee Report, 2025)
Advocacy for Public Lands and Natural Resources: Her consistent focus on public lands and natural resources, including reintroducing a bipartisan search and rescue bill, aligns with the data and research provided by NASA's Earth Science division. (U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy - House.gov, 2025)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Maloy explicitly prioritizes "stopping out-of-control spending" and "reining in inflation," and advocates for a "smaller and more accountable" government, which may lead to skepticism regarding increased federal appropriations for NASA science.
Competing Priorities (Public Lands): Her extensive background and public statements consistently emphasize public lands access, management, and local control, indicating that her primary legislative focus may be on these issues rather than space science.
Scrutiny of Government Spending Efficacy: Maloy has been linked to organizations accused of misusing public funds and has expressed a commitment to "waging war on 'government waste'," suggesting a high level of scrutiny for federal program efficacy and accountability.