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
Senator Lee's consistent advocacy for fiscal restraint and his skepticism regarding federal spending on climate science present significant hurdles for increasing NASA's science budget, particularly given the proposed 47% cut to the Science Mission Directorate. His past opposition to "green" spending and lack of a direct role on space-related committees suggest he may not be predisposed to championing increased federal investment in these areas.
However, there are clear opportunities for engagement. Utah benefits from substantial NASA science investments, including a $49.7 million heliophysics contract for Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory and grants to the University of Utah for planetary, biological, and Earth science research. Highlighting these local economic and scientific contributions, and framing NASA science as a driver of innovation and job creation in Utah, could foster a more receptive audience despite his broader fiscal concerns.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how NASA science investments directly support high-tech jobs and economic growth at Utah institutions like Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory and the University of Utah, demonstrating tangible returns for the state.
Explore how Senator Lee's past public support for NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who championed a strong science portfolio, aligns with continued investment in the agency's diverse scientific endeavors.
Look into specific examples of NASA science activities in Utah, such as heliophysics research or planetary science grants, that demonstrate the breadth of the agency's scientific mission beyond areas of fiscal or ideological concern.
About Mike Lee
Earned a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from Brigham Young University.
Served as a law clerk for federal judges, including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
Worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and general counsel for Utah's governor.
Represented EnergySolutions Inc. in a dispute concerning radioactive waste storage.
Publicly defended Jim Bridenstine's nomination to lead NASA.
Opportunities
Support for NASA Leadership: Senator Lee publicly defended Jim Bridenstine's nomination to lead NASA, indicating support for the agency's overall mission and leadership, which included a strong science portfolio.
Local Heliophysics Research: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory in North Logan, UT, received a $49.7 million NASA contract for the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE), a heliophysics mission.
Engagement with Utah Space Sector: Senator Lee visited Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory, a significant contributor to space research and development, demonstrating engagement with local entities involved in space activities.
Local Earth Science Development: Care Weather Technologies Inc. in Provo, UT, received a $2.3 million NASA contract for nanosatellite radars for ocean surface vector winds, directly supporting Earth science activities.
Local University Science Grants: The University of Utah received NASA grants for cellular and molecular biology studies and the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET), indicating local involvement in biological and physical sciences and planetary science.
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Senator Lee consistently advocates for fiscal restraint, supporting measures to reduce government expenditures and cut programs, which could lead to scrutiny of NASA's budget.
Skepticism of Climate Science Funding: Senator Lee has explicitly opposed federal spending on climate change initiatives, labeling such efforts as "climate alarmism" and arguing against large expenditures.
Opposition to "Green" Spending: Senator Lee introduced the "Energy Freedom Act" to repeal over $1 trillion in green energy tax subsidies, indicating a general opposition to federal investment in areas he views as costly and ideologically driven.
Lack of Direct Space Committee Role: Senator Lee holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct advocacy for NASA science and exploration within the legislative process. (Authoritative Committee Data, 119th Congress)
Additional Sources
[1] en.wikipedia.org
"Mike Lee. June 4, 1971. Michael Shumway Lee (born June 4, 1971) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from Utah, a seat he has held since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Lee became Utah's senior..."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Lee