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 Scott's primary legislative focus on education, labor, and workforce development, combined with his lack of direct space-related committee assignments, suggests that increased NASA science funding may not be a top legislative priority for him. His public statements on federal spending reductions primarily emphasize protecting social programs, rather than specifically highlighting NASA's Science Mission Directorate as a key area for robust investment.
However, the significant NASA science contracts and grants in his district, totaling over $369 million, provide a strong local economic and employment argument for continued investment, particularly at institutions like Hampton University and the National Institute of Aerospace Associates. His consistent advocacy for STEM education and Minority Serving Institutions, as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, aligns well with NASA's research and workforce development needs, offering a potential avenue for engagement.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider identifying specific individuals or programs at Hampton University or the National Institute of Aerospace Associates that directly benefit from NASA science funding, to illustrate local job creation and STEM education opportunities.
Explore how NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities, particularly those involving Minority Serving Institutions like Hampton University, directly contribute to STEM workforce development and inspire future scientists, aligning with his focus on education and his mother's background.
Look into how increased investment in NASA's space science could translate into additional research grants, contracts, and job growth within his district, potentially aligning with his interest in securing Community Project Funding for local economic development.
About Robert C. "Bobby" Scott
Graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in government (1969).
Earned a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School (1973).
Served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and Army Reserve (1970-1976).
Practiced law privately before serving in the Virginia state legislature.
His mother was a chemistry graduate and science educator.
Opportunities
Significant Local NASA Investment: Representative Scott's district receives substantial NASA contracts and grants, totaling over $390 million, supporting science missions like the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) and advanced entry systems technology at institutions such as Hampton University, Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc., and the National Institute of Aerospace Associates in Hampton, VA. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for STEM Education and Workforce: As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Representative Scott consistently advocates for federal funding for education, including for Minority Serving Institutions, which aligns with NASA's STEM pipeline and workforce development needs. (Congressman Bobby Scott, 2025-09; Politico Pro, 2025-01)
Personal Connection to Science Education: His biography notes his mother was a chemistry graduate and science educator, suggesting a personal appreciation for science and its role in educational advancement. (Biography)
Active Pursuit of Community Project Funding: Representative Scott actively submits Community Project Funding requests for his district, demonstrating a commitment to securing federal investments for local priorities, including tech-focused education and workforce training in Hampton Roads. (Congressman Bobby Scott, 2024; Congressman Bobby Scott, 2025)
General Opposition to Funding Cuts: Representative Scott has issued statements opposing cuts to federal funding for education and other programs, indicating a general posture of supporting robust federal investment rather than reductions. (Congressman Bobby Scott, 2025-09)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Committee Engagement: Representative Scott has no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct influence and focus on NASA science and exploration policy. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Competing Legislative Priorities: His public record consistently highlights a primary legislative focus on education, labor, and workforce development, suggesting that NASA science and exploration may not be among his top priorities. (House.gov, 2025-01; WVTF, 2022-11; Politico Pro, 2025-01)
Limited Public Advocacy for Space Science: While his district benefits from significant NASA contracts and grants, recent public records do not show explicit statements or legislative actions by Representative Scott advocating for increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate or exploration activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Budgetary Focus on Social Programs: Representative Scott's recent statements on federal spending primarily emphasize protecting education, healthcare, and social safety nets from cuts, without specifically highlighting NASA science as a key protected area. (House.gov, 2025-09; YouTube, 2025-02)
Additional Sources
[1] bobbyscott.house.gov
"Scott Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. December 12, 2013. WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on H.J. Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act, which establishes overall discretionary..."
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-bipartisan-budget-act-2013