Representative Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA-04)

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 McClellan has demonstrated a clear interest in space policy and scientific research, evidenced by her authorship of the Celestial Time Standardization Act and her vote to advance the NASA Reauthorization Act. She has also publicly criticized proposed cuts to science funding for agencies like NASA and engaged directly with the NASA Administrator on specific science programs, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory and local university grants. These actions suggest a foundational receptiveness to NASA's mission and the importance of scientific endeavors.

However, her lack of a direct assignment to a space-related committee may limit her immediate legislative influence on NASA's budget, and her public record does not explicitly show proactive advocacy for increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate specifically. While her district's universities receive NASA science grants, the overall direct economic footprint from NASA science contracts is modest. Advocates should highlight the specific value of increased science funding, particularly in light of the proposed FY26 cuts, connecting it to innovation, STEM workforce development, and the local university research she has already shown interest in.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider researching the specific NASA science grants received by Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University to illustrate how increased investment directly impacts her constituents and aligns with her focus on STEM workforce development.
• Explore how increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate would further enable the scientific interoperability and exploration goals she championed through the Celestial Time Standardization Act and her support for the NASA Reauthorization Act.
• Look into specific examples of how NASA science programs contribute to U.S. leadership in research and innovation, reinforcing her stated opposition to science funding cuts and demonstrating the local benefits to universities in her district.

About Jennifer L. McClellan

• Earned a B.A. from the University of Richmond and a J.D. from the University of Virginia.
• Practiced law and served as regulatory counsel for Verizon Communications.
• Served over a decade in the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate.
• Her father was a university professor; mother was a university counselor.
• First Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.

Opportunities

• Authorship of Space Exploration Legislation: Representative McClellan introduced the Celestial Time Standardization Act (H.R. 2313), which directs NASA to establish a time standard for celestial bodies to improve interoperability in space exploration and scientific research, demonstrating a proactive interest in space policy. The bill advanced unanimously out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee with bipartisan support. (Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, 2025-03)

• Support for NASA Reauthorization: She voted to advance the NASA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8958), affirming commitment to "cutting-edge research and development, scientific innovation, and exploration of the final frontier," and secured provisions for her Celestial Time Standardization Act within it. This act supports NASA's civil space activities, including human space exploration and space technology development, which could benefit NASA Langley Research Center. (Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, 2024-07)

• Opposition to Science Funding Cuts: Representative McClellan publicly criticized proposed cuts to the science portion of the CHIPS and Science Act, specifically mentioning "support for our premiere agencies like NASA, NSF, and DOE," and advocated for full funding to maintain U.S. leadership in research and innovation. Her district includes Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University, both recipients of NASA grants. (Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, 2023-08; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Championing STEM Workforce Development: She introduced the "Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act" (H.R. 9134) to strengthen mentorship in STEM programs, emphasizing that "American innovation and global leadership relies on a highly qualified, diverse STEM workforce." Her parents were educators at Virginia State University, a NASA grant recipient. (Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, 2024-07; Biography; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Direct Engagement on NASA Science Programs: During a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing, she questioned NASA Administrator Bill Nelson about the Chandra X-ray Observatory, NASA's STEM K-12 initiatives, and NASA Langley Research Center's work in hypersonics research and pollution monitoring, demonstrating interest in specific science activities. She also inquired about NASA grants to Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. (Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, 2023-04; YouTube, 2024-05)

Challenges

• No Space Committee Assignment: Representative McClellan does not hold a position on any congressional committee directly overseeing NASA or space policy, which may limit her direct legislative influence on NASA's budget and priorities. (Provided Data, 2025-09)
• Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative McClellan's public statements and legislative activities frequently highlight priorities such as voting rights, environmental justice, healthcare, and economic development, suggesting these may take precedence in her legislative agenda. (Office of Rep. McClellan, 2025-01)
• Limited Direct Space Industry Presence: While the district benefits from NASA science grants to local universities, there is no public record of significant direct space industry contracts or major NASA facility presence within VA-04, which could reduce local economic pressure for increased NASA investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
• Absence of Proactive NASA Science Advocacy: Public records from the last 24 months do not contain explicit statements or legislative actions by Representative McClellan specifically advocating for increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (Google Search, 2025-09)