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 Tiffany's consistent emphasis on fiscal responsibility and the absence of NASA contracts or grants within his district suggest a challenging environment for advocating increased federal spending on NASA science. His lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy and past skepticism regarding climate science further complicate support for parts of the Science Mission Directorate.
However, there is a guarded opportunity if advocates can clearly articulate how NASA's science activities represent "vital research" that offers tangible economic or technological benefits, aligning with his past support for federal investments that strengthen national security and local industries. A strong, evidence-based case emphasizing long-term returns and taxpayer accountability will be crucial to resonate with his priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific NASA science initiatives or discoveries that have direct connections to Wisconsin's universities (like UW-Madison or WARF) or agricultural sector, framing them as "vital research" that aligns with the Representative's stated priorities for state institutions.
Explore how NASA science investments drive technological innovation, strengthen critical supply chains, or create high-tech job opportunities that could benefit Wisconsin's economy, drawing parallels to the Representative's support for local economic development like Fraser Shipyards.
Look into specific examples of NASA's planetary science, astrophysics, or heliophysics missions that demonstrate clear scientific returns on investment and technological spin-offs, emphasizing their value and fiscal prudence while avoiding areas of climate science skepticism.
About Thomas P. Tiffany
Earned a B.S. in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
Managed petroleum distribution for a farm cooperative and an oil company.
Operated an excursion business on the Willow Flowage since 1991.
Served as Town Supervisor and on the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation.
Previously served seven years in the Wisconsin Senate and two in the State Assembly.
Opportunities
Emphasis on "Vital" Research: Representative Tiffany has indicated that "good research" is conducted at Wisconsin institutions like UW-Madison and WARF, and that the administration "will listen" if a case is made for funding "vital" research, while also stressing taxpayer accountability. This suggests a potential openness to supporting NASA science if its value and impact are clearly articulated. (PBS, 2025-04)
Support for Local Economic and Technological Investment: Representative Tiffany supported a federal grant for Fraser Shipyards in Superior, WI-07, emphasizing its role in strengthening the domestic supply chain, bolstering national security, and supporting local shipbuilding. This demonstrates a willingness to back federal funding that yields tangible economic and technological benefits for his district. (Rep. Tom Tiffany, 2025-07)
Challenges
Ideological Barriers to Government Spending: Representative Tiffany consistently advocates for fiscal responsibility and has voted against large federal spending packages, indicating a potential reluctance to support increased government outlays, including for NASA science. (The Wisconsin Independent, 2024-03; Heritage Action, 2022-12; Tom Tiffany Issues)
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignments: Representative Tiffany holds no current assignments on committees directly overseeing NASA or space policy, which may limit his direct engagement and influence on these issues. (Ballotpedia)
Lack of Local NASA Economic Ties: No relevant NASA contracts or grants were found for organizations within Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, potentially reducing local economic incentive for increased NASA investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Competing Priorities Focus: Representative Tiffany has publicly identified immigration and inflation as his top priorities, and his legislative activities frequently focus on local economic development and other non-space-related issues. (Wisconsin Public Radio, 2024-10; Rep. Tom Tiffany - House.gov, 2024-05)
Skepticism toward Climate Science and Earth Science Funding: He has publicly questioned climate change rhetoric and opposed funding for initiatives related to climate change, which could specifically impact support for NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate activities. (YouTube, 2022-01; Rep. Tom Tiffany - House.gov, 2022-09; Institute for Legislative Analysis)