Rally support by showing allies are interested – e.g.
Use international collaboration as leverage by showing allies want a coordinated U.S. home for post-ISS research partnerships. Frame NISR as the organizing hub that keeps allies aligned with U.S. platforms instead of shifting toward China’s Tiangong. Keep the pitch focused on leadership and continuity, while acknowledging some lawmakers resist new commitments.
Why this works
- Plays to U.S.
- leadership narrative, and might share costs in future.
National Taxpayers Union
AdvocacyAdvocating for taxpayers’ interests and limited government
National Taxpayers Union (NTU) is a conservative-leaning advocacy group founded in 1969 that advocates for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and free-market economic policies. NTU often opposes tariffs and trade barriers that it views as hidden taxes on consumers:. The organization lobbies Congress and engages its members to support fiscally conservative measures, publishes scorecards on lawmakers’ votes, and occasionally partners across the aisle on issues like government transparency.
Mechanism
About GrassrootsHow National Taxpayers Union uses funding
- Engage research institutions and allies to signal willingness to collaborate through a U.S. institute framework.
- Translate interest into letters, statements, and testimony usable in congressional advocacy.
- Link collaboration to ISS legacy and the post-ISS transition described in the cause materials.
- Frame collaboration as strengthening leadership and potentially sharing costs, without creating open-ended commitments.
- Address concerns about entangling obligations by keeping partnerships voluntary and scoped.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Partner interest mapped
Near termTarget partners and messages are identified.
- 2
Public signals secured
Near termStatements of collaboration interest are obtained.
- 3
Congressional briefings delivered
This sessionCollaboration case appears in hearings or briefings.
- 4
Collaboration integrated into planning
After advancementCollaboration elements are reflected in institute plans.