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.
Representative Biggs's consistent focus on federal spending cuts and skepticism towards climate science present significant challenges for advocating increased NASA science funding, particularly for Earth science missions. His lack of space-related committee assignments also limits his direct influence on NASA's budget, and he has not explicitly advocated for overall NASA science growth.
However, his recent sponsorship of the Space Research Innovation Act, aimed at deep space research through university partnerships, indicates a potential receptiveness to specific types of scientific investment. Advocates can highlight the direct economic benefits of NASA's planetary science activities in his district, such as the $17.3 million VIPER rover contract for Moog Military Aircraft LLC in Gilbert, and his past strong support for university-led missions, which he has called "money well spent" for exploration and innovation.
Sponsorship of Space Research Innovation Act: Representative Biggs sponsored H.R. 108, the "Space Research Innovation Act," introduced on January 3, 2025, which aims to enable NASA to establish a research center for deep space and interplanetary research through university partnerships. This legislation would directly benefit Arizona universities, such as Arizona State University, which he has previously highlighted for its contributions to space research.
Support for University-Led Missions: In 2018, Representative Biggs expressed strong support for university-led NASA missions, noting their efficiency and success, and specifically cited the $800 million combined budget for ASU's Psyche and UofA's OSIRIS-REx missions as "money well spent" for learning and exploration. This indicates a positive view of NASA science conducted through academic partnerships, which could benefit Arizona's research institutions.
Local NASA Science Contracts: Companies within Representative Biggs's district have received significant contracts for NASA science missions, such as Moog Military Aircraft LLC in Gilbert, AZ, which was awarded $17.3 million for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) Rover Integrated Avionics Unit. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024) This demonstrates a direct economic benefit to his constituents from NASA's planetary science activities.
Advocacy for Arizona's Role in Space: In November 2020, Representative Biggs joined other Arizona lawmakers in advocating for the state to host the permanent headquarters of the U.S. Space Command, indicating a general interest in expanding Arizona's role in the broader space sector and its associated economic development.
Engagement with University Research and Innovation: Representative Biggs participated in an Arizona State University event in August 2025, discussing energy innovation and emphasizing Arizona's potential as a leader in tech growth and the role of its universities, including ASU's "mega engineering school," in providing a skilled workforce. This engagement highlights his support for university research and technological advancement, which can align with NASA's scientific and technological goals.