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.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, House Committee on Appropriations
Overall Summary
Representative Harder's public record frequently highlights water infrastructure, agricultural support, and healthcare access, suggesting these areas may command a greater share of his legislative attention compared to space science. However, his position on the House Committee on Appropriations is a significant opportunity, particularly given the committee's recent rejection of proposed deep cuts to NASA's overall budget, including science programs, for FY2026.
Moreover, his district benefits directly from NASA's science activities, including a $3.5 million contract for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and a grant to the University of the Pacific for exoplanet research, providing concrete local economic and academic ties. His general appreciation for science-based solutions, as seen in his climate-focused legislation, and his commitment to bipartisan investment and innovation through the Build America Caucus, also offer potential avenues for advocating for increased NASA space science funding.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific economic impact of the Applied Aerospace Structures Corp's NASA contract on Stockton, including job creation or local supply chain benefits, to highlight direct district returns on NASA science investment.
Explore how the University of the Pacific's NASA grant for exoplanet research contributes to local STEM education, fosters innovation, and prepares a future workforce in CA-09, aligning with Representative Harder's interest in education and innovation.
Look into how NASA's Earth Science missions provide critical data and research relevant to California's water management, agricultural sustainability, or climate resilience efforts, connecting space science to Representative Harder's key legislative priorities.
About Josh Harder
Holds degrees from Stanford University, Harvard Business School, and Kennedy School of Government.
Worked as a venture capitalist for Bessemer Venture Partners.
Taught business at Modesto Junior College.
Introduced legislation to stop Delta Tunnels, citing ecosystem impact.
Opportunities
Appropriations Committee Influence: As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Representative Harder holds a position that directly influences federal spending decisions, and the committee recently rejected proposed deep cuts to NASA's overall budget, including science programs, for FY2026.
Local Economic Benefit from NASA Astrophysics: His district benefits from a $3.5 million NASA contract to Applied Aerospace Structures Corp in Stockton for the WFIRST (now Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope) high gain antenna, indicating a direct local economic interest in NASA's astrophysics missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Academic Engagement in Exoplanet Research: The University of the Pacific in Stockton received a NASA grant for exoplanet atmosphere characterization, demonstrating local academic involvement in NASA's planetary science and astrophysics research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Science-Based Environmental Solutions: Representative Harder introduced the FARM Act, a climate change bill aimed at supporting farmers in addressing climate challenges, which indicates a general appreciation for science and its application to environmental issues relevant to NASA's Earth Science mission.
Commitment to Bipartisan Investment and Innovation: His leadership in the Bipartisan Build America Caucus, focused on breaking through bottlenecks for major projects and fostering innovation, suggests a willingness to collaborate across the aisle on federal investments that could extend to NASA science and infrastructure.
Challenges
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Harder's public record, including recent press releases and legislative initiatives, frequently emphasizes issues such as water infrastructure, agricultural support, and healthcare access, indicating these areas may command a greater share of his legislative attention.
Additional Sources
[1] en.wikipedia.org
"José M. Hernández. August 7, 1962. José Moreno Hernández (born August 7, 1962) is a Mexican-American engineer and astronaut. He currently serves as a Regent of the University of California. Hernández was on the Space Shuttle mission STS-128 in..."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_M._Hernández
[2] en.m.wikipedia.org
"José M. Hernández. August 7, 1962. José Moreno Hernández (born August 7, 1962) is a Mexican-American engineer and astronaut. He currently serves as a Regent of the University of California.. Hernández was on the Space Shuttle mission STS-128 in..."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_M._Hernandez