Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19)

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 Panetta's district directly benefits from NASA's Science Mission Directorate, notably through a $5.0 million grant to UC Santa Cruz for exoplanet research and additional contracts for scientific instruments. His consistent "Yea" votes on appropriations bills that fund NASA indicate general support for federal spending, including science. These local economic and scientific ties provide a strong foundation for advocating for continued investment in NASA science.

However, Panetta's legislative focus often prioritizes national security, veterans' affairs, and broader economic development, and he lacks a committee assignment directly overseeing space policy. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, he faces numerous competing demands for federal funds, and there is no public record of him explicitly advocating for increased NASA science funding. While these factors present challenges, the significant local impact of NASA science programs offers a compelling argument for his office to consider increased investment, especially given the proposed FY2026 cuts.

Preparation Recommendations

About Jimmy Panetta

Opportunities

Challenges

Additional Sources

[1] panetta.house.gov

"Panetta, Obernolte, and 26 Members Call for U.S. Aviation Leadership, Integration of Advanced Air Mobility into National Airspace. February 23, 2023. Santa Cruz, CA – U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23), co-chairs..." https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/panetta-obernolte-and-26-members-call-us-aviation-leadership-integration


[2] panetta.house.gov

"Information on Services During the Partial Government Shutdown. Resources for federal employees can be found here: /services/resources-federal-employees Will my mail still arrive during the shutdown? Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by..." https://panetta.house.gov/information-services-during-partial-government-shutdown


[3] nbaa.org

"New Caucus Championing AAM. July/August 2022. Rep. Jay Obernolte and Rep. Jimmy Panetta are the co-chairs of the new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Caucus in the House of Representatives.. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-8-CA), a business owner, serves on the..." https://nbaa.org/news/business-aviation-insider/2022-07/new-caucus-championing-aam/