Representative Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA-24)

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 Carbajal demonstrates a clear appreciation for federal science funding, evidenced by his support for the CHIPS and Science Act and his participation in a town hall expressing concern over research budget cuts, specifically mentioning Europa habitability projects. His district benefits significantly from NASA investment, with UC Santa Barbara receiving millions in grants for Earth science research, including ocean ecosystem studies and lidar development, and local companies securing contracts for advanced space-qualified lidar. This strong local connection to NASA's scientific and technological endeavors, coupled with his general support for science, suggests a foundation for receptiveness.

However, his legislative priorities are broad, and his public record indicates a primary focus on Earth science and local space operations rather than explicit advocacy for other NASA Science Mission Directorate areas like astrophysics or heliophysics. Crucially, his absence from key committees such as House Science, Space, and Technology or Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science limits his direct leverage over NASA science funding. Advocates should emphasize the broader economic and scientific returns of NASA's diverse science portfolio, linking it to his expressed support for federal research and local benefits, particularly in light of proposed budget cuts.

Preparation Recommendations

About Salud O. Carbajal

Opportunities

Challenges