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 Friedman's membership on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee offers a direct opportunity for advocacy. Her recent co-signing of a bipartisan letter opposing proposed FY2026 cuts to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, specifically mentioning Earth science, planetary science (VERITAS), astrophysics (Chandra), and biological and physical sciences, is a strong indicator of her willingness to protect these programs. Additionally, her district benefits from NASA science contracts, including for lunar regolith acquisition and commercial smallsat data, providing a tangible local connection to space science investment.
However, her primary legislative priorities often revolve around housing, public safety, and environmental issues, which may compete for her focus. While her environmental advocacy aligns well with NASA's Earth Science, her public statements regarding her committee role tend to emphasize Earth-focused applications. Advocates should therefore highlight the broader scientific and economic benefits of increased investment across all NASA science directorates, beyond just preventing cuts, to fully engage her support.
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Membership: Representative Friedman's role as a Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology provides direct oversight and influence over NASA's budget and programs, including its Science Mission Directorate. (House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 2025)
Advocacy Against NASA Science Cuts: Representative Friedman co-signed a bipartisan letter on July 18, 2025, urging the NASA Acting Administrator to halt proposed FY2026 cuts to the Science Mission Directorate, specifically mentioning Earth science, planetary science (VERITAS mission), astrophysics (Chandra X-Ray Observatory), and biological and physical sciences programs, and highlighting the importance of NASA's STEM engagement. (Congresswoman Valerie Foushee Press Release, 2025-07-18)
District's NASA Science Contracts: Her district, CA-30, includes companies like Maxar Space Robotics LLC and Geooptics, Inc. in Pasadena, which received significant NASA contracts for lunar regolith sample acquisition (planetary science) and commercial smallsat data acquisition (Earth science/heliophysics). (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for DOE and NASA Research Coordination: Representative Friedman co-sponsored H.R. 1368, the "DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act," introduced on February 14, 2025, which passed the House by voice vote on March 24, 2025, indicating support for collaborative scientific endeavors involving NASA. (Congress.gov, 2025-03-24)
Strong Environmental Advocacy: Her legislative background and public statements demonstrate a consistent focus on environmental sustainability and climate change, aligning with the objectives of NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate. (Rep. Friedman Press Release, 2025-01-14; League of Conservation Voters, 2024)