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 Kim's receptiveness to increased NASA space science funding is mixed. While she has a strong record of advocating for STEM education and recently co-signed a bipartisan letter opposing cuts to the Mars Sample Return mission, citing "lost science," her current lack of space-related committee assignments and broader fiscal conservative priorities may present challenges. Advocates should anticipate her scrutiny of government expenditures, particularly given the proposed 47% cut in FY 2026.
However, the presence of significant NASA science grants to Chapman University within her district, spanning Earth science and surface biology, offers a clear local connection. Highlighting these direct district benefits, alongside the economic and scientific value of missions she has previously supported, could resonate. Framing increased investment as critical for innovation and local economic impact, rather than solely as an expenditure, will be key to garnering her support.
STEM Education Advocacy: Representative Kim has consistently advocated for increased education funding in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), co-leading a bipartisan resolution in April 2025 to recognize Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month and emphasizing STEM's role in innovation and economic growth. This aligns with NASA's efforts to develop the future science workforce. (Rep. Young Kim Press Release, 2025-04)
Support for Mars Sample Return Mission: In November 2023, Representative Kim co-signed a bipartisan letter opposing NASA's proposed funding cuts to the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, citing concerns about job losses and "a decade of lost science." This demonstrates direct support for a significant planetary science program. (The San Fernando Valley Sun, 2023-11)
Local NASA Science Grants: Chapman University in Orange, CA, within Representative Kim's district, received multiple NASA grants between FY2022 and FY2024 for projects directly related to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, including Earth science (water management, ecostress, sea surface salinity) and surface biology and geology. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local NASA Technology Contracts: Suss Microtec Inc. in Corona, CA, also within CA-40, received NASA contracts between FY2022 and FY2024 for high-tech equipment, including a UV light source upgrade for NASA Glenn Research Center, indicating local industry engagement with NASA's technological infrastructure that supports scientific endeavors. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Past Space Policy Engagement: Representative Kim previously served on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee during the 117th Congress, demonstrating a historical interest and direct engagement with space policy and NASA's research and exploration missions. (Rep. Young Kim Press Release, 2021-02)
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Kim does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit her direct engagement with NASA's space science and exploration portfolio. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Scrutiny: Representative Kim has consistently emphasized combating "reckless spending" and lowering taxes as legislative priorities, indicating a general fiscal conservative posture that could lead to scrutiny of government expenditures, including NASA's budget. (Los Angeles Times, 2024-02-01; Congresswoman Young Kim, 2022-10-20; Congresswoman Young Kim, 2025-02-26)
Competing Legislative Priorities: Her primary legislative focus is on foreign affairs, financial services, combating inflation, and border security, as evidenced by her committee assignments (House Foreign Affairs, House Financial Services) and public statements, potentially diverting attention from space science initiatives. (Fullerton Observer, 2025-01-12; ABA Banking Journal, 2025-01-08; POLITICO Pro, 2025-08-27)
Skepticism Towards Environmental Funding: Representative Kim's voting record reflects a low pro-environment score (18% in 2024, 14% in 2023) from the League of Conservation Voters, which may indicate a predisposition to question or limit funding for Earth science activities, particularly those related to climate change. (League of Conservation Voters, 2024, 2023)
[1] youngkim.house.gov
"Young Kim, Women in STEM Co-Chairs Introduce Bill Honoring Female Astronaut Pioneers. Jul 17, 2023. Washington, DC – Today, Women in STEM Caucus Co-Chairs Young Kim (CA-40), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Haley Stevens (MI-11)..." https://youngkim.house.gov/2023/07/17/young-kim-women-stem-co-chairs-introduce-bill-honoring-female-astronaut/
[2] youngkim.house.gov
"Rep. Young Kim: Senate Democrats and Speaker Pelosi hijacked a bipartisan, good-faith effort to support space innovation to move forward with their partisan agenda. Jan 13, 2022. Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39), who..." https://youngkim.house.gov/2022/01/13/rep-young-kim-senate-democrats-and-speaker-pelosi-hijacked-bipartisan-good/
[3] science.house.gov
"Democrats Gut Key NASA Policy to Replace it with Federal Election Takeover. . (Washington, DC) House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas was joined by Space & Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Brian Babin and..." https://science.house.gov/2022/1/democrats-gut-key-nasa-policy-replace-it-federal-election-takeover
[4] youngkim.house.gov
"Rep. Young Kim to Serve on Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. Feb 26, 2021. Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) issued the following statement after being selected to serve on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House..." https://youngkim.house.gov/2021/02/26/rep-young-kim-serve-space-and-aeronautics-subcommittee/