Representative Young Kim (R-CA-40)

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 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.

Preparation Recommendations

About Young Kim

Opportunities

Challenges

Additional Sources

[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/