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 Cammack's receptiveness to increased NASA space science funding presents a mixed picture. While she has demonstrated a general legislative posture supportive of scientific inquiry and engagement with NASA authorization, her fiscal conservatism and focus on other priorities like border security could pose challenges. However, the significant NASA Science Mission Directorate investments at the University of Florida in her district, totaling over $40 million in recent years for projects like LISA and astrobiological investigations, offer a strong local economic and scientific argument for continued support.
Given the proposed 47% cut to NASA science in FY2026, emphasizing the direct local benefits and the potential loss of these high-value research programs and jobs in her district will be crucial. Her co-sponsorship of interagency research collaboration and engagement with NASA authorization legislation also suggest an openness to understanding NASA's broader mission, which could be leveraged to highlight the value of science beyond specific climate-related concerns.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider exploring how the significant NASA science investments at the University of Florida directly support local jobs and economic growth in her district, aligning with her public advocacy for Florida's aerospace presence and its economic benefits.
Look into how NASA's space science initiatives, particularly those involving advanced technology and interagency collaboration, contribute to U.S. technological leadership and national security, aligning with her background in national defense and support for collaborative research.
Explore how personal stories from constituents, detailing the impact of NASA science on education, local innovation, or career paths, can effectively demonstrate the broader value of these investments and resonate with her engagement on NASA authorization legislation.
About Kat Cammack
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations.
Holds a Master of Science in national defense and strategic studies.
Served as Deputy Chief of Staff for former Representative Ted Yoho.
Has professional experience in political consulting and congressional staff roles.
Opportunities
Local NASA Science Investment: The University of Florida, located in Representative Cammack's district, has received significant NASA Science Mission Directorate grants for projects including the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and astrobiological investigations, demonstrating a direct local economic and scientific benefit from NASA science funding. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Interagency Research Collaboration: Representative Cammack co-sponsored the "DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act" (H.R.1368), which authorizes a partnership for cross-cutting and collaborative research between the Department of Energy and NASA, including areas relevant to space science like dark matter. (Congress.gov, 2025-02)
General Support for Scientific Research Opportunities: Representative Cammack co-introduced the bipartisan "Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood (SEAS) Act" (H.R. 5002), which includes provisions for scientific research opportunities within the USDA, indicating a general legislative posture supportive of scientific inquiry and funding. (Representative Kat Cammack, House.gov, 2025-08)
Engagement with NASA Authorization Legislation: Representative Cammack is a co-sponsor of the "NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025" (S.933), indicating engagement with the legislative process that defines NASA's overall mission and funding framework. (Congress.gov, 2025-03)
Advocacy for Florida's NASA Presence: Representative Cammack has publicly supported the relocation of NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast, emphasizing the economic benefits, collaboration with private space companies, and utilization of the state's aerospace workforce. (Florida Politics, 2025-02)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative Cammack does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit her direct influence on space policy and funding decisions.
Focus on Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Cammack has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility and reducing government spending, which could lead to scrutiny of federal appropriations, including those for NASA science.
Emphasis on Border Security and National Security: Cammack frequently highlights border security and national security as top legislative priorities, potentially diverting focus and resources from other federal investments like space science.
Skepticism of Climate Change Initiatives: Cammack has expressed skepticism regarding the severity of climate change and policies aimed at addressing it, which could indicate a reluctance to support Earth science funding within NASA that focuses on climate research.
Additional Sources
[1] ifapray.org
"Why the NASA Bill Is Actually a Freedom to Cheat Act. . BREAKING: Rep. Kat Cammack posted a great video about the ‘voting rights’ bill that the House of Representatives voted for last week–they took an old NASA bill, left the title, and edited it..."
https://ifapray.org/blog/why-its-actually-a-freedom-to-cheat-act/
[2] ratherexposethem.org
"House Dems Pass Radical Federal Elections Takeover Via NASA Bill. . Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-Fl.) explains to The New American’s Christian Gomez, how on Thursday, January 13, by a vote 220 Yeas to 203 Nays, House Democrats passed H.R. 5746,..."
https://ratherexposethem.org/2022/01/15/house-dems-pass-radical-federal-elections-takeover-via-nasa-bill/