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 Gimenez's strong fiscal conservatism and explicit opposition to "wasteful climate change programs" present significant challenges for advocating increased NASA science funding, particularly for Earth science, given the proposed 47% budget cut. His primary focus on national security and lack of direct committee assignments related to space science may also limit his immediate receptiveness to broad science budget increases, especially when local economic ties to NASA's science directorate are minimal.
However, there are avenues for engagement. His office's participation in the Community Project Funding process for NASA-related requests indicates an openness to local aerospace initiatives. His public support for space exploration, Florida's aerospace industry, and STEM education provides a foundation to discuss how NASA's science programs contribute to economic growth, national security, and workforce development within his district and state.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider exploring if any local institutions in FL-28 have submitted or could submit Community Project Funding requests for NASA science-related projects, connecting directly to his office's engagement with the NASA budget process.
Look into specific NASA space science missions, such as planetary science or astrophysics, that directly contribute to technological advancements, national security capabilities, or inspire STEM education, aligning with his stated priorities for space exploration and economic growth.
Explore how NASA's scientific research and technological spin-offs, such as advancements in materials or data analysis, could indirectly benefit public safety or emergency preparedness, drawing on his background as a firefighter and FEMA committee member.
About Carlos A. Gimenez
Earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from Barry University.
Retired firefighter; served as Miami Fire Department Chief (1991-2000).
Served on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Committee.
Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner (2004-2011) and Mayor (2011-2020).
As Mayor, designated the Frost Museum of Science as an early voting site.
Opportunities
Engagement with NASA Funding Process: Representative Gimenez's office accepted Community Project Funding requests for FY2025 under the Commerce, Justice, and Science subcommittee, which directly oversees NASA's budget, and specifically included supplemental questions for NASA project requests. This process allows local entities in FL-28 to seek federal funding for NASA-related projects.
Advocacy for Space Exploration: He has publicly stated that space exploration is vital for national security and economic growth, aligning with NASA's broader mission, including its exploration programs. Florida is a key state for space exploration activities, with significant economic ties to the industry.
Support for Florida's Aerospace Industry: Representative Gimenez has publicly affirmed the importance of Florida's aerospace industry, which broadly benefits from NASA's activities and investments. His district includes Ultimate Aviation Solutions Inc., a recipient of NASA contracts for aviation components. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for STEM Education: Representative Gimenez has expressed support for STEM education initiatives, which are crucial for developing the future workforce for NASA's science and exploration programs. His district's educational institutions could benefit from increased STEM funding.
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Gimenez consistently advocates for reduced government spending and balancing the budget, as evidenced by his statement on the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which emphasized cutting "reckless spending" (Congressman Carlos Gimenez Press Release, 2024-03).
Opposition to Climate Change Programs: He explicitly supported cutting $574 million from "wasteful climate change programs" in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, indicating potential opposition to NASA's Earth science activities (Congressman Carlos Gimenez Press Release, 2024-03).
Competing National Security Priorities: His current committee assignments on Homeland Security, Armed Services, and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. & Chinese Communist Party, along with his statements, suggest a strong focus on national security and countering China, which may compete with increased NASA science funding (Ballotpedia, 2025; Congressman Carlos Gimenez, 2025).
Lack of Direct Space Science Committee Role: Representative Gimenez has no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement or influence on NASA science and exploration policy.
Limited Local NASA Science Economic Ties: The provided NASA contracts for his district are small and for general aviation components, not directly indicating significant local economic dependence on or advocacy for NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024).