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 Feenstra's consistent focus on fiscal conservatism and reducing federal spending suggests he may be skeptical of calls for increased NASA science funding, especially given the proposed FY2026 cuts. His lack of space-related committee assignments further indicates that NASA science may not be a primary legislative focus for him.
However, advocates have a strong opportunity to highlight the direct benefits of NASA's Science Mission Directorate to his district. Iowa State University receives significant NASA grants for Earth science research relevant to agriculture and climate impacts, and for planetary science. Additionally, local companies hold contracts supporting NASA's Earth science data infrastructure. Framing investment in NASA science as supporting local research, jobs, and economic development, particularly in areas like agricultural remote sensing, could resonate despite his broader fiscal priorities.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific details of Iowa State University's NASA-funded Earth science projects on agriculture and crop resilience to demonstrate direct local economic benefits and align with the Representative's focus on Iowa's agricultural sector.
Explore how NASA science investments, including contracts with local businesses like Regency Consulting and Earthempower, contribute to private sector job creation and economic growth within the district, framing it as a return on federal investment.
Look into how NASA's broader science portfolio, beyond local grants, drives technological innovation and maintains U.S. leadership in critical fields, appealing to his business acumen and understanding of strategic public investment.
About Randy Feenstra
Holds a Ph.D. in business, a Master of Public Administration, and a B.A. in business communications.
Served 12 years in the Iowa State Senate (2009-2021).
Previously served as Sioux County Treasurer and Hull City Administrator.
Professional experience includes sales management and university faculty.
No public record found of specific STEM or space-related professional experience.
Opportunities
Local Earth Science Research: Iowa State University in Representative Feenstra's district receives significant NASA grants for Earth science research, including projects on agriculture, climate change impacts on crops, and remote sensing, directly aligning with NASA's Science Mission Directorate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Planetary Science/Astrophysics Research: Iowa State University also secured a NASA grant for research into planet formation, demonstrating local engagement with fundamental questions in planetary science or astrophysics. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for NASA Earth Science Infrastructure: Companies in the district, such as Regency Consulting Inc., hold NASA contracts to provide IT infrastructure essential for the Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC), which supports NASA's Earth science data management and research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Research and Development Support: Representative Feenstra supported a tax bill that included provisions to help businesses "invest in cutting-edge research and development," indicating a general positive stance toward scientific and technological advancement. (Fox News Digital, 2024-01)
Local Earth Science Applications Engagement: Earthempower LTD. Co. in Ames, IA, received a NASA contract for a "Servir central america pre-hub consultant," suggesting local involvement in Earth science applications and capacity building efforts. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Ideological Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Feenstra consistently advocates for reducing "reckless government spending" and balancing the federal budget, which may lead to skepticism regarding increased federal appropriations for NASA science activities. (Rep. Randy Feenstra, 2024-11)
Absence from Space-Related Committees: Representative Feenstra holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, limiting his direct legislative leverage or dedicated focus on NASA's science and exploration portfolio. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Opposition to Broader Federal Clean Energy Investments: He voted to advance a budget reconciliation proposal that included "drastic cuts to clean energy, vehicles, and manufacturing project tax credits," indicating a preference for fiscal reductions even in areas with scientific and technological components. (Sierra Club, 2025-05)
Primary Focus on Agricultural and Local Economic Priorities: While his district benefits from NASA Earth science grants (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024), Representative Feenstra's public statements and legislative priorities heavily emphasize agricultural policy, tax cuts, and general economic development for Iowa, potentially overshadowing broader NASA science investment. (Rep. Randy Feenstra, 2023-03; Vote Your Vision, 2024-06)
Limited Proactive NASA Science Advocacy: Despite significant NASA contracts and grants in his district, Representative Feenstra's public record does not extensively feature proactive advocacy for increasing NASA's overall science budget or a broad range of its science missions. (Rep. Randy Feenstra, 2024-09; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Additional Sources
[1] republicans-science.house.gov
"Opening Statement of Ranking Member Randy Feenstra at Research & Technology Subcommittee Hearing on Small Business Innovation. April 6, 2022. Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today to share your expert..."
https://republicans-science.house.gov/2022/4/opening-statement-of-ranking-member-randy-feenstra-at-research-technology-subcommittee-hearing-on-small-business-innovation
[2] science.house.gov
"Opening Statement of Ranking Member Randy Feenstra at Research & Technology Subcommittee Hearing on Small Business Innovation. April 6, 2022. Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today to share your expert..."
https://science.house.gov/2022/4/opening-statement-of-ranking-member-randy-feenstra-at-research-technology-subcommittee-hearing-on-small-business-innovation
[3] feenstra.house.gov
"NASA Administrator Commits to Taking Necessary Steps to Root Out Potential Foreign Influence During Feenstra Questioning. June 23, 2021. WASHINGTON -- Today during a House Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Committee hearing on the National..."
https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/nasa-administrator-commits-taking-necessary-steps-root-out-potential-foreign
[4] feenstra.house.gov
"Budget & Spending. Randy is committed to standing up for American taxpayers. He is fighting against reckless, wasteful spending and working to enact fiscally responsible policies as a member of the House Committee on the Budget.For more..."
https://feenstra.house.gov/issues/budget-spending?page=11