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 Yakym's strong fiscal conservatism and skepticism toward environmental science present significant challenges for advocating increased NASA space science funding, particularly given the proposed 47% budget cut. His lack of a direct space committee assignment also means NASA may not be a top priority.
However, there are clear opportunities for engagement: his district, especially the University of Notre Dame, directly benefits from substantial NASA science grants in astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science. Highlighting these tangible district benefits and connecting NASA science to his stated priorities of innovation, R&D investment, and national competitiveness could make him guardedly receptive to understanding the value of sustained investment, despite his broader fiscal concerns.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider gathering specific examples or personal stories from researchers, students, or local businesses in the 2nd District who have directly benefited from NASA science grants, particularly those at the University of Notre Dame, to illustrate local economic and innovation impacts.
Explore how NASA's space science investments align with Representative Yakym's advocacy for R&D and U.S. competitiveness, perhaps by highlighting how fundamental research leads to advanced technologies relevant to his district's microelectronics and defense industries.
Look into how the scientific discoveries from NASA's Earth science grants at Notre Dame, such as those related to hydroclimate patterns or tree gene expression, provide actionable data or foster innovation that could benefit local industries or resource management, appealing to his business background.
About Rudy Yakym
Holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and business administration.
Earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in 2019.
Worked as a sales manager for Omnicity, a broadband company.
Served as director of growth initiatives for logistics and supply chain firm Kem Krest.
Previously held a vice president role in commercial real estate.
Opportunities
Support for Local Advanced Technology: Representative Yakym celebrated the expansion of the University of Notre Dame's Microelectronics Commons and Wideband Lab, noting its role in "satellite tech" and advancements in "5G/6G, satellite comms, radar, and defense tech," directly connecting to his district's technological innovation. (Press Release, 2025-08)
Advocacy for Research and Development Investment: He led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Johnson advocating for the extension of immediate Research and Development (R&D) expensing, emphasizing its importance for "advancing innovation, creating jobs, and maintaining U.S. competitiveness around the globe." (Yakym.house.gov, 2023-11)
District Benefits from NASA Science Grants: The University of Notre Dame, located within his district, has received significant NASA grants for various science activities, including astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Emphasis on Innovation and National Competitiveness: Representative Yakym's public statements consistently highlight the importance of innovation and U.S. competitiveness, aligning with the strategic goals of NASA's science and exploration programs. (Press Release, 2025-08; Yakym.house.gov, 2023-11)
Connection to Research Institution: His Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, a key recipient of NASA research funding, suggests a familiarity with and potential appreciation for federally funded scientific research. (; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Yakym consistently advocates for fiscal responsibility, reintroducing a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment and criticizing "reckless spending policies" and "unsustainable levels of borrowing and spending" (Rudy Yakym, 2025-01; 95.3 MNC, 2024-03).
Anti-Regulatory Stance: He has voted to reverse "burdensome Biden-era rules" from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE), arguing they stifle innovation and raise costs, and supported legislation that would require congressional approval for major agency rules, potentially overriding scientific judgment (LegiStorm, 2025-03; AFL-CIO, 2023-06).
Skepticism towards Environmental Science: Yakym has introduced legislation to streamline federal permitting processes, claiming "far-left activists abuse the system" of environmental review, and was associated with a budget bill that reportedly "trashed" science programs and stripped back environmental regulations (95.3 MNC, 2023-11; Renew Economy, 2025-07).
Competing Priorities (National Defense): His public statements frequently prioritize national defense, emphasizing funding for military vehicles manufactured in his district and ensuring military readiness (Congress.gov, 2025-02; Rudy Yakym, 2025-02).
Lack of Direct Space Committee Role: Representative Yakym does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement or advocacy for NASA space science activities (space_committees, 2025-09).