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 Bergman's strong fiscal conservative stance and consistent calls for reduced federal spending, alongside his prioritization of defense and border security, suggest a challenging environment for advocating increased NASA science funding. His opposition to climate-related legislation also indicates potential resistance to significant portions of NASA's Earth science portfolio. Furthermore, his record of voting against broader spending packages, combined with no direct role on space-related committees, may limit his receptiveness to new or expanded investments in this area.
Despite these challenges, there are compelling local connections that could foster receptiveness. Michigan Technological University in his district receives substantial NASA grants for critical Earth science research, including wildfire smoke and volcanic activity, as well as astrophysics projects like the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Additionally, local businesses benefit from NASA contracts for specialized fabrication and environmental equipment, demonstrating direct economic contributions from the agency. Highlighting these tangible benefits and the district's role in advancing NASA's scientific missions could be key to garnering his support.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how NASA science investments directly support veteran-owned small businesses in the district, such as Northern Wings Repair, demonstrating tangible local economic benefits and aligning with his military background.
Explore specific NASA-funded research projects at Michigan Technological University, like the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) program, to showcase local contributions to scientific discovery, education, and technological advancement.
Look into how NASA's science mission investments, while federal spending, yield significant returns in technological innovation, job creation, and national competitiveness, aligning with principles of efficient resource allocation.
About Jack Bergman
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General, serving since 2017.
Naval Aviator, flying rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including CH-46 and KC-130.
Commanded Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North.
Completed Naval Aviation Flight Training and advanced military education.
Holds an MBA; served as a flight instructor for T-28 aircraft.
Opportunities
Local Science Research Investment: Michigan Technological University in Representative Bergman's district receives substantial NASA grants for Earth science and astrophysics research, directly supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Economic Engagement with NASA: Businesses within the First District hold NASA contracts for specialized fabrication services and environmental monitoring equipment, demonstrating local economic benefit from NASA's broader mission support. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Continued Federal Funding: Representative Bergman voted in favor of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, which averted a government shutdown and ensured the ongoing funding of federal agencies, including NASA. (AFL-CIO, 2023-09-30)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Bergman has consistently advocated for reducing federal spending and reining in bureaucracy, stating a desire to cut trillions in spending across federal programs and services. (WLUC, 2025-02)
Opposition to Climate-Related Spending: He has publicly opposed legislation, such as the "Inflation Reduction Act," characterizing it as an "absurd scheme to bolster a terrible green new deal agenda," which indicates potential resistance to funding for climate-related science, including NASA's Earth science. (WLUC, 2022-08)
Prioritization of Defense and Border Security: Representative Bergman has identified providing for the common defense and securing the border as top congressional priorities, which may lead to a focus on these areas over other federal investments. (U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, 2023-07)
Lack of Direct Space Policy Committee Role: Representative Bergman currently holds no committee assignments directly related to space policy, which may limit his direct engagement or influence on NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (AUTHORITATIVE COMMITTEE DATA)
Record of Voting Against Appropriations: He has repeatedly voted against continuing resolutions and broader spending packages, citing concerns over issues like border security, indicating a willingness to risk government shutdowns that could disrupt NASA funding. (The Michigan Independent, 2024-03)