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 Finstad's legislative priorities are heavily concentrated on agriculture and rural development, and he does not hold a position on any committees with direct oversight of NASA or space policy. His vote in favor of the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which proposed significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, suggests a general inclination towards fiscal conservatism that could challenge increased NASA science funding. Furthermore, the public record indicates only limited NASA science investment in his district, with just one modest grant to Winona State University, potentially limiting direct economic incentive for his advocacy.
Despite these challenges, there are potential avenues for engagement. The NASA grant to Winona State University demonstrates direct federal science investment in his district, which could be highlighted as a local benefit. His emphasis on higher education and workforce development aligns with the STEM pipeline that NASA science programs foster, and his background in policy research suggests an appreciation for evidence-based arguments. His support for government continuity also indicates a willingness to fund existing federal agencies like NASA.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how NASA's scientific research, including the planetary science grant at Winona State, exemplifies the kind of evidence-based analysis and innovation that aligns with his background in agricultural research and policy development.
Explore how the NASA grant to Winona State University directly supports local higher education and workforce development in STEM, aligning with his stated priorities for affordable postsecondary education and streamlining workforce integration.
Look into framing NASA's space science investments as strategic, long-term contributions to American innovation and economic competitiveness, which aligns with his appreciation for evidence-based policy and the continuity of government functions.
About Brad Finstad
Earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from the University of Minnesota.
Operates a family farm and worked in agricultural research and consulting.
Served as CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development, a policy research organization.
Owned Frontier Testing MN, a company specializing in soil testing for farmers.
Served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as USDA Rural Development director.
Opportunities
Local NASA-funded research: A NASA grant for planetary science research was awarded to Winona State University in his district, demonstrating direct federal investment in science within MN-01, a type of funding often supported across the aisle. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Emphasis on higher education and workforce development: Representative Finstad's official statements advocate for affordable postsecondary education and streamlining workforce integration, which aligns with bipartisan goals of developing a skilled STEM workforce. (United States Congressman Brad Finstad, 2025-09)
Background in policy research: His prior role as CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development, a policy research organization in St. Peter, Minnesota, indicates a professional appreciation for evidence-based analysis, a principle generally valued by both parties. (Wikipedia, 2025)
Support for government continuity: Representative Finstad voted in favor of a "clean" continuing resolution in March 2025 to keep the government operating, which includes funding for existing federal agencies like NASA, reflecting a bipartisan interest in stable governance. (United States Congressman Brad Finstad, 2025-03)
Challenges
No Space Committee Role: Representative Finstad does not hold any current assignments on committees with direct oversight of NASA or space policy in the 119th Congress, indicating space may not be a primary legislative focus.
Focus on Agriculture/Rural Development: Representative Finstad's stated legislative priorities and background are heavily concentrated on agriculture and rural development, potentially leading to competing demands for his attention and advocacy compared to space science.
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Finstad voted in favor of H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which proposed significant reductions to non-defense discretionary spending, a category that includes NASA's budget.
Limited Local NASA Investment: The public record shows only one relatively small NASA grant ($198K) to Winona State University in his district, suggesting a limited direct economic stake in NASA's broader science activities.