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
Senator Cramer's consistent advocacy for fiscal conservatism and his lack of direct committee assignments related to space present significant hurdles for advocating for a broad increase in NASA's science budget. His public statements often prioritize military space initiatives and traditional energy sector investments, potentially overshadowing civilian space science priorities. This general posture suggests he may be wary of large, across-the-board spending increases, especially concerning the proposed FY26 cuts.
Despite these challenges, Senator Cramer has demonstrated support for NASA science activities that directly benefit North Dakota. His office has highlighted and supported grants to the University of North Dakota for Earth science research on winter storms and remote sensing, as well as for space biology research. These specific, locally impactful investments, totaling over $1.6 million in recent years, indicate a potential receptiveness to targeted NASA science programs that provide tangible benefits to his constituents and state institutions.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific impacts of the NASA grants to the University of North Dakota on local industries, job creation, or student opportunities, to highlight tangible benefits for his constituents.
Explore how NASA's Earth science data collection, similar to the intent of the PROVE IT Act, provides critical information for North Dakota's agricultural sector, resource management, or weather preparedness.
Look into personal stories or testimonials from University of North Dakota students or researchers who have directly benefited from NASA science grants, demonstrating the impact on local talent development and future innovation.
About Kevin Cramer
Holds a B.A. from Concordia College and a master's in management.
Served as North Dakota's Tourism and Economic Development Director.
Served nine years on the North Dakota Public Service Commission.
Drafted President Trump's energy policy, promoting fossil fuels.
Co-sponsored the PROVE IT Act for DOE greenhouse gas data collection.
Opportunities
Local NASA Earth Science Investment: Senator Cramer's office announced a $1.2 million NASA grant to the University of North Dakota for Earth science research on winter storms and remote sensing, demonstrating support for NASA's scientific activities that directly benefit his state.
Support for Space Biology Research: Senator Cramer's office highlighted a $499,000 NASA grant to the University of North Dakota for research into curtailing microbial risks in human habitats and spacesuit fabrics, indicating an interest in biological and physical sciences relevant to space exploration.
Interest in Scientific Data Collection: Senator Cramer co-sponsored the bipartisan PROVE IT Act (S.1863), which directs the Department of Energy to collect and analyze greenhouse gas emissions data, reflecting an interest in federal investment in scientific data and analysis.
Advocacy for North Dakota Research Funding: Senator Cramer's office regularly announces federal grants, including those from NASA and the National Science Foundation, to North Dakota institutions like the University of North Dakota for various research endeavors, indicating a general posture of supporting federal investment in science and technology that benefits his state.
Challenges
Lack of Direct Space Science Committee Role: Senator Cramer currently holds no space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, limiting his direct legislative platform to champion NASA science initiatives.
Prioritization of Military Space: Senator Cramer's public statements and legislative focus frequently emphasize military and defense-related space activities, such as the Space Force and satellite defense, which may overshadow civilian space science priorities.
Fiscal Conservatism: Senator Cramer has consistently advocated for federal spending cuts and opposed measures that would significantly increase government expenditures, indicating a general fiscal posture that could constrain growth in NASA's science budget.
Competing Energy and Economic Development Priorities: Senator Cramer's strong advocacy for traditional energy sectors, fossil fuels, and related economic development in North Dakota, including securing grants for carbon capture and rare earth extraction, may represent competing priorities for federal investment compared to NASA's broader science portfolio.