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 Latimer has demonstrated a general appreciation for science and STEM education, and his co-sponsorship of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 indicates support for the agency's overall mission. He has also publicly stated that cuts to NASA's science funding could negatively impact national security and technological leadership, and his focus on environmental initiatives aligns with NASA's Earth science objectives.
However, as a freshman Representative without a space-related committee assignment, his direct influence on NASA's budget may be limited. While his district has received some NASA science contracts, their relatively small value may not translate into strong local economic advocacy for increased funding. His broad legislative priorities and past votes against government funding bills also suggest he may prioritize other concerns or be cautious about significant new federal spending, particularly given the proposed 47% cut to NASA science.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting the specific NASA science contracts received by companies like Arrow Electronics in Purchase, NY, and how these local jobs and technological contributions align with his co-sponsorship of S.933 and his National Space Day statement supporting NASA's economic impact.
Explore how NASA's Earth science missions directly support the environmental sustainability goals he championed as County Executive, and how broader NASA science activities continue to inspire the local STEM talent he has publicly recognized.
Look into framing increased NASA science investment as a strategic, long-term investment in national security and technological leadership, which aligns with his stated concerns about effective government spending and his recognition of the broader benefits of space activities.
About George Latimer
Graduated Fordham University with a B.A. (1974) and NYU with an MPA (1976).
Worked as a budget analyst and housing coordinator early in his career.
Spent two decades as a marketing executive in the hospitality industry.
Served extensively in New York state and local government for decades.
Was Westchester County Executive from 2018 to 2025.
Opportunities
Support for NASA Authorization Legislation: Representative Latimer is a co-sponsor of S.933, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, indicating direct legislative support for NASA's overall mission and programs. (Congress.gov, 2025-03-11)
Advocacy for Space Investment: Representative Latimer was listed in the Congressional Record in May 2025 as part of a statement commemorating National Space Day, which included the assertion that "Any significant cuts to NASA's science funding would not only impact our space economy and workforce but could threaten our national security and technological leadership position." (Congress.gov, 2025-05-05)
Local Economic Connection to NASA: Companies within Representative Latimer's district, such as Arrow Electronics, Inc. in Purchase, NY, have received NASA contracts for integrated circuits and analog devices, which are critical components for various NASA missions, including science instruments. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Science and STEM Education: As Westchester County Executive, Latimer publicly applauded local high school students for their achievements in the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search, expressing confidence in their future contributions to science. (Yonkers Times, 2022-06-03; Yonkers Times, 2022-01-18)
Commitment to Environmental Science: During his tenure as County Executive, Latimer introduced and supported environmental legislation, including the Renewable Energy Database Act, and launched initiatives like "Planting Westchester" to promote climate solutions and sustainable practices, aligning with NASA's Earth science objectives. (The Examiner News, 2023-05-04; Westchester County NY Government, 2022-06-09; Westchester County NY Government, 2024-01-23)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Latimer holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement or influence on federal space policy and NASA science funding. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Competing Legislative Priorities: His public statements and campaign platform emphasize a broad range of priorities including environmental protection (focused on local climate action), infrastructure, healthcare, and community development, which may divert focus from specific federal space science investments.
Limited Direct NASA Science Economic Ties: While his district has received some NASA SMD contracts for electronic components and software, the total value is relatively small ($208K), which may not translate into strong local economic advocacy for increased NASA science funding [cite: USAspending, FY2022-FY2024].
Freshman Lawmaker Focus: As a freshman Representative who began serving in January 2025, he is likely establishing his legislative priorities and navigating the federal landscape, potentially leading to less immediate focus on specific federal agency science budgets without direct committee oversight.
Stance on Government Funding Bills: Representative Latimer has voted against recent government funding bills, citing concerns over healthcare costs and administrative spending practices, indicating a potential willingness to oppose broader spending packages that could include NASA's budget.