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 Bresnahan's background as a business leader and his focus on fiscal conservatism suggest he may be skeptical of increased federal spending, particularly given the proposed 47% cut to NASA Science. His lack of a space-related committee assignment and emphasis on local economic and energy issues could mean space science is not a primary focus. Furthermore, his skepticism towards certain environmental science may pose a challenge for advocating for NASA's Earth science programs.
However, there are guarded reasons for optimism. His district benefits from NASA grants to the University of Scranton for heliophysics and Earth science research, and a local company contributes critical materials for space telescopes. His co-sponsorship of NASA workforce legislation and vote for federal funding stability indicate a general, albeit limited, support for the agency. Highlighting these direct local benefits and connecting NASA innovation to economic development could be key to gaining his receptiveness.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting the direct economic impact of NASA science investments in his district, such as the specialized manufacturing at Schott North America and the research grants at the University of Scranton, connecting these to local job creation and technological advancement.
Explore how NASA science funding at his alma mater, the University of Scranton, supports cutting-edge research and STEM education, potentially fostering a skilled workforce and innovation that aligns with his business background and interest in talent development.
Look into framing increased NASA science investment as a strategic, long-term economic driver and a fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars that generates significant returns through technological spin-offs and national competitiveness, addressing his focus on prudent spending.
About Robert P. Bresnahan
Graduated from the University of Scranton with a business degree in 2012.
Became CEO of Kuharchik Construction, a highway electrical business, in 2013.
Owner of RPB Ventures, a real estate development company.
Served as treasurer for the TecBRIDGE and Automated Vehicle Coalition boards.
Opportunities
Support for Local NASA-Funded Research: Representative Bresnahan's district includes the University of Scranton, which received NASA grants for research on ionospheric disturbances and citizen science related to solar eclipses, directly supporting NASA's heliophysics and Earth science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
District Contribution to Space Hardware: A company in his district, Schott North America, Inc. in Duryea, PA, received a NASA contract for Zerodur glass, a material critical for high-precision optics used in space telescopes and instruments. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Co-sponsorship of NASA Workforce Legislation: Representative Bresnahan co-sponsored H.R.5122, the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act in the 119th Congress, indicating support for strengthening NASA's workforce capabilities. (Congress.gov, 2025-09)
Vote for Federal Funding Stability: He voted in favor of H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which provided funding to operate the federal government, thereby ensuring continued operations for agencies like NASA. (House.gov, 2025-03)
Emphasis on Innovation and Economic Development: Representative Bresnahan's background as a CEO and real estate developer, along with his involvement with organizations like TecBRIDGE, suggests a general interest in fostering innovation and economic growth, which aligns with the broader benefits of NASA investments. (House.gov, 2025-01)
Challenges
Lack of Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Bresnahan holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct legislative influence or dedicated focus on NASA science and exploration programs. [cite: space_committees]
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Reduction Focus: Representative Bresnahan has consistently advocated for "stopping reckless spending," achieving a "balanced budget," and supported budget reconciliation packages that reduced discretionary spending, indicating a potential inclination to scrutinize federal appropriations, including those for NASA science.
Prioritization of Local Economic and Energy Issues: His public statements and legislative priorities heavily emphasize border security, local job creation, infrastructure, and the natural gas industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which may divert attention and advocacy from national space science initiatives.
Skepticism Towards Certain Environmental Science: Representative Bresnahan has expressed strong support for the fossil fuel industry, opposed bans on fracking and LNG exports, and criticized "climate crazies," which could indicate a lower prioritization or skepticism regarding NASA's Earth science activities.
Limited Public Advocacy for NASA Science: While his district has received NASA grants for scientific research, Representative Bresnahan's public record does not prominently feature proactive advocacy for NASA's broader science mission or exploration programs as a primary focus. [cite: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 14, 16, 19, 24, 27, 30, USAspending, FY2022-FY2024]