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 Thompson's fiscal conservatism and skepticism regarding climate science present notable challenges for advocating increased NASA science funding, particularly for Earth science initiatives. His primary legislative focus on agriculture and education, combined with no direct space committee assignment, suggests that space science may not be a top-tier priority.
However, there are strong local connections that could foster receptiveness. His district benefits from over $99 million in NASA science contracts and grants to The Pennsylvania State University, directly supporting local jobs and advanced research in astrophysics and planetary science. His demonstrated support for STEM education, workforce development, and general space exploration provides a foundation to discuss how robust NASA science funding contributes to local economic growth, technological innovation, and American leadership in discovery.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching specific examples of jobs created or supported by the NASA contracts and grants at The Pennsylvania State University and other local businesses, connecting these investments to Representative Thompson's advocacy for workforce development and career and technical education.
Explore how the Community Project Funding for a NASA computer system for student simulations directly benefits local schools and students in his district, aligning with his interest in STEM education and the spirit of discovery he recognized on Astronaut Day.
Look into how NASA's fundamental science research, such as projects on X-ray telescopes or the origins of molecules in space, drives innovation that can have broad, long-term benefits for the nation, potentially resonating with his focus on energy and conservation.
About Glenn Thompson
Holds bachelor's in therapeutic recreation; dual master's in therapeutic recreation and health science.
Worked 28 years as a therapist, rehab services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator.
Served 25 years as a volunteer firefighter, emergency medical technician, and rescue technician.
Chaired the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Energy.
Opportunities
Local NASA Research Investment: The Pennsylvania State University in his district received over $99 million in NASA contracts and grants for projects including X-ray telescopes, nanomaterial sensors, and research into the origins of molecules in space, directly supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for Space Exploration: Representative Thompson recently spoke on the House floor to recognize Astronaut Day, celebrating American achievements in space and emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries and discovery.
Engagement in NASA-Related STEM Education: His office accepted a Community Project Funding request for FY2023 to construct a NASA computer system for student simulations of space missions and ground control, demonstrating a local connection to STEM principles in a real-world NASA context.
Advocacy for Workforce Development: Representative Thompson has publicly advocated for strengthening career and technical education to equip a 21st-century workforce, which is critical for supporting scientific and technological fields, including space science.
Participation in Appropriations for Science Agencies: His office actively solicited programmatic and Community Project Funding requests for Fiscal Year 2025 under the "Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies" subcommittee, which includes funding for NASA.
Challenges
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Thompson's legislative focus is heavily concentrated on agriculture, rural development, career and technical education, and energy production, which may divert his attention and advocacy from increased NASA science investment. (CTE Policy Watch, 2023-08; Representative Thompson, Issues)
Skepticism on Climate Science and Regulation: Representative Thompson has expressed skepticism regarding the degree of human contribution to climate change and has opposed certain environmental regulations, which could translate to less support for NASA's Earth science activities. (GT Thompson, 2021-04; E&E News by POLITICO, 2024-05)
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Scrutiny: Representative Thompson has a public record of supporting fiscal conservatism and scrutinizing government spending, which may lead to resistance against increasing NASA's overall budget. (Times Observer, 2025-09; McClatchy, 2025-07)
Lack of Direct Space Committee Assignment: Representative Thompson holds no current committee assignments directly related to space or science, limiting his direct influence on NASA's budget and policy within the committee structure. (space_committees, 2025-09)
Opposition to Federal Mandates: Representative Thompson has demonstrated a preference for local control over federal mandates and has opposed what he views as agency overreach, which could influence his approach to federal science programs. (E&E News by POLITICO, 2024-05)