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.
Representative Sheri Biggs's strong fiscal conservatism and alignment with an "America First" agenda, which prioritizes domestic and national security issues, suggest she may be skeptical of calls for increased non-defense discretionary spending, including NASA's space science budget. Her focus on reducing government spending and other priorities like border security could make advocating for a significant increase challenging, especially given the proposed 47% cut to NASA science in FY2026.
However, her position on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and specifically the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, indicates direct oversight and engagement with federal R&D. Crucially, her district benefits substantially from NASA science grants, with Clemson University receiving over $4.5 million for heliophysics and Earth science research in recent years. Highlighting these direct local investments and their contribution to scientific progress, which she has publicly supported as vital for U.S. leadership in space, could be key to demonstrating the tangible value of NASA's science mission to her constituents and the nation.
House Science Committee Membership: As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Representative Biggs holds a position with direct oversight and influence over NASA's budget and scientific programs. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-09)
Emphasis on Scientific Progress in Space: Representative Biggs has publicly stated that U.S. leadership in space is linked to "scientific progress," indicating an understanding of the value of scientific endeavors within the space domain. This perspective aligns with the scientific research conducted at Clemson University in her district. (Dailymotion, 2025-05; YouTube, 2025-05)
District Benefits from NASA Science Grants: Clemson University in her district has received multiple NASA grants totaling over $4.5 million for heliophysics and Earth science research, demonstrating direct local investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Subcommittee on Research and Technology: Her membership on the Subcommittee on Research and Technology within the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee indicates a specific focus on and engagement with federal research and development initiatives, including those at NASA, which directly relates to research at institutions like Clemson University. (Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, 2025-09; Wikipedia, 2025-09)
Support for Federal Grant Opportunities: Representative Biggs' official House website provides resources and guidance for constituents seeking federal grants, suggesting a general supportive posture towards securing federal funding for various initiatives, including scientific research. (Congresswoman Sheri Biggs - House.gov, 2024-05)