Representative William R. Timmons (R-SC-04)

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 Timmons's consistent emphasis on fiscal discipline and votes against large spending bills suggest a general skepticism towards increased federal outlays, including for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. His lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy, coupled with a focus on national security and public safety, indicates that space science may not be a top legislative priority. Furthermore, his expressed desire to reduce federal bureaucracy could lead to scrutiny of federal science programs if they are not perceived as directly serving core U.S. interests.

However, there are tangible district connections that could foster receptiveness. Furman University in his district received a $1.5 million NASA grant for astrobiology research, directly supporting planetary science objectives. Additionally, Avenger Aerospace Solutions Inc. holds a $4.6 million NASA contract for radar modification with Earth science applications. These local investments demonstrate how NASA science funding directly benefits his constituents and the district's economy, providing concrete examples for advocacy despite his broader fiscal conservatism.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider gathering specific examples of how the NASA contracts and grants in Greenville directly create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the local economy, linking investment in space science to tangible district benefits.
• Explore how NASA's Earth science and space weather research, such as the airborne synthetic aperture radar technology, contributes to national security, infrastructure resilience, or public safety, aligning with his focus areas.
• Look into the specific scientific breakthroughs or educational opportunities resulting from the Furman University astrobiology grant, emphasizing how this investment supports U.S. leadership in fundamental research and inspires future STEM talent in his district.

About William R. Timmons

• Earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy from NYU.
• Served as a prosecutor in the 13th Circuit solicitor's office.
• Currently serves as a Captain in the Air National Guard as a JAG officer.
• Previously served as a South Carolina state senator from 2016 to 2018.
• Holds degrees in international affairs, political science, and law.

Opportunities

• Local Astrobiology Research Investment: Furman University, located in Representative Timmons' district, received a $1.5 million NASA grant for research into prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life, directly supporting NASA's astrobiology and planetary science objectives. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• District Aerospace Technology Contracts: Avenger Aerospace Solutions Inc., also in Representative Timmons' district, holds a $4.6 million NASA contract for the modification of a Gulfstream-IV for next-generation airborne synthetic aperture radar, which can contribute to Earth science applications. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

Challenges

• Fiscal Discipline: Representative Timmons has consistently voted against large spending bills, such as the March 2024 "Minibus Government Funding Bill," and publicly advocates for fiscal sanity and reducing the national debt, indicating a preference for spending cuts across government programs.
• Lack of Direct Space Policy Role: Representative Timmons holds no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement or advocacy for NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (space_committees, 2025-09)
• Skepticism of Certain Federal Programs: Representative Timmons has expressed a desire to reduce federal bureaucracy and criticized "woke policy agendas," which could lead to scrutiny of federal science programs if they are not perceived as directly serving U.S. long-term interests.
• Focus on Other Priorities: His recent public statements and legislative actions frequently emphasize national security, border security, and public safety, potentially diverting focus from increased investment in NASA science.