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.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee
Overall Summary
Representative Kennedy's scientific background and his position on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, including the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, offer a direct avenue for discussing NASA's science mission. His district also benefits from significant NASA science investments, with local companies and Brigham Young University receiving contracts and grants for Earth science and astrophysics research, providing tangible examples of local economic and academic impact.
However, his strong fiscal conservative stance and emphasis on reducing national debt present a significant challenge to advocating for increased discretionary spending, particularly given the proposed deep cuts to NASA science. While he may be receptive to arguments highlighting the scientific value and local benefits, his commitment to fiscal restraint could make him hesitant to support a substantial budget increase. Advocates should focus on framing NASA science as a strategic investment with direct returns for his constituents and the nation.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider how to frame NASA's Earth science and astrophysics research, particularly the grants at Brigham Young University, as extensions of fundamental scientific inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving, aligning with his medical and scientific background.
Explore how the significant NASA STTR contract with Care Weather Technologies in Provo demonstrates a direct local economic return on investment, fostering innovation and high-tech job creation within his district, which can resonate with fiscal conservative principles.
Look into how NASA's science mission, particularly in areas like climate studies and water resource management, contributes to national security, resource independence, or technological leadership, leveraging his role on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
About Mike Kennedy
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University.
Holds an MD from Michigan State University, indicating a science background.
Also holds a JD from Brigham Young University, practicing law and medicine.
Works as a family physician for Premier Family Medical Group.
Previously served multiple terms in the Utah State Legislature.
Opportunities
Science and Medical Background: Representative Kennedy's academic background, including a Bachelor of Science degree and an MD, indicates a foundation in scientific inquiry and an appreciation for evidence-based approaches, which may extend to NASA's scientific endeavors. (Biography)
Key Committee Assignment: As a Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Representative Kennedy holds a direct role in the oversight, authorization, and funding discussions for NASA's programs, including its science mission directorate. (Official Record, 2025)
Local Earth Science Industry Investment: A significant NASA STTR contract awarded to Care Weather Technologies Inc. in Provo, UT, for nanosatellite radar development for ocean surface winds, demonstrates direct local economic and technological engagement with NASA's Earth science objectives. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local University Earth Science Research: Multiple NASA grants to Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, for projects in water resources management, climate studies, and geospatial tools, highlight strong local academic contributions to NASA's Earth Science Mission Directorate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local University Astrophysics Research: A NASA grant to Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, supporting gravitational wave astronomy research, showcases local academic involvement in advancing NASA's astrophysics goals and fundamental scientific exploration. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Kennedy consistently emphasizes reducing the national debt and cutting wasteful spending, advocating for rolling back discretionary spending to pre-pandemic levels and a Balanced Budget Amendment, which could create pressure on the growth of NASA's discretionary science budget.
Competing Legislative Priorities: Representative Kennedy's stated top legislative priorities, such as immigration reform, healthcare reform, and achieving American energy independence, may lead to less focus and advocacy for increasing NASA science and exploration funding compared to these other areas.
Additional Sources
[1] mikekennedy.house.gov
"Rep. Kennedy Co-Leads Passed Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen DOE-NASA Partnership | Congressman Mike Kennedy. WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2025) , the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representative Mike Kennedy, Representative Nick..."
https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kennedy-co-leads-passed-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-doe-nasa