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 Baumgartner's strong fiscal conservative stance and emphasis on reducing government spending present a significant challenge for advocating increased NASA space science funding, especially given the proposed 47% budget cut for FY2026. His lack of direct committee assignments related to space also limits his immediate influence on NASA's budget. Furthermore, his skepticism towards certain climate-related policies may make it difficult to advocate for NASA's Earth science activities.
However, there are clear opportunities for engagement. Washington State University in his district receives substantial NASA grants for deep space exploration, astrophysics, and Earth science, demonstrating a direct local connection to the Science Mission Directorate. His past engagement with WSU researchers impacted by federal funding cuts and support for local scientific infrastructure suggest he is receptive to the importance of federal research dollars and innovation within his district, providing a strong basis for discussing the local benefits of NASA's science investments.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting specific NASA science grants at Washington State University, particularly those in Pullman, and how they contribute to local job creation, technological innovation, or educational opportunities within his district.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's space science activities can be framed as a strategic national investment that yields economic returns, fosters advanced technology, and enhances U.S. competitiveness, aligning with his economics background and interest in AI.
Look into how NASA's Earth science or space agriculture research at WSU might connect to his father's background in forestry and natural resources, or his own support for agricultural innovation, to find common ground beyond traditional climate policy discussions.
About Michael Baumgartner
Earned degrees in economics and mathematics from Washington State University and a master's from Harvard.
Father was a professor of Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences.
Served as an economics officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad during the Iraq War.
As State Senator, championed establishing a new medical school at Washington State University.
Co-taught a course at Washington State University on strategy and critical thinking.
Opportunities
Local NASA-funded Research: Washington State University in his district receives multiple NASA grants for activities including deep space exploration, astrophysics, and Earth science, demonstrating a direct local connection to NASA's Science Mission Directorate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Engagement with Research Funding: Representative Baumgartner met with Washington State University researchers impacted by federal funding cuts, indicating an awareness of the importance of federal research dollars to local institutions. (The Spokesman-Review, 2025-02-24)
Support for Research Infrastructure: He requested Community Project Funding for the USDA-ARS Plant Biosciences Building in Pullman, WA, to equip it for agricultural innovation researchers, showing support for federal investment in local scientific infrastructure. (House.gov, 2025-03-25)
Advocacy for Advanced Technology: Representative Baumgartner introduced the American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act to establish a national framework for AI development, signaling an interest in fostering technological advancement and innovation. (Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, 2025-09-22)
Demonstrated Bipartisan Collaboration: He participated in a bipartisan congressional delegation to China in September 2025, welcoming educational exchange, and previously passed legislation with strong bipartisan support, suggesting a willingness to work across the aisle on issues. (The Spokesman-Review, 2025-09-23; House.gov, 2025-09-22)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Representative Baumgartner does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct influence or dedicated focus on NASA's space science and exploration activities.
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Prioritization: Representative Baumgartner consistently advocates for reducing government spending and national debt, stating a need to "look at spending prioritization" due to a significant budget deficit and national debt, which could lead to scrutiny of federal agency budgets, including NASA's science activities. (House.gov, 2025-09; KREM, 2025-07; VoteBaumgartner.com, 2024-11)
Competing Policy Priorities: His publicly stated priorities and legislative focus emphasize issues such as border security, national security, agriculture, and local economic development, potentially diverting attention and resources from advocating for increased NASA science and exploration funding. (House.gov, 2025-09; The Spokesman-Review, 2025-01)
Skepticism Towards Certain Climate-Related Policies: Representative Baumgartner opposes carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs, and his public discourse on climate change emphasizes an "all-of-the-above energy policy" rather than climate research, which could indicate less inclination to support increased funding for NASA's Earth science activities. (House.gov, 2025-06; KREM, 2024-10)