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 Schrier's astrophysics background and her district's receipt of nearly $9.5 million in NASA Earth science grants to Central Washington University indicate a potential receptiveness to space science advocacy. These grants, along with a contract for the DAVINCI planetary science mission, demonstrate direct local benefits from NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
However, her primary legislative focus on healthcare and lack of direct space committee assignments present challenges to securing her dedicated attention. Advocates should clearly connect increased NASA science funding to local economic development, STEM workforce growth, and broader scientific innovation, framing it within her existing support for STEM education and bipartisan science initiatives.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider highlighting how increased NASA science investment aligns with Representative Schrier's background in astrophysics and directly benefits local institutions like Central Washington University through Earth and space science education pathways.
Explore how NASA's planetary science missions, such as DAVINCI, create tangible economic benefits and high-tech jobs in her district, referencing the contract awarded to Pacific Aerospace & Electronics in Wenatchee.
Look into how NASA's science activities, particularly those in Earth science and STEM education, contribute to scientific literacy and workforce development, which can indirectly support advancements in areas like public health that are key priorities for her.
About Kim Schrier
Graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's degree in astrophysics from UC Berkeley.
Earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California Davis School of Medicine.
Practiced as a pediatrician for nearly two decades in Oregon and Washington.
Became politically active, focusing on healthcare issues, before running for Congress.
Opportunities
Scientific Background: Representative Schrier holds a bachelor's degree in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, indicating a foundational interest in space science. (Council for a Livable World, 2018)
Local Earth Science Investment: Central Washington University in her district received multiple NASA grants totaling over $9.5 million for Earth science research, including real-time GNSS analysis for natural hazards and space science education pathways. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Planetary Science Program Connection: Pacific Aerospace & Electronics, LLC, located in Wenatchee, WA, within her district, received a NASA contract for components related to the DAVINCI planetary science mission. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for STEM Education: Representative Schrier has expressed support for STEM education, including the Congressional App Challenge, highlighting the importance of science and technology for future careers. (YouTube, 2021-10)
Bipartisan Collaboration on Science-Related Legislation: She has demonstrated a willingness to engage in bipartisan legislative efforts on science and environment-related issues, such as co-leading the ENABLE Conservation Act with a Republican colleague. (House.gov, 2025-09)
Challenges
Competing Priorities: Representative Schrier consistently prioritizes healthcare as a central legislative focus, evidenced by her introduction of bipartisan legislation to invest in rural healthcare and her public statements on reducing prescription drug costs, which may divert attention and advocacy from other federal investments like NASA science. (Rep. Kim Schrier Official Press Release, 2025-04; Rep. Kim Schrier Official Press Release, 2025-09; AHA News, 2025-05)
Lack of Direct Space Committee Influence: Representative Schrier does not hold any current committee assignments directly related to space or NASA, which limits her formal opportunities to directly influence space policy and advocate for increased investment in NASA's science activities. (Authoritative Committee Data)