Representative Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10)

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 Strickland's strong emphasis on STEM education, federal research and innovation, and environmental science, particularly through her work with the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, suggests a foundational understanding and appreciation for scientific endeavors. Her active engagement in securing federal funding and her support for initiatives like the America COMPETES Act indicate a willingness to invest in science and technology.

However, her lack of direct committee assignments related to space policy and the absence of significant local NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants present challenges. While she supports general scientific investment, her public record does not show specific advocacy for increased NASA science funding, and her focus on local economic development may compete for attention.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider highlighting how NASA's space science missions inspire students and create high-wage STEM career pathways, directly connecting to her efforts to boost STEM education and workforce development, particularly through programs like the "Strickland Fellowship" at UW Tacoma.
• Explore how NASA's Earth Science missions provide vital data and research capabilities that directly support environmental science, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration efforts, aligning with her strong advocacy for the Puget Sound Geographic Program.
• Look into how NASA's space science investments drive technological innovation and advanced research that can benefit Washington state's economy, particularly in areas like clean energy and sustainable aviation, aligning with her support for federal research and local innovators.

About Marilyn Strickland

• Earned a business degree from the University of Washington and an MBA from Clark Atlanta University.
• Helped launch the City of Tacoma's public broadband cable service, Click!, in the private sector.
• Served on the Tacoma City Council before becoming Mayor of Tacoma from 2010 to 2018.
• Previously served as President of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Opportunities

• STEM Education Advocacy: Representative Strickland actively promotes STEM education, launching the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and co-leading the bicameral Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024 to increase accessibility to high-wage STEM jobs. Her alma mater, the University of Washington, and the University of Washington Tacoma, which established the "Strickland Fellowship for Career Pathways" to build local STEM talent, provide a direct local connection.

• Support for Federal Research and Innovation: Representative Strickland supported the America COMPETES Act of 2022, a significant legislative effort to strengthen American innovation and diversify the STEM workforce through federal investment in science and research. More recently, she highlighted Washington-based innovators in national security and clean energy, recognizing companies pioneering advanced research and developing sustainable aviation technology.

• Engagement in Federal Funding Processes: Her office actively solicits "APPROPRIATIONS/NDAA REQUEST FY25" and provides resources for grant applicants, indicating a proactive role in securing federal funding for various projects, including those related to technology and infrastructure. This demonstrates a practical understanding of and engagement with the federal funding mechanisms crucial for NASA science.

• Advocacy for Environmental Science and Restoration: As co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, Representative Strickland has consistently advocated for federal funding for the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which supports the restoration of critical ecosystems through grants for local research and initiatives. This demonstrates a specific interest in environmental science and research, aligning with NASA's Earth Science mission, and has a strong local connection to the Puget Sound.

• Investment in Technology Infrastructure and Workforce Development: Representative Strickland announced $2.9 million in federal funding for the University of Washington Tacoma's "Connect Across Tacoma" project to expand broadband access and digital literacy, reflecting her understanding of the importance of technological infrastructure and a skilled workforce for economic development. Her biography also notes her role in launching Tacoma's public broadband service. [cite: biography]

Challenges

• Lack of Direct Space Policy Role: Representative Strickland does not hold any current committee assignments related to space policy or appropriations, limiting her direct legislative influence on NASA's budget and direction. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-09)
• Limited Local NASA Economic Ties: The 10th Congressional District of Washington does not show significant direct NASA Science Mission Directorate contracts or grants, potentially reducing a direct economic incentive for increased NASA science investment. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
• Strong Focus on Local Economic Development: Representative Strickland's public statements and legislative efforts frequently prioritize local economic development, infrastructure, and job creation within her district, which may compete with advocacy for increased federal space science funding. (Strickland.house.gov, 2024-05)
• General Support for Science, Not Specific Advocacy for Growth: While Representative Strickland has expressed general support for federal investments in science and technology for innovation, her public record does not indicate specific advocacy for significant increases in NASA's science or exploration budgets. (Strickland.house.gov, 2023-03)

Additional Sources

[1] spacenews.com

"Duffy just getting started as acting NASA administrator. WASHINGTON — A week after being named NASA’s new acting administrator, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy appears to be just getting started on that job while continuing to lead the..." https://spacenews.com/duffy-just-getting-started-as-acting-nasa-administrator/