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
Senator Barrasso's direct influence on NASA's budget is limited by his lack of space-related committee assignments, and his strong fiscal conservatism may make him wary of new spending. His skepticism toward certain climate initiatives could also pose a challenge for advocating for NASA's Earth science programs. With numerous competing priorities, he may not prioritize increased NASA science funding.
However, there is guarded optimism for outreach given his background as a medical doctor and his expressed concern over cuts to federal research funding. The University of Wyoming has received multiple NASA science grants, demonstrating direct local benefits from the Science Mission Directorate in his state, which his office actively helps secure. Highlighting these specific local investments and the broader value of scientific research may resonate with his support for university funding and federal grants for Wyoming.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider gathering specific examples or personal stories from researchers at the University of Wyoming who have benefited from NASA science grants, highlighting how these investments directly support local jobs, foster innovation, and align with Senator Barrasso's appreciation for scientific research.
Explore how NASA's science investments, particularly those at the University of Wyoming, contribute to broader state priorities like STEM workforce development, economic diversification, or even practical applications for Wyoming industries, framing it as a wise federal investment that his office can help facilitate.
Look into how NASA's diverse science portfolio, including Earth science, provides practical benefits and data relevant to Wyoming's specific needs, such as water resource monitoring or severe weather prediction, to demonstrate tangible value beyond climate initiatives and build general support given his lack of direct committee assignments.
About John Barrasso
Graduated Georgetown University with a B.S. in biology and an M.D. degree.
Completed medical residency at Yale Medical School.
Practiced as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Casper, Wyoming for 24 years.
Served as president of the Wyoming Medical Society.
Opportunities
Local NASA Science Investments: The University of Wyoming, located in Senator Barrasso's state, has received multiple NASA grants for science activities, including research in biological and physical sciences, Earth science, and astrophysics, demonstrating direct local benefit from NASA's Science Mission Directorate. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for Federal Science Funding: Senator Barrasso, a medical doctor, recently expressed deep concern over cuts to federal research funding and emphasized upholding scientific standards, indicating a general appreciation for federal investment in science and a potential for bipartisan alignment on this issue. (RealClearScience, 2025-09; GlobalData, 2025-09; CBS News, 2025-09)
Support for University Research Funding: Senator Barrasso co-sponsored S. 3699 to reauthorize the Department of Energy's Office of Science, specifically noting its expansion of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to help universities like the University of Wyoming compete for federal research dollars. (Barrasso.senate.gov, 2022-03)
Facilitation of Federal Grants: Senator Barrasso's official website states his office provides resources and letters of support for Wyoming organizations and communities applying for federal grant funding, demonstrating a proactive stance in securing federal research investment for his state. (Barrasso.senate.gov, Undated)
Challenges
Lack of Direct Committee Influence: Senator Barrasso has no current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which limits his direct legislative influence over NASA's budget and policy. (Authoritative Committee Data)
Fiscal Conservatism and Opposition to "Wasteful" Spending: Senator Barrasso has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility and criticized what he deems "wasteful Washington spending," including "climate projects overseas," which could extend to federal science funding if not directly tied to immediate national priorities.
Prioritization of Traditional Energy and Skepticism of Climate Initiatives: He is a strong proponent of traditional energy sources and has expressed skepticism towards certain climate-related initiatives, potentially impacting support for NASA's Earth science activities.
Strong Competing Priorities: Senator Barrasso frequently emphasizes other key priorities such as Wyoming's energy future, tax cuts, border security, and rural healthcare, which may divert focus and resources from advocating for increased NASA science and exploration funding.