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Foster Applauds Investments in Science at Fermilab, Infrastructure, and Substance Abuse Treatment in President Obama’s FY2017 Budget

February 11, 2016

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster applauded the emphasis on science, transportation and infrastructure, and substance abuse treatment funding in President Obama’s FY2017 Budget, singling out the new construction start for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

“I’m glad to see that President Obama has identified supporting American scientific innovation, updating our transportation and infrastructure systems, and expanding opportunities for addicts seeking treatment for opioid addictions as some of his top priorities,” Foster said. “The projects identified in the Budget will advance important local and national priorities. I am disappointed, however, to see the hostile reaction from Republicans rejecting investments in these key areas.”

Foster, the only Ph.D. scientist serving in the United States Congress and a former physicist, praised continued funding for programs at Argonne National Laboratory and the approval of a new construction start for the Department of Energy’s Long Baseline Neutrino Facility at Fermi National Laboratory aimed at keeping America at the forefront of scientific innovation. In October of 2015, Congressman Foster organized a meeting with Secretary Moniz and Members of the House and Senate from Illinois and South Dakota to advocate for a new construction start and increased budget for LBNF, both of which were included in the President’s Budget.

The Budget also calls for funding of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which Foster advocated for in a letter sent to President Obama. The IAEA is the organization responsible for enforcing the Iranian Nuclear Deal, which Foster supported.

Additionally, the President’s Budget calls for increased funding for transportation and infrastructure projects, including $2.3 million for the Brandon Road Feasibility Study to develop and evaluate technologies that will prevent Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes from the Illinois River without blocking river traffic.

The Budget also includes $1.1 billion in funding for heroin and opioid abuse abatement programs to combat the nationwide heroin epidemic through medication-assistant treatment programs, increased access to treatment for addicts, and a study to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.

The President’s spending priorities also include cybersecurity and combating climate change. More information on the President’s Budget for FY2017 can be found here.