Science and Technology
As the only Ph.D. physicist in Congress, I work hard to make sure the scientific perspective has a seat at the table during policy discussions in Washington.
I am proud that our district is home to two world-class research laboratories, Argonne and Fermilab, where I spent 24 years as a high-energy particle physicist. Our national labs are the crown jewels of America’s science infrastructure, and I am proud to support robust funding so they can continue to conduct the research that is critical to addressing the challenges we face.
America must remain the world leader for science research and technological innovation. I was proud to help pass the CHIPS & Science Act, critical legislation to bolster our science infrastructure and promote American scientific and technological leadership for decades to come.
I’m also proud to support funding for increased STEM educational opportunities for students of all ages. It’s important that we open up opportunities for students from all backgrounds in the STEM fields, and I will continue to advocate for those critical resources.
More on Science and Technology
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office:
Ryan Thomas, The Hill
Congress needs a new committee that focuses exclusively on information technology, Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) said Thursday at an event hosted by The Hill.
Foster, a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, told The Hill's Steve Clemons that the growing IT sector means Congress needs more resources so that it can be nimble in its responses to issues facing the industry.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the emergency relief package announced by President-elect Joe Biden:
"It's clear President-elect Biden will waste no time delivering additional crucial economic relief for the American people and launching a comprehensive plan for efficient vaccine distribution so we can finally defeat this pandemic.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the opening of the 117th Congress:
"I am honored to represent the people of the 11th Congressional District of Illinois for another term. In just a matter of days, a new President will be sworn in and an administration that believes in science-driven policies will get to work, and I am ready to work with them to tackle the issues that the people sent us to Washington to address.
Washington, DC - This week, Congress passed a coronavirus relief and omnibus package which included the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act introduced by Rep. Foster (D-IL) and Rep. Casten (D-IL). The legislation would authorize $50 million to support the creation of multiple public-private partnership projects to develop energy storage technology that is commercially viable and can support the electrical grid. Much of the most advanced work in battery storage technology is being led by Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the bipartisan COVID relief package introduced in the House:
"I support this bipartisan package because it is a useful down payment that will provide additional economic relief for hardworking American families and small businesses struggling to make ends meet. It will also deliver critical resources needed to effectively deploy vaccines throughout the country.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement about receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine:
Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on President-elect Biden's nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy:
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the U.S. COVID-19 death toll passing 300,000 people:
"At the same time that we applaud the arrival of the first vaccines for our health care workers, we're reminded of just how deadly this pandemic has been. More Americans have died from COVID-19 than were killed in combat in World War II. The scale of this loss of life and the grief felt by so many families is immense and our thoughts are with everyone who has lost friends or loved ones to this virus.
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman John Katko (R-NY), Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) introduced the bipartisan Improving Digital Identity Act of 2020.
The legislation would work to modernize the country's lagging digital identity infrastructure with a three-pronged approach: