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
Alex Ortiz, The Herald-News
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster highlighted Obama-era federal investments he argued were key to successful vaccine development during a committee meeting on Friday.
Foster, D-Naperville, questioned Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, during a hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.
Washington, DC – Today, at a hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) highlighted the work done and investments made during the Obama administration that are directly responsible for the successes of current vaccines in development. Specifically, Foster pointed to President Obama's decision to invest in mRNA vaccine research, which is one platform being used to develop potential vaccines in record time.
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House unanimously adopted an amendment offered by Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) as part of the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education.
The amendment eliminates a long-standing appropriations rider in the bill that prevents HHS from adopting standards related to unique health identifiers for patients. Unique patient identifiers could aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19, and prevent "doctor shopping" for opioid prescriptions, lower costs, reduce medical errors, and save lives.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bill Foster, D-Ill., and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore today led a bicameral group of 80 other colleagues in urging Donald Trump not to resume explosive nuclear testing after a 28-year hiatus. This letter comes in response to reports indicating the administration is considering taking this step.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after it was reported that the U.S. COVID-19 death toll surpassed 100,000 people:
Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Heroes Act:
"I voted for the Heroes Act because it's crucial that we deliver more economic relief to hard working Americans, and that we provide much needed funding for states like Illinois and communities like those in the 11th District that are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL) led a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration urging them to speed up the evaluation and approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine, and to prepare for a more rapid deployment to the public. The letter was signed by 35 Members of Congress.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that widespread COVID-19 antibody testing is close to being deployed:
Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) led a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in support of their efforts to encourage innovation in COVID-19 testing, and urging them to rapidly deploy COVID-19 antibody tests that have met accuracy and safety standards as rapidly and widely as possible.
Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Partnerships for Progress and Prosperity (P3) Act to strengthen the classroom to career pipeline for American students by creating a grant program to promote educational partnerships between schools and employers.