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
Lee Ferran, Real Clear Life
A physicist by training, Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) brought some scientific gravitas to the House floor this week when he made his case against spending taxpayer money on a potential new satellite-based missile defense system reminiscent of President Ronald Reagan's infinitely optimistic and ultimately failed Star Wars program.
Joliet, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that the University of St. Francis will receive an award from the National Science Foundation in the amount of $957,217. The funding will provide scholarships and stipends for undergraduate STEM majors who are pursuing teaching careers at high-need high schools. USF will use the award to increase the number of STEM majors successfully completing biology and mathematics licensure for secondary education.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) called on the National Science Foundation to implement reforms to foster a better work and research environment for all scientists and researchers. Foster sent a letter to the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) urging the implementation of policies to require institutions to notify the NSF of findings of harassment by personnel on new grants and the institution's response to those findings. The letter was signed by 32 Members of Congress.
Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun
An innovation hub already is drawing young, tech-savvy talent to the Naperville area to design the machines of the future.
The new high-tech incubator along the Interstate 88 high-tech corridor, known as Hub88, is on schedule to officially open sometime in September, said Glenn Luckinbill, one of organizers.
Kids, however, are getting an early chance to experience what Hub88 has in store for them this summer.
Alex Ortiz, Herald-News
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran has at least one local congressman voicing his opposition.
Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, argued in a statement that withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran will make the U.S. less safe and undermine the country's credibility as a "stable and reliable negotiating partner."
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Foster released the following statement on President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Iran Nuclear Deal:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) reintroduced a resolution to fund the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) will lead the resolution in the Senate. The Office of Technology Assessment provided Congress with nonpartisan policy advice and identified cost-effective areas for future investment that saved taxpayers billions of dollars. It was defunded in 1995, but it still remains a legally authorized organization.
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Steven Knight (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5610, the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act. The legislation would authorize $45 million to support the creation of three public-private partnership projects to develop energy storage technology that is commercially viable and can adequately support the electrical grid. The BEST Act would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish aggressive "moonshot" goals to develop improved capacity and lower costs for grid-scale storage.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a resolution in support of science diplomacy in the United States and around the world. This resolution recognizes that the United States and the world must continue to work together to address complex global challenges while highlighting that collaboration advances the diplomatic interests of the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement on the 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act:
"I supported this omnibus bill, which represents a clear and final rejection of President Trump's flawed budget. It includes funding for critical areas, including infrastructure, election protection, scientific research, and treatment for opioid addiction. It also gives our military servicemen and women a well-deserved raise.