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) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution in honor of Pi Day, March 14. Pi (represented by the Greek letter π) is an irrational number representing the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle that mathematicians, architects, engineers, and scientists use in calculations. Although the decimal digits of π continue randomly forever, the number is commonly rounded to 3.14, making March 14 the appropriate day to celebrate the number.
WASHINGTON, DC - I am deeply concerned about reports that the Environmental Protection Agency will eliminate the National Center for Environmental Research. From day one, this administration has sought to weaken and outright eliminate science departments and programs, and this reorganization is no different. It is irresponsible to the future of this country to use the guise of efficiency and reorganization as excuses to weaken scientific inquiry.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced funding authorization for crucial projects at two national labs in Illinois. The Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act of 2017 authorizes funding for Argonne's Advanced Photon Source upgrade and Fermilab's Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF). It also authorizes funding for the Spallation Neutron Source upgrade at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.
WASHINGTON, DC - As expected, President Trump's budget proposes to follow up massive Republican tax cuts for the wealthy with cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, science, and education, while wasting countless taxpayer dollars on his wall with Mexico and unchecked military spending.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced legislation that would boost the growth of a national Fab Lab network. Fab Labs are facilities equipped with a set of tools that allow individuals to create anything using laser cutters, 3D printers, and other digitally controlled machine tools. This set of equipment enables people who have an idea for a new product to rapidly create a prototype.
Susan DeMar Lafferty, Daily Southtown
Will County, Park Forest and Richton Park joined a dozen other government entities at Argonne National Laboratory to be recognized by SolSmart for efforts in encouraging the growth of solar energy.
When it comes to energy sources, "there ain't one better than the sun," said Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg, who chairs the Energy Committee of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.
Representative Foster on Trump Administration Science Policy
Representative Bill Foster (D-IL) talked about his concerns over the Trump administration's science policy and personnel on CSPAN's Washington Journal.
WASHINGTON, DC - I was disappointed in the President's address tonight. Once again, President Trump has failed to unite the country and offer Congress tangible policy proposals that would actually grow our economy. I am ready and willing to work with my Republican colleagues to rebuild and repair our infrastructure, grow our economy, and combat the opioid epidemic. But I did not hear the President discuss how he would achieve these goals without burdening our children with future debt.
Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun
Usually when U.S. Rep. Bill Foster visits a school in his district, he's checking out the science projects students created.
While the subject of science came up Wednesday afternoon, students from Metea Valley High School were more interested in the Naperville congressman's take on the recent government shutdown and net neutrality.
Nearly 100 students grilled Foster on those subjects and other matters the teens deemed important, such as the opioid crisis, global warming, and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Susan Sarkauskas, Daily Herald
Scientists at Fermilab were told Tuesday by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry the particle physics research facility is one of the "jewels" of the United States.
"The things that you do right here in Fermi and the ability to change people's lives in a powerful way has never been greater than it is today," Perry said in a speech at an "all-hands" event in its headquarters in Wilson Hall.