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) urged the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to retract any order that bans the use of particular words or phrases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in budget requests. The letter was signed by 73 Members of Congress.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced a House resolution to designate December 3 as National 3D Printing Day. The resolution would also recognize the positive economic impact of 3D printing in the United States and encourage the promotion and celebration of 3D printing technology.
Alex Ortiz, The Herald-News
JOLIET - Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, announced Tuesday that Joliet Junior College was awarded a National Science Foundation grant worth $649,901, according to a press release from Foster's office.
The money will go to the Supporting Science Students through Scholarships, Academic and Social Activities and Reflective Journaling project, a program designed to address the ever-increasing need in Illinois and surrounding areas for highly qualified professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
JOLIET, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that Joliet Junior College has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant in the amount of $649,901.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) called on Scott Pruitt to rescind a directive to remove scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency's advisory boards in a bipartisan letter signed by 61 Members of Congress. Last week, Scott Pruitt announced that scientists who received grants from the EPA could not serve on the EPA's science advisory boards. These advisory boards inform regulations through the technical expertise these scientists provide.
Devin Henry, The Hill
A group of mostly Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday slammed a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy designed to overhaul the agency's scientific advisory panels.
Bill Foster, U.S. Congressman (IL-11), Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Three weeks ago, President Trump announced his refusal to certify to Congress Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the grounds that he does not believe that it is in our national interest—despite his acknowledgement that Iran is in full compliance with the terms of the agreement. The facts, however, show that the deal is working.
Ted Slowik, Daily Southtown
Argonne National Laboratory near Lemont is celebrating two milestones: the 75th anniversary of the world's first nuclear chain reaction and the 10th anniversary of a microscopic research center.
Many know of the Southland's connections to the 1940s experiments that were instrumental in the development of the two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan in 1945.
The first chain reaction was a key event that helped bring about the end of World War II. It occurred on Dec. 2, 1942, beneath the bleachers of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park.
Morning Shift, WBEZ Chicago
In a new series called "Our Representatives," Morning Shift is reaching out to all 26 House members and senators in Washington that represent the people in the WBEZ listening area. In this first installment, host Jenn White talks with Illinois Democratic Congressman Bill Foster.
WASHINGTON, DC - As the only PhD physicist in Congress, I supported the Iran Deal after a review of its technical enforceability and its ability to functionally dismantle Iran's nuclear weapons program. It has succeeded in every aspect of what was agreed to and has made the world safer thanks to the broad international coalition that made this deal a reality.