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 D.C. - I was proud to cast my vote against the American Health Care Act. This is the 65th time Republicans have voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but now we know what their replacement looks like. It would be an unmitigated disaster for hardworking Americans across this country. The Congressional Budget Office determined that under the original AHCA, 24 million Americans would lose their health insurance. A recent report by the Center for American Progress found that it would destroy nearly two million jobs.
Washington, DC – I am pleased we were able to pass a bipartisan spending bill. It is an encouraging first step for this Congress as we fight to maintain our country's leadership role in science and innovation. I am cautiously optimistic that Congress can work together on the FY18 budget and secure funding levels that promote a healthy economy and strong scientific infrastructure. We will need to wait and see if this spending bill represents a real rejection of President Trump's so-called skinny budget that gutted vital funding for science and scientific research.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) led a letter to President Trump to express concern over proposed cuts to the Department of Energy's Office of Science. The letter affirms the Office's role in the preservation of innovation and continuance of American competitive edge in the global economy. It strongly encourages the President to reconsider budget cuts to the Office of Science. He was joined by 66 of his colleagues who cosigned the letter.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Foster (D-IL) announced a bipartisan resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) role in its promotion of nuclear security. The resolution confirms the agency's role as an indispensable organization in nuclear safety and encourages the United States to play an active role to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Dave Levitan, Gizmodo
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On a day when tens of thousands of people crowded the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to march for science, a Congressman who canboast the only science PhD on Capitol Hill is something of a celebrity.
Bill Foster, U.S. Congressman (IL-11), The Hill
This Saturday, scientists and science advocates from all walks of life will converge on Washington, D.C. and in cities throughout the country to draw attention to the need for evidence-based policies. As the only PhD physicist in Congress, I will march as a concerned member of the scientific community, not as a congressman. Science, logic, and truth should not be partisan issues; they are the cornerstones of fields that have made the United States a leader in innovation and a better place for everyone to live.
Science Friday
This Saturday thousands will join the March for Science in Washington, D.C. in the name of evidence-based decision-making in all levels of government. The planned demonstration, which falls on Earth Day, was inspired by the successful Women's March that took place this past January, which drew hundreds of thousands to the National Mall and cities across the globe.
Bill Foster, U.S. Congressman (IL-11), Daily Herald
As the only Ph.D. scientist in Congress, I am honored to take my perspective as a scientist to Washington and make thoughtful policy decisions based on facts. It also means I have an obligation to speak out when our national policies deviate from sound scientific principles. Climate change is an urgent example of the need for more policymakers with a scientific background to speak up.
Washington, DC - I strongly condemn the Trump Administration's decision to undo federal regulations that protect our environment. This order shows a fundamental ignorance of climate science and its importance to our country's future. The vast majority of scientists believe that climate change is real and that it is largely man made. We elect leaders to look to the future to protect our best interests, but this order makes it clear that this administration is not interested in the long-term health of our planet or our economy.
Erin Hegarty, Naperville Sun
Wintry weather on the East Coast delayed U.S. Rep. Bill Foster's introduction of a resolution that designates March 14 as National Pi Day.
Snow and rain in Washington, D.C., kept Congress out of session Tuesday, forcing the Naperville Congressman to hold off on presenting his planned resolution in homage the mathematical constant until Wednesday. March 14 is widely accepted as Pi Day.
Celebrating the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter – or Pi – isn't just another excuse to eat pie.