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.
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Science Soapbox
Congressman Bill Foster is the U.S. representative for Illinois's 11th district. Before moving into politics, Representative Foster enjoyed a successful career as a high-energy physicist and particle accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Sandra Guy, Sun-Times
Argonne National Laboratory will get a new supercomputer that's over 17 times faster than its existing one — the result of a $200 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, officials announced Thursday.
The supercomputer, named Aurora, is slated to begin operating in 2018 and will replace Mira, Argonne's current supercomputer, which is now the fifth-fastest in the world.
Aurora will be able to tackle many of the complex challenges in the world today, including materials science, biological science and renewable energy, officials said.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Advancing Standards in Regenerative Medicine Act to help foster innovation in regenerative medicine, a burgeoning field that holds potential for more targeted medical treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. The bill is the House companion to S.2443, introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in January.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke at a hearing of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee titled Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: Gravitational Waves. The hearing was held to discuss the first observation of gravitational waves, a historic breakthrough that was recently announced by a team of physicists working with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). Predicted by Albert Einstein a century ago, gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time.
Washington, DC – On Tuesday, February 9, 2016, Congressman Bill Foster spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the life and contributions of Dr. St. Elmo Brady, the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry.
Video of Foster's speech can be found here.
Text of Foster's remarks as prepared is below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. St. Elmo Brady.
Washington, DC— Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the House floor about President Obama's challenge to find a "moonshot" to cure cancer. Foster argues that the moonshot is achievable, but only because of many years and millions of dollars of investment in federal research and development.
Foster, who was a high-energy physicist for over 20 years, is the only Ph.D. scientist in Congress.
Video of Foster's speech is available here.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted for the Omnibus Appropriations bill to fund the government through fiscal year 2016.
"While I am disappointed that House Republicans once again took our government to the brink, I'm pleased that we were finally able to reach a reasonable, bipartisan agreement and avoid a government shutdown," said Foster. "This bill includes increases in funding for several important priorities, including education, infrastructure, and medical research."
Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Bill Foster (IL-11), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and 13 Members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker Ryan asking for his support for the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Congress created the OTA in 1972 to provide Congress with nonpartisan analysis of scientific and technical issues, but closed when it was defunded in 1995.
A copy of the letter is available here.
Aurora Beacon-News
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, has launched a contest to invite residents of the 11th Congressional District to submit a question for a live discussion with International Space Station astronauts.
The 11th District includes part of the Aurora area.
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Bill Foster launched a contest to invite residents of the Illinois Eleventh Congressional District to submit a question for a live discussion with Space Station astronauts. On Wednesday, December 2nd, Foster and members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion via a live satellite downlink from the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren. Each Member will have the opportunity to ask one question of the astronauts.