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–On October 6, 2015, Congressman Bill Foster spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives recognizing the RoboGals, a student robotics team from Aurora who won the national championships in Detroit and will be competing in the World Robotic Olympiad in Qatar this November
Video of Foster's speech can be found here.
Text of Foster's remarks as prepared is below:
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Bill Foster spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives about the failure of US weather forecasting to correctly predict the path of Hurricane Joaquin and the real life consequences of underinvesting in scientific research and development.
Video of Foster's speech can be found here.
Text of Foster's remarks is below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an example of the real life consequences of underinvesting in scientific research and development.
Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the House floor, challenging Governor Jeb Bush's comments on climate change. Recently, Bush rebuffed Pope Francis' call to action on climate change, claiming he is "not a scientist."
Foster, who was a high-energy physicist for over 20 years, is the only Ph.D. scientist in Congress.
Emily Conover, APS News
On Tuesday, Representative Bill Foster (IL-11) declared his support for the Iran nuclear agreement. Foster, the only physicist in Congress, announced his position in a news conference that also included statements from Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and physicist Richard Garwin, an arms control expert who worked on the design of the first hydrogen bomb.
Emily DeMarco, Science
As U.S. lawmakers today begin debating the agreement the United States and five other nations have reached with Iran to limit its nuclear weapons program, the only physicist serving in Congress has announced he will support the deal.
Cindy Wojdyla, Herald News
Remember those kids you went to school with who were so smart you knew they'd wind up being scientists or engineers?
Two of them are now representing the Joliet area in Congress. U.S. Reps. Bill Foster (D-11th) and Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) have impressive science pedigrees.
Cindy Cain, Sun-Times
Illinois business representatives were able to schmooze Wednesday with scientists and researchers from Argonne and Fermi national laboratories during a first-of-its-kind small-business fair.
The event was held at Argonne, near Lemont, and featured three congressmen: Dan Lipinski, D-3rd, and Bill Foster, D-11th, — each of whom represents a portion of Argonne — and Randy Hultgren, R-14th, who represents Fermilab near Batavia.
Jonathan Samples, Bugle Newspaper
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-11th, traveled an uncommon path on his way to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Foster talked about his journey from working as a particle physicist to serving as a national politician during the Woodridge Rotary's weekly luncheon Tuesday at Seven Bridges Golf Club. That journey, Foster said, has given him a unique perspective when dealing with many of the issues he faces in Washington.
By Steve Lord
In science, answers bring more questions. That's how it's been for the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, especially since the Tevatron particle collider was turned on in 1985.
The Tevatron produced the first proton-antiproton collisions, paved the way for about 1,000 doctorates, produced about a paper a week through its experiments and led to the discovery of the top quark before it was shut down due to lack of funding in October 2011.
Chicago Tribune
As school districts across Illinois begin to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Joliet Township High School is working hard to ensure that students are experiencing relevant curricular projects that push students to think critically, while applying the information that they learn.