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
Bipartisan legislation that would study the Transportation Security Administration's use of digital identification systems is headed to the House floor after making it through a key committee last week.
During a House Homeland Security Committee markup on June 12, the panel’s members favorably advanced legislation introduced by Reps. Clay Higgins, R-La., and Bill Foster, D-Ill., that would require TSA to compile a report on how its acceptance of digital IDs impacts U.S. homeland security.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Designing Accounting Safeguards to Help Broaden Oversight and Regulations on Data (DASHBOARD) Act. This legislation would require data harvesting companies like social media platforms to tell consumers and financial regulators exactly what data they are collecting from customers and how it is being leveraged for profit.
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, recently appointed to the Congressional AI Task Force, will talk about the myths and realities of artificial intelligence as one of the speakers at a TEDx Naperville Live event on Thursday, April 25.
Doors open at 4 p.m. at the Henry Schacht Theater, Nokia campus, 200 Lucent Lane, Naperville, with live speakers set to begin at 4:30 p.m. and selected TED Talks screenings presented from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act to expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing. This bill would allow families living in HUD-assisted housing, whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch, to use federal assistance on broadband internet access.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to promote science diplomacy. The resolution calls for greater international cooperation, while seeking new ways to advance scientific research and innovation.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) and U.S.
Rebecca Heilweil, FedScoop
Congress is just starting to ramp up its efforts to regulate artificial intelligence, but one member says he first encountered the technology in the 1990s, when he used neural networks to study physics. Now, Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., is returning to AI as a member of the new bipartisan task force on artificial intelligence, led by Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., which was announced by House leadership earlier this week.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after being appointed to the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence:
“It’s an honor to be appointed to the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. As a PhD physicist who first programmed neural networks at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in the 1990s, I’ve been tracking the exponential growth of this technology for decades – and the time is ripe for Congress to take action.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has convened high-profile forums on artificial intelligence for months. Now, the two leaders of the House are getting in on the action as lawmakers struggle to regulate the fast-moving technology.
Naperville, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) applauded the National Science Foundation (NSF) for awarding the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine – an initiative made possible by the Chips and Science Act – with $160 million to implement their Great Lakes ReNEW proposal.