Press Releases
Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) joined Congressional Democrats in filing a discharge petition requesting an immediate vote to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.
"As a businessman who started a high-tech firm that provides hundreds of good manufacturing jobs in the Midwest, I know the value in paying workers a living wage," said Foster. "It doesn't just help workers struggling to support their families, it supports economic growth."
Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) joined President Barack Obama and other legislators, academic and business leaders at the announcement of a public-private partnership to bring a new manufacturing institute to Chicago. The Digital Lab for Manufacturing (Digital Lab) will grow our economy and lead to job creation in Illinois and throughout the country.
Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) released the following statement on the retirement of Congressman Rush Holt:
"I was saddened to hear of the retirement of my friend and colleague Congressman Rush Holt. His thoughtful and rational approach to the legislative process will be deeply missed.
Washington, DC – This week Congressmen Bill Foster (IL-11) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) were joined by 26 Members of Congress in urging the Obama administration to end the costly and inhumane practice of imposing arbitrary immigrant detention requirements. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the group requests that OMB remove the requirement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain at least 34,000 people per day in detention facilities from the President's Fiscal Year 2015 budget request.
Joliet, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster announced his staff will be holding mobile office hours in Romeoville, IL. All 11th District residents needing assistance are welcome to attend.
"I am committed to serving the hard working people throughout the 11th Congressional District, and my team will come to you," said Foster. "My staff has been able to assist hundreds of people throughout the district, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars being returned to individuals from the federal government."
Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) kept the promise he made to veterans at a town hall in December to reverse cuts to veterans' pensions by voting for S.25, a suspension bill to repeal the reduction in the cost of living adjustments (COLA) for retired members of the armed services.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster is inviting students from the 11th Congressional District to participate in the 2014 Congressional Art and STEM Competitions.
"These competitions are a great opportunity to showcase the talents and imagination of students in our district," said Foster. "As a scientist and businessman, I know how important it is that we support education in STEM and the arts, and give students the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. I am eager to see what they create."
Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the House floor about the epidemic of heroin abuse that is spreading throughout communities in Illinois.
Video of the speech is available here.
Full text of the speech is below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the grave epidemic of heroin abuse.
The media has shone a bright light on the issue this week, but for too many in my district, heroin abuse is all too common.
Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster voted for H.R.357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, which will improve tuition assistance and job training for returning veterans. The bill will allow veterans to be eligible for in-state tuition rates at any public college or university. The bill also renews existing work-study and job training programs.