Press Releases

If Congress fails to reach a budget agreement by Monday, the federal government will shut down.

Government works best when both sides come together to produce legislation that is supported by the middle – but unfortunately the process has been hijacked by a small group of extremists in the Republican Party. With just one day left to avoid a government shutdown, it’s time to end the political posturing and get to work.

Washington, DC -- Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) sent a letter signed by 63 of their colleagues to President Obama urging him to remove a FY15 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security that mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have over thirty thousand immigrants in detention at all times. The letter emphasizes that in an era of fiscal restraint, this mandate undermines the ability of ICE to exercise discretion and embrace more cost-effective alternatives to detention.

Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted against H.J. Res. 59, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution.

“I am very concerned that the stopgap measure introduced by House Republicans indicates they are more interested in political posturing than passing workable legislation,” said Foster.

Washington, DC—Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) joined a discussion following Citizenship Day highlight the important contributions that immigrants make to our nation and our economy, and the economic benefits of passing comprehensive immigration reform.

Video of the speech is available here.

The full text is below:

Washington, DC—Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) met with members of the Newtown Action Alliance and other families impacted by gun violence. The group is calling on Congress to support background checks to prevent gun violence.

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster released a statement following President Obama’s address on Syria:

“I am pleased to see President Obama pursuing a diplomatic solution in Syria. Recent developments are an important reminder of why it is critical that we closely examine all the information and options before taking military action.

Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Foster released the following statement on the debate over action in Syria:

For nearly 100 years, the use of chemical weapons remained an unthinkable option for civilized countries and their use in Syria represents a violation of international norms and sets an unacceptable precedent.

As a scientist, I believe that before we take any action, it is critical that we gather all the facts about what has happened and who is responsible.

Aurora, IL—Today, Congressman Bill Foster released the following statement in honor of Labor Day:

“Because of the thousands of Americans who have fought for workers’ rights – living wages, safe working conditions and a forty hour work week – America has the strongest middle class the world has ever seen.