114th Congress
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.
"I joined my colleagues for a sit-in on the House floor to demand that Speaker Ryan and House Republicans allow a vote on legislation to address gun violence. In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in American history, we've reached a moment of truth for our nation. As a scientist, I always look at the facts, and gun violence is a public health crisis. It is time we act to stop it. You don't have to be a scientist to know that universal background checks are a fundamentally good idea.
Several U.S. House Democrats from the suburbs participated in a multi-hour, high-profile sit-in to try to pressure Republicans for a vote on federal gun control legislation.
The rare, raucous floor display included Democratic Reps. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Jan Schakowsky of Evanston, Bill Foster of Naperville and Mike Quigley of Chicago and Sen. Dick Durbin of Springfield.
Aurora, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that $350,000 in grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services will be awarded to VNA Healthcare in Aurora for the expansion of their oral health services.
"A major aspect of providing quality healthcare is making sure everyone has access to oral health services as well," Foster said. "This funding will give VNA the ability to provide dental care to an additional 1,300 patients and provide resources to hire new dental professionals."
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that the House of Representatives has passed legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office facility located at 525 N. Broadway in Aurora, Illinois, as the Kenneth M. Christy Post Office Building.
Ken Christy passed away suddenly on March 26, 2016. Christy spent over 35 years as a letter carrier for the Aurora Post Office, served as Aurora Township Clerk, and president of the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers.
Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) led a bipartisan letter to Department of Health and Human Services. The letter encourages the Department to ensure the newly approved six-month buprenorphine implant is accessible and affordable for individuals who need treatment for opioid addiction.
"Early yesterday morning, the LGBTQ community was targeted in a horrific attack at a popular night club. This attack marks the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. It occurred during a month designated to honor the rights of LGBTQ individuals. I send my deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the city of Orlando. As the only Ph.D. scientist in Congress, I always look at the facts. Gun violence in this country is a public health crisis. Whether an isolated incident or a mass shooting in a public space, too many Americans live with the effects of gun violence.
JOLIET – Not even a gray, overcast sky and light rain could dampen the enthusiasm of Star Wars fans who crowded downtown Joliet on Saturday to celebrate the nearly 40-year-old science fiction adventure saga.
The seventh annual Star Wars Day attracted fans of all shapes and sizes, from those dressed as Wookies, Tusken Raiders and Stormtroopers to one fan who played Palpatine running for emperor.
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, toured the waterways in Lemont on Friday to help plan transportation infrastructure and to get more federal dollars for it.
"This is an important part of the economy," he said.
Foster said Illinois loses about $40 billion annually because state residents pay about $20 billion more in federal taxes than the national average for residents in other states, and "also lose about $20 billion because we get a lot less back in federal spending" than national averages.
Join us to celebrate the vibrant diversity of the 11th district and to hear more about how to effectively oppose hate, prejudice, and bigotry in our communities.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
6:00pm - 8:00pm
WHERE: Congregation Beth Shalom
772 W. 5th Ave.