Science
As the only PhD physicist in Congress, I know firsthand the great contributions science has made to our country. The United States is a leader in innovation and federally funded scientific research has improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Federal investments in science are the foundation of our economy and have led to breakthroughs in lifesaving medicines. We need to sustain funding for research and development so that we can solve the most important problems of this generation and the next.
Currently, we have an aging population that will require high-quality medical care to live fulfilling lives. The cost of care for diseases, including Alzheimer’s and diabetes, will increase exponentially. Long-term medical care will cost Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of billions of dollars each year. However, investment in medical research offers hope for those suffering from disease and reduces costs for federal taxpayers.
My Work on Science
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman John Katko (R-NY), Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) introduced the bipartisan Improving Digital Identity Act of 2020.
The legislation would work to modernize the country’s lagging digital identity infrastructure with a three-pronged approach:
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster highlighted Obama-era federal investments he argued were key to successful vaccine development during a committee meeting on Friday.
Foster, D-Naperville, questioned Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, during a hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.
Washington, DC – Today, at a hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) highlighted the work done and investments made during the Obama administration that are directly responsible for the successes of current vaccines in development. Specifically, Foster pointed to President Obama’s decision to invest in mRNA vaccine research, which is one platform being used to develop potential vaccines in record time.
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House unanimously adopted an amendment offered by Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) as part of the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education.
Foster, Wyden Lead Bicameral Warning Against Trump Administration Resuming Explosive Nuclear Testing
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bill Foster, D-Ill., and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore today led a bicameral group of 80 other colleagues in urging Donald Trump not to resume explosive nuclear testing after a 28-year hiatus. This letter comes in response to reports indicating the administration is considering taking this step.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after it was reported that the U.S. COVID-19 death toll surpassed 100,000 people:
Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Heroes Act:
“I voted for the Heroes Act because it’s crucial that we deliver more economic relief to hard working Americans, and that we provide much needed funding for states like Illinois and communities like those in the 11th District that are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL) led a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration urging them to speed up the evaluation and approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine, and to prepare for a more rapid deployment to the public. The letter was signed by 35 Members of Congress.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that widespread COVID-19 antibody testing is close to being deployed:
Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) led a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in support of their efforts to encourage innovation in COVID-19 testing, and urging them to rapidly deploy COVID-19 antibody tests that have met accuracy and safety standards as rapidly and widely as possible.