Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Supervisory Modifications for Appropriate Risk-based Testing Act, or SMART Act, which provides thoughtful examination relief to qualifying community banks and credit unions, while maintaining appropriate safeguards. Specifically, the SMART Act allows community banks and credit unions with fewer than $6 billion in assets to qualify for alternating full- and limited-scope examinations, provided that their prudential regulator gave them a strong review at their last full-scope examination, that they are not subject to an enforcement action, and…
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+11R shift +2$1.4M raised
Bill Foster
Representative · Illinois · Democrat
Bill Foster
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chair, this amendment is unnecessary, and I urge everyone to oppose it. The Department of Energy Laboratories are on to this problem, and they have been on to it for decades. Prior to serving in Congress, I spent over 20 years at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where we had Russian collaborators during the heart of the Cold War. Some of the very first experiments that were done at Fermi National Lab had Russian participants, and we had incredibly competent scientists coming and visiting. It was actually kind of amusing.
Biography
A physicist and former business owner, Bill Foster was elected to represent Illinois’s 11th Congressional District in 2012. In Congress, he focuses on science and technology policy, strengthening the economy, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. Foster has championed legislation to improve STEM education and serves on the House Financial Services Committee, where he is known for his expertise in technical and financial issues. He advocates for evidence-based policymaking and works to bring practical solutions to his diverse district.
Education
- Ph.D. in Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA1983
- B.S. in Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI1976
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2008-PresentRepresenting Illinois's 11th district
Small Business Owner, Electronic Theatre Controls Inc.
1975–2007Physicist, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
1984–2006Physicist, Irvine-Michigan-Brookhaven Detector
1979–84
Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector19%
Science, Technology, Communications18%
Immigration9%
Health9%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Bill Foster's record in Congress.
Science Funding Advocacy
Championed increased federal funding for scientific research, including support for Fermilab and national laboratories.
Opioid Crisis Legislation
Co-sponsored legislation to expand access to addiction treatment and combat the opioid epidemic.
Financial Services Reform
Worked on bipartisan efforts to strengthen consumer protections and improve oversight in the financial sector.
STEM Education Support
Promoted STEM education initiatives, including programs to encourage diversity in science and engineering fields.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Financial Services
- House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Rep. Bill Foster FAQ
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