Representative Bill Foster, Democratic from Illinois

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.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027··Share
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, MA
    1983
  • B.S. in Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
    1976
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2008-Present

    Representing Illinois's 11th district

  • Small Business Owner, Electronic Theatre Controls Inc.

    1975–2007

  • Physicist, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

    1984–2006

  • Physicist, 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

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