Congressman Bill Foster is a scientist and businessman representing the 11th Congressional District of Illinois, a position he’s held since 2013. He also represented the 14th Congressional District of Illinois from 2008 to 2011. He is the only PhD physicist in Congress.
Bill serves on the House Financial Services Committee where he advocates for consumer protections and an economy that works for everyone. In response to the Great Recession, he helped create several important reforms in the financial services and housing markets, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Bill serves as chairman of the Financial Services Committee’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
Hardworking Americans deserve an economy that works for them. A strong economy, good jobs, and worker protections have made the United States a prosperous country and have ensured that the next generation can build better lives. One of my key priorities is the future of work in a world where technology is rapidly changing. Congress needs to prepare now for the future changes in the economy and job growth. As a co-chair of the Future of Work Task Force of the New Democrat Coalition, I work closely with other members of Congress so that we can better understand how technology will alter our economy and what it means for future generations. I want all Americans to have a place in the economy of the future, and I strongly believe it is Congress’s responsibility to understand how technology will change the ways Americans work.
I believe adequate health care should be a right for every American. Health care is an issue that concerns every one of us, regardless of what we look like or where we come from. We all want what is best for the health and well-being of ourselves and our families. I was proud to vote for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. Since its enactment, the law has given millions of Americans access to health care coverage. Thanks to the ACA, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, young people can stay on their parents’ health plan until they turn 26, and all insurance plans must cover health care basics like emergency room visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. No law is ever perfect, and now we need to work together in a bipartisan way to strengthen and improve the Affordable Care Act.
We are a nation of immigrants, and I am proud of the heritage of inclusion that defines us all as Americans. Our country thrives on the innovation, culture, and diversity that immigrants from all walks of life bring to the United States. The United States has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for people who seek a better life. History has not looked kindly on us when we have prevented people fleeing violence from seeking refuge in this country.
I support comprehensive immigration reform and policies that foster inclusiveness for everyone. I firmly oppose any attempt to make DREAMers feel unsafe, and I strongly condemn any attempt to demean individuals who seek a better life here. President Trump’s proposed wall with our southern border would be a waste of resources. That’s money that we should be spending on rebuilding roads and bridges, improving our schools, and putting people back to work. That money should not be spent on building a symbol of fear and division.
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.
Every individual should have the right to live free from discrimination and pursue their dreams regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As the son of a Civil Rights lawyer who wrote much of the enforcement language of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this issue is a top priority for me. Since the Civil Rights Movement, we have made great progress toward equality, but our work is not over. We must continue to fight against efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and I actively support legislation to restore this landmark legislation. I am also an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act. This legislation would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to give the LGBTQ community the same protections under the law. Currently, there is no federal law that protects against discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants for individuals in the LGBTQ community.
The heroin and opioid epidemic has claimed too many loved ones, shattered too many lives, and broken too many families. It is a public health crisis that requires immediate attention from lawmakers and the medical community. We see the consequences of this crisis in the 11th District and across Illinois. In Illinois, there were 1,835 overdose deaths in 2015, a 16 percent increase in just two years. The good news is that we have started to view addiction less as a moral failure and more as a treatable medical condition. To help those who struggle with addiction and prevent drug abuse in the first place, we need to understand the science of addiction. The drug naloxone can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Other drugs are coming to the market which directly block cravings for opiates and greatly reduce the probability of relapse. In order to truly address the opioid crisis, we need to work to prevent addiction before it takes hold, and expand treatment options for individuals who struggle with opioid dependency.
Long before I was a businessman or a physicist, I was a curious kid. I was always taking things apart to see how they worked, or trying to make something new. It was this curiosity combined with the excellent education I received from public schools and universities that led me to start a business with my brother and to later pursue a career as a physicist. As our economy becomes increasingly STEM-based, it has never been more important to ensure our students are getting the education and training they will need to thrive. I support the right of every young person to have access to a high quality, affordable education that does not leave students with crippling debt. A good education is the key to future economic success. That’s why I support the use of public funds for public education. Every student in this country should have the resources they need to succeed regardless of their zip code.
The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform are extraordinary people who are always prepared to meet the challenges of our time. I support measures to address veteran homelessness, improve the veteran health care system, and facilitate a smooth transition to civilian life for all returning veterans.
It is our solemn responsibility to honor each veteran's service and ensure we are doing all that we can to support them when they leave the military and return home. One of my proudest moments as a Member of Congress came in 2008, when I voted for the post 9/11 GI Bill, which was the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits since the original GI Bill passed after World War II. Since then I have continued to support meaningful legislation to help veterans and their families.
As a PhD scientist, I utilize my expertise to make thoughtful policy decisions on issues related to the energy and environment. We know that climate change is real and largely man-made. While some politicians claim it’s a hoax, most experts believe we will begin to see very significant economic, political, and social consequences from climate change if we do not act now. I support sound economic policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment for the next generation.
Thanks to decades of federally funded research, we have made great progress towards energy independence. The growth and development of our modern economy during the last century raised our standard of living, but has also led to new challenges and environmental threats. It is our responsibility to develop a comprehensive response to address our dependence on fossil fuels, promote sustainable energy use, and invest in new energy technologies. Research at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois leads the way in the kind of innovation we need to make energy more efficient. These projects will help make batteries (including the ones we use in hybrid cars) more cost effective and more powerful.
Reliable and safe infrastructure drives economic growth and connects us to the places that are important to us and our families. One of my biggest priorities is making sure that Illinois is not systematically shortchanged by federal transportation money. Smart investments in infrastructure yield very large returns on investment for the federal taxpayer. Underinvestment in infrastructure is detrimental to economic growth and job creation. I believe it is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways, to support efficiency and safety.
I am proud to represent the 11th District of Illinois. It is my duty to make sure Congress works as it should. Members of Congress are endowed with a responsibility to not only represent their constituents, but to also govern responsibly. We should be good stewards of taxpayer money and pass legislation that supports the prosperity of all Americans.
Every individual should have the right to live free from the fear of gun violence. The fact that 100 Americans die each day from guns is unacceptable. It’s an epidemic that has affected communities in every part of our country, including our own. We must pursue common sense solutions to gun violence - including expanding background checks and banning the sale of military-style assault weapons. I am proud to join the vast majority of Americans who support these measures. Congress has a responsibility to protect innocent lives. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.