Foster Helps Secure Science Funding

Press Release

House Passes Bill that Includes $400 Million To Aid Facilities Like Fermilab

Today, by a vote of 416-12, the House passed a Supplemental Appropriations bill that included funding for Department of Energy Science Programs, funding that could benefit Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The event was a substantial victory for Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14), who has worked to restore federal funding for Fermilab since his election to Congress. The bill now moves to the Senate.

"After working with House and Senate leadership, I am proud to announce that today the House has made a significant step forward for our nation's scientific programs and research," Foster said. "The bill includes $400 million in general science funding and $62.5 million for the Office of Science, so that facilities like Fermilab can retain their staffs and continue the research that is vital to our long term economic security."

Senator Dick Durbin said, "Today we are restoring critical funds that will protect jobs and preserve research projects at Fermi. The Senate has approved science funding by a veto-proof majority once already this year and I am confident we will approve this funding again."

"Today, the House recognized what the Senate acknowledged last month - we can't compete globally if we cut funding for operations at advanced research facilities and send away top scientists to work for our competitors in Europe and Asia," said Rep. Judy Biggert (IL-13), Co-Chair of the House R&D Caucus. "I want to thank all my colleagues in the Illinois delegation who worked so hard - and in such a bipartisan way - to help make this happen."

Added Rep. David Obey (WI-07), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, "For a new member of Congress, Bill has shown that he knows how to get things done. He has been a bulldog on this issue and made a clear and compelling case why science funding is critical."

Concluded Rep. Rahm Emanuel (IL-05), "Knowing the long odds that existed just a short while ago, Bill took on this challenge and used his expertise as a scientist and a businessman to get the job done. Bill Foster made sure his colleagues knew that if we are going to improve our national and economic security, funding for science and for Fermi must be a priority."

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