Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11)

Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis. Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search. Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page. All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified. This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.

NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses

• Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Member, Planetary Science Caucus

Overall Summary

Representative Foster's extensive background as a particle physicist, including 22 years at Fermilab and a Ph.D. in physics, positions him as a uniquely informed advocate for scientific research. His membership on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, coupled with his role in the Planetary Science Caucus, demonstrates a direct and specific interest in NASA's scientific endeavors. He has consistently championed federal science funding and emphasized the long-term value of scientific discovery, suggesting a strong philosophical alignment with increased investment in NASA's science mission.

While direct NASA science contracts in his district are minimal and not directly tied to research, his deep understanding of the scientific enterprise and his consistent policy advocacy for federal research funding indicate a high likelihood of receptiveness to arguments for robust NASA science budgets. His unique perspective as a former research scientist in Congress makes him a crucial potential ally in pushing for sustained and increased investment in NASA's astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, Earth science, and biological and physical sciences programs.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider preparing to discuss specific NASA science missions or discoveries that resonate with his background in particle physics or fundamental research, highlighting how NASA's scientific endeavors align with his expertise.
• Explore how increased NASA science investment could support areas of research he has championed, such as planetary science or fundamental scientific discovery, aligning with his role on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and his advocacy for federal science funding.
• Look into how NASA's science missions contribute to national scientific leadership, inspire STEM education, or drive technological innovation, framing the discussion around these broader benefits given his strong scientific background and the limited direct NASA science contracts in his district.

About Bill Foster

• Holds a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University; B.S. in physics from UW-Madison.
• Spent 22 years as a particle physicist at Fermilab National Laboratory.
• Contributed to the discovery of the top quark and neutrino burst from SN 1987A.
• Awarded multiple prestigious physics prizes, including the Robert R. Wilson Prize (2022).
• One of few research physicists ever elected to the U.S. Congress.

Opportunities

• Deep Scientific Expertise: Representative Foster holds a Ph.D. in physics and spent 22 years as a particle physicist at Fermilab, demonstrating a strong foundational understanding and appreciation for scientific research. (Biography)
• Key Committee Role: As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he is directly involved in the authorization and oversight of NASA's activities, including its science mission directorates. (Space Committees)
• Dedicated Planetary Science Advocate: His membership in the Planetary Science Caucus indicates a specific interest in and support for planetary science missions and research, a core component of NASA's science portfolio. (Space Committees)
• Consistent Advocacy for Federal Science Funding: Representative Foster has consistently advocated for sustained federal funding for scientific research, including leading a letter in May 2025 expressing concern over a National Science Foundation funding freeze and introducing legislation in July 2025 to fund infrastructure upgrades at National Laboratories. His work on National Laboratories directly benefits institutions like Fermilab in his district.
• Strategic Engagement on NASA's Future: In a March 2025 House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing, he emphasized the importance of advancing space exploration and scientific discovery, and highlighted the need to overcome short-term political incentives for long-term scientific gains.

Challenges

• No salient risk indicators identified in the public record.

Additional Sources

[1] foster.house.gov

"Foster Introduces Legislation to Make Scientific Resources Available to Employees at Federal Agencies. . Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Well-Informed, Scientific, & Efficient (WISE) Government Act to better..." https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-make-scientific-resources-available-employees-0

[2] nasa.gov

"Bill Foster. Bill Foster has made significant contributions to CST and has been recognized for his excellence in planning, coordination, test execution, and mission support as the lead CST Ground Controller. As a key member of the Flight Control..." https://www.nasa.gov/people/bill-foster/

[3] ww2.aip.org

"Rep. Bill Foster on BICEP2 Announcement. APR 18, 2014. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) addressed the House last week on the recent announcement from the BICEP2 team regarding cosmic inflation in the early universe. Foster explained the significance of..." https://ww2.aip.org/fyi/2014/rep-bill-foster-bicep2-announcement

[4] foster.house.gov

"Rep. Foster invites residents to come up with question for astronauts. November 27, 2015. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, has launched a contest to invite residents of the 11th Congressional District to submit a question for a live discussion..." https://foster.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-foster-invites-residents-to-come-up-with-question-for-astronauts

[5] foster.house.gov

"Foster Statement on Proposed Cuts to NIH and NASA. July 26, 2017. WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued a statement on the responses from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Institutes of..." https://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foster-statement-on-proposed-cuts-to-nih-and-nasa

[6] foster.house.gov

"Foster Introduces Legislation to Improve Government Access to Scientific Information | Congressman Bill Foster. November 12, 2019. Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Well-Informed, Scientific, & Efficient (WISE)..." https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-improve-government-access-to-scientific-0

[7] sherrill.house.gov

"House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Democratic Caucus Organizes for the 117th Congress. February 12, 2021. (Washington, DC) – Today, the Democratic Caucus of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held an organizational..." https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-science-space-and-technology-committee-democratic-caucus-organizes-117th