Foster Announces Fermilab Funding in Supplemental Bill

Press Release

Legislation Expected to Pass House Today

Rep. Bill Foster's (IL-14) efforts to restore federal funding for science have led to the inclusion of the funding for Fermilab in the House version of the Supplemental Appropriations bill.

"Since my election to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that Fermi's research is fully funded," Foster said. "Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, and Congresswoman Judy Biggert have been invaluable allies, and we have worked together to bring the attention of Congress to the needs of Fermilab. I am pleased that after talking extensively to leadership and writing letters to the Appropriations Committee about the importance of this funding, the Supplemental Appropriations bill will include funding for Fermilab."

The House is scheduled to debate and vote on the Supplemental Appropriations bill this afternoon. Today's Supplemental includes $400 million for science funding, of which $62.5 million for the Office of Science. The priority of the $62.5 million is to save existing jobs, and specifically mentions neutrino programs that were among the hardest hit at Fermilab.

"The scientific community was hit hard by the funding cuts that were included in the omnibus bill last year. As a result, scientific research in general and Fermi in particular have suffered tremendously," Foster said. "I am honored to work on behalf of the families in the 14th district, investing in an important part of our community while also reversing the trend of underfunding critical science programs and research."

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