Scope
Back to results

Bill Foster

U.S. Representative, IL, district 11

DemocraticHouse

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
2008
Years served
17
Age
71
Current term ends
Jan 3, 2027

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress (via the public congress-legislators dataset). Photo: official congressional portrait.

Compare with another member

Where their record lies

Between the typical Democratic and typical Republican record

FosterClose to the typical Democratic record. Bill Foster's record sits -2% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record. 258 Democratic and 269 Republican members are shown; 13 of 530 sit in the middle.
Democratic258 members
Middle13 members
Republican269 members

Close to the typical Democratic record

Bill Foster's record sits -2% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record.

Built from 6 topics that divide the parties. It describes a record of votes and statements, not a person. How this is calculated.

Their record by topic

Further from the center means more agreement with the quiz statement

Web chart of Bill Foster’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how Bill Foster votes and what they say on that topic. A topic with no data is left out, not drawn as neutral. The sources are in the sections below.

Where they stand

Each topic is a statement from the quiz. "Agree" means their votes or words line up with it.

  • Health care

    “The federal government should guarantee health coverage for every American.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: No data

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Immigration

    “Border security should be the top priority in immigration policy.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Climate & energy

    “The federal government should require cuts to carbon emissions, even if energy costs rise.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Guns

    “Federal law should require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

  • Abortion

    “Abortion law should be decided by each state, not the federal government.”

    Votes: No data|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Education

    “Public school funding should follow students to the school their family chooses, including private schools.”

    Votes: Disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Foreign policy

    “The U.S. should keep providing military aid to its allies abroad.”

    Votes: Agree|Says: Neutral or unsure

Votes on key bills

The final vote on each bill Scope tracks (not every vote they have cast). Newest first.

Show 12 more votes

Source: House Clerk and Senate roll-call records via Congress.gov. For every vote they have cast, see GovTrack.

Words versus votes

Pro preview · free for now

No topic where votes and statements point in opposite directions (6 topics compared).

A difference is a prompt to look closer, not proof of anything. Votes come from a short list of tracked bills; statements come from speeches, press releases and bills they put their name on. See the evidence for each topic. On 3 more topics one side is neutral, so there is nothing to contrast.

What they work on

19 bills written, 168 signed onto. Top topic: Immigration

In the current Congress they have written 19 bills and signed on to 168 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • Immigration4
  • Education3
  • Health3
  • International Affairs3
  • Armed Forces and National Security2

Most recent bills they wrote

  • H.R. 10298: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2026 (Sep 4, 2026)
  • H.R. 9803: Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026 (Jul 21, 2026)
  • H.R. 9740: Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act (Jul 16, 2026)
  • H.Res. 1210: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nu... (Jul 14, 2026)
  • H.R. 9675: Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2026 (Jul 14, 2026)

Source: Sponsorship records from Congress.gov; each bill links to its page there.

Committees

2 committees: House Committee on Financial Services; House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

Committees study and rewrite bills before the full chamber votes.

Source: Committee rosters from the congress-legislators dataset (built from the House and Senate committee pages, as of 2026-10-12). Each committee name links to its official page.

Career in Congress

2008 to present
  • 2008 to 2011U.S. House, IL, district 14Democrat
  • 2013 to presentU.S. House, IL, district 11Democrat

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Contact and learn more

Office phone, website, message form and where to read more

Contact their office

Read more about them

Source: Contact details from the member's official pages, via the congress-legislators dataset. Outside sites are not run by Scope.

The evidence, topic by topic

Every position links to the votes, quotes and bills it was built from

Health care

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 6 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on American Health Care Act of 2017Roll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

No data

Taxes & spending

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 7937: Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Immigration

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Secure the Border Act of 2023Roll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 924: NO BAN Actcosponsored bill: HR 1061: Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Climate & energy

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Lower Energy Costs ActRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 68: Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Guns

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019Roll call on Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Agree (+1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 18: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 3868: Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Abortion

How they vote

No data

What they say

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 3 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 238: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care.cosponsored bill: HR 12: Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 4099: Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Abortion

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Education

How they vote

Disagree (-1)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 94: Expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Educatiocosponsored bill: HR 9289: Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Foreign policy

How they vote

Agree (+1)

Calculated from 4 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on billRoll call on Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Votes behind Foster, Bill's position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 3565: To provide for a limitation on the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Israel.cosponsored bill: HRES 64: Affirming the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Statements behind Foster, Bill's position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Revision history

50 recorded changes
  • Foreign policy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): -2 to -2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): 1 to 1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): created at 1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): created at -2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): -2 to -1Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026