Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) recently discussed the dangers of discarding science when considering whether to vaccinate children against measles.

"In 2000, the United States had effectively eliminated endemic measles – an effort 40 years in the making," Foster said during a speech on the House floor Wednesday. "But all of that progress is quickly coming undone – not by an act of nature, but by willful ignorance."

Foster, who is the chair of the Congressional Research & Development Caucus, said in 2014 there were a record high 644 cases of measles in the U.S. So far this year, there have been 102 cases in 14 states, including Illinois.

"This is a dangerous game – and one that some elected officials are encouraging," Foster, said.

The only physicist in Congress, Foster called on those in positions of leadership to ensure they are properly sharing with the public truthful information.

"As leaders, it is our duty to inform the public of the truth," Foster added. "For those of us with scientific and medical backgrounds, this duty falls even more seriously."