Foreign Affairs

Promoting and protecting democracy is a principle of U.S. foreign policy and a commitment that Representative Casten strongly supports in advocating and upholding human rights at home and abroad. Now more than ever, the U.S. plays an important role in global governance, from strengthening alliances, helping respond to emerging trends and threats to national security and democracy, and advancing respect for human rights. 

In 2019, as a first-term Member of Congress, Rep. Casten was invited to represent the United States at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain. He remembers members of the European Parliament saying, “...bad things happen when America doesn’t lead…” and this message has often guided his approach to foreign policy. 

Rep. Casten believes that the U.S. must maintain a global leading role in effectively advocating for the rule of law, democracy, and the post-WWII order. The U.S. must continue to stand with its allies and oppose oppressive regimes. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza are clear examples of how the United States has a responsibility to prevent further suffering and provide humanitarian aid to address these crises.

Rep. Casten believes that providing aid to American allies abroad not only saves lives, but also sends strong signals to adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran, that the U.S. will not tolerate any violations of any nation’s territorial sovereignty. 

 

Ukraine

Representative Casten is a proud member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and believes that the U.S. has a responsibility to support Ukraine and send aid to help its ally stand up to the aggression of Russia and Vladimir Putin.   

Following Russia’s cruel and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Casten urged President Biden to raise the refugee cap and expeditiously reunite Ukrainian-Americans with their loved ones. He also voted in favor of establishing a constitutional process for seizing the assets of corrupt Russian oligarchs to support the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

As the conflict persists, Rep. Casten was proud to support the passage of a supplemental funding package to provide critical aid to Ukraine in April 2024. You can read his statement on this legislation here. 

 

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

It is evident that major changes are needed in order to bring security and peace to Israelis and Palestinians. The United States has a responsibility to do everything in its power to prevent future suffering and allow aid to flow into Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis. 

Rep. Casten condemned the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th and joined over 400 Members of Congress in supporting a bipartisan resolution to do so.  Rep. Casten has also repeatedly expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated to President Biden the need to work to quickly deliver aid into the region. He has called on House and Senate leadership to swiftly pass legislation to provide humanitarian assistance.

On March 1st, 2024, Rep. Casten wrote to President Biden urging him to use diplomatic leverage to pursue a stop to the violence in Gaza, outline a clear and fair plan for a Palestinian state, and exercise oversight over arms and materials purchased by Israel with U.S. assistance.

In April 2024, Rep. Casten voted to pass a supplemental funding package to provide aid to help Israel safeguard its people against pressing threats from Hamas and Iran and ensure life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinians in Gaza without any delay. You can read his statement here.

In June 2024, Rep. Casten led over 50 lawmakers in letters to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and World Bank President Ajay Banga urging them to address the severe economic situation in the West Bank. Learn more here.

In addressing the near and long-term regional needs, Rep. Casten continues to advocate for an immediate end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank, humanitarian aid and security for refugees, a reconstruction plan, and efforts to promote long-term regional stability. You can read more about his approach here.

 

China and Taiwan 

While China remains a major trading partner for the United States, China’s growing military capabilities and continued tensions in the Taiwan Strait pose security threats to the United States and its allies. Representative Casten supports Taiwan’s growing democracy and believes that the United States can strengthen our national security by supporting our allies and trade relationship with Taiwan. 

Rep. Casten is also a strong supporter of the CHIPS and Science Act that boosts resilience in United States supply chains, lowers costs for consumers, and creates thousands of American jobs. This legislation counters China and ensures that the United States maintains a competitive economy. 

As the United States has seen the relationship between China, Russia, and Iran grow stronger, the United States must partner with its allies. Representative Casten voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024 and a national security supplemental in the House and continues to support legislation that bolsters the United States’ security at home and abroad and investments in trading allies such as Taiwan.