Press Releases
Casten, Huffman Call for Safeguards for Carbon Capture Technologies
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Jared Huffman (CA-02) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging his administration to ensure strong safeguards are in place for the use of carbon capture utilization and sequestration and hydrogen technology. “While we have a range of views regarding carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS) and hydrogen technology, we agree that infrastructure for these technologies should be deployed only with the highest … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
Casten Calls for Stronger Taxpayer Protections in CHIPS Funding
Washington D.C. (September 19th, 2023) - Today during the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology hearing entitled Chips on the Table: A one year review of the CHIPS and Science Act, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) questioned U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the strength of taxpayer protections in disbursement of CHIPS funds. Watch the full questioning here. ??“CHIPS funds should not create windfalls for companies that receive them,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I have … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Casten, The Morton Arboretum Announce $15 Million in Funding For Urban Forestry Initiatives
Washington, D.C. (September 15th, 2023) — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced he has helped secure $15 million in federal funding for The Morton Arboretum in DuPage County. This funding is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Congressman Casten worked to pass one year ago, and is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nationwide Urban and Community Forestry Program meant to expand access to trees and green spaces in communities and neighborhoods. The Morton … Continue Reading
September 14, 2023
Casten Calls for Re-Implementation of Child Tax Credit to Address Rising Child Poverty
Washington, D.C. — Following the release of data by the U.S. Census Bureau indicating a rise in child poverty, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has issued the following statement calling on Congress to reinstate the Child Tax Credit: “When I fought to include the expanded Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan in 2021, I did so with a singular goal in mind: to reduce child poverty in the United States. I’m incredibly proud of the fact that child poverty declined in 2021, but we have … Continue Reading
September 14, 2023
Sustainable Investment Caucus Statement on Education and Workforce Committee Markup of Anti-ESG Bills
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Juan Vargas (CA-52), co-chairs of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, released the following statement regarding the Education and Workforce Committee markup on anti-ESG legislation: “We are once again disappointed, but not surprised, by House Republicans' ongoing attacks on investor freedom and the free market. Today’s Education and Workforce Committee markup makes it clear that House Republicans believe that … Continue Reading
September 08, 2023
Casten, Burchett Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Teachers Afford Classroom Supplies
Washington, D.C. (September 8th, 2023) - Today, Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) introduced the bipartisan Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act of 2023. This bill would increase the amount educators are able to deduct on qualified out-of-pocket classroom expenses on their annual tax return from $250 to $1,000 and keep it indexed to inflation to ensure the deduction keeps pace with rising costs. Earlier this week, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) … Continue Reading
August 16, 2023
Casten Celebrates Anniversary of IRA, Calls for Permitting and Transmission Reform
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act being signed into law: “Since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law one year ago today, we’ve seen tremendous benefit through our community. In the 6th District, the IRA has saved over 4,300 Medicare beneficiaries who use insulin an average of $490 annually. For the 21,000 6th District residents … Continue Reading
August 14, 2023
Casten Questions PayPal Over Launch of New Stablecoin
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) sent a letter to PayPal following the announcement of their new stablecoin, PayPal USD. In the letter, Rep. Casten asks questions seeking clarification on how PayPal and Paxos intend to issue the stablecoin while avoiding the mistakes of previous failed stablecoins, prioritizing consumer protections, and safeguarding our financial system. With more than 430 million customers, Paypal is the largest financial institution to … Continue Reading
August 07, 2023
Casten, Vargas, Castor Lead 77 House Democrats to Urge SEC to Finalize Strong and Durable Climate Rule
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) lead 77 of their colleagues in a letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler urging the SEC to quickly finalize a strong and durable climate disclosure rule. “Enhanced climate-related disclosure is the direction of travel for capital markets around the world,” the lawmakers wrote in part. “You have drafted a well-reasoned proposal that is … Continue Reading
August 03, 2023
Casten Applauds Proposed SEC Digital Engagement Rule
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding the SEC’s recently proposed Digital Engagement Rule: “As digital investment tools turn themselves into virtual casinos designed to harness human psychology against the best interest of the investor, legislators and regulators have a duty to address the potential conflicts of interest raised by predictive data analytics.” said Rep. Sean Casten. “As an advocate for … Continue Reading
August 02, 2023
Casten, Trahan, Schiff Demand Answers from “X” on Social Media Watchdog Intimidation
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Adam Schiff (CA-28) sent a letter to X Corp., formerly known as Twitter, leaders Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino demanding answers on the company’s efforts to threaten and intimidate independent research organizations that study harms on social media. The letter cites an X Corp. lawsuit against the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), an independent organization that found an … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
Casten, Booker Introduce Legislation Banning Inequitable Calculations of Civil Damages
Washington, D.C. (July 27th, 2023) - Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Fair Calculations in Civil Damages Act, legislation that would make our legal system more just and equal by prohibiting the consideration of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or actual or perceived sexual orientation when calculating damages in civil lawsuits. Concerning studies and news reports have shown that state and federal courtrooms across the … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Sustainable Investment Caucus Statement on FSC Markup of Anti-ESG Bills
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Juan Vargas (CA-52), co-chairs of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, released the following statement regarding the Financial Services Committee markup of anti-ESG legislation: “After a month of Financial Services Committee hearings focused on attacking the free market, we reached the culmination of Republican’s anti-ESG month by considering legislation dedicated to restricting the free flow of … Continue Reading
July 25, 2023
Casten, Bush Introduce IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act to Create a No-Cost and Optional Federal Photo ID for Americans
Washington, DC (Tuesday, July 25th) – Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Cori Bush (MO-01) introduced the IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act, legislation that would create a federal photo identification card that is free and optional for the American public. “12% of Americans lack a drivers license and 11% Americans lack any form of government issued ID,” said Congressman Casten. “That’s 26 million people who cannot access the basic … Continue Reading
July 20, 2023
Casten Votes to Reauthorize the FAA
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten voted to pass the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The legislation maintains American leadership in aviation safety and aerospace innovation, strengthens and diversifies the U.S. aviation workforce, makes significant investment in sustainability and resilience, and improves consumer protections and accessibility. “This FAA … Continue Reading
July 14, 2023
Casten Statement on National Defense Authorization Act of 2024
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024: “The security and defense of the United States should not be partisan. Our service members and their families sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedoms, and we must do everything we can to ensure they are supported and have the resources they need to succeed. That’s been the goal of every NDAA since I arrived in … Continue Reading
July 12, 2023
Sustainable Investment Caucus Hosts Press Conference Following Anti-ESG Financial Services Hearing
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, chaired by Reps. Sean Casten (D-IL) and Juan Vargas (D-CA), hosted a press conference following the House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled “Protecting Investor Interests: Examining Environmental and Social Policy in Financial Regulation”. During the press conference, members of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus and House Financial Services Committee underscored the … Continue Reading
July 06, 2023
Casten, Meng Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Menstrual Products
Washington, D.C. (July 6th, 2023) - Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) introduced the Period PROUD (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2023 to expand accessibility to menstrual products for those with limited access. Menstrual products are often considered a luxury, with the cost averaging $20 per month and forcing many women to make difficult decisions such as choosing between sanitary pads or food. The Period PROUD … Continue Reading
June 26, 2023
Sustainable Investment Caucus Hosts Roundtable Discussion with IL State Treasurer, Maryland Comptroller, US SIF
Washington, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Juan Vargas (CA-52), co-chairs of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, hosted a roundtable discussion for Members of Congress featuring Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and US SIF Managing Director Bryan McGannon. During the discussion, Members heard from Treasurer Frerichs, Comptroller Lierman, and Mr. McGannon about how they view Environmental, Social, and … Continue Reading
June 21, 2023
Casten Introduces Bill to Require Chief Risk Officer at Big Banks in Wake of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Chief Risk Officer Enforcement and Accountability Act, legislation to codify Federal Reserve rules requiring that large banks have a Chief Risk Officer and increase notification requirements and public transparency when the position is vacant. “It was a clear mistake for Silicon Valley Bank to be without a Chief Risk Officer during a critical nine-month period preceding its collapse, particularly for a bank … Continue Reading