Casten Statement on Trump’s Power Grab Over FERC, SEC, Independent Agencies
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order to strip federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), of their independence:
“The president’s latest unlawful and unconstitutional executive order is a move straight out of the Project 2025 playbook that serves no other purpose than to bend independent agencies to his personal will, setting aside over a century of precedent that these agencies rise above politics and put the needs of the American people first.
“Stripping an agency like FERC of its independence is a gift to fossil fuel companies that know they cannot financially compete with clean energy on their merits. The president has made exceedingly clear that he prioritizes the wants of energy producers over the needs of energy consumers. His actions will directly lead to higher energy costs for the American people while simultaneously driving up profits for his puppeteers in the oil and gas industry.
“The SEC and other financial institutions have operated independently for decades, ensuring they are focused on safeguarding American investors, consumers, and our financial system. Forcing these agencies to gain approval from the White House before issuing rulemakings does nothing but protect the president’s personal interests while putting American’s hard-earned dollars at risk.”
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