Mr. Speaker, what should we say to angry men in robes? What are we going to say to men in robes who are angry about the outcome of the Civil War? What are we going to say to men in robes who are angry about Reconstruction-era amendments to our Constitution that said that anyone born in America can't have their voice or their vote suppressed, regardless of their race? What are we going to say to men in robes who are angry that Congress finally enshrined those protections into law through the 1964 and 1965 Civil Rights Acts?
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+8Stable$1.4M raised
Sean Casten
Representative · Illinois · Democrat
Sean Casten
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment would give the Secretary of Defense sweeping discretion to grant the highest level of security clearances to an unlimited number of investment professionals without any contract, mission, or defined purpose. Now, the theory, as we just heard, is that these investors would then conduct due diligence and steer Federal resources toward companies that can support our national defense.
Biography
Sean Casten, a former clean energy entrepreneur, was elected as the U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 6th District in 2018. Drawing on his business background, Casten prioritizes climate action, affordable healthcare, and strengthening science-based policy. He authored legislation to boost investment in renewable energy and serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Casten approaches his role with a practical, solutions-focused mindset, advocating for evidence-driven policies to address his district’s and the nation’s needs.
Education
- M.S., Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH1998
- M.E.M., Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH1998
- B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT1993
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2019-PresentRepresenting Illinois's 6th district
Board Member, U.S. Clean Heat & Power Association
2003–05Founding Chairman, Northeast Combined Heat & Power Initiative
2001Technology Consultant, Arthur D. Little
1998–2000Clean Energy Entrepreneur/ceo
2000–16Biofuels Researcher
1995–98Cancer Researcher, Tufts School of Medicine
1993–95
Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector17%
Energy16%
Environmental Protection10%
Education6%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Sean Casten's record in Congress.
Climate Action Now Act
Co-sponsored and helped pass the Climate Action Now Act to keep the U.S. in the Paris Agreement.
Clean Energy Funding
Secured federal funding for renewable energy research and development in Illinois.
COVID-19 Relief Support
Supported the American Rescue Plan, providing pandemic relief to Illinois families, schools, and small businesses.
Energy Efficiency Legislation
Introduced the HOPE for HOMES Act to promote home energy efficiency upgrades and workforce training.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Joint Economic Committee
- House Committee on Financial Services
Rep. Sean Casten FAQ
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