This is Congressman Bill Foster. For years, I was the only PhD scientist and businessman in the U.S. Congress.
So I’ve witnessed first-hand as Republicans denied the reality of climate change, tried to intimidate and censor climate and environmental scientists, and blocked any meaningful action regarding climate change. Things did not improve when we got a President who calls climate change a Chinese hoax and instructs his subordinates to dismantle scientific advisory committees that questioned his uninformed judgement.
That is one reason that I worked my heart out to get Sean Casten – also a scientist and businessman – elected to Congress. Because of his victory, I now have colleagues in Congress with scientific backgrounds like Sean Casten who have joined me in the fight to stop Trump’s anti-science agenda and overcome the GOP’s inaction on climate.
In Congress, Sean has impressed everyone with his knowledge on climate policy – and he has hit the ground running. As a leading voice on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Sean helped secure the support needed to pass the first major climate bill in the past decade -- The Climate Action NOW Act. On the Financial Services Committee, I proudly co-sponsored Sean’s bill, the Climate Risk Disclosure Act, which requires publicly traded companies to disclose their climate-related risks. This will ensure our jobs and economy are prepared for the threats ahead and accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels. .
When Trump attacks science, scientists like Sean are getting elected and fighting back – and that is the best way to answer Trump’s attacks on science.
That’s why I promised I would help his team raise $5,000 online before midnight: Will you help me help Sean by rushing in a donation of $10 or more?
Like me, Sean represents a historically Republican district in the far suburbs of Chicago. To win his seat, he had to defeat a Climate-Denying Republican – Peter Roskam – who was the actual author of the Trump Tax Plan that will endanger Science and Education funding until it is repealed.
Sean now has two very well known local Republicans who have announced their campaigns to unseat him. I know how rapidly the winds can change in our far-suburban seats, since I lost my hard-won seat in 2010. With your help, Sean will not be blindsided.
There is simply no substitute for having competent voices for science like Sean Casten in Congress.
Thank you,
Bill Foster
United States Representative, IL-11
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