Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Michael A. Tomor after 40 years of working at and leading art museums across the nation, including more than a decade as Executive Director at the Tampa Museum of Art. Dr. Tomor has left a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region through his dedication and civic leadership. Tomor completed both his Master’s and Ph.D. studies in Art History... Read More »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and 122 House Democrats, led by House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the m... Read More »
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL) today issued a call for swift humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people and for a broad international effort to advance fundamental freedoms and long‑overdue economic reforms on the island. As Cuban families face shortages, repression, and blackouts, Rep. Castor urged the Trump Administration and Cuban government to act—speed food and aid, rest... Read More »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released a statement following House Republicans’ failure to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without any guardrails or protections to keep Americans safe following well-documented abuses: “President Trump and Congressional Republicans refuse to reform ICE to increase public safety after the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pre... Read More »
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement after voting in favor of House Democrats’ bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution: “The United States Constitution is clear: Congress—not a president acting alone—is vested with the responsibility to make the grave decision to enter into war when there is no imminent threat to the nation. The bipartisan War Powers Resolu... Read More »
TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s strikes in Iran: “I am deeply committed to protecting the safety of American service members and civilians in the Middle East at a moment when the president has initiated a new war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people. “Across the country, American... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Henderson – educator, business owner, Tampa City Councilwoman, daughter of West Tampa, and champion of Black history. The daughter of the late Asbury Henderson, a Korean War veteran, and the late Gladys Austin Henderson, Gwen was born and raised in Tampa, Fla., growing up in the working-class neighbo... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor Marvin R. Knight, whose lifelong commitment to uniting people reflects the values he learned from both his family and the community that shaped him. Marvin Knight was born in Dade City, Florida, grew up in Zephyrhills and graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1979. Son of Early D. and Joyce M. Knight, and the youngest of nine, Mar... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor the Andrews family and the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, the long running African American–led newspaper based in Tampa, known for its deep roots in the community and its role as a vital source of news, culture, and advocacy. The Sentinel Bulletin’s founding, legacy, and enduring impact embody the very spirit of the Black press in America.... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a Tampa Bay native and visionary business leader, Candy Lowe Jones. As a champion of Black owned businesses and equitable economic opportunity, Candy Lowe has opened doors for connection, collaboration, and community empowerment across the Tampa Bay region. Born in Tampa, Florida, Lowe attended C. Leon King High School and Erwin Technic... Read More »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced that Tampa small business owner Linda Misner will join her as her guest to President Trump’s State of the Union address to highlight how Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration are driving up health care costs for working families and small business owners while giving massive tax giveaways for the wealthy and well-connected. For ... Read More »
“Today is a good day for the American people who deserve relief from Trump’s wallet-busting tariffs. Floridians are grappling with higher prices for groceries, housing, appliances and electric bills - made worse by Trump’s illegal tariffs. Families are paying up to $1700 more per year under the Trump tariffs. The Supreme Court just confirmed that the President does not have the ability to unilater... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the entrepreneurial legacy of Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, owners of Chief’s Creole Café. Like a hearty bowl of gumbo, the Brayboy’s and their beloved café brought comfort and community to neighbors across the Deuces corridor. Their commitment to preserving and investing in Black-owned businesses remain a pillar of their community adv... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a captivating storyteller, entrepreneur and economic changemaker, Gypsy Gallardo. Ms. Gallardo devoted herself to leadership and advocacy for equitable economic, social, and political empowerment to benefit all Americans particularly Tampa Bay Area neighbors. Gallardo persevered through family substance abuse that tragically claimed the... Read More »
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to commemorate Starling School, located in the Childs Park neighborhood of St. Petersburg, and the leadership of Carolyn Cloud as a bedrock educational institution in St. Petersburg. Founded in 1974 by Viola and Jimmy Starling, Starling School has remained steadfast in its commitment to embracing and nurturing local youth. Jimmy Starling was bor... Read More »
