Castor, Kathy RSS Articles

Rep. Castor Introduces Resolution Supporting SOF Week and Supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.”

Rep. Castor led the resolution with fellow Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs

Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). The Co-Chairs are also joined by Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) in leading this resolution.

Tampa Bay is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which hosts 33 mission partners including U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters. Rep. Castor’s district is proud to host Special Operations leaders, industry partners and military advocates each year for SOF Week. Their expertise and partnerships are critical to the defense community and U.S. national security.

"America’s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at ‘the tip of the spear’ of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,” said Rep. Castor. “The professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America’s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution."

“America’s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.”

“The men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.”

"San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district," said Rep. Peters. "Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country."

“I served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,” said Rep. Crow. “I’ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.”

The resolution coincides with SOF Week 2026, the premier annual gathering of the global special operations community hosted in Tampa, Florida, by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation. The event brings together military leaders, operators, policymakers, allied partners, innovators, and defense industry leaders to collaborate on emerging threats, evolving operational requirements, and next generation capabilities supporting the SOF mission.

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the SOF community across a wide range of missions essential to national defense, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action operations that deter adversaries and protect American interests.

Additionally, it recognizes the unique burdens carried by SOF personnel and their families, including frequent deployments, operational secrecy, and sustained high-risk assignments, and reaffirms Congress’ commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support they need.

Text of the resolution may be found here.

Reps. Castor & Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Expand Hospital at Home, Lower Health Care Costs

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) reintroduced the bipartisan At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act to expand access to innovative health care models for Medicare patients under observation status. Hospital-at-home is helping hospitals deliver high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their own homes while easing pressure on crowded facilities and improving patient experiences.

The At HOME Services Act would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a two-year pilot program that allows hospitals to provide hospital-level care at home for eligible patients while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards. The legislation is designed to improve care coordination, reduce unnecessary hospital stays and give providers more flexibility to meet patients where they are.

“Tampa Bay hospitals have been leading the way in delivering innovative, high-quality care that saves time and money, and puts patients first,” said Rep. Castor. “The bipartisan At HOME Services Act will help expand safe, cost-effective hospital-at-home care so more neighbors can receive treatment comfortably at home while freeing up hospital capacity for patients with more urgent and intensive needs. This approach will lower costs, improve patient experiences and strengthen care for families across our community. I’m grateful to our local health care providers for continuing to lead with innovation and to Congressman Buchanan for partnering with me on this bipartisan effort.”

“This commonsense legislation builds upon the incredible success individuals have seen in hospital-at-home programs and is a much-needed solution to the healthcare challenges facing our country,” said Congressman Buchanan. “The At HOME Services Act is an important step in ensuring patients receive the level of care they need and deserve in the comfort of their own homes.”

“Rapid advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to expand access to high-quality health care, and hospital-at-home care is a proven model that should be advanced and supported. Leveraging sophisticated, around-the-clock remote monitoring alongside in-home visits from clinical professionals enables patients to safely receive hospital-level care where they are most comfortable—at home. We are incredibly grateful to Representatives Kathy Castor and Vern Buchanan for sponsoring legislation that allows health care providers to build upon the success of hospital-at-home models by supporting more patients, such as those who may not need to be admitted to a hospital inpatient bed but still require hospital observation status that can be supported in their home,” said Mary Mayhew, President & CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.

“The extension of the Hospital-at-Home waiver gives health systems the stability needed to truly innovate,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “With a five-year runway now in place, it’s time to build on that foundation and expand the patient population eligible for hospital-at-home care. Doing so allows us to better meet patients where they are, improve comfort and outcomes, and ensure hospital resources are available for the sickest patients. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Castor and Rep. Buchanan in advancing solutions that strengthen community-based care.”

“Tampa General Hospital has been operating a CMS-approved Hospital at Home program since 2022 and has seen firsthand the remarkable evidence via enhanced patient experiences and improved patient outcomes. This is a true model of innovation that integrates remote patient monitoring, telehealth visits, and in-person comprehensive care by trained medical providers,” said Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris.

“We thank Representatives Castor and Buchanan for reintroducing the At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation Services Act and advancing care models that meet patients where they are. By strengthening and scaling Hospital at Home, this legislation supports Moffitt’s investments in virtual care and remote monitoring and helps eligible cancer patients receive high-quality, patient-centered care with fewer disruptions to daily life,” said Philippe E. Spiess, MD, Chief of Clinical Innovation, and Cristina Naso, Senior Director, Virtual Care and Ambulatory Operations Center.

U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Indictment of Former Cuban President Raúl Castro

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro:

“The indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro marks a critical moment for the Cuban people. The corrupt communist regime has inflicted economic pain and violated human rights for decades. The Cuban people deserve freedom,” said Rep. Castor. “As Cuban freedom fighter José Martí said, ‘Like bones to the human body, the axle to the wheel, the wing to the bird, and air to the wing, so is Liberty the essence of life. Whatever is done without it is imperfect.’”

U.S. Rep. Castor Announces $10.9 Million Federal Grant for TPA Improvements

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $10,992,431 federal grant for Tampa International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funding will support the reconstruction of airport infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, this award funds the first phase of a larger project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.

“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”

“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”

Castor has championed federal infrastructure investments across Tampa Bay to improve roads and bridges, strengthen airport infrastructure and support Port Tampa.

Castor, Fitzpatrick, Underwood Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote the Inclusion of Pregnant and Lactating Women in Clinical Research

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – Ahead of Mother’s Day, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) reintroduced H.R. 8651, the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act. The bipartisan legislation builds on earlier congressional efforts to strengthen and deepen the understanding of how medications affect pregnant and lactating women and their infants. It would modernize FDA regulations, raise awareness of research that includes pregnant and lactating women, and encourage high-quality priority research projects to be conducted at the NIH—to help ensure moms and babies stay safe and healthy.

“Excluding pregnant and lactating women from research and trials creates significant information gaps that can impact the health of mothers and babies,” said Rep. Castor. “We can and must do better. Expectant mothers and their doctors deserve clear, accurate guidance about how medications affect both mom and baby so they can make informed decisions and achieve the best possible health outcomes. Too often, a blanket assumption that medications are unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding is simply wrong—and in some cases, it can put moms and babies at greater health risk of costly complications. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Lauren Underwood, for their partnership in advancing this bipartisan effort to expand high-quality scientific research and improve health outcomes through the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act.”

“It is vital that we continue to advance medications and treatments for pregnant and lactating women to keep them healthy,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to work alongside Representatives Castor and Underwood to push for updated FDA regulations, continued educational materials, and overall awareness of how medications impact pregnant and lactating women.”

“Pregnant and lactating people must be protected through research, not excluded from it,” said Rep. Underwood. “The exclusion of this population from clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines led to a serious information gap that resulted in lower vaccination rates for pregnant people. Evidence now shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. We must do more to protect this population, and the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act takes important steps to ensure that pregnant and lactating people can safely access life-saving vaccines and therapeutics.”

“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has long advocated for the inclusion of pregnant people in clinical trials to help ensure the safety and efficacy of medication taken during pregnancy. Ninety percent of pregnant individuals take at least one medication during pregnancy, and yet seventy percent of medications approved by the FDA have no human pregnancy data. Not only does this present challenges for clinicians who have to manage the treatment of chronic conditions during pregnancy, but it creates uncertainty for patients when there is a lack of critical data on the effects of medications and therapeutics taken during pregnancy and lactation,” said ACOG President Camille A. Clare, MD, MPH, CPE, FACOG. ”By taking steps to ensure pregnant and lactating women are included in clinical trials, the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act will help give our patients and their physicians peace of mind when taking needed medications during pregnancy and lactation. We applaud the continued leadership of Representatives Kathy Castor, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Lauren Underwood for introducing this legislation and ensuring that this issue remains at the forefront.”

“As the nation’s leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, March of Dimes strongly supports the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2026. Despite the prevalence of pregnancy complications, pregnant and lactating individuals are often excluded from clinical trials for the therapeutics they depend on. This legislation takes important steps to better our understanding for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding of how to take medications and vaccines safely and effectively. We applaud Representatives Kathy Castor, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Lauren Underwood for their continued leadership,” said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, March of Dimes.

“The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act. By advancing the inclusion of pregnant and lactating populations in clinical research, this legislation will drive safer, evidence-based treatments and healthier outcomes for moms and babies alike. SWHR thanks Representatives Castor, Fitzpatrick, and Underwood for introducing this important legislation and their continued leadership in this space,” said Kathryn Schubert, President and CEO, Society for Women’s Health Research.

“Inclusive clinical research isn’t just good science; it’s essential for the health of pregnant and lactating individuals. As the CEO of HealthyWomen and a practicing maternal and fetal nurse, I have seen firsthand how critical it is to equip expectant and new mothers with accurate, evidence-based information on how to best care for themselves and their babies, including medication use and vaccine uptake. But too often, this information is unavailable, sparse or delayed, leaving pregnant and lactating individuals uncertain during a vulnerable time. That’s why we are proud to support this bill that takes a crucial step toward ensuring that clinical trials and research are inclusive and accessible to pregnant and lactating individuals,” said Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen.

“Including pregnant women in research is not a risk to be avoided—but an opportunity to embrace. For the first time in decades, researchers have begun to learn how to identify and prevent preeclampsia with new therapies on the horizon. However, the therapeutic pipeline only reaches patients if pregnant women are included in clinical research, and the federal investment is there to support it. The Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act delivers both. We thank Representatives Castor, Fitzpatrick, and Underwood for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this bill without delay,” said Eleni Tsigas, CEO, Preeclampsia Foundation.

The bill is supported by the following organizations: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM); American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP); HealthyWomen; Lupus Foundation of America; March of Dimes; Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance; Preeclampsia Foundation; Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR); U.S. Breastfeeding Committee; VAMPSS (Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Safety Studies) / American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Wake Up Narcolepsy, Inc.; WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Castor Presses for Higher Pay for MacDill AFB Civilians & Service Members, and Investments in Critical Missions

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) this week pressed for stronger investments in MacDill Air Force Base and higher pay for MacDill civilians and service members, and military families in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, outlining key priorities for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Representing the Tampa Bay region—anchored by MacDill AFB, home to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)—Castor called for targeted investments to strengthen national security and improve quality of life for service members and their families.

I recommend investments “of critical importance to MacDill presently: the strength of SOCOM, the quality and accountability of base housing, and the retention of the civilian workforce,” said Rep. Castor. “I look forward to working with members and staff of this committee to advance the priorities I have presented in efforts to support MacDill’s personnel and families, and our military as a whole, within a strong NDAA for Fiscal Year 2027.”

Read her written testimony here and view her recorded remarks here.

In her testimony, Castor urged Congress to:

Strengthen SOCOM by increasing resources and modernizing its aging headquarters at MacDill.
Improve military housing by holding private contractors accountable for unsafe conditions.
Address pay disparities affecting the civilian workforce caused by outdated locality pay designations.

Castor emphasized how these priorities are critical to supporting the more than 16,000 personnel and thousands of military families across the Tampa Bay region.

ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Castor Channels Popular Anger at Energy Sec. Wright for Sky-High Electric and Fuel Bills

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) grilled Trump-appointed Energy Secretary Chris Wright on policies that are costing Americans.

Trump and GOP policies and their war with Iran are driving massive price hikes and inflation. Rep. Castor grilled Energy Secretary Chris Wright over the painful energy squeeze, channeling the frustration of hardworking Americans over their wallets. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, household energy bills have skyrocketed. In March 2026 alone, energy inflation increased by 10.9 percent, and gas prices increased by more than 21 percent—the largest increase in recorded history. Meanwhile, Wright and Trump have illegally canceled hundreds of clean energy projects already in progress, bent a knee to powerful oil and gas lobbies, and contributed to the rampant affordability.

“At best, the policy priorities from the DOE and the administration are incoherent. At worst, they pose a real risk to our energy reliability and resilience,” said Rep. Castor. “This budget does nothing to help hardworking American families. In fact, it actively hurts them. It’s a budget that will leave the United States further behind our competitors in the global energy race, while callously telling Americans, ‘good luck to you’ as they continue to scrape by.”

Castor pressed Secretary Wright to prioritize cheaper, cleaner energy in the Department’s budget, keeping Americans top of mind, rather than corporations and polluters.

Below are Castor’s remarks as delivered:

—

Welcome, Mr. Secretary. Mr. Secretary, the policies of the Trump administration have made life very expensive for our neighbors back home. It is truly soul-crushing what they are experiencing right now. Electric bills are way up under the Trump administration — household electric bills have risen as much as 13% nationally, and utilities are imposing massive rate hikes.

Trump’s war in Iran has sent an energy shock rippling through the economy with huge price spikes. Energy inflation is up 10.9% — that’s the highest in 20 years. Gas prices jumped over 21% in March alone, the biggest increase since records began in 1967.

Americans are grappling with wildly higher gas and diesel prices. And you know, consumer goods are transported across the country by trucks running on diesel, so folks are bracing for higher costs for consumer goods, too. The pain in the pocketbook comes at a rotten time for hard-working Americans.

They’re already paying more due to arbitrary and illegal Trump tariffs, and over the past few days, Republicans have been celebrating the Big Ugly Bill, but the impact has been devastating when it comes to energy bills for our neighbors back home. Because to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Republicans in Congress rolled back many of the clean energy initiatives from the Inflation Reduction Act, which had been helping consumers save on energy costs. The Trump administration [and] the GOP eliminated tax credits for solar, wind, electric vehicles and home efficiency upgrades.

So altogether, what is happening is you’re really sticking hard-working Americans with higher electric bills. On top of all that, despite higher energy demand and the need to lower prices, the Department of Energy has effectively killed cleaner, cheaper energy projects — some fully permitted and under construction — to the point that the country, in many places, is grappling with a shortage of power, and rate payers are paying even higher electric bills. And it's troubling that the DOE is making it all the more expensive by forcing expensive, dirty coal plants to stay online — counter to the plans of utilities, state regulators and grid operators due to the cost of ongoing operation.

But do you know who’s making out like bandits through all this? Oil and gas executives.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Trump’s war in Iran is yielding a windfall for America’s top oil executives, particularly CEOs who have pocketed—get this—over the past couple of months, $1.4 billion. When the Chevron chief executive sold shares, he pocketed $104 million. ConocoPhillips’ CEO netted about $54.3 million in March alone. The CEO of Baker Hughes sold about $33 million worth of stock during the same month.

The Trump Administration and fossil fuel executives certainly have consumers over the barrel in more ways than one. You know, this Trump energy crisis almost seems intentional, and this is the context for the President's proposed budget. Aside from the NNSA, you’re proposing an 11% cut in areas that help consumers save, like full elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the weatherization program that this committee reauthorized in a bipartisan fashion last year.

You proposed to cut initiatives for critical minerals, geothermal energy and hydropower—those are bipartisan issues that we all support. That seems backwards. As usual, the only thing that the administration reliably supports are polluters. The President's budget proposes $23 million to subsidize the dying coal industry. It requests over almost $2 billion for a new baseload power account to preserve coal, oil and gas industries.

At best, the policy priorities from the DOE and the administration are incoherent. At worst, they pose a real risk to our energy reliability and resilience.

You've lost a lot of employees. They were DOGE’ed. They were fired. Now, the DOE faces a historic labor shortage. It calls into question whether you can administer the law as Congress intended. You've now lost so many people that, rather than address it, you request new power for political appointees alone to make these decisions, and this opens the door to more corruption and grift that has become a hallmark of the Trump Administration.

This budget does nothing to help hardworking American families. In fact, it actively hurts them. It's a budget that will leave the United States further behind our competitors in the global energy race, while callously telling Americans ‘good luck to you’ as they continue to scrape by.

Our neighbors back home deserve better, Mr. Secretary. They deserve cheaper, more affordable, reliable, clean energy. I hope you can answer these questions, because we have a lot of them today. I yield back. Thank you very much.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Supports Haitian Neighbors

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians following the actions of the Trump Department of Homeland Security to send hundreds of thousands of Haitians back to the dangerous country:

“Haitian families and neighbors legally living and working in the U.S. should not have the rug ripped out from under them by Trump and his Department of Homeland Security. Haitian neighbors are part of the fabric of our community and deserve respect after more than a decade of natural disasters and political instability. Armed militants and gangs control large parts of Haiti, and access to food and health care remains severely limited. The U.S. State Department’s Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory makes clear just how dangerous conditions are,” said Rep. Castor.

Castor continued, “In Florida and across the country, Haitian TPS holders are valued members of our communities—working hard, paying taxes, raising families, and contributing to the economy. Arbitrarily condemning hundreds of thousands of people who legally live and work in America would worsen a humanitarian crisis abroad and disrupt families, workplaces and local economies here at home. That’s why I voted to advance this legislation and stand with Tampa Bay’s Haitian families who deserve safety, security, and the opportunity to continue contributing to our community.”

“This vote to move TPS forward brings peace of mind to families and business owners across Tampa Bay who have built their lives here while supporting loved ones back home,” said Esther Wofia, Greater Haitian American Chamber. “Haitian community members are working hard, raising families, and contributing every day, and we are grateful to Rep. Castor for helping ensure their voices are heard, and this critical issue receives a vote in Congress.”

TPS is granted to individuals who cannot return home due to extraordinary conditions, and Haiti continues to face severe instability. More than 350,000 Haitians currently rely on TPS in the United States, with nearly one-third living in Florida. Roughly 20 percent of Haitians in the U.S. work in health care and other essential industries, contributing significantly to local economies, including in Tampa Bay.

Castor supported a discharge petition that forced the legislation to the House Floor for a vote, thereby overcoming opposition from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress.

Castor: [Trump] is unfit to lead our great country

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. - Rep. Castor responds to President Trump threatening on Truth Social "A whole civilization will die tonight..." on Tuesday, April 07, 2026, in relation to his war with Iran.

"This morally repugnant threat comes from a feckless President who is betraying his own people and our national security. Plus, he continues to inflict higher costs and more pain during an affordability squeeze. He clearly is unfit to lead our great country."

Castor Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner “A Million Paths To Take”

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – Out of 124 submissions from Tampa Bay area high school students, Blake High School Senior Cora Bowen was awarded the top prize at U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition with the Mixed Media piece “A Million Paths To Take”. Cora’s artwork will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other Congressional Art Competition winners from across the country.

“The arts unite us and help us see the world through one another’s experiences. At a time when we need more connection and inspiration, these students delivered powerful, deeply personal work that also speaks to the challenges they face. I’m so proud of the talent across Tampa Bay and can’t wait to see Cora represent our community in the national competition,” said Rep. Kathy Castor.

“Senior year to me feels like an open road. A million paths to take, which one will you choose? That’s the question about 60 million eighteen-year-olds are being asked across the United States, what will you do for the rest of your life? To me, rather than something overwhelming and burdening, I feel a lot of optimism, nothing guaranteed, but something will happen, and that’s exciting to me. In my piece, I wanted to utilize untraditional mixed-media techniques, like combining collage with classic glass mosaic, to express these feelings of winding, combining, parallel, linear and exponential paths, each unique in its own way. As a magnet art student at Blake, I previously participated in Rep. Castor’s Congressional Art Competition with digital media and a sculpture. This year, I was excited to use a combination of mediums to create a unique Mixed Media piece that showcases my interest across the art disciplines,” said Cora Bowen.

A photo of Cora’s art can be found here.

Tampa and St. Petersburg are blessed with a broad range of artists and art lovers who provide a substantial economic benefit. The Arts Council and Americans for the Arts demonstrated this recently in their detailed study of the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

The results of the Hillsborough study found that in 2022, arts and culture generated $387.5 million in economic activity, supported 6,764 jobs and generated more than $76 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments.

The results of the Pinellas study found that in 2022, arts and culture generated $294.7 million in economic activity, supported 4,528 jobs and generated more than $58.9 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments.

Photos of the students’ art can be found here.

Photos from the Art Show can be found here.

U.S. Rep. Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to celebrate the art and artists of Hillsborough and Pinellas County public and private high school students. The contest features drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures. This year, 124 entries were submitted by high school students from Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, and 56 were chosen to be displayed at the Tampa Museum of Art. The panel of judges is made up of local artists and experts from the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts.