U.S. Representative Kathy Castor today urged Congressional appropriators to remove a harmful legislative policy rider that would reinstitute harsh travel restrictions on Cuban-American families. Castor and the Tampa Bay business community oppose efforts by Congressional Republicans to retain a proposal introduced by U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart to limit family travel to once every three years. The restriction is being considered this week as part of the fiscal year 2012 appropriations “megabus” bill. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that Hurricane Hunter jobs and funding have been restored in a proposed fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill. The legislation is expected to be considered on the House floor by the end of the week. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that she has filed a bill to rename the Produce Station Post Office in East Tampa after the late Rev. Abe Brown. Castor filed her bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday. She notified the Rev. Abe Brown’s church, First Baptist Church of College Hill, during services on Sunday and held a news conference today with Brown’s family, the East Tampa community and some of its leaders, including County Commissioner Les Miller and City Councilman Frank Reddick. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor called for immediate action on jobs legislation today so that schools in our community can get the improvements they need and small business contractors and construction workers have more job opportunities in our region. Castor made her remarks today at Chiaramonte Elementary School in south Tampa. Chiaramonte is undergoing a $9 million renovation this year. Read more »

With the East Tampa community and Mayor Bob Buckhorn joining her, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today a $759,000 grant that will help revitalize the neighborhood, leading to a new grocery store and more jobs for area residents. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding the inaugural flight from Tampa International Airport to Havana, and the need to focus on economic growth tied to the “gateway to Cuba” plan: Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor posthumously honored Sgt. John A. Hess, an Army veteran who served in Tampa during WWII and then in Korea and died before he was able to obtain his military medals and awards. Castor’s office has been able to secure those medals for Sgt. Hess’ wife, Onelia. Read more »

The marine research conducted by the University of South Florida and other Florida universities is critical to understanding the scope of the damage caused by the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. Read more »

Congresswoman intends to offer amendment so hurricane predictions remain accurate and timely Read more »

Celebrating new jobs and a health clinic in Sulphur Springs, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, State Rep. Janet Cruz, City Councilman Frank Reddick and other community leaders broke ground today on a new community health center on the corner of Bird Street and Nebraska Avenue. The clinic is expected to open next spring and serve more than 12,000 new patients. The project will create new construction jobs in the short term and new health care jobs in the long term. Read more »