The bailout bill does not address the fundamental root causes of the economic crisis or the concerns I have consistently expressed. After assisting hundreds of Tampa Bay area families at my foreclosure workshops this summer, I could not in good conscience vote for a $700 billion Wall Street bailout that does not help middle-class families. They need mandatory “workout” provisions that require refinancing so they can achieve a little breathing room, keep paying mortgages and remain in their homes. Keeping families in their homes in our community means that our neighborhoods will not deteriorate and our property values will not fall. Read more »

After thoughtful consideration and review, I voted against President Bush’s $700 billion bailout. The Bush plan does not provide sufficient help to middle-class families in the housing squeeze or taxpayer protections. I assisted hundreds of Tampa Bay families at my foreclosure workshops this summer and I understand the need for direct, immediate action. The Bush plan failed to provide such action. I will work to ensure that this freewheeling deregulation that has brought our great country to this serious day does not happen again. I strongly support the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigations which begin this week, and will push for accountability for those responsible for the damage to our communities. Congress should go back to the drawing board as soon as possible this week to tackle the issue. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today she is continuing to push for quality, affordable health care with an immediate increase of Medicaid dollars to Florida and other states suffering from the economic downturn. As Congress considers a second economic stimulus package, Castor will fight to focus the package on jobs and health care. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) today visited Meadowlawn Middle School to personally witness a classroom of struggling readers using the locally developed Tune In to Reading program. The school has made the most gains in reading in Pinellas County, going from a “C” school to a “B” school thanks to its partnership with Tampa-based Electronic Learning Products. Read more »

“Toys with lead and other dangerous chemicals are now banned. Our children and families deserve to be protected from and advised about imported toys and products that threaten their health.” Read more »

“Our landmark legislation today throws a lifeline to families who are struggling to maintain the American dream of home ownership during this housing crisis and economic downturn,” said Castor from the House floor. Read more »

President Bush and VP Cheney continue to side with Big Oil over the interests of the American people. Bush’s claim that drilling off of coastal Florida will lower gas prices is a hoax and a sham. Even Florida’s biggest pro business lobby states that drilling off our coast will not do anything to lower gas prices. Instead, a comprehensive energy plan is required that targets oil speculators to lower prices, promotes conservation and transit, forces oil companies to drill on the 68 million acres already available to them but not being tapped, and encourages drilling in the national reserve area to more immediately increase our oil supplies Read more »

Legislation that will expand the GI Bill of Rights was signed into law today, despite strenuous opposition by President Bush. Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) a co-sponsor of the legislation, joined Democratic sponsors Congressman Harry Mitchell and Senator Jim Webb in backing the legislation. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar request General Accountability Office (GAO) study on liability and indemnity agreements governing commuter and intercity passenger rail services following controversy over CSX deal during state legislative session. Read more »

This list reflects U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s grassroots experience. As an environmental lawyer and Hillsborough County Commissioner, Castor uses her grassroots knowledge and experience to continue to fight for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties. She has worked on these issues directly with her neighbors: health care, education, the environment/energy independence and community/economic development. Read more »