U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor sent the attached letter today to U.S. HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell urging rigorous federal oversight of the State of Florida’s egregious, systematic failures to provide adequate health services to children enrolled in Medicaid. Last week, a U.S. Federal District Court ruled that Florida knowingly denied access to medical care to children enrolled in Medicaid in violation of federal law. U.S. Rep. Castor also criticizes Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to squander millions of taxpayer dollars on lawyers to fight the ruling rather than spend the money on essential health services to children. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) cheered the end of discrimination against gay couples in Florida on this first, historic day of marriage equality. U.S. Rep. Castor credited equal rights advocates across Florida for progress and congratulated all of Florida’s committed couples who have waited so long for marriage equality.   “Equal rights are fundamental to our… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that she will host a Community Forum early in 2015 with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate Tampa Bay families and businesses on the evolving landscape tied to President Barack Obama’ historic announcement to normalize relations with Cuba last week. Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced strong support for historic changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba. President Obama detailed the changes which include reestablishing diplomatic relations, expanding travel opportunities and support for the Cuban people. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working for years to encourage the changes announced by the President today. Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) issued the following statement regarding the House Republican Spending Bill: Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced that the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today, includes a pay increase for servicemembers, important new investments for special operations, authorizes replacement of the Air Force’s KC-135 tankers with new KC-46 aerial refueling tankers, and provides significant polices for MacDill Air Force… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) , the Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Florida Consumer Action Network (FCAN) and All Children’s Hospital teamed up to urge parents and shoppers to remain vigilant about hazardous toys currently on shelves. In addition, practicing toy safety – such as using helmets and fastening belts correctly – is just as important when it comes to keeping kids safe and out of the emergency room. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement regarding the extension of negotiations over Iran's nuclear program: "While the delay in negotiations relating to Iran's nuclear disarmament is disappointing, it is vital that the lead negotiators -- United States, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- continue to press for a diplomatic… Read more »

“Florida families, businesses, universities, law enforcement agencies, churches and faith leaders have urged Congress for years to fix America’s broken immigration laws. I have listened to their stories and together we have pressed for change. “But time after time, Republicans who control the U.S. House failed to act, failed to allow debate on the floor and blocked a vote –… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that Hillsborough County Public Schools is one of 26 nationwide finalists for the U.S. Education Department’s $129 million Investing in Innovation (i3) 2014 competition aimed at developing innovative approaches to improve student achievement and replicating effective strategies across the country. Hillsborough County is scheduled to receive… Read more »