“You will become part of the 1 percent if you decide to pursue this,” MacDill Airforce Base Commander Colonel Scott DeThomas said to encourage a crowd of more than 100 students as he kicked off the program for Academy Day 2013. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor hosts Academy Day every year to give local students an opportunity to learn more about the service academies as they prepare their… Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor (Fla. District 14) released the following statement on passing of Congressman Bill Young: "Tampa Bay is mourning the passing of Congressman Bill Young, but celebrates his life as a leader who for decades has been passionate about our community, especially MacDill Air Force Base, our military members, veterans and their families. My thoughts and prayers are… Read more »

The government shutdown is having harmful impacts on veterans across the Tampa Bay area and the entire country. A comprehensive FAQ on the Shutdown’s Effect on Veterans Affairs is available here If the shutdown continues into late October, veterans benefits will be suspended, veterans’ appeals for disability benefits halted and VA National Cemeteries will conduct a reduced number of… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement today upon the passing of Dottie Berger MacKinnon: Read more »

Congressional Democrats will file a petition tomorrow morning to reopen the U.S. government and provide Republicans with an opportunity to vote to end the shutdown.  “Republican colleagues who have voiced support for a clean resolution to fund government operations will have an opportunity to bring that vote to the floor and halt further economic damage to our Tampa Bay neighbors… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement upon U.S. Rep. Bill Young’s announcement of his planned retirement in 2014: Read more »

Below is a statement released by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) regarding the government shutdown: "Congressional Republicans’ refusal to back off their extreme demands has led to a shutdown of American government.  The Tea Party government shutdown will cause significant economic damage.  Our neighbors, veterans and business owners back home will suffer… Read more »

Florida families and individuals will benefit from a broad range of new health insurance options and lower than expected rates in the new Health Insurance Marketplace that will open next week. Rates in Florida are lower than expected and new tax credits for middle class families will help make health insurance even more affordable, according to today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "This is great news for our neighbors across the Tampa Bay area and all Floridians. Low rates and a wide range of choices will be a godsend to families. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement in regards to the Continuing Resolution: Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor sent the attached letter to Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Surgeon General John Armstrong regarding yesterday’s decision by the Florida Department of Health to block navigators from local health department offices. Read more »