Rep. Kathy Castor has proposed an amendment today to the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 that would direct 80 percent of the fines and penalties collected under the Act as a result of the Deepwater Horizon disaster to Gulf Coast recovery and restoration efforts. Read more »

The vitally important findings of Florida university researchers provide a window into the environmental damage caused by the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout. The research would not have been possible without these hard-fought, expedited research funds. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding Gov. Scott’s decision not to file against Transocean: “I urge Gov. Scott to aggressively fight to protect Florida taxpayers. Other states and communities appear to be more proactive in their approaches to recoup tax dollars and damages. As the Alabama Attorney General said when he filed suit last August, ‘based… Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor pressed Gov. Rick Scott in person to aggressively fight for Florida taxpayers – relating to the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster – at a Florida congressional delegation meeting this morning. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that she and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise have created the bipartisan Gulf Coast Caucus to help address emergencies, and discuss legislation and policy affecting the Gulf Coast. Caucus members – Democrats and Republicans – will work together to find ways to boost the Gulf Coast economy and environment, which were severely affected by last year’s BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. The group’s work will focus on issues including oil-related restoration and recovery, hurricane response efforts, tourism and seafood marketing. Read more »

“Today, Gov. Scott turned his back on Floridians and sent our $2.4 billion in high-speed rail money, and the tens of thousands of jobs associated with it, to other states. Read more »

I read with interest over the weekend the letter from Warren Buffett, one of America's most renowned investors, to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. regarding his enthusiasm for rail investments. Buffett's thoughts provide an important lesson for Florida, job growth and our long-term economic future. Read more »

“President Obama is rightfully focused on jobs and the economy and reducing the long-term debt and deficit. Read more »

A bill proposed by Congresswoman Kathy Castor would direct the bulk of the penalties to be paid by BP for the Deepwater Horizon disaster to the economic and environmental recovery of the Gulf Coast. That is in line with a recommendation made today by the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, co-chaired by former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham of Florida. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor recently filed legislation essential to Florida and other states impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Tampa Democrat's bill, if passed, would see to it that most of the money expected to be paid out by BP in fines and penalties would go to Gulf Coast states and not be diverted to other parts of the country. Read more »