Congresswoman Kathy Castor successfully amended the National Defense Authorization Act to improve the prospects for local job creation as the House Armed Services Committee passed the bill out of committee early today. The Castor amendments provide additional funding for national air force base infrastructure and health care research that can be leveraged for MacDill Air Force Base, the University of South Florida, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Castor also authored a specific commendation to the Special Operations personnel for the successful and historic mission to bring Osama bin Laden to justice. Read more »

In one of the most high profile votes of the Republican-led Congress, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced her intended vote this afternoon against the GOP budget plan to end Medicare and replace it with a voucher system that would reduce benefits and shift costs to older Americans and their families. Read more »

In response to a Republican-led proposal to end the Prevention and Public Health initiative, Congresswoman Kathy Castor highlighted today on the House floor the positive effects these community-led initiatives are having on the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida. The University of South Florida, the Pinellas County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health, among others, are already using these investments to improve our health and wellness. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor criticized the Republican 2012 budget proposal today that would destroy Medicare and replace it with a voucher system for private insurance companies that would reduce benefits and shift costs to seniors and their families. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor is co-sponsoring an amendment today to the Republican-proposed 2012 budget that would turn back Republican cuts to schools, students and Head Start across America. The newly proposed Republican budget cuts elementary and secondary education (Title I) as well as Head Start and thousands of related jobs. Castor’s amendment is paid for by eliminating tax loopholes for major oil companies, corporate jets, and other special interest exclusions. Read more »

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

Tampa Bay area families and businesses are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Like millions of Americans, as Tampa Bay area families and businesses cut through the political rhetoric and learn about the actual consumer protections and tax credits in the Act, they are embracing the reforms. 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 »

“I fought for tax cuts so hardworking families will have more money in their paychecks and improved prospects for a better economy. I am pleased businesses will receive vital relief as well. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor hailed the U.S. House passage of the Dream Act, which she cosponsored. Castor fought for the thousands of Florida students, families and businesses who would benefit under the Dream Act and the vital path to citizenship for young people who were brought to America by their parents. Read more »