Military

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “The men and women in uniform who serve our country, including at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base, deserve the support necessary to meet ever-changing national security threats. This bipartisan defense bill will bolster our national security and invest in new, innovative technologies to maintain America’s competitive edge over our adversaries including Russ... Read more

Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Scott Franklin (FL-15) announced that the entire bipartisan Florida Congressional Delegation is urging Acting Air Force Secretary John P. Roth to select MacDill Air Force Base as the next Main Operating Base (MOB) for 24 KC-46 Pegasus Tankers. MacDill and Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State are the top two candidates for the new KC-46s. Later this year, the Air Force will share its top choice – the other base will be designated as the preferred... Read more

This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joined 267 of her colleagues in voting to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) Against Iraq Resolution of 2002: “Nineteen years after the Congress voted to authorize the use of military force and go to war in Iraq - based upon false pretenses - I am heartened to see broad, bipartisan support to repeal the authorizing resolution. The brave American men and women in uniform who served there did all that was asked of them. To honor their servic... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the release of President Joe Biden’s proposed budget: “President Biden’s budget meets this urgent moment and provides the resources needed to help communities, families, schools and businesses recover and thrive in the days ahead. Following an infusion of federal Covid-19 aid that served as a bridge for struggling communities, the President’s request aims to invest in working families and get our neighbors back to work, create ... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that the Acting Secretary of the Air Force has approved MacDill Air Force Base as one of the final two operating bases up for consideration as the newest KC-46 Main Operating Base (MOB). This would replace 24 x KC-135s at MacDill with 24 x KC-46As. “The KC-46 is a next generation tanker aircraft, and locating the planes and personnel at MacDill would be an ideal choice. We do not have encroachment issues like other bases, and have well-paved runway... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today her office worked to deliver nearly $1.6 million to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2020; almost $1.5 billion in federal grants to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support the important work of local partners; and $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for Tampa businesses. “Every day, my Tampa constituent services team, Tery Sanchez, Steven Angott... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement as the bipartisan FY21 omnibus and $900B in COVID-19 relief head to the president’s desk: “In addition to the immediate relief provided by the COVID-19 emergency aid in this package, the FY21 omnibus contains priorities that will support our economy and military, lower health care costs, strengthen our fight for clean energy and more. I’m pleased that we came to a bipartisan solution that meets the needs of our community and more. Several p... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of the bipartisan, bicameral FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report today in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Every year, the holiday season presents another reminder of the sacrifice and selflessness of our service members, but nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers must ensure that our military personnel and their families have the tools they need to remain safe and hea... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 24 students representing more than a dozen local high schools received nominations for admission into our nation’s military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA). “Every year I am proud to nominate a diverse group of high school seniors from the Tampa Bay area to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies,” Castor said. “These impressive students are tomorrow’s leaders, and I’m encouraged that our ... Read more

"In times of challenge and adversity, America responds to support each other. That is what I intend to do today to ensure that American families and workers have the help they need to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. "In Florida, we are used to the chaos and harm that a hurricane brings. Well, this coronavirus is a monster storm that is wreaking havoc, especially on our most vulnerable neighbors. We must respond in an resolute way. "This is the third bipartisan emergency aid package and it contai... Read more