Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) renewed her demand for the release of the State of Florida’s COVID-19 Testing and Tracing Plan - this time through an official public records request under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. Castor previously requested Governor DeSantis release the plan three weeks ago, but has received no response. So, now Castor is following this legal… Read more »

In an effort to advise Hillsborough County Public School leaders of the appropriate expenditure of emergency aid funds, today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) advised local leaders that CARES Act education dollars are intended for public schools despite the U.S. Department of Education's (DOE) inaccurate guidance that suggests that funds may be shared broadly with private schools. … Read more »

This news release was issued by U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA07). WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) today are leading an effort calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide additional assistance to American families as they look for… Read more »

Castor Champions Justice in Policing Act of 2020 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that she is an original cosponsor of the newly introduced Justice in Policing Act of 2020, civil rights-focused legislation crafted by the Congressional Black Caucus and the House Judiciary Committee. “Protests and calls to action in wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd must… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) wrote Governor Ron DeSantis urging him to release a COVID-19 testing plan that was required by Congress. The State of Florida’s testing plan was due to HHS 30 days after enactment of H.R. 266- the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The bill was signed into law on April 24, 2020. “Your efforts to proceed with reopening must be… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Castor championed new legislation designed to provide a more flexible lifeline to small businesses that are trying to survive and provide for their families and employees. H.R. 7010- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act of 2020 passed the House this afternoon. The Senate should be urged to take up and pass the House bill with alacrity in order to rush help to our… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Scott Rivkees to provide answers regarding the apparent firing of Rebekah Jones, the geographic information system manager for Department of Health’s Division of Disease Control and Health Protection, who manages the State’s Coronavirus data portal. “Amidst pressure to “reopen” the state regardless of… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement after House passage of the Heroes Act. The Heroes Act is the fifth coronavirus aid emergency package passed by the House of Representatives. “The Heroes Act will speed much-needed assistance to Tampa Bay area frontline heroes, communities and families.  Many of our neighbors are hurting.  They need assistance with… Read more »

This week, a bipartisan group of Florida Members joined U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) to direct Governor Ron DeSantis to pull down funds to safeguard the 2020 elections that were provided by Congress in the CARES Act. The funds are to help Florida ensure safe and robust efforts in spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for a safe and successful 2020 election cycle. The CARES… Read more »

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor provided a Congressional COVID-19 update to Tampa Bay health care, policy and elected leaders regarding health care coverage, testing and resources included in the four federal COVID-19 aid packages passed by Congress since early March. “Congress directed that testing be provided at no cost and that the Trump Administration work in partnership with states… Read more »