Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a captivating storyteller, entrepreneur and economic changemaker, Gypsy Gallardo. Ms. Gallardo devoted herself to leadership and advocacy for equitable economic, social, and political empowerment to benefit all Americans particularly Tampa Bay Area neighbors. Gallardo persevered through family substance abuse that tragically… Read more »

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to commemorate Starling School, located in the Childs Park neighborhood of St. Petersburg, and the leadership of Carolyn Cloud as a bedrock educational institution in St. Petersburg. Founded in 1974 by Viola and Jimmy Starling, Starling School has remained steadfast in its commitment to embracing and nurturing local youth. Jimmy… Read more »

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to commemorate the Johnson family and The Weekly Challenger, an unwavering pillar of journalism that has kept our Tampa Bay area neighbors connected with uplifting local stories. Their dedication to preserving the Black community shapes a legacy for generations to come. The Weekly Challenger origin story starts with Mr. Cleveland… Read more »

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) condemned President Trump’s decision to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act “Endangerment Finding,” which requires the EPA to protect people from pollution that drives extreme weather and its costly, dangerous impacts under the Clean Air Act. “Trump has cemented his legacy as the most pro-polluter,… Read more »

Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after voting ‘no’ on an extension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):    “This is a moral moment for America. After the brutal murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the widespread abuse of power by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released a statement on House Republicans’ legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): “The militarization of American cities is dangerous and un-American. At Donald Trump’s direction, ICE has discarded its core mission and is operating without… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted to pass the final Fiscal Year 2025 “minibus” appropriations bill, a package of 3 funding bills that will help address higher energy costs and build stronger and safer communities. “It’s heartening to see Democrats and Republicans come together to reject the harmful budget cuts proposed by the Trump… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement on the U.S. Congress’s Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Minority report analyzing family expenses from housing costs to transportation costs: “President Trump promised American families to lower costs and end inflation, but after one year in office, the numbers show the opposite. Due to arbitrary Trump… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) led Florida Democrats in calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida to provide health coverage to at least 43,000 children who rely on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - known as Florida KidCare - as the law requires. For over two… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), former Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (SCCC) and Ranking Democratic on the House Energy Subcommittee, released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s shortsighted decision to withdraw the United States from 66 international treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention on… Read more »