H.R. 863 – Unconstitutional Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas – House Republicans offered a political stunt rather than consider a tough, bipartisan border security package. Former President Trump and his MAGA supporters in Congress made it clear that they hope to benefit from chaos on the border and will not consider any legislation to tackle the problem.

H.R. 7176 – Republicans Plan to Increase Americans’ Energy Bills – Last summer was the hottest on record and our electric bills skyrocketed especially because Florida utilities keeping us hooked to gas. Now, Republicans in Congress want to give Big Oil and Gas more handouts. This bill is anti-American and bad for your pocketbooks. I voted no, and will keep working to lower energy bills and cleaner, cheaper energy.

Tampa is built on the contributions of local trailblazers.

It was an honor to recognize the life service of Rev. Wallace Bowers, Gloria-Jean Royster & Jerry and Ruth Bell in the distinguished Congressional Record during Black History Month. Read their stories here.

Remember to join me for my St. Petersburg Black History Month Celebration on February 27^th. 

Last week in the Energy Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce, we discussed our grid technology. Oil and Gas companies would have us believe that the only way to achieve grid reliability is with dirty fossil fuels. I think that's dangerous and it's costly. In fact, a new scientific analysis finds that gas plants are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, like heat waves and cold snaps, which are growing in severity and frequency amid the heating climate. It is time we hold Oil and Gas companies accountable for their corrupt uses of taxpayer dollars and reliance on dirty fossil fuels. Watch my questioning here.

Click here to read about my Ethics in Energy bill. 

In the Health Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce, we discussed my critical SHINE for Autumn Act. Stillbirth is a major public health crisis, affecting over 20,000 U.S. families each year. Unfortunately, we don't have the data to understand the underlying causes and identify best practices to prevent families from experiencing these tragedies. We need answers and research to reduce stillbirth rates and increase positive health outcomes and prevention strategies.

Additionally, we took a look at another piece of legislation I am spearheading, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024. Children require unique, specialized medical care in emergencies, including the more than 2 million kids in Florida who visit an emergency room each year. My bipartisan bill will help ensure emergency medical services are equipped to provide our kids with the medical care they need.

It was great to stop by MacDill Air Force Base Tinker K-8 school to take a look at the handmade cards students made for our veterans. 

In my office, every day is Veteran’s Day, and what better way to say thank you for your service than by making a valentine for the men and women who have bravely served our country and are now receiving care at a top veteran medical center in the Tampa Bay area.

It is so special to see students whose parents are also serving our country feel the love the Tampa Bay community has for its service members. Florida is rich with Veterans, and it is critical we give back to Veterans just as they have done for us.

As always, you can call my office at (813) 871-2817 or (727) 369-0201.

I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor

Member of Congress