Dear friend, Extreme MAGA Republicans in the House are marching America toward a government shutdown. Speaker McCarthy reneged on the bipartisan agreement passed in June to restrain spending and avert a default at the behest of extreme right-wing members. They are threatening his speakership unless he agrees to severe cuts to investments that families count on – health care, child care, education, military and public safety. Senate Republicans oppose the MAGA shutdown plan. House Republicans are on an island by themselves.
Meanwhile, in a hopeful path forward, Senate Democrats and Republicans are moving bipartisan appropriations bills. House Democrats will work with them and the White House to avoid a costly shutdown. A shutdown forced by House Republicans will harm the economy, furlough workers, close parks, and is entirely unnecessary. The American people will not stand for putting our national security at risk and holding paychecks. House Democrats will continue fighting to protect the American people and our national security. |
Last week, my Energy and Commerce Committee was busy. As Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Committee, I defended lower drug prices for neighbors who rely on Medicare passed in the Inflation Reduction Act. Big Pharma is fighting the new price negotiation authority in courts and Congress, and Republicans are happy to help them. Meanwhile, the $35 per month cap on insulin and no-cost vaccines are popular, with a savings of about $440 annually for thousands of our Tampa Bay neighbors. Democrats are delivering for consumers, not for Big Pharma and its CEOs. Watch my opening statement here. |
On the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, we discussed how to expedite lower-cost solar, wind, hydropower, and other clean energy projects. I stressed the important role the Sunshine State must play in harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy. |
It was so great to see so many Tampa Bay leaders and students at the Capitol last week: |
As Co-Chair of the Children’s Health Care Caucus, I devoted the first Kids Health 101 briefing to the vital role Medicaid and CHIP play in safeguarding affordable children’s health care, high quality and equity. All kids deserve a healthy future. |
|
I was honored to be awarded the Moffitt Momentum Award! Local leaders at Moffitt are at the forefront of the fight against cancer at every stage—from screening to diagnosis to treatment. They are working to find better treatments and cures for cancer patients in Florida and across the country. I am proud to be their partner. |
|
At the Moms Congress Reception, I shared my work on maternal health care and listened to their priorities. Earlier this year, I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation with Representative Kim, the SHINE for Autumn Act. Disparities among racial and ethnic groups persist, with Black women more than twice as likely to experience stillbirth as White women. It's time for measurable improvements in outcomes for mothers and babies. |
|
As a long-time member of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I Co-Hosted the 14th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit. For years, Bonnie Woolworth and Mary Ann Masulio of the 1Voice Academy have been critical to my knowledge and understanding. |
|
Florida House on Capitol was welcoming during the “Taste of Florida’ Reception during CBC Leadership Week Reception I cohosted with Representatives Soto and Wasserman-Schultz. I appreciate Leader Hakeem Jefferies and Ben Crump for providing remarks. |
|
MAGA House Republicans failed to pass the usual bipartisan Defense Appropriations bill, not once, but twice. This fails our country and service members, who deserve adequate resources to continue. |
H.R.2670 - National Defense Authorization Act: After MAGA Republicans in the House politicized this year’s NDAA by adding extreme policy riders that hamper our national security and harm our service members and their families, I voted to move the must-pass defense bill to a bipartisan conference with the Senate. We cannot allow extreme MAGA chaos to reign in Congress or our armed services. I’m hopeful the NDAA conference will produce a bipartisan report that invests in our nation’s men and women in uniform and their families, promotes innovation and technology, supports our alliances and strengthens our military readiness. |
|
H.R.663 - Native American Child Protection Act: Revises the Indian Child Abuse Treatment Grant Program to encourage the use of grants for culturally appropriate treatment services and programs. |
|
H.R.1530 - Veterans Benefits Improvement Act: Makes VA processes more transparent and accessible to ensure veterans receive the services and benefits they are owed. |
|
Learn what else we voted on here. |
When I was Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, we recommended empowering young people through a new conservation corps to restore ecosystems, expand low-cost clean energy, update buildings, reduce pollution and solve the climate crisis. Now, our vision is reality. Join House Democrats and President Biden - we need YOU as we strengthen our communities and create pathways to good-paying green jobs. American Climate Corps is a paid training and service program, so check it out here. |
|
In Hillsborough County, people under 18 comprise the highest percentage of those experiencing homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $4,644,758 in grant funding for the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative to expand services and support for youth experiencing homelessness in Hillsborough County! Kids need to grow up in safe and nurturing homes. |
|
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
|
|
|
|
