Representative Kathy Castor

Dear friend,

Following House passage of the America COMPETES Act to lower costs, strengthen supply chains to make more products in America, turbocharge research, and advance our global competitiveness, the Congress passed new cost-saving reforms for the United States Postal Service.

The bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 would strengthen the financial footing of USPS so that it can continue to deliver reliable, on-time mail service. Many rely on the Postal Service to receive hard-earned paychecks, lifesaving prescriptions, tax returns and more. It is my hope that the Senate takes quick action to pass this legislation. Thanks to all of the Tampa area letter carriers and postal workers who deliver for us every day.

MY COMMITTEE

This week, my Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled, “ARPA-H: The Next Frontier of Biomedical Research.” President Biden proposed the creation of a new entity, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), to focus on breakthrough biomedical treatments and cures. We want to go beyond basic research and supercharge innovation in medicine and health. USF, Moffitt Cancer Center, local researchers and patients are certain to benefit.

VOTE THIS WEEK

H.R. 4445 – the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act will void forced arbitration agreements in any contract if a sexual assault or harassment claim is brought. Every survivor of sexual harassment and assault deserves their day in court, and I was proud to vote to stop perpetrators from being able to push survivors into the secretive, biased process of forced arbitration. For employment contracts, more than 60 million Americans would be aided, and we hope to address other contracts where forced arbitration clauses are typically found, such as in nursing homes, property leases, ride-share apps, movers, handyman services and more

H.R. 3076 – Postal Service Reform Act of 2022: Every corner of our community relies on consistent delivery from the USPS, and this bipartisan bill will strengthen the Postal Service, support our postal workers and preserve the reliable, nationwide mail service that Tampa families and small businesses rely on for generations to come.

H.R. 3485 – the Global Respect Act would require the President to prevent individuals who violate the human rights of LGBTQ people from entry into the United States and would codify reporting on the human rights of LGBTQ persons. The rights to life, liberty, and security of the person, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom of expression and association are fundamental human rights, and the United States is moving to hold those who violate human rights accountable.

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

In addition to working to ensure veterans obtain the benefits they have earned every day, I’m launching Valentines for Veterans to give the Tampa Bay community a chance to share its devotion to them. All of our neighbors can join in by sending a card to my office – details below:

COVID19 UPDATE

Getting your Covid19 vaccine is the best way to guard against serious illness or hospitalization, so I encourage all of our neighbors to go to their nearest provider to receive their Covid19 vaccine or booster shoot. Bring your family with you! City and County vaccine and testing sites remain open across the Tampa Bay area, and you can find the latest information on convenient locations here.

Stay safe and know my office is here to help, 813-871-2817.

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress