Representative Kathy Castor

Dear friend,

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Congress, we acted to cut Russia from normal trade relations and President Biden announced additional military and humanitarian aid would flow to Ukraine and our NATO allies. President Biden signed the omnibus appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2022 and a major aid package for Ukraine and our NATO allies.

Here at home, I am working to lower costs for our neighbors and invest in good-paying jobs, including a boost for nine community projects that I championed, reaching every corner of our Tampa area District! More information here.

In the days ahead, we’ll continue our work to lower costs, crush Covid19, and address the issues that matter most to you.

Do you support the omnibus funding to lower costs, invest in good-paying jobs here in Tampa and expand access to child care?

Yes

No

I don't know

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was inspiring in his address to the Congress, sharing his gratitude for our nation’s support and imploring us to help counter Putin and other malign forces for the unprovoked attack on a peaceful nation. The Congress stands united with Ukraine, and has passed emergency funding totaling $13.6 billion in urgent humanitarian, military and economic aid into law - and I believe that we will do more.

The bill we passed to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus prevents them from selling goods in the United States at the same preferential duty rates that Ukraine enjoys and allows President Biden to raise tariffs on products from Russia and Belarus.

We also have banned the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States and cut off a major source of revenue for Putin. As we work to isolate Russia from the global economy, we remain focused on bringing down energy costs for Americans here at home and blunting the effects of Putin’s price hike through releases from the national Strategic Petroleum Reserve and tough stance against price gouging by oil companies. We intend to further punish Russia and those that support them.

In the days ahead, we will continue working with Ukrainian leaders to assist their armed forces as they fight this illegal invasion and with global partners to support the two million refugees fleeing their homes. We will hold Russia accountable for this unnecessary, unprovoked war.

You can watch President Zelenskyy’s address here.

MY COMMITTEE

My Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled, "The Future of Medicine: Legislation to Encourage Innovation & Improve Oversight.” The hearing focused on 22 bills that would streamline development and approval processes for drugs and therapeutics, and improve diversity and equity in biomedical research to better support the health and needs of all of our neighbors. I asked how we can make sure that pregnant and lactating people are safely included in research and clinical trials, ensuring they have access to safe and effective drugs and therapies.

VOTE THIS WEEK

H.R. 7108 – Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus: This is the next step in Congress and the Biden Administration’s multi-pronged approach to hold Putin accountable for his continued invasion of Ukraine and further isolate Russia from the global economy. The bill passed 424-8.

H.R. 963 – I cosponsored the bipartisan Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act of 2022 to eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, and civil rights cases, ensuring individuals have access to the American justice system. The bill passed 222-209.

H.R. 2116 – I cosponsored the CROWN Act of 2022 to ensure that none of our neighbors are discriminated against based on their hairstyle. The bill would explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. This is a commonsense step to make our society more equal, from schools to the workplace. The bill passed the House 235-189.

CO$TBUSTERS TELEPHONE

TOWN HALL

Join my second Co$tbusters town hall on Tuesday for information on how the federal government and local organizations are working to save you money on internet and broadband services, as well as through rental and utility assistance. I’ll be joined by experts to answer your questions and share tips on lowering costs for you and your family.

IMPORTANT TAX CREDIT INFORMATION

This year, more people than ever before will qualify for federal tax credits and could get money back at tax time. From the expanded Child Tax Credit and Child Care Tax Credit for most families with children to the Earned Income Tax Credit for many Americans without children, there is important information to know before filing your taxes.

Details on 2021 Tax Credits Here

Tax prep help by United Way Suncoast

Did you earn less than $74,000 last year? Have your federal tax return prepared, e-filed, and direct deposited for FREE.

As part of the Prosperity Campaigns of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, United Way supports free tax preparation assistance and education regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) at numerous locations throughout the Suncoast region. In-person VITA sites are now open by appointment only. Book online or by phone at (833) UWS-VITA (833-897-8482).

Book an appointment

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

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress

Thank you to everyone who answered last week's survey on your support for Ukraine. 80.5 percent of respondents support Congress' actions to counter Russia's aggression, lower energy costs and help Ukraine, 16.3 percent do not and 3.2 percent are unsure. Check back next week for the results to today's survey.