Representative Kathy Castor

Dear friend,

Vladimir Putin will not win. America will stand up for the people of Ukraine and for freedom and democracy in Europe and across the globe.

Following the historic and powerful sanctions imposed by President Biden to hold Putin and Russia accountable, I voted to ban Russian oil and gas imports and send support to people of Ukraine and their armed forces. Russia alone is responsible for the senseless death and destruction in Ukraine, and the United States and our allies will make certain that Putin pays a steep price for his aggression.

The bipartisan legislation we passed today will ban 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. We also are taking steps to review Russia’s access to the World Trade Organization and will continue to work with experts at home and around the world on how to further punish Russia in the global economy.

The heartbreaking images of the destruction, death and disruption in Ukraine at the hands of Putin have rallied Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to impose further sanctions on Russia. Our new bill extends the Magnitsky Act so that Russia is held accountable for its heinous attacks on Ukrainian civilians and its violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

To further support President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian people and our allies, emergency funding totaling $13.6 billion in urgent humanitarian, military and economic aid for Ukraine is included in our omnibus government funding legislation. 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 help the two million refugees fleeing their homes.

Do you support Congress' action to help Ukraine, lower energy costs and counter Russia's aggression?

Yes

No

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HOUSE PASSES GOVERNMENT FUNDING LEGISLATION

The Democratic House passed a bipartisan, bicameral government funding package to address the urgent needs of our neighbors and lower costs.

I am proud to have secured much-needed funding for nine critical community projects to better the lives and livelihoods of those in our hometown. The projects address some of the most pressing needs in our community and will have an immediate and far-reaching impact. Thanks to our diverse community partners – from East Tampa to Town ‘N Country to the University Area – our entire Tampa/Hillsborough district will benefit.

Community Project Details

MY COMMITTEES

This week, my Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled, "Charging Forward: Securing American Manufacturing and Our EV Future." The future is electric, and it's going to be tied to lower costs for families and businesses alike. It's heartening to see the private sector, including American automakers, make investments in the clean energy future and I look forward to working with them to outcompete China and bring lower costs and cleaner energy to communites across America.

My Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing entitled, "Confronting Climate Impacts: Federal Strategies for Equitable Adaptation and Resilience." There is an urgent need to develop a national climate adaptation and resilience strategy to keep our neighbors and communities safe. This hearing convened experts to share how we can deliver actionable climate risk science, information, and tools to vulnerable communities in Florida and across the nation.

VOTE THIS WEEK

H.R. 6968 – Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act: This legislation will further isolate Russia from the global economy and leave it weaker in every way.

H.R. 2471 – Government Funding Omnibus: This funding package will lower costs for Tampa residents and fund nine important local projects, from improving water quality to providing mental health services to aiding in the fight against cancer.

H.Res. 881 – Condemning the heinous terrorist attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022: This bipartisan resolution I cosponsor affirms the Congress' condemnation of this antisemitic attack and solidarity with the victims, their families and our Jewish neighbors in Texas and across the nation.

H.Con.Res. 70 – Condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities (“HBCUs”) and reaffirming support for HBCUs and their students: Students at HBCUs in Florida and around the nation deserve to attend class and live life without fear of threats. I cosponsor this resolution on behalf of HBCU students who call Tampa home - hate has no place in our schools or on college campuses.

IMPORTANT TAX CREDIT INFORMATION

For the first time, 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 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