Representative Kathy Castor

Dear friend,

One of the most important new civil rights bills is on its way to President Biden! I helped pass the Respect for Marriage Act, enshrining protections for same-sex and interracial marriages into law. The bill outlaws discrimination in marriage, ensures existing marriages are not at legal risk, guarantees survivor rights, and helps America build loving families. Thanks to all of the Tampa Bay area friends who have helped march forward on equal rights for all.

Do you support the Respect for Marriage Act?

Yes

No

I don't know

SUPPORTING OUR SERVICE MEMBERS & MACDILL AFB MISSIONS

Important for our patriotic Tampa community, military members and their families, we passed a defense bill that meets this moment by lowering costs and investing in the necessary resources and technology to face current and evolving threats against the United States and our allies head on.

Our service members and their families also need lower costs to combat the rising cost of living while they’re serving our nation at home and abroad, so the increase in military basic pay by 4.6 percent for our troops was a priority for me to honor their service and sacrifice. A hot housing market also required adding funds to the basic allowance for housing to ensure that military families can find adequate housing wherever they may serve and lower costs at the same time. We also provide support for the costs of everyday food and products service members purchase from commissaries.

VOTES THIS WEEK

Senate Amendment to H.R. 8404 – Respect for Marriage Act

PASSED: 258-169-1

The Respect for Marriage Act would enshrine the marriage equality for same sex and interracial couples guaranteed by the landmark Obergefell and Loving Supreme Court cases for the purposes of federal law, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provide additional legal protections for marriage equality.

H.Res. 1512 – James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

PASSED: 350-80

The American people witness the bravery and commitment of our military service members every day, and 2022 brought new challenges in defending our nation and its values in the aftermath of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the growing threat posed by China. That is why we passed a defense bill that equips our military and the Department of Defense with the necessary resources and technology to meet current and the evolving threats against the United States and its allies.

More details on the NDAA here.

H.R. 7946 – Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022

PASSED: 220-208

This bill supports the ability of noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization while creating avenues for noncitizen veterans and their families to obtain lawful permanent resident status.

LAST CHANCE: OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH PLANS STARTING JAN. 1

Once more, you will see lowered costs as you visit www.healthcare.gov to search for a plan during open enrollment. The Affordable Care Act marketplace is open now until December 15^th for coverage starting on January 1, 2023. Take time this weekend to look for a plan that works best for you and your family. Coverage may be more affordable than you think!

If you have questions or don’t know where to start, our independent health care Navigators at Covering Florida are standing by and ready to help you, free of cost. Services are available in English and Spanish – visit http://CoveringFlorida.org or call 877-813-9115 for more information.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

THIS TAX SEASON!

The IRS is looking for volunteers to train for the upcoming filing season to provide free tax help in our community – bilingual volunteers are in particular need! For over 50 years, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs have offered free tax preparation to people with low- to moderate-income that need help preparing their own tax returns. You can sign up and find information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation programs here.

Stay safe and have a great weekend! Know that my team is here to help at 813-871-2817

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress