U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor

Great news: The House just passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act that will give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prices for prescriptions drugs and make the lower prices available to people with private insurance! Drug companies have been charging Americans more than people in other countries and that’s not fair. Savings from HR 3 will help improve Medicare with new benefits for vision, hearing and dental care – and save families and employers enormous sums.

More good news for military families and all federal workers: the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report passed yesterday with a 3.1 percent pay raise for service members (largest in a decade), improvements to base housing, and a new 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. The needs of our military service members and their families are paramount and I am delighted that the Democratic-led House delivered for service members and their families. For months, I have worked with families who reside on MacDill Air Base in housing that contains mold and who have pressed for accountability from derelict contractors. The NDAA establishes a bill of rights for military families and ensures that contractors are held accountable.

My Committees

On Wednesday, my Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing on “Creating a Climate Resilient America: Smart Finance for Strong Communities” to hear from experts on ways that diverse communities across the nation can prepare for disasters, accelerate recovery and increase resiliency.

The Energy and Commerce Committee held two important hearings on health care. My Subcommittee on Health examined “Proposals to Achieve Universal Health Care Coverage.” Florida is one of the last states to expand health services under Medicaid and is leaving over $13 Billion in Washington (through 2024). That is crazy and puts our state, our neighbors and our hospitals at a big disadvantage. Read more

Votes This Week

H.R. 3- Lower Drug Costs Now Act passed: This bill will finally allow for the negotiation of prescription drug prices through Medicare and stop drug companies from ripping off American families and seniors. This is an all-American proposition that makes sure everyone can afford the cost of their prescription drugs.

H.R.729- Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act passed: Congress must pass bold climate legislation, like this legislation, which includes ten separate bills to help coastal communities become more resilient. Grants in this bill include the Living Shoreline Grant Program, which will help with designing and implementing climate-resilient living shoreline projects; and ... Read more

H.R. 5038- Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 passed: Supported by Florida farmers and agriculture, the bill provides stability for food production by providing undocumented agricultural workers the opportunity to qualify for a new temporary immigration status or permanent legal status.

Impeachment: The Judiciary Committee will report two Articles of Impeachment for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress setting up a historic vote in the House next week. I recommend the Judiciary Committee Report for your review. President Trump abused the power of his office, undermined our national security and jeopardized the next election. He has shown no remorse and is still trying to get foreign help in his re-election. While the president violated his oath of office, I intend to uphold mine.