Representative Kathy Castor

Dear Friend:

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lost jobs, the violent death of George Floyd, another unarmed black man, and continued acts of racism strike at our hearts and fuel rightful outrage. Why does this continue to happen in America? Murderers must be held accountable. Hate crimes must be prosecuted. All of us must speak up, demand justice and end injustices in our own communities. We are better than this. Black lives matter.

VOTES THIS WEEK

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act of 2020: The PPP has been a lifeline for Tampa small business owners and their employees. PPP loans have helped keep workers on the payroll and connected to health care coverage. As the pandemic has progressed and the public has rightfully played it safe, many small businesses, especially in hospitality and tourism, need flexibility to survive. The PPP Flexibility Act will extend the timeframes for PPP loans and ease some terms so that they can cover rent and utilities. These changes should help many small minority, women and veteran-owned businesses and their employees.

PPP funds are still available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local lenders and I encourage any Tampa area small business owners to review their options or contact me to put you in touch with an adviser who can help.

TRUTH Act: Where are all the taxpayer-funded PPP loans going? The public has a right to know. The TRUTH Act requires transparency and publication by SBA of all loan amounts in excess of $2 million, loan recipients and lenders. (Democrats wanted ALL loans, but Republicans would not agree.)

USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020: Senate Amendment to H.R. 6172 is a bipartisan agreement to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to keep the American people safe. The bill will place new limitations on surveillance authorities while ensuring that our intelligence and law enforcement have necessary tools, strengthening the integrity of the FISA process by increasing transparency and accountability, and increasing oversight power to better to protect Americans.

The House of Representatives passed the Heroes Act two weeks ago to support our frontline heroes, ensure a safe reopening of the economy through widespread and rapid testing, and send additional resources to the pocketbooks of our neighbors who are suffering from a lost job. Economists and scientists have advised us to act swiftly to fight the virus and shore up our economy. Tampa Bay area mayors, small business owners and many of you have called for swift action on the Heroes Act. The U.S. Senate has been slow to act and that will cause more damage. Time is of the essence. Join me in urging them to hear the voices of struggling Americans and dedicated frontline workers – and act.

My updated COVID-19 resource guide is always available on my website and includes information on federal aid and local organizations that are here to help all of our neighbors. As always, know that I am working every day to speed help home. My team and I are here to help at 813-871-2817.

Monday was Memorial Day, and though we weren’t able to be physically together our Tampa community took time to honor our fallen men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion for their country. While our respect was no less sincere, I look forward to the day when we can once again celebrate shoulder to shoulder as our patriotic Tampa community loves to do.

Sincerely,