Castor, Kathy RSS Articles

Castor Leads Long-Overdue Bipartisan Action to Protect Kids Online

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and longtime leader for stronger online protections for children and teens, released the following statement after the House passed the bipartisan KIDS Act, legislation to strengthen outdated privacy and safety protections for young people online. The KIDS Act passed the House 267-117.

“Today’s adoption of the bipartisan KIDS Act is a long-overdue and meaningful step toward protecting America’s children in the digital age,” said Rep. Castor. “For years, parents, young people, pediatricians, psychologists, teachers and advocates have made clear that Big Tech must act to reduce the harms experienced by too many kids online. This bill strengthens privacy protections for children and teens, bans targeted advertising to young people, gives families more control and preserves parents’ ability to seek justice in court.

“This is an important step, but it is not the end of our work. I will continue to press to create a safer digital environment for children and teens.”

The KIDS Act would strengthen and expand existing online privacy protections for children and teens, limit the collection and use of young people’s personal information, require stronger safeguards and tools for families, support state and federal enforcement, and preserve families’ ability to pursue justice through the courts. Castor has led bipartisan efforts for years to strengthen the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and adopt age-appropriate design requirements for Big Tech corporations. The KIDS Act reflects much of Castor’s work to improve the law.

Background:

Children and teens face growing risks online, including harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation and manipulative design features that keep young people addicted.

Up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to a 2023 Surgeon General report.
1 in 5 teens say social media sites hurt their mental health, and a growing share think they harm people their age, according to Pew Research Center.
A 2024 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report found that social media companies failed to adequately protect children and teens
In the United States, teens who spend four or more hours online each day are more than twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Studies show a dramatic rise in online sexual exploitation, including a 26,000% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material reported globally in 2025.

The bipartisan KIDS Act would:

Extend online privacy protections to teens for the first time by strengthening and expanding existing protections from children under 13 to young people up to age 17.
Ban targeted advertising to children and teens.
Require Big Tech platforms to provide safeguards and tools that give young people and families more control over their online experience.
Help families hold Big Tech accountable for harms caused online.
Establish a federal safety floor for parents and children while allowing states to enact even stronger protections.
Protect existing and future lawsuits seeking justice for children and families harmed online.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Calls on the President to Sign the Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to Lower the Cost of Housing for Floridians

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“This week, the Congress passed meaningful, bipartisan legislation that will help make home ownership more attainable for hard-working neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who have seen the dream of homeownership move farther out of reach due to high costs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes several policies I championed, including limiting the ability of hedge funds to buy a large number of homes while driving costs through the roof. The bipartisan bill also incentivizes the permitting and construction of new homes and residences. Homes are for people, not for hedge fund managers. I am particularly pleased that, through this legislation, we will improve Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), which has delivered billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding to Tampa Bay communities and neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes. I’m proud of the bipartisan work accomplished through this legislation to address a real, significant challenge in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

“The President’s last-minute decision today to cancel the signing of the critical 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to push a bill to limit access to the ballot box ignored the real needs of American families and young people trying to buy a home in an increasingly unaffordable economy. I urge President Trump to reverse course and sign the bill to rein in the cost of housing for American families.”

The bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most comprehensive housing reform legislation in decades to jumpstart the construction of homes people can actually afford.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would:

Remove barriers to expedite the building of new homes
Codify the CDBG-Disaster Relief initiative, which will expedite funds to my neighbors rebuilding from storms
Responsibly rein in corporate landlords, banning large institutional investors from purchasing up single-family homes
Improve transparency for Veteran homebuyers

View a one-page summary of the legislation here.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bipartisan Bill Protecting Americans from Paying for Data Center Development

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) introduced the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to protect American families from the costs of energy and grid upgrades required for new data centers, while advancing American innovation in industries like artificial intelligence.

The Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish rules to ensure that community members do not pay for the costs of building new power generation, transmission lines, and other upgrades to serve large-load customers, such as data centers. Without proper safeguards, families and small businesses in communities where data center development occurs could see higher electricity bills at the end of every month.

At a time when Americans are increasingly struggling with rising energy costs and an aging electric grid, the Ratepayer Protection Act ensures that major technology companies that have committed to covering the full energy and infrastructure costs associated with new data center development are held accountable for their promises. As states consider new data center development, this bill provides states with responsible solutions to ensure that community members can benefit from those investments.

“My neighbors across Florida are grappling with skyrocketing electric bills. Ratepayers should not have to subsidize wealthy corporations’ growing energy demands, especially from AI data centers,” said Rep. Castor. “The Ratepayer Protection Act safeguards consumers by ensuring these data centers pay for the energy and grid upgrades they need so hardworking families and local businesses are not stuck paying more.”

“As America races to lead the world in AI, we must build the energy infrastructure needed to support this innovation and stay ahead of competitors like Communist China,” said Rep. Evans. “But Colorado families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to cover the costs of new power generation driven by these developments. The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that protects everyday Americans and ensures our nation can continue to win the AI race.”

The Ratepayer Protection Act builds on Rep. Castor’s leadership on the Stopping Hikes In Electricity from large Load Demands (SHIELD) Act, which she introduced with Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in January.

Background

If enacted, the legislation would propose standards that state regulators could enforce when considering the integration of new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid. Those recommendations include:

Recovery of the full incremental cost of upgrades by the large-load customer over a long period of time through a special rate charge or other agreements. This protects utilities and their ratepayers from being left responsible for upgrade costs associated with a large-load customer, even if that customer later reduces operations or leaves the system entirely.
Financial assurances require the large load customer to pay for any generation, transmission, or other infrastructure necessary to serve their load, protecting utilities and ratepayers from that financial burden. This ensures large-load customers are responsible for the fixed costs associated with serving their demand rather than passing those costs on to families and businesses through higher monthly electricity bills.

U.S. Reps. Castor and Suozzi Introduce Resolution to Lower Costs for Families by Repealing Rule that Increases Premiums for Health Care Coverage

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced a bicameral resolution to repeal the Trump Administration’s rule that will increase the cost of health care for hardworking Americans, sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, kick up to two million Americans off their health coverage, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services.

“Families need affordable health coverage, not more economic pain by ripping health care away. The recent rule change to the ACA would make life more expensive by increasing out-of-pocket costs, ripping two million Americans’ health coverage away, and creating more obstacles to coverage and care,” said Rep. Castor. “This resolution will ensure that this predatory rule change does not go into effect. Everyone deserves affordable health care coverage —not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

“Healthcare costs are already too high, and millions have already lost their health insurance due to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of last year,” said Rep. Suozzi. “The latest ACA rule would only make things worse, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and decreasing the quality of their coverage. This rule risks even more Americans losing their health insurance, and we cannot let that happen."

The rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and proposes that insurers be allowed to offer “non-network” plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families’ deductibles, cover fewer services and kick more providers out of network.

At a time when Americans are already struggling to afford health care thanks to the deeply unpopular policies of President Trump and congressional Republicans, this rule will make it even harder for consumers to get the coverage and find the doctors they need.

The result would be worse coverage at higher costs, including:

Terminate Coverage for 2M: According to CMS estimates, the rule would reduce enrollment in ACA plans by up to 2 million.
Raise Costs: Insurance would become more unaffordable. For example, some bronze plans would have maximum out-of-pocket costs of $15,600 for an individual per year or $31,200 for a working family per year in 2027.
Reduce Benefits: Benefits may be reduced in many states – meaning Americans could lose access to coverage for substance use disorder treatment, hearing aids, or other critical services, as well as adult dental.
Increase Red Tape: Paperwork burden would increase on 4.7 million Americans, making it more difficult for them to get the coverage they deserve and kicking millions off their insurance.
Cut off Americans from their Doctors: Access to providers would decrease as insurance companies sell non-network health plans – with unlimited costs to consumers – and reduce the number of providers in their networks.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also introduced this resolution in the U.S. Senate today.

Full text of this resolution is available here.

Castor, Thompson Introduce Bill to Safeguard Consumers Against Predatory Timeshare Practices

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in the timeshare industry, protecting consumers from misleading contracts, hidden fees, and vague exit options.

“The dream of a vacation ownership — a timeshare — too often comes with hidden fees, confusing terms and few options when costs spiral out of control for hardworking families,” Rep. Castor said. “In Florida, where tourism is the foundation of our economy, families deserve clear prices and honest information, not fine print and expensive surprises, so that they can plan and budget with confidence. Instead, millions of Americans have found themselves locked into agreements with escalating costs and few ways to get out. The bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act will establish commonsense safeguards so families can make informed decisions, avoid predatory practices and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.”

“Bad actors in the timeshare industry have made a business model out of confusing consumers with misleading contracts, while leaving unsuspecting families with little recourse,” Rep. Thompson said. “Americans deserve clear and honest information when making significant financial decisions, rather than predatory and manipulative sales tactics. This bipartisan bill protects hardworking families, so they can safely invest in vacation experiences.”

“Timeshare members and owners, including young families, seniors, veterans, and active-duty service members, have long waited for their voices to be heard. The Timeshare Transparency Act is the path forward that we and our volunteers and I have hoped for. This bill directly addresses the concerns we hear every day: no more hidden fees, no more confusing contracts, clear exit options and a 14-day penalty free cooling off period for every buyer. Better communication between consumers and developers is the foundation of a healthy industry. This bipartisan legislation puts that principle into action, and I applaud Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Kathy Castor for championing transparency in the timeshare industry,” said Irene Parker, Co-Founder of Timeshare Advocacy & Reform Disclosure Alliance, Inc. (TARDA)

Specifically, this legislation requires all timeshare agreements to:

Include a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs;
Mandate disclosure of modifiable fees and the notice requirements for such changes;
Provide clear, documented options to exit ownership;
Grant buyers a 14-day, penalty-free cancellation period;
Allow buyers time to review the timeshare agreement privately.

Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) lead the Senate companion bill.

Read the full bill text here.

Castor has worked to protect Florida families and visitors from fraud, scams and deceptive business practices that raise costs and undermine confidence in the marketplace. She has championed stronger consumer protections and greater price transparency, supported efforts to crack down on hidden “junk fees” and introduced the Hotel Fees Transparency Act to require upfront disclosure of mandatory lodging charges. Castor continues to work across party lines to promote honest competition, safeguard consumers and ensure that Florida families and visitors can make informed decisions and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.

Castor Urges Quick Delivery of Home Energy Rebates to Lower Costs for Florida Families After Months of Delays

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today called on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Gov. DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to move quickly to deliver $346 million in long-delayed savings she championed for Florida families.

The rebates are designed to help families lower their monthly utility bills through home energy-efficiency improvements, weatherization upgrades and more efficient appliances.

“Floridians are paying too much for nearly everything right now—from housing and insurance to groceries and utility bills. Energy costs remain a significant burden for many families, especially during Florida’s long, hot summers when air conditioning is a necessity,” said Rep. Castor. DOE finally released updated guidance last week for the Home Energy Rebates Program that should allow states to distribute rebate savings to Floridians. The updated guidance is an important step in getting long-overdue savings to Florida families as they grapple with an intense affordability squeeze.”

DOE’s updated guidance explicitly contradicts U.S. law by imposing new restrictions that limit consumer choice and create barriers to adoption. DOE’s decision to issue guidance that conflicts with the law is another attempt to thwart energy efficiency savings for consumers. At every turn, the Trump Administration has sided with polluters and special interests to the detriment of hardworking Americans. Nevertheless, the home rebates still provide a significant opportunity to help families reduce costly energy waste, improve home comfort and lower monthly utility bills.

Florida is slated to receive approximately $346 million through the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) initiatives. The funding was secured through legislation championed by Rep. Castor and included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Florida’s funding was approved in January 2025, but implementation has been delayed by the Trump Administration since then. Rep. Castor is encouraging both federal and state officials to quickly complete any remaining steps so Floridians can begin accessing the savings as Congress intended.

Rep. Castor Introduces Resolution Supporting SOF Week and Supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.”

Rep. Castor led the resolution with fellow Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs

Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). The Co-Chairs are also joined by Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) in leading this resolution.

Tampa Bay is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which hosts 33 mission partners including U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters. Rep. Castor’s district is proud to host Special Operations leaders, industry partners and military advocates each year for SOF Week. Their expertise and partnerships are critical to the defense community and U.S. national security.

"America’s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at ‘the tip of the spear’ of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,” said Rep. Castor. “The professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America’s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution."

“America’s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.”

“The men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.”

"San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district," said Rep. Peters. "Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country."

“I served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,” said Rep. Crow. “I’ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.”

The resolution coincides with SOF Week 2026, the premier annual gathering of the global special operations community hosted in Tampa, Florida, by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation. The event brings together military leaders, operators, policymakers, allied partners, innovators, and defense industry leaders to collaborate on emerging threats, evolving operational requirements, and next generation capabilities supporting the SOF mission.

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the SOF community across a wide range of missions essential to national defense, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action operations that deter adversaries and protect American interests.

Additionally, it recognizes the unique burdens carried by SOF personnel and their families, including frequent deployments, operational secrecy, and sustained high-risk assignments, and reaffirms Congress’ commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support they need.

Text of the resolution may be found here.

Reps. Castor & Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Expand Hospital at Home, Lower Health Care Costs

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) reintroduced the bipartisan At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act to expand access to innovative health care models for Medicare patients under observation status. Hospital-at-home is helping hospitals deliver high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their own homes while easing pressure on crowded facilities and improving patient experiences.

The At HOME Services Act would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a two-year pilot program that allows hospitals to provide hospital-level care at home for eligible patients while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards. The legislation is designed to improve care coordination, reduce unnecessary hospital stays and give providers more flexibility to meet patients where they are.

“Tampa Bay hospitals have been leading the way in delivering innovative, high-quality care that saves time and money, and puts patients first,” said Rep. Castor. “The bipartisan At HOME Services Act will help expand safe, cost-effective hospital-at-home care so more neighbors can receive treatment comfortably at home while freeing up hospital capacity for patients with more urgent and intensive needs. This approach will lower costs, improve patient experiences and strengthen care for families across our community. I’m grateful to our local health care providers for continuing to lead with innovation and to Congressman Buchanan for partnering with me on this bipartisan effort.”

“This commonsense legislation builds upon the incredible success individuals have seen in hospital-at-home programs and is a much-needed solution to the healthcare challenges facing our country,” said Congressman Buchanan. “The At HOME Services Act is an important step in ensuring patients receive the level of care they need and deserve in the comfort of their own homes.”

“Rapid advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to expand access to high-quality health care, and hospital-at-home care is a proven model that should be advanced and supported. Leveraging sophisticated, around-the-clock remote monitoring alongside in-home visits from clinical professionals enables patients to safely receive hospital-level care where they are most comfortable—at home. We are incredibly grateful to Representatives Kathy Castor and Vern Buchanan for sponsoring legislation that allows health care providers to build upon the success of hospital-at-home models by supporting more patients, such as those who may not need to be admitted to a hospital inpatient bed but still require hospital observation status that can be supported in their home,” said Mary Mayhew, President & CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.

“The extension of the Hospital-at-Home waiver gives health systems the stability needed to truly innovate,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “With a five-year runway now in place, it’s time to build on that foundation and expand the patient population eligible for hospital-at-home care. Doing so allows us to better meet patients where they are, improve comfort and outcomes, and ensure hospital resources are available for the sickest patients. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Castor and Rep. Buchanan in advancing solutions that strengthen community-based care.”

“Tampa General Hospital has been operating a CMS-approved Hospital at Home program since 2022 and has seen firsthand the remarkable evidence via enhanced patient experiences and improved patient outcomes. This is a true model of innovation that integrates remote patient monitoring, telehealth visits, and in-person comprehensive care by trained medical providers,” said Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris.

“We thank Representatives Castor and Buchanan for reintroducing the At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation Services Act and advancing care models that meet patients where they are. By strengthening and scaling Hospital at Home, this legislation supports Moffitt’s investments in virtual care and remote monitoring and helps eligible cancer patients receive high-quality, patient-centered care with fewer disruptions to daily life,” said Philippe E. Spiess, MD, Chief of Clinical Innovation, and Cristina Naso, Senior Director, Virtual Care and Ambulatory Operations Center.

U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Indictment of Former Cuban President Raúl Castro

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro:

“The indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro marks a critical moment for the Cuban people. The corrupt communist regime has inflicted economic pain and violated human rights for decades. The Cuban people deserve freedom,” said Rep. Castor. “As Cuban freedom fighter José Martí said, ‘Like bones to the human body, the axle to the wheel, the wing to the bird, and air to the wing, so is Liberty the essence of life. Whatever is done without it is imperfect.’”

U.S. Rep. Castor Announces $10.9 Million Federal Grant for TPA Improvements

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $10,992,431 federal grant for Tampa International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funding will support the reconstruction of airport infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, this award funds the first phase of a larger project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.

“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”

“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”

Castor has championed federal infrastructure investments across Tampa Bay to improve roads and bridges, strengthen airport infrastructure and support Port Tampa.