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Kathy Castor's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Kathy Castor did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Abortion is still LEGAL and protected in Florida’s constitution, and I will continue to fight to protect your right to choose." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "As Congress continues to respond to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we must reject any further provisions that harm access to abortion care, restrict abortion coverage, or contribute to clinics shutting their doors. These restrictions on abortion access will only further exacerbate the impact this pandemic is already placing on our most vulnerable communities. We must reject any and all efforts to undermine comprehensive reproductive health care access." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Comprehensive health coverage under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid is vital for women and children, especially during a health pandemic. Our pediatricians and primary care providers keep families healthy and well. Our bill ensures that all families in Florida and across the country receive the health care they need," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Governor DeSantis: "We write in regards to waivers for work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and recertification requirements for Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF beneficiaries.[1] It is unconscionable to limit aid for our most disadvantaged constituents while Florida continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to reinstate and extend all work requirement and recertification waivers until we are certain that the pandemic no longer threatens Floridians and Florida's economy and until the job market returns to pre-COVID-19 levels." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 93% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Floridians know all too well how meaningful these reforms are. This past November, my neighbors stood up to restore the voice and power of over 1 million Floridians when we overwhelmingly voted to adopt Amendment 4 to the Florida Constitution," U.S. Rep. Castor continued. "This broke the cycle of systemic discrimination that barred nonviolent ex-felons who have paid their debt to society from exercising their right to vote. H.R. 1 continues the effort to ensure Americans' voices are heard on a national level. In addition, the 2018 midterm elections in Florida will go down as one of the most expensive in history -- the U.S. Senate race as THE most expensive ever -- and clouded by dark money. This poses a serious threat to our democracy. H.R. 1 shines a light on dark money, as well as levels the political playing field for everyday Americans and ensures there are cops on the campaign finance beat." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our nation continues to grieve the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor, Stephon Clark, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and other Black Americans at the hands of police. Despite the ongoing, disparate violence against our neighbors of color, the GOP-led Senate shamefully did not take up this legislation for a vote after the House passed it last June. So once more, the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to answer the widespread calls to reform police practices and tackle systemic racism across America." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I am proud that investments I championed for our service members are included in the bill, including a 3 percent pay raise for our troops and a continued commitment to upgrade base housing for military families. Our service members and their families at MacDill are the best and they deserve the best -- that means housing that is safe and clean and free from mold and shoddy construction. The NDAA will ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) continues to improve housing for MacDill families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Investments including a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops and an air purification assessment for base housing and other on-base facilities will better the lives of service members and their families. This follows up on my work to ensure that housing is safe and free from mold and shoddy construction -- Congress is committed to continuing to ensure that housing is improved for MacDill families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "This $18M grant is important for the growing, dynamic neighborhoods of Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. We are connecting Tampa neighborhoods, decreasing vehicle traffic and improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. I championed this grant, with Mayor Castor, to lift our neighborhoods, increase equity, create jobs, build mobility, and provide needed revitalization to our streets. We are united in our commitment to Build Back Better for our neighbors, for our environment, and for future generations," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "With today's vote, the House of Representatives has delivered a historic investment in America's infrastructure," said Rep. Castor. "Our Tampa Bay neighbors deserve modern and safe infrastructure, especially major investments in transit. Rebuilding our infrastructure is especially important to Florida, where 408 bridges and over 3,564 miles of highway are in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 11.6 percent in Florida and on average, each driver pays $425 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. We are also long overdue for major, climate-forward investments in our public transit systems to ensure that all of our neighbors are able to travel safely and efficiently. To protect what makes the Sunshine State special and grow good-paying jobs in Tampa, we are strengthening the investments that support our economy and build more resilient infrastructure." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our package includes $950 million for state and local health agencies to protect the public health, including surveillance, laboratory testing, infection control, contact tracing and mitigation. Our public health professionals in Florida are working around the clock and aid is on to way to ensure that ours and others across the country have the tools they need for prevention, care and communication. This provision will assist the three Florida Department of Health labs -- Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville -- that are capable of testing for novel coronavirus, which is critical to addressing future cases, and keeping us all safe." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today's legislation also provides $75 billion on behalf of patients and health care workers for our hospitals and health care providers. Unfortunately, the uneven national response by the Trump administration has forced hospitals and other health care providers to fend for themselves when it comes to purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to treat our sick neighbors and keep our frontline health care workers safe. The "fend for yourself' approach has led to shortages and premium pricing on necessary supplies at a time when we have been pressing providers to also expand testing and staffing. Health care providers have also created emergency response centers while forgoing much of the also needed procedures that contribute most to their bottom lines." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "126 top Economists agreed that @HouseDemocrats historic Inflation Reduction Act will lower prices for American consumers. It is evident: when you put #peopleoverpolitics, you see positive results for all hard working Americans – not just those in power." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "While making monumental progress for families and working Americans, the Build Back Better Act lowers costs and fights inflation because it is fully paid for by making big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "BREAKING: @POTUS to cancel student debt for those making $125K a year or less – this is the financial relief our neighbors need at this moment ??" (twitter.com)
  • "Scott is out of touch to say the least! Florida student borrowers have the 5th highest debt burden in America, more than $38K in loans on av per Education Data Initiative. Working families deserve breathing room to deal with the economic squeeze coming out of the pandemic." (twitter.com)
  • "The historic student debt relief by @POTUS is a weight off families suffering the post-pandemic/Putin economic squeeze. ???Final repayment freeze extended to December 31 ??$10K cancelled for those who make $125K/year or less ?$20K of debt forgiveness for Pell Grant recipients" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "I'm proud to have the support of colleagues in Congress, and of so many groups -- from Moms Clean Air Force, to Green Latinos, to We Act for Environmental Justice. As we rebuild our economy in the wake of COVID-19, we have the opportunity to create jobs and build back better and healthier with clean energy solutions like community solar," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today's bipartisan legislative package addresses more than 50 recommendations in the Climate Crisis Action Plan we released this summer, including energy innovation and technology transfer, building efficiency, clean electricity and transportation, industrial decarbonization, environmental justice, workforce development and labor protections, and scientific integrity," said Chair Castor. "This legislation will ensure America's continued leadership in clean and renewable energy innovation, create good-paying jobs modernizing our energy infrastructure, and accelerate our emissions reductions on a path to reach net-zero by no later than 2050." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • New York Times: "We're already living with the devastating consequences of having warmed the planet more than 1°C. From the deadly heat domes in the Northwest to the harmful algal blooms killing the fish that we see washed up on the shores of Florida, humans have caused this problem. But we have the tools to fix it. We can expand climate solutions and clean energy, which have the incredible potential to create millions of good-paying jobs, lower energy bills, strengthen our national security, and provide clean air and water for communities hurt by environmental injustice." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Administrator Regan: "We commend EPA for proposing strong rules to reduce methane and other harmful air pollution from both new and existing oil and natural gas facilities across the country and offer our comments. EPA's proposal strengthens and modernizes rules adopted in 2016 for new and modified oil and gas facilities and builds upon the bipartisan Congressional Review Act resolution (H.J.Res.34, S.J.Res.14), enacted by Congress and signed by the President, with support from the oil and gas industry and electric utilities, to restore federal methane protections and regulation of oil and gas operations. Further, the proposal is historic as it applies methane reduction requirements to the hundreds of thousands of existing wells constructed prior to 2016. Altogether this proposal will help the Biden administration meet its commitment to tackle the climate crisis, achieve a 50-52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030, and maintain U.S. leadership on the Global Methane Pledge to reduce the world's methane emissions 30% from 2020 levels by 2030." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Gun violence has been all too common in America for decades without action from policymakers. In 2018, after the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida, I marched alongside students demanding change, visited multiple Tampa high schools and sat with students, parents and community leaders to listen to their concerns on gun violence prevention and school safety. A large bipartisan majority of Americans agree that weapons of war do not belong on the streets and people in all communities should be kept safe. So I am pleased to vote to advance these bills in Congress." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The House just passed the #FamiliesFirst Coronavirus Response Act: ?? Guarantees no cost virus testing ?? Provides paid emergency leave ?? Supports strong unemployment benefits ?? Strengthens food assistance" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We are aiming to help parents get back to work and bring the United States in line with other nations through paid family and medical leave. No one should have to grapple with the impossible questions that American men and women have been asking for years. Do I quit my job to care for an ailing loved one? Will I have to leave my job to care for my newborn child? Through our plan, all workers will be eligible for up to four weeks of paid leave for new parents, workers dealing with their own serious medical conditions, and workers who need leave to care for a loved one with a serious medical issue. This commonsense provision is long overdue and will help ensure we can keep American workers on the job with comprehensive paid leave policies." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "One of the most important ways to cut costs for American families is through reigning in the high cost of prescription drugs, especially the high cost of insulin. Good news -- the Affordable Insulin Now Act lowers insulin prices so that Americans with diabetes don't pay more than $35 per month for their insulin," Castor said. "This is a long-overdue, all-American proposition that makes sure everyone can afford the cost of their prescription drugs and have access to the care they need." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is also good news for Floridians, as Democrats will lower the costs of prescription drugs, empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices, institute a $2,000 cap, and much more." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The heartbreaking & grave humanitarian situation on our Southern border demands immediate action. @HouseDemocrats & I passed $4.5 billion in emergency aid to protect migrant families & children & ensure oversight protections are established for agencies tasked w/supervising them." (twitter.com)
  • "The Dream and Promise Act provides a tough, but fair, pathway to citizenship for children brought to the United States by their parents at a young age -- children who know no other country but America. Dreamers and undocumented immigrants have served on the frontline of our community throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and our Tampa Bay community has long supported comprehensive immigration reform. There is no more urgent time to act than now. Here in Florida, we have invested in the education of Dreamers -- and now the Dreamers intend to give back. Let's give them that opportunity." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The legislation provides a tough, but fair, pathway to citizenship for children brought to America by their parents at a young age -- children who know no other country but America," U.S. Rep. Castor continued. "Our neighbors across Tampa Bay support comprehensive immigration reform because it is morally correct and because there are economic and workforce benefits for everyone. In Florida, we have invested in the education of DREAMers -- and now the DREAMers intend to give back to America. Let's give them that opportunity." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "The violent attack on Ukraine and innocent civilians by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will be met with the harshest sanctions to ever emanate from the free world and defensive military support for Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Freedom-loving people across the globe will see a strong, coordinated response from the United States, NATO and our allies. While President Biden and world leaders work together to stand up for Ukraine and democracy, Americans should unite in support of our democratic ideals and freedom and security for all people." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "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 its allies will make certain that Putin pays a steep price for his aggression." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4695 "Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I am proud to vote tonight for military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. President Zelensky and @POTUS have rallied freedom-loving people across the world to stand up for democracy and in opposition to Putin’s unprovoked war. Putin will not win" (twitter.com)
  • "I’m proud to send this bill to Pres Biden to lend/lease defense equipment to Ukraine & slash red tape to ensure equipment is delivered quickly … named after the WWII-era initiative where U.S. supplied allies in the fight against Nazi Germany." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "I’m working to get this historic package over the finish line to create good-paying jobs in #Tampa, cut taxes, lower costs and lift families. It’s time to invest in our communities and #BuildBackBetter." (twitter.com)
  • "They're in essence giving the middle-class a lump of coal for Christmas, while showering tax breaks and new loopholes on the super-rich and big corporations. It is fundamentally unfair, and the GOP does this with a massive increase to our national debt of about $2.3 trillion." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5377 "Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Ambassador Lighthizer: "As members of the Congressional Wine Caucus, we write to express our strong concern about U.S. retaliatory tariffs on European wine. These retaliatory tariffs cause economic harm to the thousands of U.S. wineries, exporters, importers, retailers, and restaurants who depend on a vibrant, healthy wine market for their livelihood. Any expansion of these tariffs would further exacerbate the harm already caused. As you know, our local wine communities are a driving force in the national economy with a total economic impact of $220 billion annually. The European Union (EU) and the U.S. are the largest wine producing regions in the world and they serve as each other's largest export markets. In fact, the combined wine trade between the U.S. and EU totaled $4.7 billion in 2018." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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