We had an eventful week in Washington, D.C., and Central Florida working for our community.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I've had the opportunity to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the upcoming Farm Bill to help feed America. During a hearing this week, I made it clear that SNAP benefits must be strengthened to uplift families.

We also attended the grand opening of SeaWorld's Coral Rescue Center. Last Congress, we worked across the aisle to pass the Restoring Resilient Reefs and make a real difference in preserving our reefs for future generations.

In the most powerful and prosperous nation in the history of the world, no family should go hungry. SNAP is effective and critical to our local farmers. Most recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, and the benefits are modest — $6 per day per person. I spoke in the Agriculture Committee about the need to strengthen SNAP and lift these families up.

During natural disasters, AM radio has acted as the last line of defense for Central Floridians to access critical information. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we're ensuring that this valuable resource continues to be available in newer vehicles.

I was proud to join Representative Tony Cardenas in introducing the LISTOS Act — a bill to help curb non-English disinformation on social media. It requires social media platforms to communicate and enforce disinformation policies across more than just English.

It was great to have NASA and the Space Transportation Association in Washington, D.C., this week. Team Soto participated in the informative NASA Day on the Hill event and got to hear from members of Crew-5 who recently returned from the International Space Station. We also attended the Space Transportation Association luncheon where I spoke about our Launch Communications Act to streamline spectrum licenses and my experience watching Artemis I launch from Cape Canaveral. I look forward to our continued efforts to expand space exploration.

It was an honor to join the USO to build care packages for military service members stationed around the world. Proud to have the opportunity to support our troops and show them our appreciation for their service.

We were thrilled to host the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Young Cattlemen's Conference and members of the Future Farmers of America this week. It was great to meet with young ranchers and students to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and hear about what we can do to help them succeed and feed America.

I had a great time at the Kissimmee Pride Fest over the weekend. I was proud to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act to protect same-sex marriage and will continue supporting our local LGBTQ community and standing up against discrimination.

Congratulations to SeaWorld on the grand opening of their Coral Rescue Center. This facility will allow guests to view corals up close and learn about ocean health. Proud to have passed the bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act to help us with these conservation efforts.

In the FY2023 Omnibus, we secured over $12 million for community projects in our district. The St. Cloud community received $1,051,360 to upgrade water systems in Hopkins Park and River Road. This will help with flooding and clean water issues. We are also seeking nearly $4 million for St. Cloud flood control and clean water projects in the 2024 budget and a COPS grant to help the St. Cloud Police Department hire six new officers.

We are proud of the Silver Spurs Rodeo for hosting their remarkable 151st rodeo in Osceola County. We support local ranchers and Osceola County's ranching heritage.

Happy to receive a tour of the Orlando City Soccer Club training facility at Osceola Heritage Park. We are thankful for the team’s youth programs that help recruit local talent and can’t wait to continue cheering them on during this season.

We met with our Healthcare Advisory Board to discuss the issues they face and ways we can help them better serve our community, increase access to healthcare, lower prescription costs, and hire more staff. We strongly support doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals across our district.

Team Soto is hard at work in our district connecting with the community. We are here to serve FL-09 and are grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Poinciana, Team Soto is here to help! We are holding weekly office hours at the Poinciana Branch Library on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to see how we can help you resolve issues with federal agencies or obtain federal benefits.

American manufacturing is back and stronger than ever. Thanks to the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we're witnessing job creation and increased investment across the country and right here in Central Florida.

We secured an extension of the special health care enrollment period from March 31, 2023, through July 31, 2024 for those affected by the end of pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage.

Toxic-exposed veterans in Central Florida deserve to access all their rightfully earned benefits without issue.

Veterans are encouraged to file claims by August 10 to have their benefits, if granted, backdated to August 10, 2022 — the day that President Biden signed the bill into law.

For more information, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-698-2411.

There has been an increase in PACT Act-related email, phone, and social media scams targeting veterans by offering to submit claims on their behalf. Click here to learn more.

Veterans can now receive no-cost emergency mental health care at VA or non-VA healthcare facilities. Veterans can use this benefit whether or not they are enrolled in the VA system. This new policy will save lives.

Last year, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This year, millions of seniors will no longer have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it. Just this week, insulin producer Eli Lilly said they are reducing their price by 70% with a $35 cap.

Kissimmee

Orlando