The Federal Railroad Administration has announced that Brightline is eligible for up to $1.65 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program funds.

This public safety project will use artificial intelligence to collect reliable and precise data about trespassing locations and trespasser behavior.

It was also announced that the Florida Department of Transportation is eligible for up to $6.9 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program funds.

This public safety project will allow them to complete various improvements at approximately 110 highway-rail grade crossings.

We are thrilled that Kissimmee has received a $200,000 National Park Service Land and Water Conservation grant for Lakefront Park.

The city will use the funds to renovate the outdoor amphitheater and construct a new fishing pier — prioritizing ADA/ABA requirements.

Thanks to landmark legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Law, Florida has received $2.7 billion in funding to provide affordable, reliable high-speed internet to everyone. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we're working to ensure these funds reach families in all areas of our district.

Proud to host a Congressional Hispanic Caucus roundtable to discuss current immigration issues with Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, and stakeholders. We talked about the future of DACA, TPS/DED, asylum, local/state policies, and more.

We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce for providing our Florida stakeholders with a briefing on the implementation of CHIPS and Science Act and IRA funds. We're committed to bringing down opportunities that will boost microchip manufacturing, expand high-speed internet, and more.

It was an honor to meet with Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo and the rest of the Regional Leadership Council. The U.S. Department of the Treasury continues to save Americans money on health care and energy costs as it implements tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. We will work hard to ensure these policies reach all Americans.

Nemours Children's Health visited Washington, D.C., to discuss maternal and infant health and the importance of passing the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023.

It was an honor to host SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman in Central Florida. We started our day at BuildStrong Academy in Orlando to show the Administrator the trainings they offer for the next generation of construction workers. With high growth in the region, we need skilled workers to help us move forward.

Next, we participated in a roundtable with small business owners to discuss how President Biden's Investing in America agenda has led to a historic small business boom — with Florida leading the way with 1.6 million small business applications.

Later in the day, we visited AITC — an IT provider helping create safe, secure, effective, and reliable technology solutions for their clients. They have also expanded their services to cover Puerto Rico.

Our day wrapped up at Jiracor in Orlando. They provide the resources and training to enable effective operation, maintenance, and support of defense products.

We hosted a UCF town hall with students and U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Roberto J. Rodríguez, Congressman Maxwell Frost, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nannette Barragán.

It was great to join Congressman Maxwell Frost and local Orlando leaders for a press conference highlighting President Biden's creation of the first federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The office will work to implement the Safer Communities Act and ensure more action is taken to prevent tragedies.

We joined our brothers and sisters from UAW at a picket line in Orlando and stood in solidarity with workers as they fight for fair wages and a new contract. We know their hard work keeps our automotive industry running, our economy growing, and local families thriving.

Team Soto attended a press conference with the Florida Department of Transportation to discuss infrastructure projects coming to the state thanks in part to the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Law. We'll see over $2 billion for the I-4 expansion from Osceola Parkway to U.S.27 and over $1.3 billion for the Poinciana Parkway Connector.

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.

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.

We are also holding weekly office hours at the Buenaventura Lakes Library on Wednesdays from 1 — 5 p.m.

Middle and high school students in the district who are interested in creating an app can learn more at here and submit their applications by November 1.

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.

El Presidente Biden y los Democratas estamos invirtiendo en Estados Unidos e implementando niveles históricos de inversiones públicas y privadas gracias a la Ley de Infraestructura.

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.

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. As of July 1, 2023, Americans on Medicare Part B can see their insulin copays capped at $35 per month.

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