Investing in Central Florida’s Infrastructure and Public Safety

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we spent time in Washington, D.C., and the district working for Central Floridians.

At the Capitol, we celebrated Infrastructure Week with fellow Floridians who work in ports, rail, and contracting, as well as suppliers and labor unions. We are investing in Florida’s roads, ports, airports, rail, water, electric, and rural broadband thanks to the new Infrastructure Law we passed last year.

We also introduced a bill to continue helping our manatees by creating a USPS stamp to help fund U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' restoration efforts. As Floridians, we recognize our duty to protect these beautiful animals and their habitats.

In the district, we met with Orlando Police Chief Smith to thank him for his department's work to keep Central Floridians safe. During this National Police Week, we recognize the efforts of our local law enforcement and reaffirm our support for them.

I'm proud of our accomplishments this week and look forward to the informative events and meetings we will participate in next week.

Missed last week's newsletter? Click here to catch up

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In Washington D.C

Celebrating Infrastructure Week at the Capitol

During this Infrastructure Week, we met with fellow Floridians who work in ports, rail, and contracting, as well as suppliers and labor unions. We are investing in Florida’s roads, ports, airports, rail, water, electric, and rural broadband thanks to the new Infrastructure Law we passed last year.

Working to Protect Manatees and Their Habitats

As Floridians, we recognize our duty to protect manatees and their habitats. I am proud to deliver millions in federal funds to support these efforts. I introduced a bill to help fund U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' restoration efforts by creating a USPS stamp to help save the manatees.

Supporting the Momnibus to Address the Maternal Mortality Crisis

Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable, but our nation continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country. I'm proud to support the Momnibus — a package of 13 bills to address this crisis and do better for our moms.

Securing Broadband for our Farmers, Ranchers, and Growers

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we're working to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and growers in rural areas like Kenansville have access to broadband. We're proud of the accomplishments of the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Law and are working on legislation to make it more accessible.

Click here to watch my remarks in committee

Working on the Farm Bill with our Cattlemen

As we continue working on the Farm Bill in the Agriculture Committee, I spoke to National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson about opportunities for more regional competition in the market and ways to help our Florida cattlemen prosper.

Click here to watch my remarks in committee

Meeting with Young Immigrants to Discuss Reform

We met with Improve the Dream to discuss the issue of young immigrants "aging out" of the immigration system at 21. As we work on comprehensive immigration reform for our nation, it is critical to have conversations with those in need of solutions.

Discussing AI with Future Fourm, UF, and Google

We spoke to Google and the University of Florida about the progression of AI during our informative Future Forum meeting. Thank you to Dr. Kati Migliaccio from UF for coming up to D.C. to speak about AI in our agricultural sector and education curriculum.

In the District

Honoring Local Law Enforcement During National Police Week

During National Police Week, we met with Orlando Police Department Chief Smith to thank him for his department’s work to keep Central Floridians safe. We're proud to support local law enforcement through COPS grants and look forward to Orlando PD's new Lake Nona division with 100+ officers.

Touring BuildStrong Academy

We toured BuildStrong Academy to learn about their work with local contractors and labor unions to provide free training for the next generation of construction workers. With high growth and the new Infrastructure Law, our nation needs skilled workers to help us move forward.

Team Soto in the Community

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.

Important Updates for Central Floridians

Special ACA Enrollment Period

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.

Click here for more information

FILE BY AUGUST 10: PACT Act Resources for Veterans

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.

Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans

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.

Insulin is Now No More Than $35/Month for Seniors

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.

117th Congress End-of-Session Report

Click here for the full report

I am proud to be your representative and look forward to our continued efforts to improve our district! Please do not hesitate to call my office with any questions or concerns.

In Community,