This week, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm. Central Florida took action and prepared for any outcomes, but we thankfully did not incur major damage. Our neighbors in northwest Florida were hit the hardest and we are now taking action to help them recover.

Next week, we'll be in the district continuing our efforts to bring critical resources and opportunities to our district and state.

While our local emergency operations centers in Osceola, Orange, and Polk have reported that our region didn't incur major damages, we must help our neighbors in northwest Florida recover.

We are grateful to our first responders, President Biden, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for taking swift action to keep Floridians safe.

We visited students at Neptune Middle School and St. Cloud Elementary. We had the opportunity to learn more about their robotics/engineering programs and discuss our work in Congress to uplift our youth and help our teachers.

Thrilled to view Brightline's maintenance facility and MCO station — both in our district! These trains are slated to begin service over the next few weeks. Proud to vote for the Infrastructure Law and support $16 million in design grants for the next phase to Tampa including an Osceola station.

It was an honor to attend the Orlando VA plaque recognition ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller. He died in combat valiantly protecting his fellow troops during the Afghanistan War. His courage and sacrifice will forever be remembered by our Central Florida community.

We met with our Labor Advisory Board to discuss higher-paying jobs coming to Florida and infrastructure projects at the Orlando International Airport as a result of the Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS Act. I am proud to work with labor leaders to ensure these opportunities reach our local workers.

We had an informative meeting to discuss NeoCity's collaboration with South Korea to advance aerospace microchip research. NeoCity is now a finalist for the largest CHIPS Act grant ($160 million) in Florida. This growing tech hub is creating local jobs and supporting American space leadership.

Job growth continued in August for the 32nd consecutive month under President Biden.

The economy has gained over 13.4 million jobs under President Biden—the fastest job growth numbers in history—and unemployment remains near historic lows at 3.8%.

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.

Are you interested in joining Team Soto? Apply for our Fall internship program in Kissimmee, Orlando, or Capitol Hill today.

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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