Dear Alexander,

This week, we hosted a roundtable with Social Security recipients as part of House Democrats' Social Security Day of Action. We were joined by advocates from the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). In our district, 137,000 residents receive $218 million in monthly benefits. We must protect what our seniors, families, and workers have earned.

On Thursday, we visited Osceola Community Health Services in Buenaventura Lakes to highlight the importance of protecting Medicaid funding in our communities during House Democrats’ Medicaid Day of Action. In the district, over 150,000 constituents are Medicaid participants—which is nearly 18% of the district’s population—and nearly 100,000 children rely on Medicaid. We're fighting to protect and expand access to care.

In addition, we visited several small businesses in the Poinciana area, where we had crucial conversations about insurance rates, upcoming road improvements, senior assistance, FEMA relief, immigration, the growing need for a local veterinary school, and issues the childcare industry is facing.

Finally, Team Soto held our annual Congressional Art Competition art show to highlight the amazing artistry of Central Florida high school students. Congratulations to Cayla Fritch from Osceola County School of the Arts for your first-place win! “Island Night” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

I'm proud and optimistic about our efforts this week and look forward to working back in the district next week to fight for our Central Florida community.

Poll of the Week

Do you support preserving Social Security and Medicaid?

Yes

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, we held events in the district highlighting the importance of Social Security, Medicaid, and veterans' care. President Trump and House Republicans are proposing the largest cuts to these programs in history. We will continue to stand up against these draconian attacks on critical programs for our constituents.

We also called out Trump’s continued attacks on First Amendment rights by urging the FCC to punish 60 Minutes over their accurate reporting of Greenland and Ukraine. Unfortunately for President Trump, this is not Russian state TV and the FCC is not his personal guard dog. They were reporting on his ridiculous attempts to conquer Greenland and abandon Ukraine.

Legal Challenge Tracker

In the District

Hosting a Roundtable for

Protect Social Security Day of Action

We hosted a roundtable with Social Security recipients as part of House Democrats' Social Security Day of Action. We were joined by advocates from the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

In our district, 137,000 residents receive $218 million in monthly benefits. We must protect what our seniors, families, and workers have earned from record proposed cuts by President Trump and House Republicans.

Click here to watch the full roundtable

Visiting Osceola Community Health Services for Protect Medicaid Day of Action

We visited Osceola Community Health Services in Buenaventura Lakes to highlight the importance of Medicaid in our communities during House Democrats’ Medicaid Day of Action. We will fight against President Trump and House Republicans’ attempt to make record cuts to this essential program.

In the district, over 150,000 constituents are Medicaid participants—which is nearly 18% of the district’s population—and nearly 100,000 children rely on Medicaid. We're also working to expand access to care when available. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege!

Visiting Small Businesses in Poinciana

This week, we toured several small businesses in the Poinciana area. Our first stop was Acceptance Insurance in Kissimmee, where we discussed high insurance rates and challenges to affordability. I am proud to fight for lower costs in Central Florida.

Afterward, we hosted a Conversation with the Congressman Event at Leo's Pizza. It was great to discuss upcoming road improvements, senior assistance, and FEMA relief. We were proud to help deliver over $1.3 billion for Poinciana Parkway to help fix the traffic.

For our next stop, we visited Bellalago Veterinary Hospital to learn about the challenges faced by small businesses as a result of new immigration laws. The team shed light on the intricate USDA regulations surrounding traveling animals and the growing need for a local veterinary school.

Our last stop was Little Warriors Academy to learn more about issues the childcare industry is facing. New regulations are preventing the academy from providing expanded care, and we are working to ensure childcare is accessible for all in Central Florida.

Hosting the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

Team Soto held our annual Congressional Art Competition art show to highlight the amazing artistry of Central Florida high school students. Congratulations to Cayla Fritch from Osceola County School of the Arts for your first-place win! “Island Night” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Meeting with our Veterans Advisory Board

It was great to meet with our Veterans Advisory Board to hear directly from those who have served. We will continue to stand up to President Trump and House Republicans’ proposed cuts to the Lake Nona VA Hospital.

These conversations are vital as we work to support our veterans, their families, and survivors. From education and homelessness to access to earned benefits, their insights help shape the policies that matter. We are thankful for their service and continued guidance.

Securing Clean Water for the Region

We visited Toho Water Authority's facility in Kissimmee and spoke about the future of clean water in our region. We discussed new challenges, innovative technology, and the supplies needed to keep up with our growing communities.

Over the years, we’ve secured over $500 million in WIFIA loans to strengthen the clean water supply for Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties. We’ve also delivered nearly $164 million for flood control and restoration projects across Big Lake Toho, Shingle Creek, the Kissimmee River, and Lake Runnymede—ensuring our water systems are stronger, cleaner, and more resilient for generations to come.

Touring MCO's Baggage Handling System

Grateful to join Southwest Airlines Transport Workers Union's (TWU) tour of the Orlando International Airport Terminal A/B baggage handling system. We are thankful for all they do to support a world-class traveler experience. We will work together to upgrade this system to help local workers and keep our local tourism going strong!

Honoring Senator Geraldine Thompson

Honored to present a flag to Judge Thompson and his daughter, Elizabeth, in memory of State Senator Geraldine Thompson at the Wells’Built Museum. We served nearly a decade together in the legislature. Her legacy—especially her passion for preserving Black history, standing up for education, and supporting local families—will never be forgotten. Rest in power, Senator.

Attending the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Ignite Luncheon

We had an incredible time attending the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando's Ignite Luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community.

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.

118th Congress End of Term Report

Click here for the full report

Important Updates for Central Floridians

Team Soto Office Hours

Team Soto is here to help! We are holding weekly office hours at the Poinciana Branch Library, this week on it will be on Thursday 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.

MySSA Login Changes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is officially transitioning away from its legacy login system. SSA will require anyone signing in with legacy credentials to migrate to Login.gov before accessing their mySSA account. Users will see an option to sign in with an existing Login.gov or ID.me account.

Click here for more information

PACT Act Resources for Veterans

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.

Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans

Veterans can 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 policy will save lives.

I'm 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,