Dear Alexander,

This week, we introduced a new Kissimmee River protection bill that would direct the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to designate it as a Wild and Scenic River. We must preserve this incredible river to safeguard the Everglades, recreation, and wildlife. During the 117th Congress, we passed my Kissimmee River study bill into law, requiring a study within three years to make it a Wild and Scenic River. Now it’s time to finish the job!

In Washington, we welcomed the Orange County Farm Bureau to discuss their deep concern with new tariffs, disaster relief block grants, farmworker visa reforms, and citrus greening research. We thank them for their hard work to help feed families in Central Florida and across our nation.

In the district, we visited Head Start at McCoy Elementary in Orlando and participated in a storytelling session during Orange County's Guest Reader Celebration. We stand firmly against any cuts to KidCare, SNAP, and Head Start programs as they play a pivotal role in shaping our children's future.

We also met with our Labor Advisory Board to discuss the ongoing challenges workers are facing, including recent attacks on their rights and protections by the Trump Administration. Now more than ever, we must stand with our unions and working families to ensure they have the support they need.

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

Poll of the Week

Do you support designating the Kissimmee River as a Recreational River?

Yes

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, President Trump’s chaotic actions continued to tank the economy, drive inflation, and push the country toward a recession. His tariffs, division, and policy missteps have erased the strong economy he inherited from President Biden, with major banks now warning of a 60% chance of recession. These tariffs represent the largest tax hike in history on the American people. Targeted tariffs may help on occasion, but across the board, tariffs are an economic disaster.

We encourage the president to focus on delivering on key issues like lowering prices, boosting manufacturing, and upgrading our local infrastructure.

In positive news, his attempt to terminate TPS for Venezuela, which was based on false claims, was blocked by Judge Chen, who recognized the economic contributions of Venezuelans.

Legal Challenge Tracker

Participate in the Congressional Art Competition

Submissions for the Congressional Art Competition are due next Tuesday, April 8! The winner will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Click here for more information

In Washington, D.C.

Protecting the Kissimmee River

We introduced our new Kissimmee River bill to direct the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to make it a Wild and Scenic River. We must preserve the amazing Kissimmee River to safeguard the Everglades, recreation, and wildlife. During the 117th Congress, we passed my Kissimmee River study bill into law to create a study within three years to make it a Wild and Scenic River. This legislation will finally get the job done!

Click here for more

Protecting Local Communities from Harmful

Algal Blooms

We're proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act with Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan. This bill ensures FEMA can step in to help communities hit hard by red tide and other algal blooms to protect our public health, environment, tourism, and fishing.

Advocating for Orange County Farmers

We welcomed the Orange County Farm Bureau to discuss their deep concern with new tariffs, disaster relief block grants, farmworker visa reforms, and citrus greening research. We thank them for their hard work to help feed families in Central Florida and across our nation.

Welcoming Publix to Washington

It was great to meet with Publix to discuss our ongoing efforts to secure food programs that continue to feed families across Central Florida. We’re also focused on expanding initiatives that protect lower drug costs to ensure that patients have access to the healthcare they need. Together, we’re working toward a healthier, more sustainable future for our community.

Improving Central Florida Tourism

We met with the U.S. Travel Association to discuss key priorities for Central Florida travel: investing in security tech for safer travel, boosting funding for modern infrastructure, reducing barriers for international visitors, and supporting economic growth in the travel sector in Central Florida. We also discussed concerns about future travel demand from Canada, Europe, and Mexico due to President Trump’s divisive foreign policy. We're proud of our efforts to improve our growing tourism destinations in Central Florida.

Celebrating Women's History Month

We celebrated Women's History Month at the Capitol and had the opportunity to honor the wonderful women of the House Democratic Caucus. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them in Congress.

In the District

Visiting Head Start in Orlando

We visited Head Start at McCoy Elementary in Orlando and participated in a storytelling session during Orange County's Guest Reader Celebration. We stand firmly against any cuts to KidCare, SNAP, and Head Start programs as they play a pivotal role in shaping our children's future.

Touring Keiser University

We visited Keiser University's Orlando campus to learn more about the university and its programs. We are proud to support workforce education, training, and more nurses. We stand against efforts to dismantle crucial departments that handle access to education.

Meeting with Our Labor Advisory Board

We met with our Labor Advisory Board to discuss the ongoing challenges workers are facing, including recent attacks on their rights and protections by the Trump Administration. Now more than ever, we must stand with our unions and working families to ensure they have the support they need.

Learning About the Central Florida Navy League

We met with the Central Florida Navy League in our Orlando office to learn about their mission and work. This civilian organization is dedicated to the education of our children and adult citizens, including elected officials.

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 full report

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

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 on Mondays 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.

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,