The Big Ugly Law

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we were honored to join the Hispanic Federation for a town hall to discuss how the Big Ugly Law will hurt our Hispanic community. The Hispanic community is vital to Central Florida and our nation. They are our neighbors, small business owners, farmworkers, construction workers, hospitality workers, and more. As the Trump Administration continues tearing families apart, cutting healthcare, nutrition, and education, driving up costs, and wrecking our economy, House Democrats will stand up to protect all our communities.

Representative Maxwell Frost and I joined the local leaders and Hispanic organizations for a roundtable on the Big Ugly Law. We discussed the dangerous implications for Central Florida & how cuts to Medicaid, ACA, SNAP, education, and vital services will impact the Hispanic community.

Additionally, we proudly joined the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association to stop the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. In the 117th Congress, we passed the Postal Service Reform Act to fix its pension, guarantee six-day service, & upgrade postal vehicles to air-conditioned EVs. Letter Carriers are an integral part of our community.

Lastly, we hosted a roundtable with representatives from the FLARA, Florida Blue, and Osceola County Housing & Community Services to discuss the far-reaching impacts of the Big Ugly Law on healthcare access. From ACA enrollment to Medicaid and SNAP, the conversation highlighted growing concerns about how this legislation is affecting our most vulnerable communities. Grateful to our partners for their insights and commitment to protecting healthcare for all.

I'm proud and optimistic about our efforts this week and look forward to working in the district for our Central Florida community during the August District Work Period.

Poll of the Week

Do you support the Big Ugly Law?

Yes

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, President Trump’s Big Ugly Law robs working families to line the pockets of the wealthy. And now this: White House tours for the public? Non-existent. But a brand-new ballroom for MAGA millionaires? Check. Let’s be clear—these aren’t “populists” fighting for the little guy.

Meanwhile, here in Florida, families are being squeezed by rising produce and energy prices. Natural gas costs are climbing, yet Trump refuses to embrace cheaper clean energy like solar and wind—simply out of political spite. The result? Higher utility bills for hardworking Floridians. His tariffs are also taking their toll on fruits, vegetables, and other food.

It’s no wonder the Big Ugly Law is the most unpopular law in decades, with 67% of Americans opposing it. It was a con from the start: robbing the poor to enrich the rich, then lying about it. Americans aren’t buying it. Business bankruptcies are rising thanks to Trump’s reckless tariffs. Mass deportations are hollowing out our workforce. And with companies unable to absorb more than 60% of these tariffs, closures are mounting. Unemployment, especially among young people, is climbing.

But there’s one bright spot: justice is finally catching up. “Alligator Alcatraz”—a sham state-run detention center disguised as a federal facility—is unlawful and must be shut down. This cruel political stunt violates civil rights, environmental protections, and tribal sovereignty. Closing it is a step toward restoring both justice and dignity.

Legal Challenge Tracker

In the District

Hosting a Town Hall with the Hispanic Community

Honored to join the Hispanic Federation for a town hall to discuss how the Big Ugly Law will hurt our Hispanic community. The Hispanic community is vital to Central Florida and our nation. They are our neighbors, small business owners, farmworkers, construction & hospitality workers, and more. As the Trump Administration continues tearing families apart, cutting healthcare, nutrition, and education, driving up costs, and wrecking our economy, House Democrats will stand up to protect all communities.

Discussing the Big Ugly Law with Community Leaders

Addressing Healthcare Cuts and Affordable Housing

We recently hosted a roundtable with representatives from the FLARA, Florida Blue, and Osceola County Housing & Community Services to discuss the far-reaching impacts of the Big Ugly Law on healthcare access and along with recent HUD affordable housing cuts. From ACA enrollment to Medicaid and Medicare coverage, the conversation highlighted growing concerns about how this legislation is affecting our most vulnerable communities. Grateful to our partners for their insights and commitment to protecting healthcare for all.

Standing with our Letter Carriers

Proud to join the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association to stop the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. In the 117th Congress, we passed the Postal Service Reform Act to fix its pension, guarantee six-day service, and upgrade postal vehicles to air-conditioned EVs. Letter Carriers are an integral part of our community.

Meeting with Federal Workers

We met with members of AFGE to discuss the challenges federal workers continue to face and how we can strengthen protections for their rights. Unions play a vital role in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity of public service. We stand firmly with organized labor and will continue to support efforts that empower workers and their families.

Supporting the Faith Leadership Team of the Immigrants

We went to support the Faith Leadership Team of the Immigrants outside of the ICE office in Orlando. We remain committed to ensuring local immigrant families are treated lawfully & humanely by ICE officials in Orlando. Representative Maxwell Frost & I plan to return soon for more formal oversight.

Celebrating UCF's New Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion

Team Soto attended the ribbon-cutting for the University of Central Florida's Nursing Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion! They will be welcoming 244 future Knights Nurses in the fall. This addition will help foster innovation & address the nursing shortage in Central Florida.

Attending the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum

Honored to attend the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Forum — a powerful gathering of business leaders, government officials, & community stakeholders all working toward driving economic development both in our region and in Puerto Rico. We discussed a strong summer for tourism in Central Florida, thanks to the opening of Epic Universe, challenges with tariffs and mass deportations, harmful changes to the PROMESA Board that could extend the timeline, Lake Nona and NeoCity hotspots, among other matters. Grateful to contribute to meaningful dialogue.

Engaging in a Discussion on Central Florida's Tourism Industry

It was an honor to be part of LendingCon 25! As a top tourism destination, we are committed to ensuring local hoteliers and attraction owners have access to capital. We also discussed the negative effects of tariffs and deportations have on tourism.

Supporting Local Pipe Manufacturing

Toured the U.S. Pipe facility in Taft to see their operations and the vital role they play in supporting Central Florida’s infrastructure. We will work with them to address tariffs, pass a new infrastructure law, expand their facilities, and create more manufacturing jobs.

Restoring Lake Toho

We toured Lake Toho with Fish and Wildlife Conservation, along with the South Florida Water Management District, to review invasive plants, water quality/flow, and the snail kite. We’re proud to have authorized an estimated $164 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restoration of Big Lake Toho, Shingle Creek & Kissimmee River. The project is currently in the design phase.

Meeting with the Salvation Army

We visited Salvation Army Orlando to learn more about their ongoing initiatives and to discuss how recent housing, healthcare, and nutrition cuts are affecting families in need. Last year, we were proud to secure $500k for their Pathway to Housing Program in our Community Funding Projects.

Meeting with our Environmental Advisory Board

We met with our Environmental Advisory Board to discuss pressing environmental issues like EPA’s massive cuts and pro-pollution agenda. We also provided an update on the ongoing Lake Toho restoration, manatee protection, and coral reefs. Grateful for their expertise and commitment to protecting our natural resources

Meeting with Local Insurance Agents

We recently had lunch at the Catfish Place in St. Cloud with local National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors insurance agents. We discussed the importance of extending to the premium tax credit to stop huge hikes to Obamacare this fall, Medicaid cuts, and the status of recent property insurance reforms.

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 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 office hours at the Buenavenutra Lakes Library on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 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,