Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I returned to Washington, D.C., to get to work for Central Floridians. In our Natural Resources Committee, I spoke about our Kissimmee River study law, which requires the U.S. Department of the Interior to analyze protecting the Kissimmee River as a Wild & Scenic River. I also emphasized the importance of protecting the Indian River Lagoon—which is home to recreation and our precious manatees—from increased pollution. We need all the support we can get to put an action plan in place and make it happen.

In the district, we celebrated Labor Day with the Central Florida AFL-CIO. We are grateful to our unions for fighting for overtime, minimum wage, workplace safety, healthcare, and so much more for America’s working families. Happy to also play a few tunes for them.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to tour Osprey Park 62+ Apartments & Cottages in Poinciana and learn more about the affordable housing options they have for seniors. We are proud to support the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit to make these projects a reality.

We also had the privilege of visiting the Osceola Council on Aging—the largest social services organization in Osceola County. We are reminded of why we continue defending Medicaid/Medicare and Social Security benefits. As the Big Ugly Law starts to take effect, we will stand with our seniors and healthcare providers every step of the way.

Lastly, we toured the Gatorade factory in Poinciana. We are proud of their work and grateful for their investments in a new production line, advanced equipment, and recycling goals.

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

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, Trump’s tariffs and mass deportation continue to take a toll on the economy. We saw an awful jobs report this week and prices continue to rise.

President Trump's U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a death sentence to over 250,000 Venezuelans by rescinding their TPS status. These folks are contributing to our workforce and economy. Now, they will be sent back to a dictator intent on killing them.

In other news, our first “Floridian” President chose Alabama over Florida for Space Command. Add in the fact that it was a purely political move; this whole thing stinks!

Finally, Trump's destructive administration continues to wreak havoc across America, jeopardizing the health of millions. We see Secretary Kennedy firing critical scientists at the CDC, jeopardizing responses to future outbreaks. Florida Surgeon General Lapado also called for ending vaccine requirements for kids. The result will be more dark age diseases like mumps, measles, and smallpox for kids. Sadly, many will die.

In Washington, D.C.

Protecting the Kissimmee River & Manatees

In our Natural Resources Committee, I spoke about our Kissimmee River study law, which requires the U.S. Department of the Interior to look into protecting the Kissimmee River as a Wild and Scenic River. I was able to ask a representative from the U.S. Department of the Interior about an update, as this legally-mandated study is due at the end of 2025. We are willing and able to help facilitate that study for further protection of our precious waterways.

I also emphasized the importance of protecting the Indian River Lagoon—which is home to recreation and our precious manatees—from increased pollution. We need all the support we can get to put an action plan in place and make it happen.

Supporting the Release of the Epstein Files

As we continue pushing for the release of the Epstein Files, I signed a discharge petition that was filed to motion for a forced vote. This will hopefully bring us closer to the release of the files.

During the week, President Trump commented on the Epstein Files, saying that it is "a Democrat hoax... trying to get people to talk about something that is totally irrelevant." In my opinion, I think he can't make it any more obvious that his name is all over those files.

Release the files NOW... Justice must be served!

In the District

Celebrating Labor Day with the AFL-CIO

On Labor Day, we had the privilege of spending the day with the Central Florida AFL-CIO. We had a great time celebrating the hard work and dedication of our workforce.

Thank you for your continued fight for overtime, minimum wage, workplace safety, healthcare, and so much more for America's working families! It was a pleasure getting to spend time together and play some tunes for everyone!

Visiting Seniors at Osprey Park 62+ &

the Osceola Council on Aging

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to tour Osprey Park 62+ Apartments & Cottages in Poinciana and learn more about the affordable housing options they have for seniors. They offer units that are cable and internet-ready, as well as have robust air conditioning and heating systems.

We also had the privilege of visiting the Osceola Council on Aging—the largest social services organization in Osceola County. I was able to learn more about current programs and initiatives to promote the independence of seniors. Furthermore, I was able to engage in a discussion about the SHINE program, which provides assistance with health insurance. I am thankful to the Osceola Council on Aging for their work to support our elderly community through productive and efficient avenues.

Following these visits, we are reminded of why we continue defending Medicaid/Medicare and Social Security benefits. As the Big Ugly Law starts to take effect, we will stand with our seniors and healthcare providers every step of the way.

Thank you to Osprey Park 62+ Apartments & Cottages and the Osceola Council on Aging for your hospitality.

Visiting Gatorade in Poinciana

The last event we attended this week was a tour of PepsiCo's Gatorade facility in Poinciana! We are thrilled about their new production line, major equipment investments, recycling goals, and amazing products. We will continue to work with local manufacturers to boost high-paying jobs in Central Florida.

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.

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.

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 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,

Congressman Darren Soto

Representative for Florida's Ninth Congressional District

Washington, D.C.

2353 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-9889

Kissimmee

804 Bryan Street

Kissimmee, FL 34741

407-452-1171

Orlando

5800 South Semoran Blvd

Suite B (next to AdventHealth)

Orlando, FL 32822

407-204-3370