Dear friends and neighbors,
We had a very productive week in Central Florida hearing from veterans, ranchers, and food banks as well as celebrating local women leaders in Central Florida and passing key legislation in Washington, D.C., to support the local space economy.
In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we were proud to pass our Launch Communications Act to streamline launches, boost Central Florida space jobs, and maintain American space leadership. Next, our bill will be heard on the House floor.
I also had the opportunity to question TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on the privacy concerns concerning the platform and outlined ways we can promote creativity while ensuring privacy, civil rights, and protections for children.
During our time in Central Florida, we were proud to host USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small to discuss federal funding for agriculture and our upcoming Farm Bill priorities. We visited farmers, ranchers, and growers to learn more about their operations and ways we can collaborate.
We also participated in a town hall at the Lake Nona VA with local veterans. We spoke to them about PACT Act benefits and learned about ways in which we can better serve them.
I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished so far and look forward to building on
our progress in the coming weeks.
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Over the past two years, House Democrats have worked with President Joe Biden to deliver meaningful legislation to help hardworking Americans. If you have benefitted from a law/ program or have received help from our casework team, we'd love to hear from you. |
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Passing the Launch Communications Act in the Energy and Commerce Committee |
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I am proud to announce that our Launch Communications Act has passed the full Energy and Commerce Committee. The LCA will streamline launches, boost Central Florida jobs, and maintain American space leadership. Next, our bill will be heard on the House floor.
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Protecting America's Private Data on TikTok |
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During the hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Energy and Commerce this week, I discussed ways we can promote creativity while ensuring privacy, civil rights, and protections for children. I called upon the committee to pass internet privacy rights without delay.
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Meeting with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority |
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We hosted GOAA CEO Kevin Thibault and Assistant VP Luis Olivero in D.C. this week to discuss operations at Orlando Internation Airport and updates to Terminal C. Proud to deliver over $200 million in Infrastructure Law grants to ensure MCO provides world-class service to residents and tourists alike.
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Working with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce |
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I had the pleasure of meeting with the U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to discuss their priorities for the legislative term and economic development plans for Central Florida and Puerto Rico. I am proud to work with the Chamber to promote the economic growth, development, and interests of Hispanic-owned businesses in Central Florida.
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Attending Blockchain Education Day on Capitol Hill |
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It was great to attend the Digital Chamber of Commerce's Blockchain Education Day on Capitol Hill this week. As we work on common sense, bipartisan legislation to bring regulation to the industry, we must ensure that all communities have access to education on blockchain technologies.
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Celebrating the 13th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act |
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This week, we celebrated the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. We are proud that 3.2 million Floridians have health coverage from the ACA exchange. The law protects those with preexisting conditions, ensures basic coverage requirements, and makes healthcare available for children until they are 26.
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Honoring Pat Schroeder on the House Floor |
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We had a moment of silence honoring Rep. Pat Schroeder on the House floor for her fearless leadership in Congress. She inspired many generations of women, championed families and veterans, and worked on meaningful legislation, including the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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Celebrating Women's History Month with the Blooming Cherry Blossoms |
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As we continue celebrating Women's History Month, the famous cheery blossoms are blooming in Washington, D.C. Team Soto is looking forward to welcoming our constituents to the Capitol during this beautiful season.
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Hosting USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small |
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USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited our district again to discuss federal funding for agriculture and our upcoming Farm Bill priorities. We visited our farmers, ranchers, and growers to learn more about their operations as well as met with Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed Central Florida families.
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Discussing the PACT Act with Local Veterans |
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I joined Orlando VA Healthcare System Director Timothy J. Cooke and St. Petersburg Regional Veterans Benefits Administration Director Julianna Boor for a town hall at the Lake Nona VA. We had the opportunity to talk with local veterans about PACT Act benefits and learn about how we can better serve them.
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Honoring Amazing Women in Central Florida |
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In honor of Women's History Month, we recognized nine women who have left a mark on Central Florida through their work and dedication to our community. Among them, we honored Osceola County Schools Superintendent Debra Pace, who will retire this year, Team Soto alumn Vivian Rodriguez, and other leaders.
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Touring JetBlue University |
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We had an informative tour of JetBlue University. As a major carrier at Orlando International Airport, we are proud to work with JetBlue on maintaining world-class travel for residents and tourists, expanding Terminal C, and protecting air safety. We're proud to have their training facility in our district.
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Meeting with Central Florida Healthcare Providers |
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Our team had a productive Healthcare Admin meeting where we talked about the Inflation Reduction Act's $35 insulin cap—which Eli Lilly and others are replicating. We also highlighted the 340B program for doctor/nurse shortages and our success in extending the ACA special enrollment period.
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ICYMI: Congratulations to Osceola County Schools Teacher of the Year Tiffany Perry |
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Team Soto was proud to join Osceola County Schools for their annual Education Awards. Congratulations to Teacher of the Year, Tiffany Perry, and School-Related Employee of the Year, Janae Muchmore.
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Important Updates for Central Floridians |
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With the April 18 tax deadline approaching, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to submit their tax returns and any payments due by the deadline to avoid late filing and interest penalties. For struggling taxpayers who can’t pay by the deadline, the IRS offers several different options to help.
Eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2022 can use IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov, to electronically file their taxes. All taxpayers, regardless of income, who need more time to file a return can use IRS Free File as an easy and quick way to electronically file for a six-month extension before April 18, 2023.
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COMING SOON: Special ACA Enrollment Period |
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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.
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PACT Act Resources for Veterans |
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Toxic-exposed veterans in Central Florida deserve to access all their rightfully earned benefits without issue.
Veterans and their loved ones can stay updated on the effects of the Honoring our PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT.
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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.
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Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans |
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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.
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Insulin is Now No More Than $35/Month for Seniors |
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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. Just this week, insulin producer Eli Lilly said they are reducing their price by 70% with a $35 cap.
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117th Congress End-of-Session Report |
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I am 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,
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Congressman Darren Soto
Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District
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Contact Me
Washington, D.C.
2353 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
804 Bryan Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
5800 South Semoran Blvd
Suite B (next to AdventHealth)
Orlando, FL 32822
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