Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we were proud to attend the grand opening of the Brightline station at Orlando International Airport. We are thrilled that Central Floridians are now connected to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami — a major part of our vision for the future of Central Florida transportation. We secured $25 million in rail safety grants for this project. We are also proud that the next leg of Brightline service to Tampa is already in the design phase thanks to a $16 million CRISI grant we helped secure for the Sunshine Corridor.

In Washington, D.C., Team Soto celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Initiative's 46th Annual Awards Gala. We heard from President Biden about the administration's accomplishments for Hispanics and the work still left to do. We are thankful for our strong partnership as we continue efforts to deliver for Central Florida.

We also received the great news that Venezuela has been re-designated for Temporary Protected Status and it was extended to include those in the United States as of July 31, 2023. This will unify thousands of families, give them legal status, and allow them to work to help alleviate Florida’s labor shortage.
 
Next week, we'll be in the district and Washington, D.C., continuing our efforts to bring critical resources and opportunities to our district and state.
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Over the past two years, House Democrats have worked with President Joe Biden to deliver meaningful legislation to help hard-working Americans. If you have benefitted from a law/program or have received help from our casework team, we would love to hear from you.
Great News for Central Floridians
The Future of Central Florida Transportation is Bright
Congratulations, Brightline!

We are thrilled that Central Floridians are now connected to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami — a major part of our vision for the future of Central Florida transportation. We secured $25 million in rail safety grants for this project.

We are also proud that the next leg of Brightline service to Tampa is already in the design phase thanks to a $16 million CRISI grant we helped secure for the Sunshine Corridor.
Temporary Protected Status Extended for Venezuela
President Biden approved an extension of Venezuela's Temporary Protected Status to July 31, 2023.

This will unify thousands of families, give them legal status, and allow them to work to help alleviate Florida’s labor shortage.
Op-Ed: A Government Shutdown Would Threaten America’s Progress
We've made great progress with record-low unemployment and inflation at just 3%. The last thing we need is for extreme MAGA Republicans to force a government shutdown that would threaten America’s progress.
$283k+ Grant for Nemours Children's Health
I am thrilled to announce that Nemours received $283,976 to help advance research on children's diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism at their Orlando facility.

We are proud to support health research that will benefit all Americans happening in Central Florida.
Securing $26 Million for Osceola County Conservation
We are happy to see Florida approve a $26 million conservation easement for Adams Ranch along Lake Marian in ⁦⁦Osceola County thanks to the American Rescue Plan.

This protects our water supply and wildlife corridor and prevents more suburban sprawl in Poinciana.
In Washington, D.C.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with CHCI
Team Soto celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Initiative's 46th Annual Awards Gala. We heard from President Biden about the administration's accomplishments for Hispanics and the work still left to do. We are thankful for our strong partnership as we continue efforts to deliver for Central Florida.
Strengthening our Supply Chains
Factory construction doubled over the last year thanks to the Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS Act. In the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we're working to ensure our supply chains and domestic manufacturing remain strong.
Discussing Access to Education with Future Forum
Student debt should not be a roadblock to economic success for younger Americans. This week, Future Forum members heard from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the Institute for College Access & Success on how we can ensure that everyone can get access to the education and skills they need to succeed.
Discussing Crucial Developments in the Farm Bill
We met with Second Harvest to discuss crucial developments in the upcoming Farm Bill that will help families in our district. Last year, their food bank distributed enough food for 81 million meals, transforming lives in our Central Florida community.
Supporting Head Start for Families
Incredibly thankful that the National Head Start Association chose to visit my office. I'm proud to support their efforts to provide health, nutrition, and family services to families in Central Florida.
Protecting Workplace Rights
Thrilled to welcome the Florida Teamsters to discuss workplace rights and the right to fair treatment. Proud of them for recently voting to ratify a historic collective bargaining agreement with UPS.
Congress Goes Purple for National Recovery Month
To honor National Recovery Month, I’m standing with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to spread awareness on substance abuse and mental health disorders. Let’s make sure those affected have the resources and support they need. You are not alone.
NEXT WEEK: CHC On the Road Event
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is going on the road this upcoming Monday to discuss student debt relief with the Department of Education.

If you’re a local student, we invite you to join and learn more about the federal programs and resources available.
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.
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 and Fridays 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.
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is live!   

Middle and high school students in the district who are interested in creating an app can learn more at here and submit their applications by November 1.
Invest.gov/ Invertir.gov
American manufacturing is back and stronger than ever. Thanks to the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we're witnessing job creation and increased investment across the country and right here in Central Florida.

El Presidente Biden y los Democratas estamos invirtiendo en Estados Unidos e implementando niveles históricos de inversiones públicas y privadas gracias a la Ley de Infraestructura.
Special ACA Enrollment Period
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.
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 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.
Insulin is Now No More Than $35/Month for Seniors
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. As of July 1, 2023, Americans on Medicare Part B can see their insulin copays capped at $35 per month.
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,
Congressman Darren Soto
Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District
Contact Me

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