Dear friends and neighbors,
This week, we returned to Washington, D.C. to continue advocating for Florida's Ninth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce my appointment to the Agriculture Committee for the 118th Congress. We are ready to help pass the new Farm Bill. I am excited to continue delivering for Central Florida's ranchers, growers, and farmers during this pivotal time.
On Tuesday, President Biden's State of the Union address reminded us of the great progress we made in the past year. From supporting our veterans, lowering healthcare costs, and combatting climate change, to rebuilding infrastructure and boosting high-tech manufacturing, the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats have truly delivered for the American people. Together with the hard work of millions of Americans, the state of our union is strong.
Yesterday, I had the honor of traveling on Air Force One to Tampa alongside President Biden and Representative Castor to help protect and secure Medicare and Social Security while expanding affordable healthcare. We are grateful for the President's promise to continue fighting for Florida's seniors and their well-earned benefits every day.
In the Energy and Commerce Committee, I had the opportunity to highlight the American manufacturing boom, the rise of commercial space flight in Central Florida, and innovation happening in NeoCity and Lake Nona's Medical City. Congress now has a role to play in implementing legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS Act to ensure this boom continues.
I look forward to working from Florida next week to continue our work for Florida's Ninth Congressional District.
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The State of the Union is STRONG! |
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President Biden visited congress this week to give the annual State of The Union address. In his speech, he highlighted our Great Eight landmark laws from the 117th Congress. These laws are already helping seniors afford insulin, ensuring Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans receive the benefits they deserve, rebuilding our Central Florida infrastructure, combatting climate change, securing our presidential elections, better protecting our communities from gun violence, respecting LGBTQ and interracial marriages and boosting local aerospace and microchip manufacturing, among other progress.
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I invited Chris Castro, Central Florida's "Green Guru" to be my guest at the State of the Union because his journey from UCF student to Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy inspires us all. Chris is charged with helping implement clean energy grants from the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Getting Appointed to the Agriculture Committee |
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I am very proud to announce that I will serve again on the Agriculture Committee during the 118th Congress. I will continue to work with the Florida Farm Bureau to stand up for our Florida District 9 ranchers, growers, and farmers who help feed America. Looking forward to negotiating the Farm Bill and delivering for Florida.
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Delivering on IRA, CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Law
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In the Energy and Commerce Committee, I spoke about implementing laws we passed last year such as the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS Act. I am happy to report our committee is working together to ensure these laws benefit everyday Americans.
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Attending Dominicans on the Hill |
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I was happy to attend the fifth-annual Dominicans on the Hill event hosted by Representative Espaillat. We are immensely proud of the accomplishments of Dominicans across Central Florida and to have several members of our staff be of Dominican descent. We will continue supporting the Dominican community with our work.
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Florida League of Cities Meeting |
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We had a productive meeting with the Florida League of Cities and City of Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz to speak about reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program and simplifying the federal infrastructure grants process. I am proud to work with our local elected officials on these critical issues. Our State of the Union guest Chris Castro oversaw clean energy and conservation initiatives for the City of Orlando prior to working for the Biden Administration.
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Visiting Tampa with POTUS to Fight for Seniors |
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I joined President Biden and Representative Castor on a flight aboard Air Force One to Tampa to uphold our promise to protect and secure Social Security and Medicare while expanding affordable health care in Florida.
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Belle Isle Small Business Tour |
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Today, we visited Belle Isle's small business owners to show our support. As a former small business owner (law firm), I know firsthand how small businesses are the foundation of our local economy. I am happy to represent all Belle Isle residents who are now a part of FL-09. Thanks to the owners of El Potro Mexican Restaurant, RTB Barbershop, Island Blue Pool Care, and Growing Together Pediatrics for meeting with us to discuss PPP and SBA loans, lowering business costs, internet marketing, and improving public health.
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Meeting with Mi Familia Vota |
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I had the pleasure of meeting with Mi Familia Vota to speak about the great work they are doing with educational programs that develop Gen Z's leadership and critical thinking skills while empowering students to create sustainable solutions to environmental issues in Florida's 9th District.
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Meeting with Health In Focus
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We met with the Healthcare Leadership Council to discuss the future of healthcare in Central Florida. We are excited about innovation in local hospitals like Advent Health, that will soon help our growing community access more affordable high-quality care.
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Important Updates for Central Floridians |
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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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There has been an increase in PACT Act-related email, phone, and social media scams targeting Veterans' PACT Act benefits by offering to submit claims on their behalf.
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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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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.
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Polk Residents FDOT Survey |
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For our Polk residents, after our letter with Representative Franklin requesting a study of the Ride Sun Rail expansion to parts of Polk County. The Florida DOT is asking residents to complete a survey gauging interest in extending service.
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Congressional Art Competition 2023 Deadline |
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Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in our District. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page.
2023 DEADLINE - MARCH 31, 2023 AT 5:00 PM
Learn more about requirements and application form: https://soto.house.gov/services/art-competition
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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
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