Dear friends and neighbors,
This week, we stood up to the Republican mini majority as they attempted to pass H.R. 1 — a $117 billion deficit-busting taxpayer giveaway to big oil that would guarantee more pollution, more sickness, and a step backward. As they continue trying to put polluters over people, House Democrats will work to act on climate and protect our future.
I was also proud to support the re-introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe and restore a woman’s right to choose. After the Supreme Court's attack on women's reproductive freedoms, we must act quickly to guarantee these protections.
In the district, I was honored to host U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to highlight the $35 cap on insulin for seniors on Medicare thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the fact that many private insulin manufacturers are now capping their prices at $35 too. We also had the opportunity to thank the secretary for helping us secure an ACA special enrollment period from today through July 31, 2024 for those affected by the end of pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage.
We also announced that a $431 million CMG Clean Energy Manufacturing Center is coming to Poinciana thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. This facility will provide over 1,200 new high-paying clean energy jobs with an average salary of $75,000. The center will make solar panels, EV batteries, and more, as well as help the nation combat climate change.
We also visited the Hope Community Center to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, hear from LGBTQ families and farmworkers, and affirm our support for their communities in the face of anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ legislation being pushed by hateful politicians in the Florida legislature and Congress.
I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished and look forward to returning to the district next week to build on our progress and continue moving Central Florida forward.
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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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Protecting Central Floridians from Pollution |
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I voted NO on H.R. 1. The Republican mini majority pushed this $117 billion deficit-busting taxpayer giveaway to Big Oil that would guarantee more pollution, more sickness, and a step backward. It attempts to repeal major climate change reforms and puts polluters over people.
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Supporting the Women's Health Protection Act |
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The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is an major attack on women’s freedom in America. That’s why I'm supporting the Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe and restore women’s right to choose.
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Celebrating Florida's Wildlife Corridor |
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We joined the Florida House to celebrate Florida's Wildlife Corridor efforts. We are proud to have delivered $300 million from the American Rescue Plan to support this critical network of 18 million acres to protect Florida's sensitive lands and wildlife in FL-9 and across the state.
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Advocating for Florida's College Athletes |
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In the Energy and Commerce Committee, I spoke about the importance of supporting programs that will aid our students and athletes, including those involved in NIL deals, during their college years.
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Standing Against Book Banning and History Erasure |
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In Florida, we see book banning, silencing of diverse voices, denial of history, and even the censorship of stories about Roberto Clemente. As the Republican mini majority tries to join the crusade, House Democrats will stop them and protect history, education, and liberty.
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Meeting with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando |
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We had a productive meeting with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando to discuss housing barriers affecting Central Floridians. We're working together to create more affordable housing opportunities for families in our district.
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Supporting Space Exploration with NASA Artemis Suppliers |
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We hosted NASA Artemis suppliers to discuss ways to ensure the program remains well-funded, safe, on budget, and ready for its next launch in 2024. I am proud to support space exploration and sponsor the Launch Communications Act.
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Hosting HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra |
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Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors on Medicare now only pay $35 for insulin. As of this month, all three leading insulin producers have also heeded this call and have lowered their prices to $35 a month for millions of Americans. We were honored to host HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in Central Florida for an important conversation with those affected. We also thank him for granting an ACA special enrollment period to provide new coverage opportunities for those families affected by the end of Medicaid continuous coverage on March 31.
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Securing a $431 Million Clean Energy Manufacturing Center in Poinciana |
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Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, CMG Clean Tech is coming to Poinciana. This $431 million clean energy manufacturing park could create 1,200 high-wage jobs over the next three years. CMG develops clean hydrogen, solar, EV charging stations, green hydrogen, heat pumps, solar tiles, and battery storage. This is the largest clean energy manufacturing project announced in Florida since the passage of the IRA.
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Commemorating Transgender Day of Visibility and Respecting our Farmworkers |
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As anti-equality politicians in the Florida legislature and Congress continue pushing anti-transgender and anti-immigrant legislation, I joined Secretary Becerra at the Hope Community Center to affirm our support for the community on Transgender Day of Visibility. We also heard from so many farmworkers there who deserve our respect and are helping feed America.
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Honoring Vietnam War Veterans |
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Team Soto joined Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to honor those who selflessly and bravely fought in Vietnam. We are proud that all Vietnam veterans are now eligible for VA health care regardless of disability status.
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Team Soto in the Community |
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Team Soto is hard at work in our district connecting with the community. We are here to serve FL-9 and are grateful for the opportunity to do so.
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Apply for our Summer Internship Program |
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If you are interested in learning about the legislative process or are passionate about public service, apply to our summer internship program in Washington, D.C., or in our district offices.
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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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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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