Dear friends and neighbors,
This week, I returned to Washington, D.C., to continue advocating for the needs of Central Floridians. In anticipation of the end of pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage, I led a multi-member letter to President Joe Biden and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra asking them to consider an ACA special enrollment period for the millions of Floridians at risk of losing their healthcare coverage. I am proud to report that HHS just approved our request this afternoon.
I was also pleased to be appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee for the 118th Congress. Alongside my fellow House Democrats and Republican colleagues, I will focus on coming together to boost local tech jobs and manufacturing, combat climate change, curb inflation, expand access to healthcare, and much more. The people of Florida’s Ninth Congressional District depend on a lot of legislation coming out of our committee, so I am prepared to advocate for them and our community.
In the district, we visited SeaWorld to see how our Restoring Resilient Reefs Act is already making a big difference. I was able to see the new rehabilitation and rescue center, which will aid in rehabilitating and saving wildlife in Florida. These facilities will also be used to grow new coral, which will bring coral reef restoration in Florida to a whole new level.
Next week, I look forward to returning to Washington, D.C. to continue our work for Florida's Ninth Congressional District.
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Requesting ACA Special Enrollment Period |
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I joined my colleagues in asking President Joe Biden and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to consider an ACA special enrollment period for the millions of Floridians that are at risk of losing healthcare coverage when pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage ends on March 31. Proud to announce that HHS approved our request this afternoon.
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Standing with Biden to Lower Gas Prices |
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I spoke against H.R 21, the Strategic Production Response Act on the House floor. President Biden has successfully used the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to respond to the supply disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine. This helped lower gas prices by $1.69 per gallon since the peak price, resulting in savings for millions of American families. Republicans continue to complain.
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Getting Appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee |
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I am honored and thrilled to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee during the 118th Congress. I look forward to working with my colleague to combat climate change, curb inflation, expand access to healthcare, and more.
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Re-launching the Future Forum Caucus |
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I'm excited to re-launch the Future Forum Caucus along with co-chairs Representatives Allred and Stevens. We are ready to get to work on the issues impacting young Americans like climate change, student loan relief, affordable housing, and economic opportunities.
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Hosting the University of Central Florida |
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I had the pleasure of attending two University of Central Florida events this week: An insightful and engaging panel discussion, where topics such as immigration, women’s rights, economics, climate change, and more were discussed, and a reception hosted by the Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives. We also recently secured $500,000 to help fund the Puerto Rico Research Hub. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with the university. Go Knights!
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Visiting the SeaWorld Rescue Center |
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I visited SeaWorld and was delighted to see how our Restoring Resilient Reefs Act is already making a big difference. I was able to see the new rehabilitation and rescue center, which will aid in rehabilitating and saving wildlife in Florida. These facilities will also be used to grow new coral, which will bring coral reef restoration in Florida to a whole new level.
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Hosting an Infrastructure Town Hall |
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I hosted a town hall to discuss infrastructure projects coming to Central Florida as a result of the infrastructure law and other federally-funded projects. These include new jobs at Lake Nona and NeoCity, highway and road improvements, a SunRail/Brightline expansion, clean water, flood control, lake restorations, affordable housing, and rural broadband, among other projects.
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Attending the 23rd Annual SSH Meeting |
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Team Soto attended the 23rd annual Society for Simulation in Healthcare meeting in Orlando. Our team experienced major technological advances — such as human-patient simulators and VR — that are already being used in hospitals across the country to improve training and help patients.
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Important Updates for Central Floridians |
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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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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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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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