Dear Alexander,

This week, we participated in and Energy and Commerce Committee hearing to advocate for the Kids Online Safety Act and Take It Down Act to protect children online. Though Republicans fake outrage, they pulled the bills last Congress and President Trump fired 2/5 FTC commissioners. We need to act.

In the Natural Resources Committee, we discussed the impacts of DOGE cuts to NOAA and the National Park Service, including mass firings that could make hurricane recovery even more difficult. Florida's tourism industry, fisheries, and national parks are also hurting as a result.

We met with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando to discuss increasing supply to make rent more affordable, the I-4 and SunRail/Brightline expansions, NeoCity, Lake Nona job projects, and more!

In the district, I was honored to attend Vietnam War Veterans Day at the Orlando VA and pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation with courage and sacrifice. Their dedication and resilience will never be forgotten. I also attended the Tuskegee Airman State Holiday Celebration in Orlando. These heroes inspired the next generation of aviators.

Furthermore, we met with our Justice Advisory Board to discuss the latest civil rights issues in Central Florida. We covered topics from the current state of federal agencies and recent SCOTUS decisions, to education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

I'm proud and optimistic about our efforts this week and look forward to working back in the district and Washington next week to fight for our Central Florida community.

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, the Trump Administration once again showed their gross incompetence. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth put the lives of our troops at risk by discussing highly sensitive war plans in an unclassified group chat that included a reporter. Those involved in this mishandling of information should be fired immediately. We also saw the administration cancel $500 million in funds for the TEFAP program, meaning major consequences for Central Florida food banks like Second Harvest. 

President Trump also decided to put a 25% tariff on all vehicles coming from outside of the United States as people are already struggling to buy cars. Over at the Department of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. continues to push crackpot conspiracies, laying off thousands of workers as Americans die from preventable diseases like measles. We are appalled by these heartless decisions that will only benefit billionares while the working class suffers. House Democrats will continue pushing back in Congress, in the courts, and in our communities.

Working to Protect Kids Safety Online

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we continue advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act and Take It Down Act to protect children online. Though Republicans fake outrage, they pulled the bills last Congress and President Trump fired 2/5 FTC commissioners. Sympathy is not enough. We need to act.

Standing Up for Federal Workers in Natural Resources

During our Natural Resources Committee hearing, we discussed the impacts of DOGE cuts to NOAA and the National Park Service, including mass firings that could make hurricane recovery even more difficult. Florida's tourism industry, fisheries, and national parks are also hurting as a result.

Discussing Affordable Housing in Orlando

We met with the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando to discuss increasing supply to make rent more affordable, the I-4 and SunRail/Brightline expansions, NeoCity and Lake Nona job projects, and more!

Working on Economic Empowerment with the

Hispanic Federation

I was honored to welcome the Hispanic Federation to Washington during their Encuentro Nacional. We discussed promoting new jobs at Lake Nona and NeoCity, supporting small businesses, opposing cuts to KidCare & nursing home care (Medicaid), food assistance for families in need, and the U.S. Department of Education and Social Security. We will also work together on expanding affordable housing, broadband, and internet literacy.

Welcoming Florida Citrus Mutual to Washington

We welcomed Florida Citrus Mutual to Washington this week. I received important updates from citrus industry leaders and we discussed combatting citrus greening, expanding groves, and streamlining disaster relief. I am proud to always support citrus growers in Central Florida.

Meeting with Rural Letter Carriers

We met with members of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association to discuss proposed changes to the Postal Service and how those changes might affect rural communities. Our letter carriers these individuals are vital to ensuring our constituents receive important mail—including prescriptions—on time.

Speaking at the PR—USA Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit

I was honored to give opening remarks at the PR—USA Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit. We spoke about improvements to economic development, energy, and education in Puerto Rico.

In the District

Commemorating Tuskegee Airman Day

Honored to attend the Tuskegee Airman Day event, recognizing the bravery and legacy of the first African American military aviators. Their service and sacrifice paved the way for greater equality in our armed forces and and we will always remember their contributions to our nation’s history.

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

Honored to attend Vietnam War Veterans Day at the Orlando VA and pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation with courage and sacrifice. Their dedication and resilience will never be forgotten. Today and every day, we express our deepest gratitude for their service. 

Supporting Meals for Our Seniors

This National Nutrition Month, we visited the Osceola Council on Aging to discuss the impactful Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious meals and vital support to our seniors. We will continue to fight for programs like this that ensure no senior goes hungry.

Meeting With our Justice Advisory Board

We met with our Justice Advisory Board to discuss the latest civil rights issues in Central Florida. We covered topics from the current state of federal agencies and recent SCOTUS decisions, to education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

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.

Team Soto is here to help! We are holding weekly office hours at the Poinciana Branch Library on Mondays 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.

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.

Veterans can 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 policy will save lives.

I'm 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 Ninth Congressional District

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