Dear Alexander,

This week, we spent time in the district talking to seniors and concerned families about the Republican plan to cut $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from SNAP, and the impact on KidCare, nursing home care, school lunch, and local food pantries. We're working to stop President Trump and DOGE from using these cuts to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. 

Additionally, we joined Toho Water to highlight the $420 million+ in federal funding we've secured in the past few years, including a $188 million WIFIA loan and $1.6+ million in FY24 Community Project funds for two vital projects that will strengthen Central Florida’s water systems. These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to building stronger, more sustainable, and resilient communities.

We also joined the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to highlight the $500,000 in FY24 Community Project funds we secured for critical traffic improvements at Orlando International Airport. The funding will support the realignment of southbound Jeff Fuqua Boulevard at Station Loop Road. Over the years, we’ve secured $300M+ for MCO with a new terminal, runway improvements, a pedestrian bridge, and more.

On Thursday, we hosted a tele-town hall to discuss the DOGE Disaster, including President Trump’s proposed cuts to healthcare, veterans, food, and public safety services to pay for billionaire tax cuts. We're thankful that 6,000+ constituents joined this conversation and look forward to continued opportunities to connect with the district.

Later in the day, we saw the president sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. House Democrats stand united against this unlawful power graband will fight in Congress and the courts for America's kids.

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, President Donald Trump signed an illegal executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, showcasing his delusion. Education is the biggest investment we can make in our future, and America’s kids deserve better. The Social Security Administration also plans to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing offices, threatening the millions of seniors who rely on payments. We also saw the president continue to gut housing agencies at a time when affordable housing is more important than ever in Central Florida. This will reduce access to affordable mortgages to pursue the American Dream of homeownership. Throughout this chaos, House Democrats will fight in Congress and in the courts—and we will win!

Connecting with Seniors

We visited Providence Assisted Living at the Loop near Hunter's Creek to speak with seniors about the risks they face from President Trump and DOGE’s reckless cuts to Medicaid. Over 20% of the seniors there rely on Medicaid to pay for their assisted living care. We will fight to protect their right to retire with dignity.

Meeting with Head Start Families

At our Coffee with the Congressman event at Taínos in Whisper Lakes, we heard directly from families in the local Head Start program and elected leaders about how cuts to KidCare and nutrition programs (SNAP) would devastate children and families in Central Florida.

Securing Funding for Central Florida

Water Infrastructure

We joined Toho Water to highlight the $420 million+ in federal funding we've secured in the past few years, including a $188 million WIFIA loan and $1.6+ million in FY24 Community Project funds for two vital projects that will strengthen Central Florida’s water systems.

We secured $697K in FY24 Community Project funds for the Downtown Water Main Replacement Project in St. Cloud to replace aging water mains and improve water quality for thousands of residents.

We also secured $960K for Poinciana’s Reaves Road Force Main Replacement Project to help modernize outdated infrastructure and ensure reliable wastewater management for local families. These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to building stronger, more sustainable, and resilient communities.

Improving Traffic at MCO

We joined the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to highlight the $500,000 in FY24 Community Project funds we secured for critical traffic improvements at MCO. The funding will support the realignment of southbound Jeff Fuqua Boulevard at Station Loop Road. Over the years, we’ve secured $300M+ for MCO with a new terminal, runway improvements, a pedestrian bridge, and more.

Hosting our Stop the DOGE Disaster Tele-Town Hall

We hosted a tele-town hall to discuss the DOGE Disaster, including President Trump’s proposed cuts to healthcare, veterans, food, and public safety services to pay for billionaire tax cuts. We were joined by Doug Lowe, Region II Vice President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO. We're thankful that 6,000+ constituents joined this conversation and look forward to continued opportunities to connect with the district.

Honoring Central Florida Leaders for

Women's History Month

We were proud to honor 10 incredible Central Florida leaders by submitting their biographies into the Congressional Record for Women's History Month. From healthcare to education, business to science, non-profits and more, we are thankful for their contributions to our community. 

Discussing Long-Term Disaster Recovery with FEMA

We welcomed FEMA representatives to our Kissimmee office to discuss their efforts in long-term disaster recovery for Central Florida. We also received valuable updates on new disaster declarations, including those for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Together, we continue working towards stronger, more resilient communities.

Celebrating National Ag Day at Mick Farms

For National Agriculture Day, we visited Mick Farms in St. Cloud to celebrate the farmers of Central Florida, whose hard work sustains our community and provides unique ag tourism opportunities. From u-pick strawberries to cattle and hogs, they help feed America.

We were honored to attend Back on Track's Evening of Hope dinner, where gratitude, conversation, and connections flourished. We're proud of our efforts to secure $1.8 million for the Haven on Vine project to provide housing focused shelter, bridge housing, and affordable leasable residential units in Kissimmee, as well as $500,000 for the Salvation Army's Pathway to Housing Program, among others.

Attending Iftar Dinner in Kissimmee

It was an honor and a privilege to attend the Iftar dinner at Masjid Taqwa. Surrounded by such a warm and welcoming community, I felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to share meaningful conversations and reflect on the true essence of Ramadan. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of faith, unity, and compassion. Ramadan Mubarak to all our Central Florida Muslim 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.

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