Dear Alexander,

This week, we passed the 2024 Water Resources Development Act out of the House. In the legislation, we secured $45 million for Orange County's water supply, $5 million for the Whitted Neighborhood's water quality in Osceola County, and feasibility studies for flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in East Lake Toho and Lake Conway. We look forward to seeing this bill passed through the Senate so that we can begin distributing resources to communities.

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we discussed the importance of protecting families through legislation and safety grants with commissioners from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. We also emphasized our Consumer Safety Technology Act, which will allow them to use artificial intelligence to track hazard patterns.

Later in the week, we welcomed the University of Central Florida's Puerto Rico Research Hub to Washington to learn about the findings of their "Florida Rican" survey. We secured $500k in FY23 Community Project funds for the hub and are excited to see them provide valuable information and public knowledge on issues affecting Puerto Ricans in Florida and on the island.

Back in the district, we visited BVL to tour ongoing stormwater improvement projects and discuss the work needed to ensure we help the community recover from previous flooding and prepare for future storms. We’ve secured $6.35 million and are working on another $16.5 million to address these issues.

I was also humbled to receive the Caribbean and Floridian Association's Community Service award over the weekend. Their dedication to enhancing education, health, and quality of life in Central Florida is remarkable. Team Soto is proud to support their mission to build community.

I'm proud of our accomplishments this week and look forward to working in the district next week to build on our progress.

Poll of the Week

Passing the 2024 Water Resources Development Act

We passed the 2024 Water Resources Development Act out of the House. This bill includes $45 million for Orange County's water supply, $5 million for the Whitted Neighborhood's water quality in Osceola County, and feasibility studies for flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in East Lake Toho and Lake Conway. We look forward to seeing this bill passed through the Senate so that we can begin distributing resources to communities.

Working to Protect Families from Hazardous Products

At the Energy and Commerce Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's FY25 budget, we spoke about the importance of protecting families with young children through legislation and safety grants. We also emphasized our Consumer Safety Technology Act, which will allow them to use artificial intelligence to track hazard patterns.

Working for Local Farmers in the Ag Committee

In the Agriculture Committee, we met to discuss the urgent needs of farmers as we continue working on a bipartisan Farm Bill. As we face the threat of devastating storms in Florida, we're working to secure streamlined disaster relief and access to resources for our farmers to continue feeding Central Florida and America.

Discussing UCF's "Florida Rican" Survey

We welcomed the University of Central Florida's Puerto Rico Research Hub to Washington to learn about the findings of their "Puerto Ricans in Florida" survey. We secured $500k in FY23 Community Project funds for the hub and are excited to see them provide valuable information and public knowledge on issues affecting Florida Ricans and those on the island.

Receiving Updates from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Team Soto met with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to discuss our work to protect manatees and preserve the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. We also received an update on the Gulf Red Snapper season and spoke about ways to improve the survey for next year’s Atlantic Red Snapper season.

Discussing Innovation with NeoCity

We had the opportunity to discuss new developments at NeoCity thanks to over $500 million in federal funding we've secured for them to promote semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace exploration. We're also proud to see BRIDG named an NSF Regional Innovation Engine, allowing them to further advance their position as leaders in the aerospace semiconductor industry.

Discussing the Future of AI with CHC

We participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' inaugural AI roundtable. As AI technology continues to grow, we remain committed to considering AI's role in Hispanic communities, such as helping small businesses, overcoming language barriers, and combatting misinformation. We also spoke about passing my Jobs for the Future Act.

Touring BVL's Stormwater Improvement Projects

We visited BVL to tour ongoing stormwater improvement projects and discuss the work needed to ensure we help the community recover from previous flooding and prepare for future storms. We’ve secured $6.35 million and are working on another $16.5 million to address these issues.

Receiving the Community Service Award from CAFA

I was humbled to receive the CAFA Community Service Award from the Caribbean and Floridian Association. Their dedication to enhancing education, health, and quality of life in Central Florida is remarkable. We are proud to support their mission to build 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 and Fridays 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.

American manufacturing is back and stronger than ever. Thanks to the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we're witnessing job creation and increased investment across the country and right here in Central Florida.

El Presidente Biden y los Democratas estamos invirtiendo en Estados Unidos e implementando niveles históricos de inversiones públicas y privadas gracias a la Ley de Infraestructura.

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.

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.

During the 117th Congress, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, millions of seniors no longer have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it.

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