Dear friends and neighbors,

We were back in Washington, D.C., this week and have multiple exciting things to report. I was selected as part of the Regional Leadership Council that will focus on implementing the Infrastructure Law, Safer Communities Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act in our local communities. We also received another great jobs report showing the lowest unemployment number since 1959 — 3.4%. We once again beat expectations while adding 517,000 new jobs for a 25th month of consecutive growth.

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, I had the opportunity to speak about the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and more. We are working in the committee for hardworking Americans and to secure our nation's leadership in the future.

Back in the district, we learned that Central Florida will receive key federal funding to improve transportation safety thanks to the Infrastructure Law. We will receive $3.8 million for MetroPlan, including Orange and Osceola counties, and $700,000 for Polk County. This will contribute to making our streets and roads safe for our community.

We also had the opportunity to honor SGT Lou Boria for his service to our country and attend events for the Salvation Army, Caribbean and Floridian Association, and others.

Next week, I look forward to returning to Washington, D.C., to continue our work for Florida's Ninth Congressional District.
In Washington, D.C.
Being Selected for the Regional Leadership Council
I am honored to have been selected as a member of the new Regional Leadership Council. Together, we will focus on implementing the Infrastructure Law, Safer Communities Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver federal grants to our local communities.
Another Great Jobs Report
Unemployment is now down to the lowest number since 1959 — 3.4%. We once again beat expectations while adding 517,000 new jobs for a 25th month of consecutive growth. Our economy continues to remain strong.
Fostering America's Economic Future
Hearing #1 — Full Committee Energy and Commerce Hearing

With the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats are working in Energy and Commerce to promote clean energy, protect clean air and water, and lower gas prices for hardworking Americans.
Hearing #2 — E&C Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing

The U.S. GDP is at $25 trillion. We are first in the world and it is because of hard-working Americans. We're working to implement laws — like the Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act — to ensure we are leading in the future.
Supporting the African American History Act
I am proud to join Rep. Jamaal Bowman and Senator Cory Booker in support of the African American History Act — to tell the truth about our nation’s arc toward justice. This $10 million investment in the National Museum of African American History and Culture for truth-telling resources will do right by our African American communities.
Meeting with the National Federation of the Blind
We had a great meeting with the National Federation of the Blind to discuss issues vital to the blind community and their priorities for the 118th Congress. Proud to work with this organization to push for important legislation.
Attending an American Latino Museum Event
It was exciting to attend an American Latino Museum event sponsored by the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association and Punchbowl News. We are coming together to ensure that nuestras historias are told.
In the District
Safer Streets for Central Florida
I am proud to announce Central Florida will receive key federal funding to improve transportation safety thanks to the Infrastructure Law. We will receive $3.8 million for MetroPlan, including Orange and Osceola counties, and $700,000 for Polk County. This will contribute to making our streets and roads safe for our community.
Attending the Salvation Army Chaplain of the Year Brunch
Attending the Salvation Army's annual Chaplain of the Year brunch was an honor. We are grateful to work with them on affordable housing issues and congratulate Chaplain Lonnie Crawford for this recognition and his dedication to service.
Honoring SGT Lou Boria for His Service
We honored SGT Lou Boria, a heroic Puerto Rican veteran who served our country with pride in WWII and the Korean War.
Hosting Indian Consul Kulkarni in Central Florida
It was great to host Indian Consul Kulkarni in Central Florida. Looking forward to continuing to work together to advance key partnerships between our two democracies.
Attending the Caribbean and Floridian Association Board Swearing-In
I was proud to attend the swearing-in of the new board of the Caribbean and Floridian Association. Proud to celebrate the rich heritage, deliver foreign aid to promote security and economic growth in the Caribbean, and highlight the Caribbean culture in our district.
Providing a 117th Congress Briefing to the Osceola NAACP
Team Soto visited the Osceola chapter of the NAACP to provide a briefing on our 117th Congress legislative wins. We also discussed our progress on bills specifically affecting the African American community in Central Florida.
Important Updates for Central Floridians
Special ACA Enrollment Period
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.
PACT Act Resources for Veterans
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.
Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans
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.
Insulin is Now No More than $35/Month for Seniors
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.
117th Congress End-of-Session Report
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,
Congressman Darren Soto
Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District
Contact Me

Washington D.C.
2353 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Kissimmee
804 Bryan Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741