Dear Alexander,

This week, I joined so many dear friends in Celebration to recognize America’s Independence 249 years ago today. I also stood up for our liberty by opposing a tyrannical bill that threatens many of the freedoms we hold dear.

I voted NO on Pres Trump’s One Big, Ugly Bill. This bill is a disaster for America. Record cuts to healthcare. Record cuts to nutrition. Record $5.3 trillion in debt. All to pay for billionaire tax cuts we can’t afford. Seventeen million Americans will lose their healthcare, and many people will sadly die as a result. Seniors, kids, veterans, and people with disabilities will go hungry. The bill raises healthcare, energy, and loan interest costs. Ultimately, it’s the largest transfer of wealth to the richest Americans in our nation’s history.

In addition, I joined House Democrats and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to denounce the One Big, Ugly Bill for doubling down on Trump’s mass deportations that are separating our families, raising costs, and wrecking our economy. We were united in voting NO. Nearly 60% of Americans oppose this terrible bill.

In the district, earlier in the week, we visited Orlando Health’s Children’s Advocacy Center to tour their facility & see the work they do to help thousands of children in Central Florida with disabilities, trauma, or other challenges. Together, we must do all we can to help local children reach their full potential.

We also visited Orange County Corrections to tour their facility and examine some of the ICE detainment trends here in Central Florida. Among these trends are a doubling in the number of people picked up with ICE detainers and a worrying uptick in folks detained with no local criminal charges. We are grateful to Orange County Corrections for treating people humanely while we continue the fight in Washington. 

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

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, President Trump’s One Big, Ugly Bill passed the House again. This devastating bill will strip healthcare from a record 17 million Americans, make record cuts to nutrition (SNAP) programs, increase energy costs by an average of $400 a household, and add a record $5.3 trillion to the national debt— all to give billionaires enormous tax breaks. 

This is not what most Americans want. A Fox News poll showed that nearly 60% of people disagree with the One Big, Ugly Bill when shown its provisions. Despite this devastating loss, we will continue to fight for the good of the American people and our constituents in Central Florida.

Voting NO on the One Big Ugly Bill

The One Big Ugly Bill is a disaster for America. Record cuts to healthcare. Record cuts to nutrition. Record $5.3T in debt. All to pay for billionaire tax cuts we can’t afford. 17 million Americans will lose their healthcare, and many people will sadly die as a result. Seniors, kids, and people with disabilities will go hungry. The bill raises healthcare, energy, and loan interest costs. Ultimately, it’s the largest transfer of wealth to the richest Americans in our nation’s history.

Standing with House Democrats

House Democrats stand with middle-class and working-class families. We are united in voting NO on the One Big, Ugly Bill. We were also joined by several Republicans in the House and Senate who voted NO, too. Nearly 60% of Americans oppose this terrible bill, too. Our Leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, just made history with the longest speech ever delivered on the House floor, 8 hours & 32 minutes— and we were there every step of the way. We’re standing with him to say NO to the One Big, Ugly Bill.

Standing Up for Immigrant Communities and Our Economy

The Hispanic Caucus is united in opposition to the One Big, Ugly Bill. President Trump’s mass deportation is separating families, raising costs, & wrecking our economy. He recently took away legal status to nearly one million Cuban, Venezuelan, & Haitian immigrants in Florida. This awful bill has $150 billion—more than the U.S. Marine’s Budget—to double down on these disastrous deportation policies.

In the District

Attending Independence Day Festivities

Happy Independence Day, Central Florida! Thrilled to see so many dear friends at the Celebration 4th of July festivities. 249 years ago today, we rebelled against a tyrannical king & fought for our democracy. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we keep up the fight to preserve it!

Inspecting Orange County Corrections and ICE Facilities

We toured the Orange County Corrections facility to examine some of the ICE detainment trends here in Central Florida. Among these trends are a doubling in the number of people picked up with ICE detainers and a worrying uptick in folks detained with no local criminal charges. 

We are grateful to Orange County Corrections for treating people humanely while we continue the fight in Washington. I observed that both inmates and ICE detainees have access to food, water, healthcare, a bed, and “Know Your Rights” information.

Touring Orlando Health Children's Advocacy Center

We visited Orlando Health’s Children’s Advocacy Center to tour their facility & see the work they do to help thousands of children in Central Florida with disabilities, trauma, or other challenges.Together we must do all we can to help local children reach their full potential.

Advocating for Local Veterans

I joined local veterans and leadership from American Legion Post 10 for a meaningful dialogue on how we can provide better support for our veterans living in Central Florida. During the conversation, they shared their experiences and raised common concerns that local veterans face when accessing healthcare, benefits, and services.

Celebrating Black Leaders and Businesses

Team Soto was proud to join the Black Empowerment and Community Council to attend their annual Vanguard Awards Gala, celebrating elegance, empowerment, and black leaders and businesses. I am grateful to be honored as a Vanguard alongside many incredible community leaders.

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, this week on it will be on Monday 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.

MySSA Login Changes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is officially transitioning away from its legacy login system. SSA will require anyone signing in with legacy credentials to migrate to Login.gov before accessing their mySSA account. Users will see an option to sign in with an existing Login.gov or ID.me account.

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