Darren Soto was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 to represent Florida’s 9thCongressional District, which includes all of Osceola and parts of Orange and Polk Counties.
Born to a Puerto Rican father and Italian-American mother, Darren’s upbringing influenced his passion for public service and helping those in need. After learning the values of hard work from his parents, Darren graduated from Rutgers University and the George Washington University School of Law.
Upon graduation, Darren opened his own practice in Central Florida, where he practiced family law, civil litigation, and real estate law.
Agriculture is an integral part of Central Florida’s thriving economy. With hard-working farmers, fertile land, a lush climate, and a year-round growing season, we help feed our country and the world. Agriculture and national resource industries manage about two-thirds of our state’s land area. Conservation and sound environmental management on these lands are critical to maintaining clean water and air, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation areas, and guarding against climate change.
In the 9th District, we have over 300,000 acres of farmland, including the top cattle producing county in Florida (Osceola) and the second-highest citrus producing county (Polk).
As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Darren is working in Congress to support and grow these industries, maintaining support for workers in these jobs, and the communities that depend on them. He is working on the Agriculture Committee and with the Appropriations Committee to fund research to combat citrus greening, which is hurting our groves. He is working to advance cattle research and provide access to crop insurance for our emerging blueberry and peach growers.
Darren also serves on the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. He is working on this subcommittee to ensure the smooth functioning of commodity exchanges, promote access to agricultural credit, and support rural development and electrification.
Darren will continue his longtime advocacy for greater infrastructure investment in our District.
First and foremost, he is engaging in critical oversight to help keep the I-4 Ultimate improvements on budget and on time, with an expected completion date of 2022. An expansion of Central Florida's main highway is long overdue and is critical to our future growth.
Second, he is closely monitoring SunRail Phase 2 which is set to open in early 2018 and will serve Meadow Woods, Buenaventura Lakes, Downtown Kissimmee and Poinciana. He is pushing for funding for SunRail Phase 3 to connect SunRail to Orlando International Airport.
Our vision is clear: with these projects, Central Floridians will finally have both rail and car options for their daily commute, and we will alleviate congestion on I-4!
Third, Darren will pursue a new control tower for the Kissimmee airport and a runway extension at Lake Wales along with local officials to continue to foster growth in these communities.
Fourth, Darren is fighting to fully fund and provide regulatory support to the multimodal center at Orlando International Airport which will serve as an international terminal, SunRail Station and Brightline Station.
Under this vision, one day soon, Central Floridians will be able to hop on at any SunRail Station, and take a plane for Orlando International anywhere or high speed train to West Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale, or Miami.
Fifth, Darren will continue to work with local and state leaders to bring new transportation options to Polk County, including the Central Polk Parkway or other alternatives. We must have additional transportation options beyond US 27 and US 17-92 to keep our community moving forward!
Finally, Darren supports the further development of Florida's ports in neighboring coastal areas to increase our export capacity for agricultural and manufactured products.
“I will always stand up for the right of women to make their own health and family planning decisions. I will fight for equal pay for equal work, paid family leave, and policies that support working women and families.”
Throughout his years in public service, Rep. Soto has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, believing women should be treated no less than equal in every regard. While leaps and bounds have been made since our country’s founding, we are still a long way from true equality. Women currently earn about 20% less than their male counterparts for the same work. This gap is one Rep. Soto is steadfastly committed to closing
“It's pretty simple: Everyone should get equal pay for equal work.”
Rep. Soto believes it is necessary to support women in business and the workforce. He is a proud supporter of the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act along with the Equal Pay Act and Paycheck Fairness Act. Rep. Soto has and will continue to sponsor legislation that addresses these issues.
“It's about more than basic fairness. When women do better, all working families do better. Paying working women what they deserve means more working families can afford to save for college and retirement.”
Aside from the pay gap, women face a number of unique challenges. Women are still fighting for access to paid family leave, affordable childcare, reproductive healthcare, and the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
“In Congress, I will always stand up for the right of women to make their own health and family planning decisions -- and I will fight tooth-and-nail any effort to defund Planned Parenthood and take away comprehensive women's health services.”
In 2015, Rep. Soto was rated 100% and endorsed by the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, and in 2016, he was rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Soto attended the Women’s March of 2017 & 2018 in solidarity with the grassroots champions of this fight, and is a proud sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2017 as well as the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2017.
“Women have a right to control their own bodies. Reproductive health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor -- and nobody else.”
Women are also disproportionately impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. Rep. Soto acknowledges the weight of this injustice and has been an active champion against it. In the Florida legislature, he was proud to lead the fight in successfully doubling the statute of limitations for criminals of rape and sexual violence. Now in Congress, Rep. Soto has co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation that support victims and their families.
Congressman Darren Soto is fighting for senior citizens and working to secure their earned benefits. With over 170,000 seniors in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, Rep. Soto believes in the safety and protection of our elderly, especially during natural disasters. Preparing for a natural disaster is no easy task, and the elderly are often at a disadvantage.
After Hurricane Irma, Darren Soto visited the Good Samaritan Kissimmee Village, which focuses on serving numerous retirees in Central Florida. After witnessing the damage that reduced the village capacity by half, Darren requested and secured immediate assistance from FEMA to support the Kissimmee Village. Rep. Soto has showed compassion and care for our senior citizens and has made it his mission to ensure displaced senior citizens get back to their normal lives.
With nearly 1 out of 5 Florida residents over the age of 65, Florida serves one of the largest populations of senior citizens in the country. This is why Darren strongly believes in expanding Medicare coverage to include eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care. He believes in Medicare exclusions of essential services for our elderly such as incidents related to falls, chronic conditions and depression to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Darren also wants to make sure our Florida senior citizens are protected from fraud. The elderly are often targeted by financial predators and Darren is working to ensure the Federal Trade Commission is advised on the malicious ways financial predators go after senior citizens.
Recently, Rep. Soto hosted a tele-townhall co-hosted by AARP Florida to speak directly with constituents. If you need assistance with claiming your federal benefits or with health care, please contact Rep. Soto’s District offices.
Darren believes the biggest issue facing our District and our Nation is the need for higher paying jobs. To meet these needs, Darren is working to foster strong long-term job growth by boosting existing high tech sectors in and around our District and supporting the robust tourism and agricultural industries which make up the foundation of our economy.
High Tech
Specifically, Darren supports further development of the University of Central Florida’s Simulation and Training program in East Orlando, developing the biotech industry at Medical City in Lake Nona, promoting sensors manufacturing in Kissimmee-St Cloud, the data storage and cybersecurity industry in Winter Haven, applied engineering programs at Florida Polytechnic in Polk County, and the space industry in neighboring Brevard County.
Over his legislative career, Darren has brought in millions of dollars in investments to support research and development and grow higher paying jobs right here at home.
Tourism
Visitors come from around the world to experience Florida's beautiful beaches, amazing theme parks, diverse native species, as well as our countless lakes, rivers and springs.
Darren successfully sought a seat on the Natural Resources Committee, to continue his career-long fight to protect our environment and quality of life and keep tourism going strong. He also supports the investments in airports, roads, railways, and ports infrastructure that we need to help employees get to work and visitors to their destinations.
Agriculture
Darren successfully sought a seat on the Agricultural Committee to support critical jobs for Central Florida and feed America.
He is fighting for continued funding to combat citrus greening which is hurting our groves, to advance cattle research, and to provide access to crop insurance for our emerging blueberry and peach growers.
As a member of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, Darren is working to ensure the smooth functioning of commodity exchanges, promote access to agricultural credit, and support rural development and electrification. This work benefits 9th District farmers, consumers, and our economy.
Supporting Working Families
Prosperity begins by making sure America's working families get ahead in life and can pursue the American Dream.
That’s why Darren supports policies that keep and grow jobs in America, raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, strengthen collective bargaining rights and workplace protections, increase access to quality education and healthcare, and protect Medicare and Social Security for our seniors and future generations.
Finally, Darren is working to assist Florida's strong cultural and economic partner, Puerto Rico, as our neighbors work to recover from a long recession. He will work on the Subcommittees on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs, and on Oversight and Investigations to ensure fair implementation of the PROMESA Act and assist our friends and family on the Island in returning to economic prosperity.
Soto pushed for disaster relief from the federal government. He’s been working closely with the Puerto Rican government, including with Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, on numerous legislative plans that support victims and their families.
Congressman Soto is an original co-sponsor of H.R 4782 “Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2018” that provides additional disaster recovery assistance for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also co-introduced the Humanitarian Disaster Relief Act of 2017 to allow for a temporary waiver of the Jones Act which increased resources for humanitarian relief efforts during the aftermath of the hurricanes.
“Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are in crisis. People are dying and the time for action is now. These are American’s and we can't turn our backs on them.”
Immediately following the Hurricanes, Rep. Soto visited Puerto Rico to assess firsthand the damaged caused on the island. A few months later, he visited the island again alongside Florida Senator Bill Nelson, to visit schools, hospitals, and to evaluate the damage that remained. Following the visits, he launched a Regional Task Force, consisting of Central Florida’s elected officials and leaders, to address the needs of displaced Puerto Rican evacuees in the district. Since Hurricane Maria, more than 400,00 people have relocated to Florida, many who are in need of assistance. Unfortunately, that number keeps rising.
“The reality is that my fellow Puerto Ricans are still arriving in Florida in great numbers, every day. Our state does not have the resources to manage this influx without any help with transition”
Rep. Soto has championed numerous issues directly affecting the Puerto Rican community, including increasing federal funding from FEMA, extending the Transitional Shelter Assistance housing program, and easing the integration process for students who have evacuated to the Florida College System and other local schools. Rep. Soto led multiple letters to federal government agencies requesting continued efforts to help Puerto Ricans. Efforts ranged from housing assistance to oversight on contracts to rebuild the island.
“There are children who are in the middle of their school year who could be without a home next week, with their families. We keep urging FEMA to approve an extension of the TSA program beyond the current deadline, particularly for those who aren’t eligible for the Direct Lease program”
Rep. Soto will continue fighting for all Puerto Ricans on the island and the newly arrived constituents in Central Florida.
Cosponsor
To establish a program to provide grants to States, local governments, and electric utilities to make electric infrastructure more resilient to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major weather-related events.
H.R.260 — Puerto Rico Admission Act
To enable the admission of the territory of Puerto Rico into the Union as a State, and for other purposes.
Humanitarian Disaster Relief Act of 2017
To permit the waiver of Jones Act requirements for humanitarian relief efforts.
H.R.4782 — Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2018
To provide additional disaster recovery assistance for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.
H.R.798 — Child Tax Credit Equity for Puerto Rico Act of 2017
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide equitable treatment for residents of Puerto Rico with respect to the refundable portion of the child tax credit and to provide the same treatment to families in Puerto Rico with one child or two children that is currently provided to island families with three or more children.
H.R.261 — Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equality Act
To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply deemed enrollment to residents of Puerto Rico. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to automatically enroll eligible residents of Puerto Rico in Medicare's medical insurance program. Under current law, automatic enrollment applies to eligible residents of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.
H.R.2530 — Earned Income Tax Credit Equity for Puerto Act of 2017
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make residents of Puerto Rico eligible for the earned income tax credit. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make citizens of Puerto Rico eligible for the federal earned income tax credit.
H.R.2531 — Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equality Act of 2017
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply Medicare part B deemed enrollment process to residents of Puerto Rico. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to automatically enroll eligible residents of Puerto Rico in Medicare's medical insurance program. Under current law, automatic enrollment applies to eligible residents of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.
H.R.3472 — Puerto Rico Air Cargo Industry Empowerment Act
To amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to air cargo in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.
H.R.2429 — Puerto Rico Task Force Economic Empowerment Act of 2017
To support businesses in Puerto Rico, improve health funding for Puerto Rico, and promote security in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.
H.R.2488 —Puerto Rico Small Business Assistance Act of 2017
To provide for small business concerns located in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.
H.R.4782 — Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2018
To provide additional disaster recovery assistance for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.
All Americans know that freedom isn't free. Our active military, veterans and their families give more than most and some give their lives to protect America and our way of life. Darren works closely with, and employs, veterans. He appreciates the sacrifices they make for all of us, and respects the sacred obligation our government has to serve those who have served us.
Darren will do everything in his power to make sure our 9th District veterans are cared for with dignity and provided the full benefits they have earned. He is opening a satellite office in Lake Nona at the University of Central Florida Medical School. Located right across the street from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, this office is specifically geared to serve our active duty military personnel and veterans.
Darren also believes strongly in ensuring that our VA hospitals provide high quality care in a timely fashion. He will support appropriate reforms to expand care and increase world class service. Please contact us if you know of any veteran who needs our help. We are happy to be of service!
In addition, Darren will attend Florida military base inspections and congressional delegation trips to check in with our Florida National Guard troops and other Floridians serving overseas, including in active war zones. It is critical for our troops to have the equipment and supplies
The United States is a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Our immigrants are working; our laws are not. Darren is working to fix them.
Many of our nation’s founders were immigrants, and each generation has benefitted from immigrants who contribute to our economy and society. For instance, over 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, creating millions of jobs and untold prosperity. We only hurt ourselves when we turn away budding job creators, doctors who are willing to work in rural and underserved communities, and others who are contributing to our country. Pushing people into the shadows, limits their contributions to our economy and tax base, makes it more difficult for them to report crimes, and creates uncertainty for their families.
“I believe the answer is comprehensive immigration reform and recognizing the contributions of the immigrants in our communities, and not trying to attack and deport people.” – Congressman Soto
Darren is fighting to empower immigrants to contribute to our community and earn the American Dream. As a State Senator, he passed legislation to make college more affordable for DREAMers – young people brought to this country through no fault of their own – and to allow them to practice law in Florida.
As a Member of Congress, Darren’s immigration priorities include:
Darren will fight to protect Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid for our seniors and our persons with disabilities to safeguard healthcare and financial security for the most vulnerable among us. Our seniors have paid into these programs their entire lives and have earned these benefits. Our disabled and their families need our help to give them a reasonable quality of life.
Darren also supports the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which reaffirms his belief that healthcare is a right for all Americans. This important legislation protects all Americans with pre-existing conditions, keeps all young people on their parents' health insurance until age 26, and protects all Americans from going broke if they get sick by prohibiting lifetime caps.
Florida's healthcare exchange has provided over 1.3 million Floridians with health insurance and is the largest federal exchange in the county. Floridians also received more healthcare subsidies than any other state.
Darren is open to improving or replacing the Act as long as the same number of people remain covered at the same or lower cost. However, Darren will oppose any repeal of the Act without replacement, since it would hurt countless Floridians and be catastrophic to our healthcare system.
Selected bills on healthcare co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:
H.R. 508 - Seniors Have Eyes, Ear, and Teeth Act of 2017 - to expand Medicare coverage to include eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care.
H.R. 165 - Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2017 - allow, an otherwise eligible individual under Title XVI, to receive SSI, Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP benefits.
H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - repeal the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).
H.R. 166 - Outpatient Mental Health Modernization Act of 2017 - stabilize and modernize the provision of partial hospitalization services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.
Darren is committed to expanding our energy mix by incentivizing renewable energy such as solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower. Hailing from the Sunshine State, he understands the importance of solar, in particular, to assist with peak generation demands in the middle of an average Florida day when the sun is shining and the air conditioners are running.
Darren also believes we must maintain reliable and affordable electric service by ensuring that our push for renewable diversity is in harmony with continued use of natural gas and nuclear power as appropriate.
It is critical that we meet the energy demands of today while developing the clean energy technology of tomorrow. It is up to today’s leaders to embrace the long term challenge of combating climate change and saving our planet for future generations.
We must also protect Florida's natural beauty, pristine beaches and long-term water supply. It is important for our quality of life, and for our economy. As a result, Darren opposes off-shore drilling near Florida's coast and fracking on its lands.
I look forward to working on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to resolve these and other major challenges.
Selected bills on energy and the environment co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:
H.R. 468 - Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2017 - make foreign facilities liable for removal costs and damages that result from oil spills that reach (or threaten to reach) U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the EEZ.
H.R. 502 - To permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund - to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Education is fundamental to upward mobility and pursuing the American Dream. Every child must have access to a high-quality K-12 public education, college or technical education, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Federal funding is critical for programs such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Title 1 for economically disadvantaged schools, and to ensure equal access for all students regardless of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. It is equally important that states and local school boards control most educational decisions to avoid over-testing our kids or unneeded bureaucracy.
Access to high quality college, apprenticeship and other technical training for adult learners is essential in our rapidly changing economy. Central Floridians and all Americans need to be able to develop and enhance their skills to start new careers and fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Darren is fighting to ensure access to low-interest federal student loans with reasonable repayment terms and for job retraining grants to provide technical training for those needing new skills.
Darren is working with members of the Education and Workforce Committee and will file several bills to make access to student loans easier and repayment more affordable.
Selected bills on education co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:
H.R.813 - To restore access to year-round Federal Pell Grants.