Darren Soto

Soto Introduces Protect Our Homes Act to Improve Disaster Relief and Lower Housing Costs

Position: Rep. Soto introduced legislation to establish a Small Business Administration loan program for homeowners associations and residential communities to repair common areas damaged by natural disasters and implement disaster mitigation measures, with the goal of reducing special assessments on homeowners.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) introduced H.R. 9159, the Protect Our Homes Act—legislation to establish a loan program within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help communities repair residential common areas after natural disasters and/or protect property from future disasters. This includes low-cost loans to Condominium, Townhome, and Homeowners Associations. This bill may also reduce costly special assessments for homeowners over the long term. “In Florida, we are no strangers to hurricanes. We’ve seen wind and flooding damage to planned communities in BVL, Meadow Woods, St. Cloud, Belle Isle, and other areas across our district. It is critical that we continue finding ways to help these communities recover common areas like roofs, walls, sidewalks, clubhouses, and other common areas after storms,” said Rep. Soto. “Today, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Protect Our Homes Act to establish a loan program within the SBA to help Floridians restore their communities and reduce costly special assessments after storms.” The Protect Our Homes Act establishes a loan program within the SBA for entities responsible for managing residential common areas (e.g., homeowner associations, apartment complex property managers): These loans would be used to repair residential common areas damaged by natural disasters The loan funds can also be used as mitigation efforts to protect property from possible future disasters The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL-01). Upon introduction, it was referred to the House Committee on Small Business. Click here for the full text of the bill. ###

Soto Files Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Venezuela TPS Act of 2025

Position: Rep. Soto and co-sponsors support H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, which would designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status. They argue that Venezuelan TPS recipients have been unjustly stripped of protections and deported despite contributing to the U.S. economy, and that conditions in Venezuela remain unsafe for return.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) filed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, legislation designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status. H.R. 3310 was introduced on May 8, 2025, by Rep. Soto and Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25). "The Trump Administration has stripped Venezuelans of Temporary Protected Status, parole, and other critical protections, as well as unjustly deported refugees during a time of major instability in their country. In Central Florida, thousands of Venezuelans have fled political violence and joined family members already living in the United States, contributing to our economy, and working hard to help our community grow,” said Rep. Soto, Deputy Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “Now that the country is under Delcy Rodríguez’s grip after the Administration ousted Dictator Nicolás Maduro with no plan to transition to democracy, it would be deeply insulting to turn our backs on this vulnerable group. I appreciate the support from my fellow Members on this discharge petition and urge leadership to bring the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 to the floor for a vote immediately.” “While it is encouraging to see signs of progress and a potential path forward for Venezuela, much work remains to be done, and the country is still not safe for many people to return. Until conditions meaningfully improve, we must uphold our commitment to those we granted Temporary Protected Status while ensuring strong criminal vetting measures remain in place,” said Rep. Salazar.“This discharge petition is about doing the right thing, pushing Congress to act and stand on the side of those who fled repression and instability.” "Right now, law-abiding Venezuelan TPS recipients are treated like criminals by Trump Administration officials who behave like criminals. It's simply wrong to strip away people's legal status and rip them out of the workforce to send them back to the same dictatorship they fled,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "I’m proud to fight alongside my colleagues to defend South Florida's Venezuelan community from these unwarranted attacks as we work towards a pathway to citizenship for hardworking Venezuelan families.” "We stand firmly with Rep. Soto in filing this discharge petition to force a vote on critical protections for Venezuelans. With Venezuela in chaos and Venezuelans facing real threats to their safety, this is not the time to strip away their protections—it is the time to strengthen them," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "That is why the CHC is proud to have endorsed H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025.” "The National TPS Alliance is organizing the nearly 1.5 million immigrants who have registered, been vetted, paid taxes, and passed background checks year after year and call America home. By trying to gut TPS, the Administration is hoping to expel people living and working here legally, paying fees and taxes, following all the rules,” said National TPS Alliance Coordinator Jose Palma. "We welcome the discharge petition filed by Rep. Soto as a critical lifeline for Venezuelan TPS holders who are currently facing detention and deportation. We will continue fighting until Congress provides every TPS holder a path to permanent residency.” "Temporary Protected Status is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans rebuilding their lives in this country after fleeing a devastating humanitarian crisis. In recent months, our community has endured profound uncertainty, fear, and instability. Venezuelans do not have a safe country to which they can return. The situation on the ground remains unchanged, regardless of how it is portrayed,” said Venezuelan American Caucus Executive Director Adelys Ferro. "We are deeply grateful to Congressman Soto for his leadership, and we also deeply appreciate the support of members of Congress standing with our community. This initiative reflects the urgency and humanity this moment demands and the values this country stands for.” “Immigrants with TPS work in essential jobs, serve our communities, and contribute billions to our economy. There’s no doubt that Venezuelans with TPS would face danger and hardship if returned to their home country, which remains unstable following Nicolás Maduro’s ouster,” said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Rocío Sáenz. "They deserve safety and protection. We urge members of Congress to support this discharge petition to safeguard Venezuelans and also support the effort to extend TPS for Haitians, who face a similar peril.” “Venezuelan migrants have become an integral part of our communities. They are our neighbors, co-workers, caregivers, and should be recognized for their societal contributions,” said Alianza Americas Executive Director Dulce Guzman."Venezuela remains unsafe for return due to severe political instability—further exacerbated by the illegal actions taken by the Trump Administration—alongside economic collapse, and the critical humanitarian conditions people continue to endure. These realities make TPS protections essential.” “Every day, we bear witness to the harm of this Administration’s cruel targeting of immigrant families, stripping people of their lawful status, taking away their ability to support their loved ones, and pushing them toward deportation to countries still facing deep instability,” said We are CASA Executive Director George Escobar. “U.S. policies have helped shape the conditions people are fleeing, and it is unacceptable and against our national interests to forcefully send them back into danger. These efforts to force a vote on extending temporary protections for Venezuela and Haiti are a critical opportunity for Congress to answer the call from the vast majority of Americans for immigration policies grounded in decency and common sense, and to keep families together instead of forcing communities to live in fear. Congress must pass these protections and stand with immigrant communities fighting to live and work with dignity.” “The Trump Administration’s attack on TPS is an attack on our communities. Stripping protections from Venezuelans and forcing people back to countries in crisis is both dangerous and morally indefensible. At a time when hundreds of thousands have built lives here, Congress cannot stand by while families are pushed into instability and harm. No one should be sent back to danger because of political delay or inaction,” said UndocuBlack Network Executive Director Patrice Lawrence. "UndocuBlack Network stands in support of Rep. Soto’s discharge petition and calls on Congress to act with urgency. TPS exists because returning people to unsafe conditions is not just bad policy, it is a violation of our shared values.” This discharge petition is part of a joint effort with Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), who filed a discharge petition on January 22 to require the Trump Administration to extend TPS for Haiti for three years. "The Trump Administration's attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans is inhumane and unlawful," said Rep. Pressley. "The labor, talent, and contributions of Venezuelans and our immigrant neighbors are essential to the success of our communities. To deport these community members during a moment of humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is dangerous and unjust, and we are pushing back in the courts and in Congress to extend TPS for Venezuelans and affirm their humanity and home here." In addition to Rep. Soto, 30 Members are currently signed on the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025dischargepetition. It will need 218 signatures to move forward. ###

Soto Statement on 16th Anniversary of Affordable Care Act Signing

Position: Rep. Soto supports making the ACA Premium Tax Credit permanent at expanded levels. He criticizes Republicans for refusing to extend the credit, which he argues has caused healthcare costs to rise and forced millions to reduce or lose coverage. He notes that House Democrats passed a three-year extension with bipartisan support but the Senate has not acted.

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released the following statement on the 16th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act by President Barack Obama: “Sixteen years ago today, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, giving millions of Americans access to quality, affordable healthcare. In Florida’s Ninth Congressional District, over 275,000 constituents are enrolled, the second-most in the nation,” said Rep. Soto. “Through the addition of the Premium Tax Credit, millions saw their insurance premiums lowered by thousands of dollars per year. However, Republicans’ refusal to extend the credit has caused the American people to see their healthcare costs skyrocket, and many have been forced to go without coverage as a result. House Democrats were able to garner bipartisan support to pass a three-year extension, but the Senate has failed to act for months as families continue struggling to make ends meet.” During the day, Rep. Soto held meetings with constituents whose lives have been changed thanks to Obamacare, as well as healthcare providers in Central Florida who are seeing the effects of price hikes firsthand. “As a small business owner, I couldn’t afford health insurance on my own. The Affordable Care Act changed that,” said Max Gebhardt, a FL-09 constituent. "When I needed a liver transplant, having that coverage meant I actually had a fighting chance. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without it." Click here for a video of Rep. Soto with Max’s father, John Gebhardt. “The Affordable Care Act has been critical in ensuring more Floridians can access care when they need it. From a hospital perspective, maintaining coverage and affordability isn’t just policy—it directly impacts whether patients come in early for treatment or delay care until it becomes an emergency,” said HCA Florida Osceola Hospital Chief Executive Officer David Shimp. "Preserving and strengthening coverage options is essential to improving health outcomes and keeping our communities healthy.” In FL-09, data shows that: 273,000 people are seeing their health care costs rise 105,000 people will lose access to health coverage Nationally, new data shows that: By ending the ACA Premium Tax Credit, Republicans doubled and tripled premiums for over 20 million Americans 1/3 of Americans who buy healthcare on their own have been forced to reduce their coverage Marketplace enrollment is already down by 1 million ###

Soto Announces Over $9.2 Million in FTA Buses and Bus Facilities Program Funding for LYNX

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced that LYNX will receive $9,270,640 in funding from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans, as well as building and rehabilitating bus facilities. “I am thrilled to announce over $9.2 million in FTA Buses and Bus Facilities Program funding for LYNX, which will help keep their fleet updated and improve infrastructure for fast-growing Central Florida,” said Rep. Soto. “Every day, LYNX helps Central Floridians get to work at our world-class theme parks, healthcare, aerospace, and other major industries. This investment in public transportation is key as we continue searching for ways to invest in our economy, reduce traffic congestion on our roads, and improve access to transit options. I am proud of our partnership with LYNX and look forward to future collaborations to keep Central Florida moving forward.” The award for LYNX announced today was one of 34 announced by the FTA, totaling $388,279,883. ### Issues:Transportation & Infrastructure

Soto, Frost Send Letter to DHS, ICE Strongly Opposing Detention Center in Central Florida

Position: The representatives oppose the opening of a new ICE detention center in Central Florida, citing documented abuse at existing facilities, inadequate building conditions, and harm to immigrant communities.

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Central Florida Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons strongly opposing the opening of a new ICE detention center in Central Florida. "Abuse and injustices in Florida at the hands of ICE are well-documented. At the Everglades Detention Center (“Alligator Alcatraz”), there have been numerous reports of pest infestations, poor nutrition, and packing of detainees into crowded cages. Recent reports have exposed ICE agents’ efforts to skirt detention rules by indefinitely rebooking detainees after temporary transport from Orange County Jail to other detention sites. These actions have raised concerns among many, including multiple federal judges who have ordered the immediate removal of immigrants being held at the Orange County Jail due to this illegal ICE policy. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Byron ordered the release of a local Cuban immigrant who was being detained but is not accused of a crime and has no order of deportation. Fundamentally, ICE has stripped immigrants living in our community of their rights and humanity. We will not stand for any furthering of this injustice,” wrote the Members. "Last month, it was reported that ICE agents were touring an industrial warehouse in Orlando to potentially convert into an ICE detention facility. In addition to opposing additional ICE enforcement efforts targeting non-criminals and family members, we are gravely concerned about opening an additional ICE detention facility at this location. This building is not zoned for human residence and has inadequate facilities to accommodate waste management and general habitation. We are especially concerned regarding the risks to human life and safety should such a structure be hit with natural disasters. Given the deplorable conditions at other ICE facilities, we find it increasingly difficult to believe that this facility would do more than propagate suffering for the people of Central Florida. The crackdown on immigration has been a costly effort for our state that has only served to destabilize our communities and cause egregious human rights violations. Our constituents live in fear, including those here legally, and further expansion in Florida will only further harm our constituents and our communities. We vehemently oppose an additional ICE detention facility in Central Florida and believe DHS and ICE should abandon this plan," continued the Members. For a copy of the letter, please click here. ###

Soto Releases 2025 End-of-Year Report

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, the office of Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released their 2025 end-of-year report, highlighting efforts to continue standing up for Central Florida, delivering for the community, and holding the Trump Administration accountable. "From the moment the president was sworn in, we’ve seen the Trump Administration lead with corruption, chaos, and confusion. From mass deportations to tariffs, unlawful layoffs to ridiculous culture wars, their Big Ugly Law to the Epstein Files, Democrats have stood together at every turn and made united efforts to hold the Administration accountable in Congress and in the courts," said Rep. Soto. "In Central Florida, there is too much at stake to stand idly by. We are a vibrant community that deserves increased investments to help us continue moving forward, not division and exclusion. It is a privilege to be your representative as we navigate these challenging times, and my office is committed to continuing to serve as a resource every step of the way." For the full report, please click here.

Soto, Hernández Introduce Legislation to Establish an Affordable Care Act Exchange in Puerto Rico

Position: The release advocates for legislation to establish an ACA-equivalent health insurance exchange in Puerto Rico, providing residents access to standardized plans, tax credits, and cost-sharing reductions comparable to those available in the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández introduced H.R. 6479, the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act (PRACA)—legislation to establish an Affordable Care Act exchange, also known as an Obamacare exchange, in Puerto Rico and allow the island to receive the same treatment as the 50 states and Washington, D.C. “For far too long, Puerto Ricans have been treated as second-class citizens—despite being part of the United States. I’m proud to partner with Resident Commissioner Hernández on this initiative to allow those on the island to receive equal treatment when it comes to healthcare access,” said Rep. Soto. “Our hope is that this bill will open the door to key reforms and lead to a system in which Puerto Ricans have access to tiered plans, tax premiums, and cost-sharing reductions." “Too many families in Puerto Rico navigate a system without the cost-saving tools available elsewhere. Establishing an ACA exchange gives the island the federal support to expand coverage, lower costs, and strengthen our healthcare network. This bill brings Puerto Rico into the proven framework that serves millions of Americans,” said Resident Commissioner Hernández. Currently, Puerto Rico’s healthcare exchange is not ACA-equivalent and does not offer “Bronze, Silver, Gold” plans or tax premiums and cost-sharing reductions. This bill would provide greater healthcare access, especially for small business owners, their employees, and young people. With approximately 43% of Puerto Ricans living under the poverty line—the highest poverty rate in the United States—it is critical for Congress to act in order for those on the island to have the same access to healthcare as those on the mainland. For the full text of the bill, please click here. ### Issues:Puerto Rico

Soto Statement Ahead of House Vote on Republican Spending Bill

Position: Congressman Soto opposes the Republican spending bill, citing concerns that it fails to address healthcare cost increases affecting over 275,000 ACA-enrolled constituents in his district, where premiums have risen 200–300% or more.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) issued the following statement ahead of the vote in the House of Representatives on the Republican spending bill: "Today, I will stand up for Central Florida and vote NO. We have over 275,000 constituents enrolled in Obamacare, the second-most in the United States. Their healthcare costs are skyrocketing 200%-300% and higher. We could have worked together to fix the GOP Healthcare Crisis. Instead, Republicans chose to do NOTHING.” ### EN ESPAÑOL: Declaración de Soto Antes de la Votación en la Cámara de Representantes Sobre el Proyecto de Ley de Financiación de los Republicanos WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hoy, el congresista Darren Soto (FL-09) publicó la siguiente declaración antes de la votación en la Cámara de Representantes sobre el proyecto de ley de financiación de los republicanos: "Hoy defenderé a Florida Central y votaré NO. Tenemos más de 275.000 personas inscritas en Obamacare, la segunda cifra más alta en los Estados Unidos. Los costos de la atención médica se han disparado entre 200 % y 300 %, o más. Podríamos haber trabajado juntos para solucionar la crisis de salud que crearon los republicanos. En cambio, los republicanos no hicieron NADA.” ###

Soto Commemorates 90 Years of Social Security

Position: Rep. Soto opposes Republican proposals to cut Social Security benefits and provide tax breaks for wealthy individuals.

KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted an event to celebrate 90 years of Social Security and oppose Republicans’ plan to cut benefits while handing out tax breaks for the wealthy. He was joined by representatives from the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. Image

House Passes Soto, Bilirakis Bill to Study Causes of Sinkhole Formation, Provide Public Information on Risk Zones

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act, introduced by Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL-09) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12). This bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct studies on the short- and long-term mechanisms that potentially contribute to the triggering of sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts leading to shifts in water management practices, as well as ongoing aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use. Rep. Soto delivered the following remarks on the House floor: “I rise in strong support of H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act—a bipartisan piece of legislation with my fellow Floridian, Gus Bilirakis. “You know, Mr. Speaker, sinkholes pose a huge problem for Florida and many states, yet we don't have a comprehensive mapping system to help first responders and community planners as was mentioned by our Chairman, Chairman Westerman. “And thank you for agending this bill today, sir. “It costs over $300 million a year. “We see in Florida, homes, and community centers, and businesses be affected by this. “And so, having a database that displays potential sinkholes in our Sunshine State and across the nation would absolutely be critical. “And that's what this bill does—directs the U.S. Geological Survey to study the short and long-term mechanisms that trigger sinkholes. “This includes extreme storms, prolonged droughts, shifts in water management practices, ongoing aquifer depletion, other major water uses. “And it's all about having a public website displaying maps depicting zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation, helping with communities, helping save lives, and getting us to have more resilient communities.” “In recent years, we have seen throughout Tampa Bay how dangerous sinkholes can be for neighborhoods. To improve public safety and consumer protection, we need to study the causes and remedies of sinkholes while developing geological maps to delineate the highest risk areas for sinkholes to occur,” said Rep. Bilirakis. Currently, there is no database displaying all sinkholes in Florida. This presents challenges not just for land developers and residents but also for community planners and first responders. The Sinkhole Mapping Act also directs the USGS Director to open a public website that displays maps depicting zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation, giving community planners and first responders access to critical information. The Sinkhole Mapping Act now awaits a vote in the Senate. In addition to Reps. Soto and Bilirakis, the bill was co-sponsored by Florida Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), as well as Reps. Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Josh Harder (D-CA-09). For the full text of the bill, please click here. ### Issues:Energy & Environment