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Wikipedia

Darren Soto

October 15, 2023

Darren Michael Soto (/ˈsoʊtoʊ/ SOH-toe; born February 25, 1978) is an American attorney and Democratic politician from Kissimmee, Florida, who is the U.S. representative for Florida's 9th district.

Darren Soto
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Florida's 9th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2017
Preceded byAlan Grayson
Member of the Florida Senate
from the 14th district
In office
November 6, 2012 – November 8, 2016
Preceded byRedistricted
Succeeded byRedistricted
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 49th district
In office
April 24, 2007 – November 2, 2012
Preceded byJohn Quiñones
Succeeded byRedistricted
Personal details
Born
Darren Michael Soto

(1978-02-25) February 25, 1978 (age 45)
Ringwood, New Jersey, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Amanda Soto
​
(m. 2013)​
EducationRutgers University–New Brunswick (BA)
George Washington University (JD)
WebsiteHouse website

Before his election to Congress, Soto served four years in the Florida Senate and five in the Florida House of Representatives, representing parts of central Florida.

Early life and education Edit

Soto was born in Ringwood, New Jersey, to a Puerto Rican father, O. Lou Soto, and an Italian-American mother, Jean Soto. He attended Lakeland Regional High School, and then got his BA at Rutgers University and JD at George Washington University.[1]

Florida House of Representatives Edit

In 2006, Soto ran for the Florida House of Representatives from the 40th district, unsuccessfully challenging incumbent Andy Gardiner. In April 2007, he won the crowded Democratic primary in a special election to replace John Quinones, who had resigned to run for the Osceola County Commission.[2] In the general election, Soto defeated Republican nominee Tony Suarez by 285 votes. Soto was overwhelmingly reelected in 2008 and 2010.[3][4][citation needed]

During his three terms in the Florida House, Soto supported laws to curb illegal street racing, passed the “John C Curry” Firefighter Death Benefit Act to protect families of fallen firefighters who died in training exercises, and the Bus Driver Notification Act to help school bus safety.[5][6]

Florida Senate Edit

In 2012, Florida Senate districts were redrawn, and Soto opted not to run for reelection in the House but instead to run for the newly created 14th district, which included predominantly Latino areas of Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties. He won his party's nomination uncontested and defeated Republican nominee Will McBride[7] with over 70% of the vote.[8]

In 2013, Soto voted for legislation to expedite driver's license access for DREAMers but it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Rick Scott,[9] setting off statewide protests.[10] He unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to require jury votes of 10 jurors rather than a majority of 7 for death penalties.[11]

In 2014, Soto passed legislation answering the Florida Supreme Court's call to give it the authority to admit immigrant lawyers to the Florida Bar.[citation needed] He secured the initial state funding to establish a Poinciana Valencia Campus and to initiate the Lake Toho Restoration, which will clean water flowing through the Northern Everglades.[citation needed] In addition, he led the Democratic House and Senate Caucuses in drafting a Congressional map during the 2014 Special Session on Redistricting.[12]

During the 2015 legislative session, Soto was fundamental in securing $11.9 million in funding for Valencia College's Poinciana campus.[13] He also successfully pushed for $20 million to restore the Kissimmee River.[14] This earned him the Audubon Society of Florida's "Champion of the Everglades" award.[15] Soto also proposed legislation to ban fracking in Florida.[16] He secured $10 million in Florida's budget to promote economic growth in Osceola County for a new facility to manufacture high-tech sensors, but Governor Scott vetoed the project.[17] Soto also introduced a bill to boost minimum teacher pay to $50,000 per year.[18][19]

Soto steered funding to his district, including $15 million for the UCF Sensors Manufacturing Center, $12 million to complete the construction of the Poinciana Valencia College campus,[20] $4 million in supplemental school construction money,[21] $750,000 for the Northern Everglades and Lake Toho initiatives, and $150,000 for a transition house that offers temporary housing for veterans. In 2016, Soto supported Chloe's Law to construct barriers around water bodies adjacent to state roads,[22] the Deaf Floridian's ID bill,[23] and the Juvenile Clean Slate bill, which automatically seals misdemeanor records for juveniles who reach 21 years of age and do not reoffend as adults.[24]

U.S. House of Representatives Edit

Elections Edit

2016 Edit

See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida § District 9

Soto won the Democratic nomination to succeed Representative Alan Grayson, who stepped down to run in the primary for U.S. Senate in Florida's 9th congressional district.[25] Soto earned 36% of the vote in a four-way primary election.[26] The district is Democratic-leaning and contains all of Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk counties. Soto represented the majority of this district while serving in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. The Orlando Sentinel endorsed him in his primary race, calling him an "effective lawmaker".[27] In the general election, Soto defeated Republican nominee Wayne Liebnitzky, 57%–43%.[28]

2018 Edit

See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida § District 9

On August 28, Soto won the Democratic primary with 66% of the vote, defeating a challenge from Grayson.[29] Soto received endorsements from multiple Democratic organizations, such as the National Organization for Women,[30] Pride Fund to End Gun Violence,[31] Giffords PAC,[32] Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida,[33] National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare,[34] Equality PAC,[35] League of Conservation Voters,[36] Human Rights Campaign,[37] Florida AFL-CIO,[38] Florida Young Democrats,[39] Orlando Professional Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1365, Central Florida Police Benevolent Association,[40] Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus,[41] eMgage PAC,[42] Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC,[43] and Planned Parenthood.[44] Soto also had the backing of Vice President Joe Biden,[45] U.S. Representatives John Lewis[46] and Linda Sánchez, Florida State Senator Vic Torres, and every Florida Democratic member of Congress.[47]

On November 6, Soto won the general election, defeating Republican nominee Wayne Liebnitzky with 58% of the vote.[48]

2020 Edit

See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida § District 9

Soto ran for a third term and was virtually unopposed in the Democratic primary, with only one challenger, who dropped out in October 2019.[49] In the November 3 general election, he defeated Republican nominee Bill Olson with just over 56% of the vote.[50]

Tenure Edit

Soto is the first congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected from Florida.[51] In his first few weeks, Speaker Nancy Pelosi named him one of three freshmen members to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. He was also named co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus New Economy Task Force.[52]

On April 5, 2017, Soto and Senator Bill Nelson passed their Hurricane Hunters bill (HR 1008) by amendment to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. This legislation adds two backup Hurricane Hunter aircraft to the NOAA fleet to increase hurricane monitoring and preparedness.[53]

On December 23, 2017, Soto passed his second bill, the Foreign Spill Protection Act, with co-introducer Carlos Curbelo. The bill eliminates a $1 billion cap on damages for foreign oil drillers, whose oil spills pollute America’s waters, to better protect Florida’s coasts.[54]

Soto introduced a bill to rename a Kissimmee Post Office (HR 4042) at 1415 West Oak St after the Borinqueneers. This bill passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on March 23, 2018. The Borinqueneers were a U.S. Army segregated unit of Puerto Ricans who fought in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.[55]

Soto passed a law to protect billfish, such as marlin, spearfish, and sailfish. H.R. 4528 closes a loophole in the Billfish Conservation Act making it illegal to sell billfish in the continental United States. The law passed the House on June 25, 2018, and was signed into law on August 2, 2018.[56]

Soto negotiated with Brightline (now Virgin Trains) to build the link between their train and SunRail.[57] He was tied for first for most laws passed by a freshman member of the 115th Congress. He also filed the second most bills of any freshman.[58]

Following reelection, Soto secured a spot on the Energy and Commerce Committee.[59]

On June 24, 2019, Soto passed his first law of the 116th Congress, the Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) Act, which aims to combat future Zika outbreaks in Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas.[60]

On July 25, 2019, Soto passed the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 out of the House as the last bill to pass before the August District Work Period.[61]

On December 18, 2019, Soto voted for both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.[62]

In his second term, Soto worked with Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy to renew federal grants to the Central Florida region, including over $30 million for affordable housing and to prevent homelessness,[63][64] $3.25 million to fund local anti-terrorism efforts,[65] and $1.961 million for zero-emission Lynx Lymmo buses.[66]

Soto also assisted in securing federal grants of nearly $30 million for Hurricane Irma disaster relief to Polk and Osceola Counties,[67] over $3 million for healthcare clinics in Osceola and Polk Counties,[68][69][70] and $250,000 to improve Kissimmee and Winter Haven airports.[71]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Soto voted for all four pandemic relief packages, including the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to help the nation combat the crisis.[72] He has helped lead Florida’s delegation in securing additional supplies of remdesivir from his position on the Energy and Commerce Committee.[73] On May 15, 2020, Soto voted for the HEROES Act, which passed the House and provided further pandemic relief. This legislation included his Save Our Homes Act, which helps homeowners save their homes from foreclosure by ending forbearance agreement balloon payments.[74] On October 2, 2020, Soto voted for the updated HEROES Act. This compromise legislation amended the original bill, would provide further pandemic relief and passed the House. At the time of its passage, the Senate still had failed to pass a new pandemic relief package.

On June 26, 2020, Soto passed legislation out of the House designating the Pulse National Memorial in recognition and memory of the 49 killed and 53 injured at the Pulse Nightclub shooting. He introduced this bill with Demings and Murphy. Upon its passage, Soto said, "Today, we remind the world that hate will never defeat love, grief can turn into strength and that a place of loss can become a sanctuary of healing. Together, we will continue to open minds and hearts. We will make the Pulse Memorial a national symbol of hope, love and light."[75]

Committee assignments Edit

For the 118th Congress:[76]

Caucus memberships Edit

Political positions Edit

Immigration Edit

Soto supports the DREAM Act.[83] In June 2018, he traveled with several Democratic members of Congress to Homestead, Florida, to tour a detention facility, where he argued against Trump's zero tolerance policy and the separation of children and families.[84] He was an advocate in Congress for Alejandra Juarez, the wife of an Iraq combat veteran and mother of two American daughters, who was deported to Mexico due to Trump's policy. "Zero tolerance literally ripped this family apart", Soto said. "The administration is so extreme on immigration that they're deporting the spouses of military veterans."[85]

Environmental policy Edit

Soto received a perfect score of 100 for his environmental issues voting record from the National League of Conservation Voters in 2017.[86] He introduced the Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2017 (H.R.3961), which passed unanimously out of committee on January 17, 2018. On April 16, 2018, it passed unanimously out of the House.[87] Soto helped lead opposition to Trump administration proposals to permit oil drilling off Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts during House Committee on Natural Resources meetings.[88][89][90] He has also supported funding increases for the National Estuary Program the National Wildlife Refuge System program.[91]

On June 6, 2018, Soto passed his Shark and Billfish Protection Act out of House Natural Resources Committee. Bill Nelson passed the Senate companion bill on October 2, 2017.[92]

Gun control Edit

Soto received an F rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund during his first term in Congress and supported numerous gun law reforms. On February 27, 2019, he voted for the Universal Background Check Bill.[93] Soto received an A rating from the NRA in 2010,[94] but his views changed after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. In the Florida Senate, he became a reliable vote for gun control, which ultimately led to earning a D rating from the NRA for his service there from 2013 to 2016.[95]

After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Soto called for a special session to prevent those on the FBI's No Fly List from purchasing firearms.[96] Since 2017, he has been a reliable vote for gun law reform. After the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, he proposed a "Gun Safety Action Plan" with five steps: universal background checks for gun purchases, keeping guns away from those who are a danger to themselves or others, banning assault weapons and bump stocks, creating a "red-flag" system to issue gun restraining orders, and disallowing anyone on the federal terrorism no-fly list from buying a gun.[97] Soto also said gun control would be "one of those litmus test issues" in the 2018 midterm elections.[98]

Hurricane safety and recovery assistance Edit

Working with Nelson, Soto passed his first law in Congress on April 18, 2017, creating a backup fleet of hurricane hunter aircraft to monitor hurricanes affecting Florida and other nearby areas.[99]

Soto supported relief to assist Puerto Rico's economic recovery.[100] He also co-signed a bipartisan letter requesting FEMA Designation of Individual Assistance for the citizens of Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake and Seminole Counties after Hurricane Irma.[101] In 2018, he voted to renew recovery funds to Central Florida and Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Personal life Edit

Soto is a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Orlando folk rock band Orange Creek Riders,[102] which have played various live shows, such as Orlando Fringe Festival, Planned Parenthood’s Rock and Roe Concert, Delandapalooza, along with various political events. As part of its "Best Of" series, Orlando Weekly named Orange Creek Riders the “Best Congressional Folk Band”.[103] He also hosts a radio show and podcast, "Rock and Politics", which combines current political issues with related music.[104]

On April 1, 2018, Soto's wife, Amanda Soto, was arrested at Walt Disney World and charged with disorderly intoxication.[105] In a statement, Darren Soto said his wife had been in treatment for depression for years and had recently stopped taking medication in accordance with her treatment plan and under her doctor's supervision. He added that "she deeply regrets her actions and takes full responsibility for them."[105]

See also Edit

References Edit

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  2. ^ "6 Democrats vie for Quinones' seat: Winner of March 20 primary faces GOP's Suarez in April". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
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  53. ^ "Darren Soto applauds passage of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft back-up bill". April 5, 2017.
  54. ^ "Carlos Curbelo's, Darren Soto's Foreign Spill Protection Act Signed into Law". December 13, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  55. ^ Soto, Darren (March 23, 2018). "Amendments – H.R.4042 – 115th Congress (2017–2018): To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the "Borinqueneers Post Office Building"". www.congress.gov. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
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  57. ^ "Brightline could help connect SunRail to OIA". December 24, 2018.
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  65. ^ "More anti-terrorism money coming to Orlando, Miami, Tampa". August 16, 2019.
  66. ^ @lynxbusorlando (July 26, 2019). "@RepDarrenSoto @EnergyCommerce @USDOT We're thrilled to receive this grant! Thank you for all your support in our e…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ @RepDarrenSoto (July 11, 2019). "Proud to announce that @fema awarded @PolkCountyFL more than $28M and @OsceolaCountyFl more than $1.6M for…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  68. ^ "Rep. Soto Announces $2 Million Grant for Poinciana Health Center Program". March 5, 2019.
  69. ^ "Rep. Soto Announces $300K Grant for Primary Care Medical Services of Poinciana, Inc". April 5, 2019.
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  75. ^ "Darren Soto's Pulse National Memorial bill approved in U.S. House". June 26, 2020.
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  89. ^ "Darren Soto pins down Everglades, drilling assurances from interior secretary – Florida Politics". floridapolitics.com. June 22, 2017.
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  97. ^ White, Gary. "Polk lawmakers seek gun law changes, but differ on details". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  98. ^ "Florida Rep. Darren Soto: Gun Reform Will Be a "Litmus Test" at the Midterms". Cheddar. Cheddar, Inc. February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  99. ^ Torres, Frank (April 5, 2017). "Darren Soto applauds passage of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft back-up bill". orlando-politics.com. Political Observer.
  100. ^ Soto, Darren. "Darren Soto: Give power back to people of Puerto Rico". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  101. ^ Shanklin, Mary (September 13, 2017). "Trump approves greater FEMA aid for 37 Florida counties". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
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  104. ^ "'Rockin' Congressman' Darren Soto aims to rock immigration, voter rights". January 2, 2019.
  105. ^ a b Ruiz, Stephen; Lemongello, Steven. "Congressman Darren Soto's wife arrested at Walt Disney World". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 2, 2018.

External links Edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Darren Soto.
  • Congressman Darren Soto official U.S. House website
  • Campaign website
  • Darren Soto at Curlie
Florida House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 49th district
2007–2012 		Succeeded by
Florida Senate
Preceded by Member of the Florida Senate
from the 14th district
2012–2016 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Florida's 9th congressional district
2017–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
220th 		Succeeded by

October 15, 2023
darren, soto, major, contributor, this, article, appears, have, close, connection, with, subject, require, cleanup, comply, with, wikipedia, content, policies, particularly, neutral, point, view, please, discuss, further, talk, page, december, 2021, learn, whe. A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia s content policies particularly neutral point of view Please discuss further on the talk page December 2021 Learn how and when to remove this template message Darren Michael Soto ˈ s oʊ t oʊ SOH toe born February 25 1978 is an American attorney and Democratic politician from Kissimmee Florida who is the U S representative for Florida s 9th district Darren SotoMember of the U S House of Representatives from Florida s 9th districtIncumbentAssumed office January 3 2017Preceded byAlan GraysonMember of the Florida Senate from the 14th districtIn office November 6 2012 November 8 2016Preceded byRedistrictedSucceeded byRedistrictedMember of the Florida House of Representatives from the 49th districtIn office April 24 2007 November 2 2012Preceded byJohn QuinonesSucceeded byRedistrictedPersonal detailsBornDarren Michael Soto 1978 02 25 February 25 1978 age 45 Ringwood New Jersey U S Political partyDemocraticSpouseAmanda Soto m 2013 wbr EducationRutgers University New Brunswick BA George Washington University JD WebsiteHouse websiteBefore his election to Congress Soto served four years in the Florida Senate and five in the Florida House of Representatives representing parts of central Florida Contents 1 Early life and education 2 Florida House of Representatives 3 Florida Senate 4 U S House of Representatives 4 1 Elections 4 1 1 2016 4 1 2 2018 4 1 3 2020 4 2 Tenure 4 3 Committee assignments 4 4 Caucus memberships 5 Political positions 5 1 Immigration 5 2 Environmental policy 5 3 Gun control 5 4 Hurricane safety and recovery assistance 6 Personal life 7 See also 8 References 9 External linksEarly life and education EditSoto was born in Ringwood New Jersey to a Puerto Rican father O Lou Soto and an Italian American mother Jean Soto He attended Lakeland Regional High School and then got his BA at Rutgers University and JD at George Washington University 1 Florida House of Representatives EditIn 2006 Soto ran for the Florida House of Representatives from the 40th district unsuccessfully challenging incumbent Andy Gardiner In April 2007 he won the crowded Democratic primary in a special election to replace John Quinones who had resigned to run for the Osceola County Commission 2 In the general election Soto defeated Republican nominee Tony Suarez by 285 votes Soto was overwhelmingly reelected in 2008 and 2010 3 4 citation needed During his three terms in the Florida House Soto supported laws to curb illegal street racing passed the John C Curry Firefighter Death Benefit Act to protect families of fallen firefighters who died in training exercises and the Bus Driver Notification Act to help school bus safety 5 6 Florida Senate EditIn 2012 Florida Senate districts were redrawn and Soto opted not to run for reelection in the House but instead to run for the newly created 14th district which included predominantly Latino areas of Orange Osceola and Polk Counties He won his party s nomination uncontested and defeated Republican nominee Will McBride 7 with over 70 of the vote 8 In 2013 Soto voted for legislation to expedite driver s license access for DREAMers but it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Rick Scott 9 setting off statewide protests 10 He unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to require jury votes of 10 jurors rather than a majority of 7 for death penalties 11 In 2014 Soto passed legislation answering the Florida Supreme Court s call to give it the authority to admit immigrant lawyers to the Florida Bar citation needed He secured the initial state funding to establish a Poinciana Valencia Campus and to initiate the Lake Toho Restoration which will clean water flowing through the Northern Everglades citation needed In addition he led the Democratic House and Senate Caucuses in drafting a Congressional map during the 2014 Special Session on Redistricting 12 During the 2015 legislative session Soto was fundamental in securing 11 9 million in funding for Valencia College s Poinciana campus 13 He also successfully pushed for 20 million to restore the Kissimmee River 14 This earned him the Audubon Society of Florida s Champion of the Everglades award 15 Soto also proposed legislation to ban fracking in Florida 16 He secured 10 million in Florida s budget to promote economic growth in Osceola County for a new facility to manufacture high tech sensors but Governor Scott vetoed the project 17 Soto also introduced a bill to boost minimum teacher pay to 50 000 per year 18 19 Soto steered funding to his district including 15 million for the UCF Sensors Manufacturing Center 12 million to complete the construction of the Poinciana Valencia College campus 20 4 million in supplemental school construction money 21 750 000 for the Northern Everglades and Lake Toho initiatives and 150 000 for a transition house that offers temporary housing for veterans In 2016 Soto supported Chloe s Law to construct barriers around water bodies adjacent to state roads 22 the Deaf Floridian s ID bill 23 and the Juvenile Clean Slate bill which automatically seals misdemeanor records for juveniles who reach 21 years of age and do not reoffend as adults 24 U S House of Representatives EditElections Edit 2016 Edit See also 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida District 9 Soto won the Democratic nomination to succeed Representative Alan Grayson who stepped down to run in the primary for U S Senate in Florida s 9th congressional district 25 Soto earned 36 of the vote in a four way primary election 26 The district is Democratic leaning and contains all of Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk counties Soto represented the majority of this district while serving in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate The Orlando Sentinel endorsed him in his primary race calling him an effective lawmaker 27 In the general election Soto defeated Republican nominee Wayne Liebnitzky 57 43 28 2018 Edit See also 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida District 9 On August 28 Soto won the Democratic primary with 66 of the vote defeating a challenge from Grayson 29 Soto received endorsements from multiple Democratic organizations such as the National Organization for Women 30 Pride Fund to End Gun Violence 31 Giffords PAC 32 Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida 33 National Committee to Preserve Social Security amp Medicare 34 Equality PAC 35 League of Conservation Voters 36 Human Rights Campaign 37 Florida AFL CIO 38 Florida Young Democrats 39 Orlando Professional Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1365 Central Florida Police Benevolent Association 40 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus 41 eMgage PAC 42 Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC 43 and Planned Parenthood 44 Soto also had the backing of Vice President Joe Biden 45 U S Representatives John Lewis 46 and Linda Sanchez Florida State Senator Vic Torres and every Florida Democratic member of Congress 47 On November 6 Soto won the general election defeating Republican nominee Wayne Liebnitzky with 58 of the vote 48 2020 Edit See also 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida District 9 Soto ran for a third term and was virtually unopposed in the Democratic primary with only one challenger who dropped out in October 2019 49 In the November 3 general election he defeated Republican nominee Bill Olson with just over 56 of the vote 50 Tenure Edit Soto is the first congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected from Florida 51 In his first few weeks Speaker Nancy Pelosi named him one of three freshmen members to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee He was also named co chair of the House Democratic Caucus New Economy Task Force 52 On April 5 2017 Soto and Senator Bill Nelson passed their Hurricane Hunters bill HR 1008 by amendment to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 This legislation adds two backup Hurricane Hunter aircraft to the NOAA fleet to increase hurricane monitoring and preparedness 53 On December 23 2017 Soto passed his second bill the Foreign Spill Protection Act with co introducer Carlos Curbelo The bill eliminates a 1 billion cap on damages for foreign oil drillers whose oil spills pollute America s waters to better protect Florida s coasts 54 Soto introduced a bill to rename a Kissimmee Post Office HR 4042 at 1415 West Oak St after the Borinqueneers This bill passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on March 23 2018 The Borinqueneers were a U S Army segregated unit of Puerto Ricans who fought in World War I World War II and the Korean War 55 Soto passed a law to protect billfish such as marlin spearfish and sailfish H R 4528 closes a loophole in the Billfish Conservation Act making it illegal to sell billfish in the continental United States The law passed the House on June 25 2018 and was signed into law on August 2 2018 56 Soto negotiated with Brightline now Virgin Trains to build the link between their train and SunRail 57 He was tied for first for most laws passed by a freshman member of the 115th Congress He also filed the second most bills of any freshman 58 Following reelection Soto secured a spot on the Energy and Commerce Committee 59 On June 24 2019 Soto passed his first law of the 116th Congress the Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health SMASH Act which aims to combat future Zika outbreaks in Florida Puerto Rico and other areas 60 On July 25 2019 Soto passed the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 out of the House as the last bill to pass before the August District Work Period 61 On December 18 2019 Soto voted for both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump 62 In his second term Soto worked with Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy to renew federal grants to the Central Florida region including over 30 million for affordable housing and to prevent homelessness 63 64 3 25 million to fund local anti terrorism efforts 65 and 1 961 million for zero emission Lynx Lymmo buses 66 Soto also assisted in securing federal grants of nearly 30 million for Hurricane Irma disaster relief to Polk and Osceola Counties 67 over 3 million for healthcare clinics in Osceola and Polk Counties 68 69 70 and 250 000 to improve Kissimmee and Winter Haven airports 71 During the COVID 19 pandemic Soto voted for all four pandemic relief packages including the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to help the nation combat the crisis 72 He has helped lead Florida s delegation in securing additional supplies of remdesivir from his position on the Energy and Commerce Committee 73 On May 15 2020 Soto voted for the HEROES Act which passed the House and provided further pandemic relief This legislation included his Save Our Homes Act which helps homeowners save their homes from foreclosure by ending forbearance agreement balloon payments 74 On October 2 2020 Soto voted for the updated HEROES Act This compromise legislation amended the original bill would provide further pandemic relief and passed the House At the time of its passage the Senate still had failed to pass a new pandemic relief package On June 26 2020 Soto passed legislation out of the House designating the Pulse National Memorial in recognition and memory of the 49 killed and 53 injured at the Pulse Nightclub shooting He introduced this bill with Demings and Murphy Upon its passage Soto said Today we remind the world that hate will never defeat love grief can turn into strength and that a place of loss can become a sanctuary of healing Together we will continue to open minds and hearts We will make the Pulse Memorial a national symbol of hope love and light 75 Committee assignments Edit For the 118th Congress 76 Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock Dairy and Poultry Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Subcommittee on Innovation Data and CommerceCaucus memberships Edit Congressional Progressive Caucus 77 New Democrat Coalition 78 79 Congressional Hispanic Caucus 80 U S Japan Caucus 81 Problem Solvers Caucus 82 Political positions EditImmigration Edit Soto supports the DREAM Act 83 In June 2018 he traveled with several Democratic members of Congress to Homestead Florida to tour a detention facility where he argued against Trump s zero tolerance policy and the separation of children and families 84 He was an advocate in Congress for Alejandra Juarez the wife of an Iraq combat veteran and mother of two American daughters who was deported to Mexico due to Trump s policy Zero tolerance literally ripped this family apart Soto said The administration is so extreme on immigration that they re deporting the spouses of military veterans 85 Environmental policy Edit Soto received a perfect score of 100 for his environmental issues voting record from the National League of Conservation Voters in 2017 86 He introduced the Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2017 H R 3961 which passed unanimously out of committee on January 17 2018 On April 16 2018 it passed unanimously out of the House 87 Soto helped lead opposition to Trump administration proposals to permit oil drilling off Florida s Gulf and Atlantic coasts during House Committee on Natural Resources meetings 88 89 90 He has also supported funding increases for the National Estuary Program the National Wildlife Refuge System program 91 On June 6 2018 Soto passed his Shark and Billfish Protection Act out of House Natural Resources Committee Bill Nelson passed the Senate companion bill on October 2 2017 92 Gun control Edit Soto received an F rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund during his first term in Congress and supported numerous gun law reforms On February 27 2019 he voted for the Universal Background Check Bill 93 Soto received an A rating from the NRA in 2010 94 but his views changed after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting In the Florida Senate he became a reliable vote for gun control which ultimately led to earning a D rating from the NRA for his service there from 2013 to 2016 95 After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting Soto called for a special session to prevent those on the FBI s No Fly List from purchasing firearms 96 Since 2017 he has been a reliable vote for gun law reform After the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting he proposed a Gun Safety Action Plan with five steps universal background checks for gun purchases keeping guns away from those who are a danger to themselves or others banning assault weapons and bump stocks creating a red flag system to issue gun restraining orders and disallowing anyone on the federal terrorism no fly list from buying a gun 97 Soto also said gun control would be one of those litmus test issues in the 2018 midterm elections 98 Hurricane safety and recovery assistance Edit Working with Nelson Soto passed his first law in Congress on April 18 2017 creating a backup fleet of hurricane hunter aircraft to monitor hurricanes affecting Florida and other nearby areas 99 Soto supported relief to assist Puerto Rico s economic recovery 100 He also co signed a bipartisan letter requesting FEMA Designation of Individual Assistance for the citizens of Orange Osceola Polk Lake and Seminole Counties after Hurricane Irma 101 In 2018 he voted to renew recovery funds to Central Florida and Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria Personal life EditSoto is a singer songwriter and guitarist for the Orlando folk rock band Orange Creek Riders 102 which have played various live shows such as Orlando Fringe Festival Planned Parenthood s Rock and Roe Concert Delandapalooza along with various political events As part of its Best Of series Orlando Weekly named Orange Creek Riders the Best Congressional Folk Band 103 He also hosts a radio show and podcast Rock and Politics which combines current political issues with related music 104 On April 1 2018 Soto s wife Amanda Soto was arrested at Walt Disney World and charged with disorderly intoxication 105 In a statement Darren Soto said his wife had been in treatment for depression for years and had recently stopped taking medication in accordance with her treatment plan and under her doctor s supervision He added that she deeply regrets her actions and takes full responsibility for them 105 See also EditList of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States CongressReferences Edit Cody Alice Roche Contract woes hurt students college chances Lakeland teachers rebuff requests for evaluations The Record February 2 1996 Accessed March 27 2022 For three years Darren Soto has aspired to attend Yale University for economics because of its superior business program Now the high school senior s dream is slipping away through no doing of his own Four of his teachers at Lakeland Regional High School have refused to write the Ringwood youth s recommendations because they are battling the Board of Education over their contract 6 Democrats vie for Quinones seat Winner of March 20 primary faces GOP s Suarez in April Orlando Sentinel Retrieved May 17 2013 Florida House of Representatives elections for 2008 Ballotpedia Florida House of Representatives elections for 2010 Ballotpedia Florida House of Representatives CS HB 97 Street Racing Retrieved April 20 2016 Darren Soto running in interwoven race for 9th Congressional District January 30 2016 Senate District 8 Leaning Toward Darren Soto Sunshine State News Retrieved May 17 2013 For State Senate Districts 12 13 14 we endorse Orlando Sentinel Retrieved May 17 2013 Senate Bill 0986 2013 The Florida Senate Retrieved April 20 2016 Protesters Want Florida To Allow Illegal Immigrants To Obtain Driver s Licenses CBS Tampa Retrieved April 20 2016 Timely Justice Act Measure Speeding Up Executions Approved By Florida Senate Huffington Post Retrieved May 17 2013 S014C9040 The Florida Senate Retrieved April 20 2016 Sen Soto Rep La Rosa Announce 11 9 Million for Poinciana Campus June 18 2015 Retrieved April 20 2016 Mitch Perry February 12 2016 Nancy Watkins will not run for the Tampa HD 60 seat SaintPetersBlog Retrieved April 20 2016 Darren Soto named Champion of the Everglades The Orlando Political Observer October 25 2015 Retrieved June 24 2016 Senate Bill 0166 2015 The Florida Senate Retrieved April 20 2016 Gov Scott s veto hurts new research center in Osceola County Retrieved April 20 2016 Senate Bill 0280 2015 The Florida Senate Retrieved April 20 2016 Bill List The Florida Senate Retrieved April 20 2016 Gov Scott Approves 12 1 Million for Poinciana Campus Retrieved April 20 2016 Official community newspaper of Kissimmee Osceola County including Kissimmee St Cloud Celebration Poinciana Harmony and surrounding areas Osceola News Gazette Archived from the original on April 14 2016 Retrieved April 20 2016 KnightNews com Chloe s Law a bill filed in memory of a UCF student passes Florida House amp Senate knightnews com March 11 2016 Retrieved April 20 2016 Sascha Cordner November 10 2015 Bills Filed To Help Deaf Floridians Who May Face Arrest Retrieved April 20 2016 FOX Clean slate for juveniles bill moving forward WOFL Archived from the original on April 11 2016 Retrieved April 20 2016 State Sen Darren Soto running for Congress FOX 35 News Orlando Archived from the original on July 22 2015 Retrieved July 19 2015 Florida Election Results 2016 The New York Times August 1 2017 Darren Soto Val Demings Our picks for Congress Endorsements 2016 Orlando Sentinel August 13 2016 Retrieved February 7 2017 Finally Darren Soto makes history as the first Puerto Rican to represent Florida in the U S Congress Latina BY Raquel Reichard November 11 2016 Retrieved November 13 2016 Pathe Simone Akin Stephanie August 28 2018 Florida s Darren Soto Easily Holds Off Alan Grayson Comeback Bid Roll Call Retrieved September 20 2018 National Organization for Women endorses U S Rep Darren Soto Orlando Sentinel August 30 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Pride Fund endorses Darren Soto Val Demings Carlos Guillermo Smith Orlando Sentinel Retrieved September 20 2018 Giffords PAC endorses Darren Soto in CD 9 race Florida Politics July 31 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto picks up Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida nod Florida Politics July 24 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Alan Grayson returns to seek old seat in Congress Orlando Sentinel August 30 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Equality PAC Endorses Rep Darren Soto FL 09 Equality PAC June 28 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 League of Conservation Voters endorses Darren Soto Orlando Sentinel Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto picks up Human Rights Campaign endorsement in CD 9 race Florida Politics June 19 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Florida AFL CIO Endorsements Florida AFL CIO Florida Young Dems endorse Sean Shaw Jeremy Ring Darren Soto Val Demings Orlando Rising May 15 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto picks up nods from fire fighters police unions Florida Politics June 5 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Florida LGBTA Democrats Retrieved September 20 2018 The policy home for American Muslims Emgage PAC Archived from the original on August 9 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Progressive Caucus Endorses Soto WON West Orlando News Online March 8 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Planned Parenthood backs Darren Soto in CD 9 primary Florida Politics May 15 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Biden endorses Soto over Grayson in Florida congressional primary Politico May 29 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto picks up endorsement from U S Rep John Lewis Florida Politics May 17 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto endorsed by 10 other members of Fla congressional district Florida Politics March 16 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Democrat Darren Soto makes easy return to Congress handily beating Republican challenger Wayne Liebnitzky for US House District 9 seat The Ledger Gannett Powers Scott October 14 2019 Democrat Hendrith Smith drops primary challenge to Darren Soto Retrieved January 10 2020 November 3 2020 General Election Florida Department of State Retrieved November 17 2020 Darren Soto elected first Puerto Rican congressman from Florida NBC News November 9 2016 Retrieved July 4 2018 Darren Soto named to Congressional Democrats jobs task force Florida Politics floridapolitics com September 13 2017 Darren Soto applauds passage of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft back up bill April 5 2017 Carlos Curbelo s Darren Soto s Foreign Spill Protection Act Signed into Law December 13 2017 Retrieved July 4 2018 Soto Darren March 23 2018 Amendments H R 4042 115th Congress 2017 2018 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak Street in Kissimmee Florida as the Borinqueneers Post Office Building www congress gov Retrieved July 4 2018 New Law Prohibits Sale of Billfish in United States Florida Sportsman August 13 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 Brightline could help connect SunRail to OIA December 24 2018 13 House Freshmen Have Passed Bills This Congress Darren Soto tapped for House Energy and Commerce committee January 10 2019 Soto s Good for Florida Bill to Eradicate Mosquito Borne Diseases Moves to Trump s Desk Sunshine State News Florida Political News June 7 2019 Soto Rubio look for other ways to protect Venezuelans after bill stalls in Senate August 16 2019 WHIP COUNT Here s which members of the House voted for and against impeaching Trump Business Insider Central Florida will receive 7 8 million in federal funding for affordable housing homelessness Archived from the original on February 6 2019 Retrieved September 8 2019 23 million in housing money heading toward Central Florida April 17 2019 More anti terrorism money coming to Orlando Miami Tampa August 16 2019 lynxbusorlando July 26 2019 RepDarrenSoto EnergyCommerce USDOT We re thrilled to receive this grant Thank you for all your support in our e Tweet via Twitter RepDarrenSoto July 11 2019 Proud to announce that fema awarded PolkCountyFL more than 28M and OsceolaCountyFl more than 1 6M for Tweet via Twitter Rep Soto Announces 2 Million Grant for Poinciana Health Center Program March 5 2019 Rep Soto Announces 300K Grant for Primary Care Medical Services of Poinciana Inc April 5 2019 US Rep Darren Soto on Facebook Facebook Archived from the original on April 27 2022 user generated source US Rep Darren Soto on Facebook Facebook Archived from the original on April 27 2022 user generated source COVID 19 in Congress tracked by GovTrack us Florida lawmakers push to bring more Remdesivir to the state as supplies run low July 9 2020 Demings Soto Support HEROES Act May 17 2020 Darren Soto s Pulse National Memorial bill approved in U S House June 26 2020 Darren Soto Clerk of the United States House of Representatives Retrieved May 3 2023 Caucus Members Congressional Progressive Caucus Retrieved January 30 2018 Members New Democrat Coalition Archived from the original on February 8 2018 Retrieved February 6 2018 Members New Democrat Coalition Archived from the original on February 8 2018 Retrieved February 5 2018 Members Congressional Hispanic Caucus Archived from the original on May 15 2018 Retrieved May 15 2018 Members U S Japan Caucus Retrieved January 9 2019 Featured Members Problem Solvers Caucus Retrieved March 28 2021 Column September 5 2017 Wasserman Schultz Two more South Florida facilities holding children separated from their families Tampa Bay Times Tampabay com June 23 2018 Retrieved September 20 2018 When a Trump supporter s wife is deported The Washington Post Retrieved September 20 2018 Darren Soto gets perfect score from Conservation Voters tops Florida members March 1 2018 Retrieved July 4 2018 Darren Soto s Bill Protecting Kissimmee River Clears House Without Opposition April 17 2018 Retrieved July 4 2018 D Angelo Chris January 19 2018 Florida Waters Could Still Be Leased For Oil Drilling Despite Ryan Zinke s Tweet Retrieved July 4 2018 via Huff Post Darren Soto pins down Everglades drilling assurances from interior secretary Florida Politics floridapolitics com June 22 2017 Conroy Cathy July 20 2017 Rep Soto Opposes Oil Drilling Seismic Testing in Remarks to Natural Resources Committee orlando politics com Political Observer Archived from the original on October 31 2020 Column Congress should find money to support estuaries in Tampa Bay Florida October 27 2017 Archived from the original on April 8 2018 Retrieved July 4 2018 Center for Sportfishing Policy www sportfishingpolicy com June 6 2018 Archived from the original on June 12 2018 Retrieved July 4 2018 The Voter s Self Defense System Schneider Elena December 15 2015 Gun control becomes a litmus test in Democratic primaries Politico Arlington County Virginia Archived from the original on December 16 2015 Retrieved March 1 2018 Weiner Jeff Entering GOP led Congress Democrat Soto no stranger to being outnumbered Archived from the original on December 6 2016 Retrieved July 4 2018 Rohrer Gray June 17 2016 GOP Democrats still battle over gun control in Florida Orlando Sentinel Orlando Florida Retrieved March 1 2018 White Gary Polk lawmakers seek gun law changes but differ on details Retrieved July 4 2018 Florida Rep Darren Soto Gun Reform Will Be a Litmus Test at the Midterms Cheddar Cheddar Inc February 28 2018 Retrieved March 1 2018 Torres Frank April 5 2017 Darren Soto applauds passage of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft back up bill orlando politics com Political Observer Soto Darren Darren Soto Give power back to people of Puerto Rico Retrieved July 4 2018 Shanklin Mary September 13 2017 Trump approves greater FEMA aid for 37 Florida counties Retrieved July 4 2018 Gangitano Alex May 9 2018 Take Five Darren Soto Roll Call Best Congressional Folk Band 2018 Rockin Congressman Darren Soto aims to rock immigration voter rights January 2 2019 a b Ruiz Stephen Lemongello Steven Congressman Darren Soto s wife arrested at Walt Disney World Orlando Sentinel Retrieved August 2 2018 External links Edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Darren Soto Congressman Darren Soto official U S House website Campaign website Darren Soto at CurlieBiography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Financial information federal office at the Federal Election Commission Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress Profile at Vote Smart Appearances on C SPAN Florida House of Representatives profileFlorida House of RepresentativesPreceded byJohn Quinones Member of the Florida House of Representativesfrom the 49th district2007 2012 Succeeded byJoe SaundersFlorida SenatePreceded bySteve Oelrich Member of the Florida Senatefrom the 14th district2012 2016 Succeeded byDorothy HukillU S House of RepresentativesPreceded byAlan Grayson Member of the U S House of Representativesfrom Florida s 9th congressional district2017 present IncumbentU S order of precedence ceremonial Preceded byLloyd Smucker United States representatives by seniority220th Succeeded byRon Estes Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Darren Soto amp oldid 1178108722, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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