Military & Veterans
Congressman Soto is a strong advocate for Central Florida veterans and service members.
During the 117th Congress, he supported the PACT Act to ensure veterans exposed to toxic burn pits get the care they need. Locally, he has worked with the Lake Nona and Kissimmee VA to expand mental health and cardiology services, as well as secure a women’s clinic at the Lake Nona VA.
Congressman Soto has also voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act funding over the years, securing higher wages and better equipment, housing, and healthcare for our troops.
His office proudly works with local veterans experiencing issues with the VA—securing over $2.3 million in returned funds in just the last two years.
More information on Rep. Soto's work to support Central Florida veterans and service members can be found at:
More on Military & Veterans
U.S. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), along with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation, AUSA and CFVMPF, invites all Vietnam era Veterans for a pinning ceremony in honor of those who served our country, with special guest Retired Major General James Jackson, the Vietnam 50th Commemoration Director. No RSVP is required.
For more information, please contact (407) 266-7161, or Shasta.shaffer@mail.house.gov.
Please join the Congressman and Representatives from each Military Service Academy for an information session on the 2018 Service Academy Nominations.
For more information, please contact Shasta Shaffer in our district office at 407-452-1171.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Darren Soto proudly announces that Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, Florida was awarded a $3,531,926,800 contract from the Department of the Army.
On the evening of Friday. January 26, 2018, Congressman Soto hosted an event to congratulate the Service Academy Nominees of Florida's Ninth District. The individuals represent a diverse group that all have their sights set on the various academies including the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 yesterday, which includes four amendments authored and one co-sponsored by freshman Representative Darren Soto. With a vote of 356-70, H.R. 2810 authorizes close to $700 billion for the Department of Defense and defense-related programs, including additional funding for essential readiness of military troops.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Darren Soto introduced legislation today honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, by designating a United States Postal Service facility in Kissimmee, Florida as the "Borinqueneers Post Office Building". The bill is co-sponsored by Florida's entire congressional delegation.
U.S. Representative Darren Soto (FL-09) had his second Military Academy Day.
Rep Soto said, "I heard amazing stories from a young Cadet at West Point and Midshipmen at Annapolis. Reps from Airforce Academy and Coast Guard spoke of their experiences as well. There were so many inspiring young people seeking these appointments. Our community should be proud!"
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Darren Soto (FL-09) passed five amendments to the House National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, H.R. 2810. All five of Soto's amendments were adopted by voice vote before being passed by a bi-partisan vote of 344 to 81. Soto, a freshman Democrat, was successful in making positive changes to the bill that aim to protect Americans, employ veterans, and save tax payers money.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S Representatives Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) and Darren Soto (FL-09) applauded a provision in the 2017 defense appropriations bill that is intended to provide $3 million in new funding for the University of Central Florida's (UCF) RESTORES Clinic, which uses virtual reality to treat military service members, veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The funding is in the advanced concepts and simulation budget – now increased from $27.688 million to $30.688 million – within the U.S.