Darren Soto

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Darren Soto
Darren Soto 115th Congress photo.jpg
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 byVictor M. Torres Jr.
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 49th district
In office
April 24, 2007 – November 6, 2012
Preceded byJohn Quiñones
Succeeded byRedistricted
Personal details
Born
Darren Michael Soto

(1978-02-25) February 25, 1978 (age 41)
Ringwood, New Jersey, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Amanda Soto (m. 2013)
EducationRutgers University–New Brunswick (BA)
George Washington University (JD)
WebsiteHouse website

Darren Michael Soto (born February 25, 1978) is an American attorney and Democratic politician from Orlando, Florida, who is the U.S. Representative for Florida's 9th district. He defeated Republican Wayne Liebnitzky in the 2016 general election, 57-43%.[1] Prior to being elected to Congress, Soto served for four years in the Florida Senate and five in the Florida House of Representatives, representing parts of the Orlando area.

Early life and education[edit]

Soto was born in the borough of Ringwood, New Jersey, to a Puerto Rican father, O. Lou Soto, and an Italian-American mother, Jean Soto. From 1998 to 2001, he worked for Prudential Insurance in finance while he attended college. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 2000, a Juris Doctor from George Washington University in 2004, and opened his law practice the following year.

Soto has a bachelor's degree in economics, and attended law school at George Washington University. In 2006, he was named class counsel in the federal class action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Soto is a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando. He served as the Treasurer of the Orange County Democrats and the Vice President of Communications for the Orange County Young Democrats (YD's). He was also the YD Co-Host for their Speak Easy events that provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters.

"My family's history is the Puerto Rican history in Florida," Soto has said.[2]

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 emerged victorious from a crowded Democratic primary in a special election to replace John Quinones, who had resigned to run for the Osceola County Commission.[3] In the general election, Soto defeated Tony Suarez, the Republican nominee, by 285 votes. Soto was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2008 and 2010.[4][5][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.[6][7]

Florida Senate[edit]

In 2012, Florida Senate districts were redrawn, and Soto opted not to run for re-election 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 faced Republican Will McBride.[8] Soto defeated McBride with over 70% of the vote.[9]

In 2013, Soto voted for legislation to expedite driver's license access for DREAMers but it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Rick Scott,[10] setting off statewide protests.[11] He unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to require jury votes of 10 jurors rather than a majority of 7 for death penalties."[12]

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 also advocated legislation giving DREAMers in-state college tuition.[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.[13]

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

Senator Soto steered funding to his district, including $15M for the UCF Sensors Manufacturing Center, $12M to complete the construction of the Poinciana Valencia College campus,[21] $4M in supplemental school construction money,[22] $750k for the Northern Everglades and Lake Toho initiatives and $150k 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,[23] the Deaf Floridian's ID bill,[24] 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.[25]

U.S. House of Representatives[edit]

Elections[edit]

2016[edit]

Soto won the Democratic nomination to succeed Rep. Alan Grayson, who had stepped down to run in the primary for U.S. Senate in Florida's 9th congressional district.[26] Soto earned 36% of the vote in a four-way primary election.[27] The district is Democratic-leaning and contains all of Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk counties. Soto has 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."[28] Soto won the general election for the seat, defeating Republican Wayne Liebnitzky, 57-43%.[1]

2018[edit]

On August 28, 2018, Congressman Soto won his democratic primary election with 66% of the vote, easily fending off a challenge from his predecessor Alan Grayson.[29] Soto received endorsements from almost every Democratic organization in his reelection campaign: 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 has the backing of Vice President Joe Biden,[45] Congressman John Lewis,[46] Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Florida State Senator Vic Torres, along with every Florida Democratic Member of Congress.[47]

On November 6, 2018, Soto went on to win the general election handily in his rematch with Republican Wayne Liebnitzky with 58% of the vote.[48]

115th Congress (2017-2018)[edit]

Tenure[edit]

Soto is the first Congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected from Florida.[49] In his first few weeks, Soto was named by Nancy Pelosi as one of only 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.[50]

On April 5, 2017, Congressman Soto along with 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.[51]

On December 23, 2017, Soto passed his second bill the "Foreign Spill Protection Act" along with co-introducer US Rep. 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 beautiful coasts.[52]

Soto introduced a bill to rename a Kissimmee Post Office (HR 4042) at 1415 West Oak St after the Borinqueneers. Recently 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 WWI, WWII and Korean War with great distinction and valor. In 2014, they were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their brave service to our country.[53]

Congressman 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 U.S. House on June 25, 2018 and was signed into law on August 2, 2018.[54]

Soto negotiated with Brightline (now Virgin Trains) to build the link between their train and SunRail, ensuring the systems are connected and saving up to $250 million in taxpayer money. When finished, this connection will give SunRail riders the opportunity to travel as far as Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach vía rail.[55]

Congressman Soto has had a prolific first term. He is 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.[56]

116th Congress (2019-2020)[edit]

Congressman Soto secured a spot on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee in the beginning of his second term. “This appointment will give us a greater voice on behalf of our constituents to promote legislation that creates higher paying jobs, pushes for technological advances, resolves our healthcare crisis, and protects our environment while acting on climate change,” Representative Soto stated.[57]

On June 24, 2019, Soto passed his first law of the 116th Congress, the “Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) Act”, which will combat future Zika outbreaks in Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas. According to Soto’s office, the bill “supports and expands programs for mosquito-borne and vector-borne disease, surveillance and control” by extending $100 million in CDC grants to battle mosquitoes through 2023 and ensuring those grants are more focused on battling mosquito-borne diseases, prioritizing areas facing health crises.”[58]

On July 25, 2019, Congressman Soto passed the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 out of the US House in dramatic fashion, as the last bill to pass before the August District Work Period.[59]

In his second term, Congressman Soto worked with his Central Florida colleagues, Congresswoman Val Demings and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, to bring back millions of dollars in federal grants to our region including over $30 Million for affordable housing and to prevent homelessness,[60][61] $3.25 Million to fund local anti-terrorism efforts,[62] and $1.961 Million for zero-emission Lynx Lymmo buses.[63]

Soto also assisted in securing federal grants of nearly $30 Million for Hurricane Irma disaster relief to Polk and Osceola Counties,[64] over $3 Million for healthcare clinics in Osceola and Polk Counties,[65][66][67] and $250,000 to improve Kissimmee and Winter Haven airports.[68]

Committee assignments[edit]

Caucuses[edit]

Political positions[edit]

Immigration[edit]

Soto is a staunch advocate for DREAMers and is working with fellow members of the Hispanic Caucus to pass the DREAM Act.[73] In June 2018, Congressman Soto traveled to Homestead, Florida to tour a detention facility with several Democratic Members of Congress where he argued against Trump's zero tolerance policy and the separation of children and families.[74] He has been the strongest advocate in Congress for Alejandra Juarez, the wife of an Iraq combat veteran and mother of two American daughters, who was deported to Mexico recently due to Trump's zero tolerance policy. "Zero tolerance literally ripped this family apart," said Rep. Darren Soto "The administration is so extreme on immigration that they’re deporting the spouses of military veterans."[75]

Environmental Policy[edit]

Darren is officially the greenest Member of the Florida Congressional Delegation for 2017. He received a perfect score of 100 for his environmental issues voting record from the National League of Conservation Voters.[76] 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, this bill passed unanimously out of the U.S. House.[77] Soto led strong opposition to Trump Administration proposals to permit oil drilling off Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts during the House Committee on Natural Resources meetings.[78][79][80] Soto has also championed funding increases for the National Estuary Program the National Wildlife Refuge System program.[81]

On June 6, 2018, Soto passed his Shark and Billfish Protection Act out of House Natural Resources Committee. Senator Bill Nelson passed the Senate companion bill on October 2, 2017.[82]

Gun control[edit]

Soto received an “F” rating from the NRA during his first term in Congress and supported numerous reasonable gun safety reforms. On February 27, 2019, he voted for the landmark Universal Background Check Bill.[83] Soto received an "A" rating from the NRA in 2012,[84] but his views on the Second Amendment changed after the 2012 Newtown Shooting. In the Florida Senate, he became a reliable vote for gun safety, which ultimately led to earning a "D" rating from the NRA for his service there from 2013-2016.[85]

After the Pulse tragedy, Soto called for a special session to prevent those on the FBI's No Fly List from purchasing firearms.[86]

Since 2017 to present, he has been a reliable vote for gun safety reform. After the February 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting, he proposed his "Gun Safety Action Plan." He listed 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.[87]

Following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida in 2018, Soto stated that gun control will be "one of those litmus test issues" in the 2018 midterms.[88]

Hurricane safety[edit]

Working with Senator Bill 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.[89]

Recovery assistance[edit]

Soto is working on debt reduction and tax, healthcare, agriculture and small business relief to assist Puerto Rico in its economic recovery.[90] He also successfully led a bipartisan letter requesting FEMA Designation of Individual Assistance for the citizens of Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake and Seminole counties after Hurricane Irma.[91] In 2018, he voted to bring back billions of dollars in recovery funding to Central Florida and Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Personal life[edit]

Soto’s major hobby is music and has been writing songs and playing in bands since he was in high school. He is a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the local Orlando folk rock band Orange Creek Riders.[92] They 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 their “Best Of” series, Orlando Weekly named Orange Creek Riders the “Best Congressional Folk Band”.[93] Our “Rocking Congressman” also hosts his own radio show and podcast “Rock and Politics”. His show combines current critical political issues with related rocking tunes to better inform his constituents and promote youth civic outreach.[94]

On April 1, 2018, Soto's wife, Amanda Soto, was arrested at Walt Disney World and charged with disorderly intoxication.[95] 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 went on to say that "she deeply regrets her actions and takes full responsibility for them."[96]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b 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.
  2. ^ Delgado, José A. (August 15, 2016). "Darren Soto: "My Family is the Puerto Rican History in Florida"". El Nuevo Día. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  3. ^ "6 Democrats vie for Quinones' seat: Winner of March 20 primary faces GOP's Suarez in April". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  4. ^ "Florida House of Representatives elections for 2008", Ballotpedia
  5. ^ "Florida House of Representatives elections for 2010", Ballotpedia
  6. ^ "Florida House of Representatives - CS/HB 97 - Street Racing". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  7. ^ "Darren Soto running in interwoven race for 9th Congressional District". January 30, 2016.
  8. ^ "Senate District 8 Leaning Toward Darren Soto". Sunshine State News. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  9. ^ "For State Senate Districts 12, 13, 14 we endorse..." Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  10. ^ "Senate Bill 0986 (2013) - The Florida Senate". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  11. ^ "Protesters Want Florida To Allow Illegal Immigrants To Obtain Driver's Licenses « CBS Tampa". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  12. ^ "Timely Justice Act, Measure Speeding Up Executions, Approved By Florida Senate". Huffington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  13. ^ "S014C9040 - The Florida Senate". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  14. ^ "Sen. Soto, Rep. La Rosa Announce $11.9 Million for Poinciana Campus". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  15. ^ Mitch Perry (February 12, 2016). "Nancy Watkins will not run for the Tampa HD 60 seat". SaintPetersBlog. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  16. ^ "Darren Soto named "Champion of the Everglades"". The Orlando Political Observer. October 25, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  17. ^ "Senate Bill 0166 (2015) - The Florida Senate". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  18. ^ "Gov. Scott's veto hurts new research center in Osceola County". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  19. ^ "Senate Bill 0280 (2015) - The Florida Senate". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  20. ^ "Bill List - The Florida Senate". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  21. ^ "Gov. Scott Approves $12.1 Million for Poinciana Campus". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  22. ^ "Official community newspaper of Kissimmee, Osceola County including Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana, Harmony and surrounding areas". Osceola News-Gazette. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  23. ^ "KnightNews.com » Chloe's Law, a bill filed in memory of a UCF student, passes Florida House & Senate". knightnews.com. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  24. ^ Sascha Cordner. "Bills Filed To Help Deaf Floridians Who May Face Arrest". Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  25. ^ FOX. "Clean slate for juveniles bill moving forward". WOFL. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  26. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 22, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. ^ "Florida Election Results 2016". August 1, 2017 – via NYTimes.com.
  28. ^ Sentinel, Orlando. "Darren Soto, Val Demings: Our picks for Congress: Endorsements 2016". Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  29. ^ By $${element.Contributor} (August 28, 2018). "Florida's Darren Soto Easily Holds Off Alan Grayson Comeback Bid". Roll Call. Rollcall.com. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  30. ^ "National Organization for Women endorses U.S. Rep. Darren Soto". Orlando Sentinel. August 30, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  31. ^ "Pride Fund endorses Darren Soto, Val Demings, Carlos Guillermo Smith". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  32. ^ "Giffords PAC endorses Darren Soto in CD 9 race". Florida Politics. July 31, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  33. ^ "Darren Soto picks up Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida nod". Florida Politics. July 24, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  34. ^ "Alan Grayson returns to seek old seat in Congress". Orlando Sentinel. August 30, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  35. ^ "Equality PAC Endorses Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) - Equality PAC". Lgbtequalitypac.org. June 28, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  36. ^ "League of Conservation Voters endorses Darren Soto". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  37. ^ "Darren Soto picks up Human Rights Campaign endorsement in CD 9 race". Florida Politics. June 19, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  38. ^ http://flaflcio.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Florida-AFL-CIO-Endorsements.xlsx
  39. ^ "Florida Young Dems endorse Sean Shaw, Jeremy Ring, Darren Soto, Val Demings". Orlando Rising. May 15, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  40. ^ "Darren Soto picks up nods from fire fighters, police unions". Florida Politics. June 5, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  41. ^ "Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus". Floridalgbtademocrats.org. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  42. ^ "The policy home for American Muslims". Emgage PAC. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  43. ^ "Progressive Caucus Endorses Soto – WON". Westorlandonews.com. March 8, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  44. ^ "Planned Parenthood backs Darren Soto in CD 9 primary". Florida Politics. May 15, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  45. ^ "Biden endorses Soto over Grayson in Florida congressional primary". Politico.com. May 29, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  46. ^ "Darren Soto picks up endorsement from U.S. Rep. John Lewis". Florida Politics. May 17, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  47. ^ "Darren Soto endorsed by 10 other members of Fla. congressional district". Florida Politics. March 16, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  48. ^ "Democrat Darren Soto makes easy return to Congress, handily beating Republican challenger Wayne Liebnitzky for US House District 9 seat".
  49. ^ "Darren Soto elected first Puerto Rican congressman from Florida". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  50. ^ "Darren Soto named to Congressional Democrats' jobs task force - Florida Politics". floridapolitics.com. September 13, 2017.
  51. ^ http://orlando-politics.com/2017/04/05/darren-soto-applauds-passage-of-hurricane-hunter-back-up-bill/
  52. ^ "Carlos Curbelo's, Darren Soto's Foreign Spill Protection Act Signed into Law". December 13, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  53. ^ Darren, Soto (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.
  54. ^ "New Law Prohibits Sale of Billfish in United States". Florida Sportsman. August 13, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  55. ^ "Brightline could help connect SunRail to OIA".
  56. ^ "13 House Freshmen Have Passed Bills This Congress".
  57. ^ "Darren Soto tapped for House Energy and Commerce committee". January 10, 2019.
  58. ^ "Soto's Good-for-Florida Bill to Eradicate Mosquito-Borne Diseases Moves to Trump's Desk | Sunshine State News | Florida Political News".
  59. ^ "Soto, Rubio look for other ways to protect Venezuelans after bill stalls in Senate".
  60. ^ "Central Florida will receive $7.8 million in federal funding for affordable housing, homelessness".
  61. ^ "$23 million in housing money heading toward Central Florida". April 17, 2019.
  62. ^ "More anti-terrorism money coming to Orlando, Miami, Tampa". August 16, 2019.
  63. ^ https://twitter.com/lynxbusorlando/status/1154788190659784704?s=21
  64. ^ https://twitter.com/repdarrensoto/status/1149107106429198336?s=21
  65. ^ "Rep. Soto Announces $2 Million Grant for Poinciana Health Center Program". March 5, 2019.
  66. ^ http://orlando-politics.com/2019/04/05/rep-soto-announces-300k-grant-for-primary-care-medical-services-of-poinciana-inc/
  67. ^ https://www.facebook.com/1245780978850063/posts/2462740260487456?sfns=mo
  68. ^ https://www.facebook.com/1245780978850063/posts/2328513487243468?sfns=mo
  69. ^ "Caucus Members". Congressional Progressive Caucus. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  70. ^ "Members". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  71. ^ "Members". Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  72. ^ "Members". U.S. - Japan Caucus. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  73. ^ "Column". September 5, 2017.
  74. ^ "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.
  75. ^ "When a Trump supporter's wife is deported". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  76. ^ "Darren Soto gets perfect score from Conservation Voters, tops Florida members". March 1, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  77. ^ "Darren Soto's Bill Protecting Kissimmee River Clears House Without Opposition". April 17, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  78. ^ 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.
  79. ^ "Darren Soto pins down Everglades, drilling assurances from interior secretary - Florida Politics". floridapolitics.com. June 22, 2017.
  80. ^ Conroy, Cathy (July 20, 2017). "Rep. Soto Opposes Oil Drilling, Seismic Testing, in Remarks to Natural Resources Committee". orlando-politics.com. Political Observer.
  81. ^ "Column: Congress should find money to support estuaries in Tampa Bay, Florida". October 27, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  82. ^ "Center for Sportfishing Policy". www.sportfishingpolicy.com. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  83. ^ https://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/67618/darren-soto#.XKdrOZhKiUl
  84. ^ Schneider, Elena (December 15, 2015). "Gun control becomes a litmus test in Democratic primaries". Politico. Arlington County, Virginia. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  85. ^ Weiner, Jeff. "Entering GOP-led Congress, Democrat Soto no stranger to being outnumbered". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  86. ^ Rohrer, Gray (June 17, 2016). "GOP, Democrats still battle over gun control in Florida". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, Florida. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  87. ^ White, Gary. "Polk lawmakers seek gun law changes, but differ on details". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  88. ^ "Florida Rep. Darren Soto: Gun Reform Will Be a "Litmus Test" at the Midterms". Cheddar. Cheddar, Inc. February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  89. ^ Torres, Frank (April 5, 2017). "Darren Soto applauds passage of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft back-up bill". orlando-politics.com. Political Observer.
  90. ^ Soto, Darren. "Darren Soto: Give power back to people of Puerto Rico". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  91. ^ Shanklin, Mary. "Trump approves greater FEMA aid for 37 Florida counties". Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  92. ^ Gangitano, Alex; Gangitano, Alex (May 9, 2018). "Take Five: Darren Soto". Roll Call.
  93. ^ "Best Congressional Folk Band 2018".
  94. ^ "'Rockin' Congressman' Darren Soto aims to rock immigration, voter rights". January 2, 2019.
  95. ^ Ruiz, Stephen; Lemongello, Steven. "Congressman Darren Soto's wife arrested at Walt Disney World". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  96. ^ Lemongello, Stephen Ruiz, Steven. "Congressman Darren Soto's wife arrested at Walt Disney World". Retrieved July 4, 2018.

External links[edit]

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Alan Grayson 		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
Lloyd Smucker 		United States Representatives by seniority
329th 		Succeeded by
Thomas Suozzi
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Darren_Soto&oldid=932093201"