Military & Veterans
All Americans know that freedom isn't free. Our active military, veterans and their families give more than most and some give their lives to protect America and our way of life. Darren works closely with, and employs, veterans. He appreciates the sacrifices they make for all of us, and respects the sacred obligation our government has to serve those who have served us.
Darren will do everything in his power to make sure our 9th District veterans are cared for with dignity and provided the full benefits they have earned. He is opening a satellite office in Lake Nona at the University of Central Florida Medical School. Located right across the street from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, this office is specifically geared to serve our active duty military personnel and veterans.
Darren also believes strongly in ensuring that our VA hospitals provide high quality care in a timely fashion. He will support appropriate reforms to expand care and increase world class service. Please contact us if you know of any veteran who needs our help. We are happy to be of service!
In addition, Darren will attend Florida military base inspections and congressional delegation trips to check in with our Florida National Guard troops and other Floridians serving overseas, including in active war zones. It is critical for our troops to have the equipment and supplies they need to defend our country both at home and abroad.
Selected bills in support of veterans co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:
H.R. 328 - INVEST ACT - provide the work opportunity tax credit with respect to the hiring of veterans in the field of renewable energy.
H.R. 333 - Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act - to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50% to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans’ disability, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service.
H.R. 334 - Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2017 - to provide assistance for individuals affected by exposure to Agent Orange.
H.R. 488 - Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2017 - to allows the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by the spouse.
H.R. 512 - WINGMAN Act - to permit veterans to grant access to their records in the database of the Veterans Benefits Administration to certain designated congressional employees.
More on Military & Veterans
Come visit our new office space inside the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, where we will be providing convenient assistance to our district’s veterans.
We'll hold weekly walk-in hours to help with all veteran-related casework at the Department of Veterans Affairs, from claiming earned benefits to disability concerns. No appointment necessary, just stop by!
Congressman Darren Soto will open a new office space at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona and host office hours for veterans every Monday and Friday from 9:00am until 3:00pm. Rep. Soto’s Veteran Liaison staff will be present to directly assist constituents and help address concerns with federal agencies, specifically with casework regarding the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed six amendments offered by Congressman Darren Soto in the National Defense Authorization Act (HR5515), which authorizes funds and sets policy for defense-related activities for Fiscal Year 2019. Rep. Soto’s provisions will advance high-tech manufacturers in the district, equip Florida’s JROTC curriculum with cybersecurity and computer programming; and assist military members who are recovering from trauma related to sexual assault.
U.S. Congressman Darren Soto is proud to announce 12 students from Central Florida’s Congressional District 9 have received and accepted appointments to U.S. Military Service Academies, well above the average number of appointments from congressional districts.
On April 15th, Congressman Soto visited the National Guard Armory in Central Florida as the Battalion staff completed trainings and prepared for their upcoming mission. Afterwards, Commander Colonel Glass and Rep. Soto discussed the additional resources needed for our soldiers to thrive: better equipment, newer gear, and more training facilities.
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.