The Public Record
Darren Michael Soto is a U.S. Representative for Florida's 9th congressional district, serving since January 3, 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, Soto has focused on issues such as environmental protection, healthcare, and economic development. He has been an advocate for the Latino community and has worked on legislation to improve access to education and job opportunities. Soto has also been involved in discussions around climate change and disaster preparedness, particularly in relation to Florida's unique environmental challenges.
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Jacqueline Byrd. Jacqueline Byrd is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, an educator, wife of Jason Byrd, Sr., and mother of Jason Byrd, Jr., and Jalyn Byrd. She was…
I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my personal account, like so many other Members have, on the day of January 6. I do so in a poetic, artistic form, with a poem, ``A Bird's Eye View to Insurrection.'' The day started with…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Carolyn Pass. Dr. Carolyn Pass' leadership spans more than 35 years, beginning with serving as the president of the Minority Pre-Professional Association at the University of…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Vincent Miller. Dr. Vincent M. Miller, II, currently serves as a secondary math teacher at Winter Haven High School, and he was recently honored as the first Black male Polk…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Allison Kirby. Allison Kirby has proudly served as the principal of Jones High School for the past 4 years. She is proud of her experience as an English teacher, librarian, and…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Joshua J. Myers. Joshua J. Myers is a not-for-profit leader with over 14 years of marketing communications, fundraising, and sales management experience. Throughout his career…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Gloria R. Emanuel. Gloria R. Emanuel is currently the senior accountant for financial reporting for the City of St. Cloud. Gloria is responsible for project accounting, debt…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Angela Eady. Angela Eady is a former city commissioner for the City of Kissimmee and a lifelong resident of Osceola County. She has been a champion for expanding access to…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Josephine Howard. As part of her life legacy, Josephine M. Howard has been achieving goals, setting high standards, teaching, learning, positively impacting lives, and committing…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to honor Eloise Abrahams. Eloise Abrahams is an RN, BS, LNHA, and she is the executive director for Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Orlando, Florida. With over 35 years of…
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Cara Nelson-James. Dr. Cara Nelson-James joined Central Florida as the chief medical officer in December of 2019. She obtained her medical degree at Nova Southeastern…
American families are in crisis. They are losing loved ones, losing their jobs and small businesses, facing home insecurity and food insecurity.
We must put an end to this scamster carnival barkery that runs rampant throughout the United States.
First, I want to thank the Biden administration for increasing Florida's weekly allocation 16 percent, up from 266,000 to 307,000 for our weekly allotment.
I do want to set the record straight. Pfizer was the first vaccine approved. It was approved on December 11th, 2020. It was not part of Operation Warp Speed.
The Federal Government last century deliberately infected Black men with syphilis in the Tuskegee experiment.
I was in the gallery right behind us when the Capitol was breached. Then domestic terrorists breached the Rotunda. I heard the loud sounds of gunshots through this sacred Chamber. My last images were brave Capitol Police, guns drawn, to…
There is a mix of hope and despair in central Florida. This week, the first vaccines arrived to help protect our healthcare professionals. But unemployment remains around 10 percent; food banks lay bare; many are behind on rent; and…
Coronavirus cases are rising again in Florida. Today, Florida reported 7,925 new cases. Coronavirus cases are rising nationally. Yesterday, there were over 155,000 Americans who contracted the coronavirus and another 1,707 Americans dead…
We have a duty to lead the world effort. Climate change denial and the fact that it is caused by human activities--again, is an extremist political position.
Climate change was on the ballot, and President-elect Joe Biden won. A majority of Americans, especially our young people, want significant change.
Today, I am pleased that the House passed, as part of the Consumer Safety Inspection Enhancement Act, two pieces of legislation that we were able to offer in the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Digital Taxonomy Act, H.R. 2154, and the…
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Ms. Wanda Ramos. Ms. Wanda Ramos was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to Orlando, Florida, in 1999 and became involved in fighting for workers' rights, empowering new…
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Julio Zayas. Julio Zayas was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, in 1948. He moved to New York City in 1968, where he and his wife established their family in the Bronx. He has four…
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to recognize Marcos Vilar. Marcos Vilar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to the United States mainland at the age of 14. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Marcos holds a…
Politicians like Darren Soto
