{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\" and state = \"VI\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6159", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 28, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) issued the following statement on the passing of Slinger Francisco, internationally renowned calypsonian also known as, \"The Mighty Sparrow\":\n\n\"It is with deep sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean family in mourning the passing of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow. For more than six decades, he gave voice to the joys, struggles, humor, and truths of Caribbean life.\n\n\u201cSparrow was known as the 'Calypso King of the World. He was a master storyteller and social commentator who used his wit and his music to hold a mirror up to society, and he carried our region's culture to stages around the globe. Generations of Virgin Islanders have danced to his music at Carnival, at family gatherings, in our local communities and far into the Caribbean diaspora. His songs are woven into the fabric of our shared Caribbean identity.\n\n\"We are profoundly grateful that Sparrow chose to share his extraordinary artistry and gift with the world. He inspired countless calypsonians and artists who followed him, and his legacy will live on through the beauty of our Calypso and Soca music.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his children, grandchildren, loved ones, the people throughout our Caribbean region and the diaspora, and to all who loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.\"", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6157", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND SR.", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 14, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND SR.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 8121, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the \u201cPeter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has passed H.R. 8121 to designate the Christiansted Bandstand as the Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cThe Christiansted Bandstand is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Peter Thurland helped build it, served his country with distinction, and dedicated decades of his life to the cultural life of St. Croix. I thank Chairman Westerman (R-AK), Ranking Member Huffman (D-CA), and the Members and staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources for their expeditious consideration of this bill, and I thank my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.\u201d\n\nThe Christiansted Bandstand has served for over a century as a gathering place for residents and visitors and as the center of St. Croix\u2019s musical and civic life. Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., was born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, and performed with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the March 31, 1917, ceremony that marked the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the United States. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he was instrumental in the physical construction and design of the Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in 1921. In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, leading free monthly concerts at the Bandstand for three decades and training generations of young musicians until 1968.\n\nThis legislation was first introduced by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. Congresswoman Plaskett is proud to carry it forward in the 119th Congress on behalf of the Thurland family, who have long advocated for this recognition. This bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration, and if passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6156", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 11, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 The St. Croix and St. Thomas district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed from Tuesday, September 15, through Monday, September 21, 2026, as the Congresswoman and staff participate in the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC55) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. Both district offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.\n\n\"Each year, the Annual Legislative Conference brings together Black leaders, advocates, and policymakers from across this country and the diaspora to confront the issues that shape our communities\u2014economic opportunity, health care, education, and the full and equal participation of every American in our democracy.\n\n\"I thank the people of the Virgin Islands for their patience during this week, and my team and I look forward to being back at full service in the district on Monday, September 21.\"\n\nThe Washington, D.C. office will remain open during this period. For assistance while the district offices are closed, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.). Messages left at 340-778-5900 (St. Croix) and 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas) will be returned when the offices reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6153", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 3, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement regarding the health of Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew:\n\n\"My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Terrance Drew, his family, and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as he receives care. Dr. Drew has given himself to his people twice over \u2014 first as a physician and now as the leader of his nation \u2014 and I am praying for his full and swift recovery.\n\n\"At moments like this, titles and offices fall away and what remains is a family hoping for good news. I join all who are keeping Prime Minister Drew in their prayers and wish him strength, healing, and a speedy return to the work he loves.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6114", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF HAITI HOPE HELP AND AGOA TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMS", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 1, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF HAITI HOPE/HELP AND AGOA TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 6500, The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, with bipartisan support. This bill includes a two-year extension of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act), as well as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Both programs, which are set to expire at the end of 2026, would be extended through December 31, 2028. The legislation, which was passed by the U.S. Senate on August 8, 2026, now proceeds to the President's desk to be signed into law:\n\n\"This is the certainty that Haitian workers, families, and their partners in American industry have been waiting for. After these programs lapsed last fall and were restored for fifteen months, we have finally given them a runway. Today's vote gives Haiti's apparel sector and its American partners two more years of certainty to plan and invest.\n\n\"I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in the drafting of the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP, in particular Ranking Member Neal, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Sanchez, and Dr. Murphy. This vital program sustains manufacturing jobs in Haiti and secures a reliable, nearby supply chain for American apparel companies.\n\n\u201cHaiti continues to face compounding humanitarian, political, and economic crises. The security emergency has displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger. The apparel sector remains the foundation of Haiti's economy and its most reliable source of formal employment, making uninterrupted duty-free access to the U.S. market essential to any path toward stability.\n\n\"Haiti is our strategic ally, and U.S. support for its apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel manufacturing utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and into the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\"The same is true of AGOA. For twenty-six years, AGOA has been the foundation of America's economic partnership with sub-Saharan Africa, providing duty-free access to more than 1,800 products and building commercial relationships that support American exporters, American consumers, and our national security interests. Extending these programs before they lapsed protects existing trade relationships as well as the American and African businesses that depend on them.\n\n\"I will continue to emphasize the importance of U.S. trade engagement with both Haiti and our AGOA partners in sub-Saharan Africa. This extension gives American manufacturers and investors the predictability they need \u2014 certainty that these trade preferences will remain in place, supply chains will stay stable, and sourcing decisions can be made with confidence.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6113", "USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nUSDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as primary natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions across the Territory. Farm operators on all three islands are now eligible to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), following the designation issued on August 20, 2026, by Deputy Under Secretary Brooke S. Appleton on behalf of USDA.\n\nThe designation \u2014 number 2026N00002336 \u2014 covers the entire Territory due to severe drought conditions recorded by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In 2019, as a result of Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s advocacy with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Drought Monitor expanded to include the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to providing a general summary of current drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor can trigger eligibility for permanent drought disaster relief programs. Until the drought monitor was extended to the Virgin Islands under Congresswoman Plaskett, farmers and others would be unable to receive drought support.\n\n\u201cOur farmers have carried the weight of this drought for months, and this designation is a critical first step toward getting them the relief they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cAgriculture is a vital part of our Territory\u2019s food security and our economy. I will continue fighting to make sure Virgin Islands farmers have every federal resource available to recover and rebuild. My office has been, and will continue to be, in close contact with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and USDA to support our agriculture community.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett added, \u201cI extend my appreciation to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Louis Petersen, as well as Governor Bryan and his Administration for their advocacy on behalf of our agricultural community. This disaster designation, which unlocks federal relief for our local farmers and ranchers, reflects their commitment to the Virgin Islands.\u201d\n\nFarm operators in the designated areas may be considered for FSA emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply. Each application is considered individually by FSA, based on the extent of production losses and the applicant\u2019s security and repayment ability.\n\nVirgin Islands farmers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office:\n\nUSDA Farm Service Agency \u2013 U.S. Virgin Islands\n\nSion Farm Shopping Center\n\nPhone: (340) 773-9146, ext. 100\n\nFor more information, you may also contact Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s offices on St. Croix at 340-778-5900 or St. Thomas at 340-774-4408.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6112", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ISIDORE \u201cI.G.\u201d GRILES, JR.", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 18, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ISIDORE \u201cI.G.\u201d GRILES, JR.\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Isidore \"I.G.\" Griles, Jr.:\n\n\"I was saddened to learn of the passing Mr. Griles. He was a son of Frederiksted who carried our town with him in everything he did. His life was one spent close to family, close to community, and close to the music that shaped him. Mr. Griles always had a pleasant word to share and smile to give. He carried our culture in his kindness and in the music he played alongside other culture-bearers. He would often visit my office in Frederiksted and share with my team snippets of Virgin Islands history from his black and white composition book. He will be deeply missed.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my sincere condolences to his daughter, his entire family, and to the many friends and fellow musicians who are grieving him today. May they be held up by prayer and by the memories he leaves behind.\"", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6110", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 14, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPress Release\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today congratulated the United States Virgin Islands Nike RBI 18U Girls Softball Team on winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U World Series, defeating Houston 3-1 in Thursday's championship game.\n\n\"These young women did an outstanding job and came out triumphant as World Series Champions,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"They represented our Territory against teams backed by Major League Baseball's biggest organizations, and they did it with the heart, discipline, and unity that define who we are.\n\n\u201cI would like to extend a special thank you to Head Coach Elroy Hill and Assistant Coaches Richard Clendinen, Brock Creque, and Inocenia Bermudez, for their tireless work in training and mentoring our young women.\"\n\nThe team, sponsored by the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, secured its berth in the World Series by winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U Caribbean Regionals on June 24. The USVI was one of eight teams competing, the only team representing a U.S. territory.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6104", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 8, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Bradley Christian, a Virgin Islands cultural icon celebrated for his mastery of the traditional head wrap and his role in shaping the territory's official madras:\n\n\"Today, the Virgin Islands lost a true keeper of our culture. Bradley Christian spent his life carrying forward traditions passed down through generations. He was known far beyond our shores for his beautifully crafted head wraps, but Bradley's gift was never just in the craft itself. It was in his deep understanding of the history, heritage, and meaning behind every head wrap, our food, storytelling, quelbe, quadrille - the many elements of our islands. Bradley Christian reminded us to love ourselves and our history - that we are a tapestry of beautiful people. His hand also helped shape the official madras of the Virgin Islands, a symbol our people wear with pride,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\n\"Bradley was one of our territory's cultural icons, and we are forever grateful for his contributions. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all his loved ones and friends during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his legacy is felt across the Virgin Islands,\" Congresswoman Plaskett concluded.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6103", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP\u2019S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 7, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP\u2019S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement regarding the Executive Orders titled \u201cContinuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship\u201d and \u201cEnding Birth Tourism\u201d signed on August 6, 2026, by President Donald Trump:\n\n\u201cFollowing the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026, decision in Trump v. Barbara, which upheld birthright citizenship generally while permitting narrower exceptions, yesterday President Trump issued Executive Orders that expand restrictions on birthright citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Birthright citizenship exists for people born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands because of federal statutes enacted by Congress. This remains unchanged by yesterday\u2019s Executive Orders.\n\n\u201cThe \u2018Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship\u2019 Executive Order applies in cases where a child is born in the United States or a territory while neither parent is a United States citizen and any of the following applies: those with a parent designated as a terrorist, those with a parent employed by a foreign government, those born through a birth-tourism or surrogacy arrangement undertaken to secure citizenship, or those born in a United States territory where citizenship is not conferred by federal statute.\n\n\u201cThe territorial provision of the Executive Order does not touch the Virgin Islands today. Under current federal statute, people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are recognized as citizens, while those born in American Samoa are not \u2013 they are United States nationals. The provision in the Executive Order currently applies to American Samoa, which does not have a citizenship statute, and it would apply automatically to any other territory if Congress later repealed or narrowed the statute that grants citizenship.\n\n\u201cThis provision raises serious concerns regarding precedent and represents a troubling escalation in this Administration's approach to birthright citizenship in the territories \u2013 which should not be in question. Our office has joined amici briefs cited in the Supreme Court by Justice Brown Jackson to protect territorial birthright citizenship.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continues to advocate the longstanding legal principle that citizenship follows the land - that territory owned by the US confers citizenship. She said, \u201cI will continue to work with my colleagues to defend the statutory protections in place for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6101", "PLASKETT MEETS WITH GOVERNOR BRYAN, VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE ON HUD FUNDING FREEZE", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 24, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT MEETS WITH GOVERNOR BRYAN, VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE ON HUD FUNDING FREEZE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today is meeting with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the freeze of federal funding to the territory. The Congresswoman sent letters to HUD and the Governor\u2019s office regarding the matter this week.\n\n\u201cThis morning I will be meeting with Governor Bryan and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from HUD on the freeze of funding,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cI\u2019ve shared with the Governor conversations I have had with Republican leadership in Congress regarding this issue that stand ready to support our efforts to create a plan acceptable to HUD.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur office has been in contact with Congressional leadership, and I stand ready to work with the Governor in any way to ensure that we have a plan that creates the accountability and mechanism that will put our federal resources to work for the people,\u201d Plaskett concluded.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6098", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR TWO VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 22, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMANPLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR TWO VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement today regarding the introduction of two bills to name the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics on St. Thomas and St. Croix in honor of two Virgin Islanders who gave their lives in service to our country:\n\n\u201cToday, I am pleased to introduce two bills to name VA facilities in the Virgin Islands in honor of Virgin Islands veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The St. Thomas Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the \u2018Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic\u2019 and the St. Croix Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the \u2018Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic,\u2019\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\n\u201cDirector Patrick Farrell and the team at the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs deserve recognition for bringing this matter to our office. Their engagement was instrumental in moving these bills forward. If enacted, these namings would stand as a lasting tribute, ensuring that Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata are never forgotten, and that every veteran who walks through the doors of these clinics is reminded of the courage of those who came before them,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued.\n\nDirector Farrell shared the following statement:\n\n\"Today's introduction of legislation to honor Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III and Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake by naming the Virgin Islands Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (VA Clinics) in their memory marks an important step toward preserving the legacy of Virgin Islands Veterans, and a testament that we are sincerely grateful for the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For me, this initiative is deeply personal. I had the privilege of knowing both David and Floyd, and while history will rightly remember them as fallen heroes, I will always remember them as friends, fellow Soldiers, and proud Virgin Islanders whose lives embodied honor, humility, and selfless service. It is my hope that every Veteran, family member, employee, and visitor who enters these clinics in the years ahead will be reminded of their sacrifice and inspired by their enduring legacy. I am grateful to the Office of Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett for advancing this meaningful effort and helping to move this vision one step closer to becoming a lasting tribute.\"\n\n\u201cSergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake and Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III were exemplary Virgin Islanders who each made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We remember their lives and their service with solemn gratitude, and we honor their memory so that others may follow their example and answer the call to duty,\u201d Congresswoman Plaskett concluded.\n\nSergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On January 20, 2007, Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata, along with 10 other soldiers, were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Baghdad, Iraq.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6099", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION HONORING PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES THROUGH NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJuly 22, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION HONORING PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES THROUGH NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced that the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand as the \"Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.\" Today\u2019s markup follows a hearing held by the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federals Lands on July 1, 2026. Congresswoman Plaskett issued the following statement:\n\n\"This is meaningful progress to ensure that the contributions of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr. to the Virgin Islands are never forgotten. The Christiansted Bandstand stands today because of his hands and vision. Renaming the Bandstand in his honor ensures that every person who walks past it, and every musician who ever plays on it, will know whose legacy they are standing on.\n\n\"Mr. Thurland was a master craftsman, a bandleader, a mentor, and a U.S. Navy veteran. I thank my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for unanimously advancing this bill. This legislation was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress, and I am proud to continue this effort to have Peter G. Thurland, Sr.'s name take its rightful place on a landmark he helped create.\n\n\u201cThe bill must now be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives before proceeding to the U.S. Senate, and ultimately the President\u2019s desk for signature.\u201d\n\nH.R. 8121 honors the life and legacy of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., born in 1892 in Christiansted, St. Croix. On March 31, 1917, Mr. Thurland played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf. Just a few years after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland joined the U.S. Navy Band, and helped build the very bandstand where he would later perform for decades.\n\nIn 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, an institution that has trained generations of local musicians. Through free monthly concerts, the band has given the Christiansted waterfront its enduring soundtrack.\n\nThe legislation designates the bandstand located at the Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix as the \"Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand\" and directs that any reference to the bandstand in federal law, regulation, or documentation be treated as a reference to its new name.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6094", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CLAUDETTE \"ADJOA\" HINDS", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CLAUDETTE \"ADJOA\" HINDS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement on the passing of Claudette \"Adjoa\" Hinds of the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\"Our Virgin Islands community is mourning the loss of Claudette 'Adjoa' Hinds, a woman whose life and legacy touched many across our territory. Ms. Hinds' passing leaves a void that will be felt by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.\n\n\"I extend my condolences and prayers for peace to her family and loved ones.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6095", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON H.R. 9724 AND THE CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. THE TERRITORIES", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON H.R. 9724 AND THE CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. THE TERRITORIES\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI) issued the following statement regarding H.R. 9724, legislation introduced by Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-9), which contains language to strip automatic U.S. citizenship from children born in the U.S. territories beginning in 2027:\n\n\u201cProtecting the citizenship and constitutional rights of the people of the United States territories is among the most important work of my office. This commitment led me to recruit two former Solicitors General \u2014 colleagues of mine from the Department of Justice (DOJ) \u2014 to argue the citizenship cases on behalf of American Samoans before the Supreme Court (Fitisemanu v. United States). Subsequently, I led hearings in Congress examining the Insular Cases and their continuing harm to the people of the United States territories. That same commitment compelled me to co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral letter \u2014 signed by 43 Members of Congress \u2014 that pushed the DOJ, under the Biden-Harris Administration, to formally repudiate the racist foundations of those cases, a standard that remains DOJ policy today. It has led me to author resolutions in the House of Representatives affirming the rights of the people of the U.S. territories. This year, I led an amicus brief filed in the Supreme Court\u2019s recent birthright citizenship case, Trump v. Barbara, which was quoted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. I know this history, and I know what is at stake.\n\n\"While Congressman Griffith states H.R. 9724 would solely remove \u201cbirth tourism\u201d in actuality, the bill would strip automatic U.S. citizenship from children born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands beginning in 2027. Its sweeping language could leave children born in the U.S. territories citizens of nowhere. The bill relies on the Insular Cases for its authority, a body of law built on openly racist reasoning which the DOJ previously renounced.\n\n\"This bill is divisive, it is racist in its foundation, and it is corrosive of the principles of American law. It fits a broader pattern in Congressman Griffith's record of measures that diminish Black and brown people.\n\n\"To be clear\u2014this bill has not attracted a single cosponsor. It has no discernible path to consideration, particularly given the calendar of inaction the Majority has laid out, but we do not dismiss it. We do note that the Vice President has said this is an idea the Administration is 'looking at,' and we take that seriously.\n\n\"My office is working with our Republican and Democratic territorial colleagues, and with members on the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees that hold jurisdiction, to monitor this bill closely. The nearly four million Americans who call the U.S. territories home are entitled to the full dignity of their citizenship, and I will continue to defend it.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6097", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY FUNDING SUSPENSION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY FUNDING SUSPENSION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressw\n\noman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) decision to immediately suspend disaster recovery funding to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA):\n\n\"I am in receipt of a copy of the notice to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the suspension of future participation in procurement and non-procurement transactions pending an investigation. This represents the freezing (not withdrawal) of federal funding. This is a de facto \u201cdebarment\u201d restriction of one agency\u2019s, VIHFA, ability to use the funds.\n\n\u201cUpon receipt of the notice, my office and I immediately contacted the leadership of the committee of jurisdiction \u2013 the House Committee on Financial Services, our White House Liaison, the HUD leadership team and others in Washington, D.C. We learned that HUD leadership repeatedly warned the local government about their management of HUD funding and the lack of controls, specifically a high percentage of funds used for administrative costs and insufficient spending on projects.\n\n\u201cIt would appear that this is not a new issue but one that the Bryan Roach Administration has not given sufficient effort to effectively resolve. The notice from HUD makes strong allegations that VIHFA not only violated its obligation to distribute and manage taxpayer funds but also, \u2018made false statements regarding its financial management controls and safeguards against conflict of interest.\u2019 The notice clearly states that the money is not being taken away but that VIHFA is being suspended from making use of the resources. The money is not being spent.\n\n\u201cCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) HUD funding, both Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) represents a complicated program under which the Government of the Virgin Islands has been unable to use the resources. The position of HUD is that there have not been enough financial controls, procurement has not been done properly, and payments have not been made timely. The funding in this program affects not just housing but ultimately much of the local match needed for many rebuilding projects, including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, schools, hospitals, etc.\n\n\u201cThe table below is not a full representation of the delay. For example, in the first table seen below, which discusses Program Areas and lists Public Facilities, 477 of 572 have been completed. Those, however, represent small projects which only account for less than 20% of all funding amounts. We have not spent our funding quickly or efficiently and the local government is being called to task.\n\n\u201cThis notice begins a 30-day appeal process which will require a hearing for the Government of the Virgin Islands to present a \u201cdispute of material facts.\u201d In multiple discussions today with federal partners, agencies and Congressional staff, it is clear there must be a restructured turn around plan that meets the confidence of the federal government. To date, there have been several companies that have been engaged and should have the expertise and experience to develop a plan which meets the satisfaction of the federal government. Jacobs, Ernst and Young, and Witt O\u2019Brien\u2019s should be asked to provide pro bono support to create a plan that responds to the real concerns of the federal government. Our major contractors who have been contracted to partner in the rebuild with the Virgin Islands should be brought along in this process. Many have independent relationships with the Trump Administration and have seen other similar issues. As a plan is developed which removes authority from VIHFA and puts the entire program in a body which has more controls and oversight, the Governor should engage with and receive support from the Legislature of the Virgin Islands by bringing them along with our major contractors into the discussion, many of whom have worked on this in other jurisdictions.\n\n\u201cMy office will continue to be available to support and leverage our relationships in Washington, D.C. to ensure that we come to a resolution that advances the people of the Virgin Islands.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6093", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY ON ST. CROIX", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 17, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY ON ST. CROIX\n\nSt. Croix, USVI \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the death of a four-year-old boy on St. Croix, who was rushed to Juan F. Luis Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound Thursday evening and died despite emergency treatment:\n\n\"Today, our territory is grieving the loss of a baby\u2014a four-year-old boy whose life was taken far too soon. No family should ever have to bury a child, and no community should have to carry this kind of pain. My heart is broken for this little boy and for everyone who loved him.\n\n\"To his parents: I am deeply sorry. There are no words that can reach the depth of what you are feeling. Please know that we as a community are holding you close, and that you do not carry this grief alone. To his family, and to everyone who knew and loved this child, his grandparents, his siblings, his neighbors, his community, please lean on one another in the days ahead. Grief like this is not meant to be carried in silence.\n\n\"I want to thank the first responders and medical staff at Juan F. Luis Hospital who fought to save this child's life. We must continue to do everything in our power to keep our children safe.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6092", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMING LAW", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 16, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT BECOMING LAW\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement after the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law, following the expiration of President Trump's ten-day window to sign or veto the bipartisan legislation:\n\n\"The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program for three years and establishes a dedicated Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund in the Treasury Department. For the people of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, who know all too well what it means for Congress to pass one-off recovery funding after a storm has already taken everything, this is not an abstract policy win. It means faster resources, fewer bureaucratic delays, and a program that exists before disaster strikes rather than one we have to fight to rebuild from scratch every hurricane season.\n\n\"This law also removes the requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent chassis, a change that will lower construction costs and open up new design options for families in the Virgin Islands who rely on manufactured and modular housing to recover after a storm. It also directs the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to study how building codes and financing can expand modular construction, and reauthorizes the PRICE grant program for seven years for the repair, preservation, and improvement of existing manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.\n\n\u201cThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also strengthens financing for families trying to rebuild their homes. It creates a Whole-Home Repairs pilot program to provide grants and forgivable loans directly to homeowners and landlords for repairs and modifications, and a small-dollar mortgage pilot at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to expand access to loans under $100,000. It also raises the loan limits on FHA-insured manufactured housing loans, so families can finance the full cost of the homes many of them depend on.\n\n\"This bill passed both chambers of Congress with large bipartisan majorities. It reflects the work of members on both sides of the aisle, including a new Treasury program pairing larger banks with Minority Depository Institutions and rural banks, and streamlined chartering rules to help new community banks form in underserved areas.\n\n\"The people of the Virgin Islands do not have the luxury of treating disaster recovery as a political football. We have lived through Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We know what it costs a family, a business, a whole community, when Washington drags its feet. This law does not fix every inequity faced by the Virgin Islands, but it is a meaningful step toward the kind of dependable disaster recovery infrastructure the Virgin Islands has needed for generations.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6091", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ATTORNEY MICHAEL JOSEPH", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 14, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ATTORNEY MICHAEL JOSEPH\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Attorney Michael Joseph:\n\n\"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Attorney Michael Joseph, a man whose life reflected a genuine passion for the law and a deep commitment to serving the people of St. Croix. Attorney Joseph dedicated his career to the practice of law in the community he called home, and his work touched the lives of countless Virgin Islanders who sought his counsel and trusted his judgment.\n\n\"Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Joseph was an author who took on the difficult but necessary task of chronicling a painful and pivotal moment in Virgin Islands history, ensuring that our stories, however hard to tell, are never forgotten. He also served our community through his work on the Board of Elections, helping to safeguard the democratic process for the people of the Virgin Islands.\n\n\"Mr. Joseph's legacy as a jurist, historian, and public servant will continue to be felt throughout our community for years to come. I offer my prayers for peace and extend my deepest condolences to the Joseph family and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6090", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES IN HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE", "2026-07-06", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 6, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES IN HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced today that the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federals Lands held a hearing on H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the \u201cPeter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.\u201d The hearing marks a significant step forward for legislation that would permanently honor one of St. Croix\u2019s cultural figures and cement his legacy in the very landmark he helped build.\n\n\u201cLast week\u2019s hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands is an important milestone in our effort to ensure that Peter G. Thurland, Sr.\u2019s contributions to the Virgin Islands are never forgotten,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cMr. Thurland helped construct the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there in service to his country, and then spent decades pouring his talents back into the community by training generations of young Virgin Islands musicians. I am hopeful this legislation will continue moving through the process so that we can deliver this long-overdue recognition.\u201d\n\nH.R. 8121 honors the life and legacy of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland enlisted in the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.\n\nIn 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son. Beyond music, he was known across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker whose contributions to St. Croix\u2019s civic and cultural life remain immeasurable.\n\n\u201cThe Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr.,\u201d said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. \u201cNot only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician, was a master joiner, educator, and family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.\u201d\n\nThe legislation was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The hearing held last week represents the furthest the bill has advanced in its history.\n\n\u201cOur story as Virgin Islanders is not only written in textbooks, it is woven into the places we gather, the music we play, and the people who gave so much of themselves to build the communities we live in today. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. is one of those people,\u201d Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. \u201cPreserving and honoring stories like his is how we ensure that the next generation of Virgin Islanders knows where they come from and who stood before them.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6089", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES EMANCIPATION DAY AND AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJuly 2, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES EMANCIPATION DAY AND AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) issued the following statement commemorating Virgin Islands Emancipation Day and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence:\n\n\"Two hundred and fifty years ago, this nation declared to the world that all men are created equal, that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That declaration, signed in Philadelphia on July 3rd, 1776, drove the principal goals of the American Revolution. 72 years later, enslaved men and women of the Danish West Indies rose up for their own freedom from chattel slavery and received their own proclamation of emancipation in Frederiksted on St. Croix, on July 3, 1848.\n\n\"That emancipation did not come from the grace of an empire. It came because our ancestors demanded it. They rose up, refused the conditions of their bondage, and pressed on the gates of freedom until they were opened. The men and women who marched that day did not wait to be given their freedom, they insisted upon it. That is the legacy we inherit and the spirit we carry into every fight.\n\n\"Today, as America celebrates 250 years of independence and Virgin Islanders mark another Emancipation Day, we must recognize that these two anniversaries are inseparable. The Virgin Islands of the United States is inextricably tied to the history of this nation, from Alexander Hamilton, who spent his formative years on St. Croix studying banking and who risked\n\neverything to throw off colonial rule, to our strategic position safeguarding the Caribbean Basin.\n\n\"In 1917, the United States purchased our islands from Denmark, not for the benefit of the people, but for the protection of the Caribbean Basin. The $25 million in gold bullion to purchase the islands was sent to Copenhagen not for the people of the island. And yet, we have fought in every American conflict, produced revolutionaries, statesmen and creators, and carried the full responsibilities of citizenship without the full benefits being extended to us.\n\n\"More than a century later, that inequity persists. My constituents pay federal taxes. They serve in the military at higher rates per capita than most states. They bleed for our flag. And yet they cannot vote for President. They have limited representation in Congress. They are told, in effect, that their consent does not count, that the words etched into the Declaration of Independence do not fully apply to them.\n\n\"On this semiquincentennial, I do not celebrate 250 years of American democracy as if it has been equally shared, but I also refuse to surrender to cynicism. The same spirit that drove our ancestors to the fort at Frederiksted is the spirit that drives me to fight on behalf of every Virgin Islander as their member of Congress. The cause of full equality for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is an American issue. Colonial rule was wrong in 1776, and it remains wrong today.\n\n\"To every Virgin Islander: let Emancipation Day remind you of the courage that runs in your veins. Let the 250th anniversary of this nation remind you that the work of building a more perfect union is not finished. Our people are not a footnote to American history. We are woven into its very foundation, and we will not stop fighting until democracy means what it says.\n\n\"Blessed Emancipation Day and Happy Fourth of July.\"\n\nIn observance of Emancipation and Independence Day, the district offices of Congresswoman Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas, as well as the Washington, D.C. office, will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, and Friday, July 4, 2026. All offices will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.\n\nFor assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6087", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S ST. THOMAS OFFICE TO CLOSE FOR ST. JOHN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 30, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S ST. THOMAS OFFICE TO CLOSE FOR ST. JOHN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) announces that her St. Thomas district office will be closed on the following dates as staff participates in community engagement events on St. John:\n\n\u00b7 Tuesday, June 30 \u2014 Closed all day\n\n\u00b7 Wednesday, July 1 \u2014 Closed from 12:00 p.m.\n\n\u00b7 Thursday, July 2 \u2014 Closed from 12:00 p.m.\n\nDuring this time, Congresswoman Plaskett's team will be on St. John for a series of community-centered events, including a Congress on Your Corner on Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin A. Powell Sr. Bandstand in Cruz Bay, followed by Congressional Listening Sessions on Wednesday, July 1, 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Our Place in Coral Bay and Thursday, July 2, 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Meada's Plaza in Cruz Bay.\n\nThese events are an opportunity to hear directly from the people of St. John \u2014 your concerns, your priorities, and your vision for our community. Congresswoman Plaskett's office is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and that the issues that matter most are reflected in the work done in Congress. All residents are encouraged to come out and be a part of the conversation.\n\nFor questions or assistance during office closure, constituents may contact the Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-1790 or the St. Croix district office at (340) 778-5900.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6088", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT RULING STRIPPING PROTECTIONS FROM HAITIAN TPS HOLDERS", "2026-06-27", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 27, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT RULING STRIPPING PROTECTIONS FROM HAITIAN TPS HOLDERS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in Mullin v. Dahlia Doe and Trump v. Miot, clearing the way for the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from more than 350,000 Haitian nationals and approximately 6,000 Syrian nationals currently living and working legally in the United States.\n\nThe ruling comes after Congresswoman Plaskett, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts), Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and their colleagues spent months fighting to preserve these protections. In 2025, Congresswoman Plaskett led a congressional letter with 48 colleagues urging the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to extend TPS for Haitian nationals. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Plaskett assisted in whipping votes for House passage of H.R. 1689, legislation to require DHS to restore Haiti\u2019s TPS designation through April 2029. That bill now awaits action in the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis decision, while deeply disappointing, is ultimately unsurprising from a Court that has repeatedly placed a regressive-activist-conservative agenda above the rule of law. The Supreme Court has handed the Trump Administration unchecked authority to remove legal protections from hundreds of thousands of people who came here lawfully, registered with the government, passed background checks, paid taxes, and built lives in this country,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cHaitian TPS holders contribute nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy each year and pay $1.56 billion in taxes \u2013 funding programs they cannot even access. More than 20 percent work in healthcare, including as nursing assistants and caregivers. Sending them back to a country the State Department warns Americans not to visit due to gang violence, kidnapping, and instability is not policy. It is cruelty and short-sighted.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continued, \u201cI am also troubled by the Court\u2019s refusal to seriously grapple with the record of racial animus underlying this decision. Federal judges found that the administration\u2019s actions were likely motivated by documented hostility toward Black and Haitian immigrants. Justice Kagan said plainly in dissent that there is no dispute these individuals will suffer irreparable harm. She is right.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett added, \"Congress created TPS over 35 years ago, on a bipartisan basis, because we agreed that we should not send people back to war, disaster, and death \u2014 particularly individuals within our own hemisphere who, by working in the United States, create some level of economic support for neighboring countries that, without the support of those TPS holders, may utterly collapse. The House has already acted. I call on the Senate to move H.R. 1689 without delay. These families deserve the protection of the law, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have it.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-28T06:32:11Z", "2026-06-28T06:33:41Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6086", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJune 18, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 In observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, the district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas, as well as the Washington, D.C. office, will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026. All offices will reopen on Monday, June 22, 2026.\n\n\"Juneteenth is a testament to the enduring resilience and power of Black people in this country. It is a reminder that freedom, when it finally came, was carried forward not by those in power, but by the courage of a people who refused to let their humanity be erased. As we mark this day, we must do more than celebrate, we must commit to preserving the culture, the history, and the stories that have shaped who we are. From the shores of West Africa to the fields of Galveston to the hills of the Virgin Islands, our story is one of survival, brilliance, and an unbreakable will to thrive,\" shared Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\n\"To every community, every family, and every individual honoring this day, I wish you a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth. May we always remember where we came from, so we never lose sight of where we are going.\"\n\nFor assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, June 22, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6084", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS RADIO PERSONALITY SAM TOPP", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 15, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS RADIO PERSONALITY SAM TOPP\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) issued the following statement:\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has lost one of its most trusted and enduring voices. For nearly two decades, Sam Topp showed up for this community every morning, as a radio broadcaster, and a man deeply committed to the people, politics, and the pulse of these islands. Topp Talk was more than a radio program. It was a public square, a place where Virgin Islanders could speak, be heard, and stay informed.\n\nSam brought integrity, passion, and an unwavering love for the Virgin Islands to every broadcast. He understood that a microphone in the right hands is a powerful tool, and he used his with purpose and care.\n\nOur community will feel his absence deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues and all those who loved him.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6085", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION FOR WATER SPIRIT 2, RESTORING VITAL CARGO SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJune 15, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION FOR WATER SPIRIT 2, RESTORING VITAL CARGO SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced today that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has authorized Water Spirit Freight Services\u2019 vessels, Admiral Pride and Water Spirit 2, to resume operations under new berthing arrangements at the Pier 14 extension in San Juan, coordinated with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA). The authorization allows for the restoration of critical cargo service for Virgin Islands residents and businesses following weeks of sustained advocacy by her office at the federal level.\n\nIn May of 2026, USCG issued orders imposing docking restrictions on Water Spirit 2 and Admiral Pride, barring both from re-entering San Juan Harbor until a compliant berthing arrangement could be identified. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the practical effect was an immediate disruption to the cargo lifeline connecting St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and San Juan. Congresswoman Plaskett's office engaged immediately, holding multiple meetings with USCG Headquarters, USCG Southeast District, and USCG Sector San Juan, as well as ongoing coordination with PRPA Director Negr\u00f3n to ensure that the territory's interests and the impact on Virgin Islands residents were fully communicated to the relevant authorities.\n\n\"As soon as my office was made aware of the disruption of service to the Virgin Islands and that there were potentially federal agencies impacting Virgin Islands business, we reached out to the owner of Water Spirit and the US Coast Guard,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Virgin Islanders cannot afford supply chain disruptions \u2014 not for a day, not for a week. My office worked at every level of the Coast Guard and with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and we remained at the table until the full impact on the Virgin Islands was considered and our constituents received the timely federal response they deserve.\"\n\n\"The people of the Virgin Islands deserve the same reliable access to goods and commerce that any American community expects,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \"Our territory's geographic reality means that freight disruptions have immediate, fundamental life consequences \u2014 on grocery store shelves, on small businesses, on families. We will always fight to protect that lifeline.\"\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett's office will remain in contact with the Coast Guard, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and Water Spirit Freight Services to ensure a smooth and sustained return to full service.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6082", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER US POSTAL SERVICE POSTMASTER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, LOUIS JACKSON", "2026-06-12", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 12, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER US POSTAL SERVICE POSTMASTER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, LOUIS JACKSON\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today expressed her condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Louis A. Jackson, the former Virgin Islands Postmaster, who passed away recently.\n\n\"Louis Jackson embodied what public service looks like at its best \u2014 steady and rooted in community,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. Under his leadership, the post offices where he served were hubs of connection, information, and care, which reflected the man at its helm. His door would often swing open and he would talk and listen to the community.\n\n\u201cMr. Jackson's service earned national recognition. He was a three-time recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award \u2014 the highest public relations honor conferred by the U.S. Postal Service \u2014 receiving the award for the third consecutive year in 2005, one of only 28 postal leaders nationwide so honored that year. Under his leadership, the Frederiksted Post Office placed first in the Caribbean District in the National Play the Zone competition, a testament to the standard of excellence he set throughout his career.\n\n\"My prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-13T06:32:19Z", "2026-06-13T06:34:27Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6075", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJune 9, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 This June, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) reaffirms her commitment to the Caribbean American community in recognition of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Congresswoman Plaskett serves as a co-lead on H. Res. 547 alongside Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson. The resolution recognizes the enduring contributions of Caribbean Americans to the history, culture, and progress of the United States.\n\n\"Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have served our country and contributed to the culture of the United States through the arts, science, education, business, sports, military, and government,\" said Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07). \u201cI was proud to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution to highlight the significance of National Caribbean American Heritage Month and honor the invaluable influence Caribbean Americans have had in the United States.\"\n\n\"In observance of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate our diversity, honor our legacy, and strengthen our unity. Above all, this month recognizes the resilience, contributions, and extraordinary achievements of Caribbean Americans across generations,\u201d said Rep. Clarke. \"As a proud woman of Jamaican descent, I am honored to represent those who came to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, as well as their descendants who continue to build upon their sacrifices while preserving the rich cultural values that shape the American story. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the National Caribbean American Heritage Month Resolution with my colleagues in Congress.\"\n\n\"Caribbean Americans have shaped this nation in ways that are too often overlooked,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"From Alexander Hamilton, Malcolm X to Colin Powell and Sonia Sotomayor, from the arts to the military, Caribbean Americans have been woven into the very fabric of what makes this country great. As a proud Virgin Islander serving in Congress, I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues in formally recognizing this legacy.\"\n\nThe resolution highlights that more than 13 million people in the United States were born in or have ancestry from the Caribbean and acknowledges the Caribbean diaspora's centuries-long contributions across every sector of American life \u2014 including business, science, education, government, and the armed forces. It also recognizes the cultural richness Caribbean Americans bring to communities across all 50 states through music, food, art, and tradition.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands is America\u2019s sovereign soil in the Caribbean, our people have always understood the strength that comes from this shared heritage,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \u201cAs Virgin Islanders living in the heart of the Caribbean, we know that this resolution is a reminder that our diversity is not a footnote \u2014 it is a foundation.\"\n\nThe resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and has garnered support from Members across the country.\n\nThe following Members of Congress have cosponsored this resolution: Reps. Beatty, Bell, Cherfilus-McCormick, D. Davis, Figures, Frost, Goldman, Hernandez, Holmes Norton, Horsford, J. Jackson, H. Johnson, McBride, McIver, Mfume, Pou, D. Scott, Simon, Soto, Tlaib, B. Thompson, Torres, Vel\u00e1zquez, Waston Coleman, Wasserman Schultz, N. Williams, F. Wilson", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6076", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS AND CONGRESSWOMAN VAL DEMINGS FOLLOWING THE MAYOR\u2019S GUBERNATORIAL RACE SUSPENSION", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJune xx, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS AND CONGRESSWOMAN VAL DEMINGS FOLLOWING THE MAYOR\u2019S GUBERNATORIAL RACE SUSPENSION\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today issued the following statement in response to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' announcement that he is suspending his campaign for Florida Governor after receiving a cancer diagnosis:\n\n\"My heart goes out to Jerry and Val Demings as they face this challenging chapter. Jerry Demings has spent decades in public service \u2014 as a law enforcement officer, as Sheriff, and as Mayor of Orange County \u2014 dedicating his life to the safety and wellbeing of his community. Former Congresswoman Val Demings is one of the most committed public servants I have had the privilege of serving alongside in Congress. Together, they represent the very best of what it means to show up for the people you serve.\n\n\"No campaign, no office, no title matters more than health and family. I am keeping Jerry, Val, and their entire family in my prayers as they walk through this time. I have no doubt that the same strength and resilience that has defined their decades of service will carry them through this as well. The people of Florida and this nation are better because of the work they have both done, and I am honored to call them friends.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6079", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ACROSS THREE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 9, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ACROSS THREE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI-AL) announced today that all nineteen Community Project Funding (CPF) requests she submitted on behalf of the U.S. Virgin Islands have been included across three Fiscal Year 2027 House Appropriations bills \u2014 covering health care, housing and economic development, and rural infrastructure, representing a total of $15,890,000 in requested federal investment.\n\n\"These Community Project Funding requests represent real investments in the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 in their health, their homes, their livelihoods, and their future,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"From expanding health care access on St. Croix and St. Thomas to strengthening rural infrastructure and supporting economic development across our territory, each of these projects a priority our office identifies, championed, and fought to include. I am proud of my office\u2019s work to secure the inclusion of these requests, and I will continue fighting to see every single one of these projects signed into law.\"\n\n\"The appropriations process is long, and each bill must be marked up by the Committee, considered and passed by the House of Representatives, then passed by the Senate, and ultimately signed by the President before it becomes law. However, inclusion of the projects in the base bill at this stage is a meaningful and hard-won step that reflects the strength of the needs our community has articulated,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \"I am grateful to the members of the House Appropriations Committee for their support of the work of my office and recognition of the Virgin Islands' priorities. My team and I will remain engaged every step of the way.\"\n\nAgriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies\n\nAll six projects Congresswoman Plaskett submitted under the Rural Community Facilities Program were included in the bill's Community Project Funding table, totaling $3,740,000 in federal investment:\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, St. Croix \u2013 $803,000 for the VIDA Agricultural Infrastructure Cistern Project;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, St. Croix \u2013 $375,000 for the La Reine Farmers' Market Enhancement Project;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, St. Thomas \u2013 $375,000 for the Sanderilla Thomas Bungalow Farmers' Market Enhancement Project;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, St. Thomas / St. John \u2013 $537,000 for the VIWMA Compact Garbage Trucks Project;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, St. Croix \u2013 $825,000 for the VIWMA Anguilla Landfill Specialty Equipment Project; and\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, St. Thomas \u2013 $825,000 for the VIWMA Bovoni Landfill Specialty Equipment Project.\n\nThe Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 passed the House of Representatives on June 4, 2026.\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD)\n\nAll six projects Congresswoman Plaskett submitted under the HUD Economic Development Initiative account were included in the bill's Community Project Funding table, totaling $6,100,000 in federal investment:\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation, St. Croix \u2013 $2,000,000 for DSPR Athletic Village and Sports Complex Site Preparation and Development;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, St. Croix \u2013 $1,250,000 for the VI Senior and Youth Technology Learning Center;\n\n\u00b7 University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park, St. Croix \u2013 $1,000,000 for the UVI RTPark Youth Agripreneur Farm and Resource Center;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Health, St. Croix \u2013 $850,000 for the Virgin Islands Supportive Recovery Housing and Crisis Response Project;\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, St. John \u2013 $500,000 for the Emergency Response and Community Resilience Facility; and\n\n\u00b7 Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, St. Thomas \u2013 $500,000 for the St. Thomas Step Street Revitalization project.\n\nThe Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 was approved by the Appropriations Committee on June 3, 2026.\n\nLabor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS)\n\nAll seven projects Congresswoman Plaskett submitted under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Wide Activities and Program Support account were included in the bill's Community Project Funding table, totaling $6,050,000 in federal investment:\n\n\u00b7 Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., St. Croix \u2013 $1,000,000 for the Ingeborg-Nesbitt Health Center Renovation and Modernization Project;\n\n\u00b7 St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation, St. Thomas \u2013 $1,000,000 for the STEEMCC Healthcare Infrastructure and Access Expansion Project;\n\n\u00b7 Government of the Virgin Islands \u2013 $1,300,000 for the USVI Healthcare IT Infrastructure and Integrity Project;\n\n\u00b7 Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, St. Croix \u2013 $750,000 for the JFL Advanced MRI Imaging Expansion Project;\n\n\u00b7 Schneider Regional Medical Center, St. Thomas \u2013 $2,000,000 for:\n\no Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute PET/CT Diagnostic Imaging Expansion Project;\n\no SRMC Clinical Laboratory Infrastructure and Diagnostic Capacity Project; and\n\no SRMC Patient Care and Emergency Response Infrastructure Project.\n\nThe Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 has a full Appropriations Committee markup today, June 9, 2026.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett encourages constituents who want to learn more about these projects or the federal appropriations process to visit the FY 27 Community Project Funding Requests page on her website.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6073", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF JAZZ LEGEND SONNY ROLLINS", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nMay 29, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF JAZZ LEGEND SONNY ROLLINS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of saxophone legend Sonny Rollins:\n\n\"The world has lost one of the greatest jazz musicians of our time, and the Virgin Islands has lost one of its most celebrated sons. Sonny Rollins was born to parents who carried the spirit of these islands with them to New York City, and that spirit never left him. You could hear it in every note he played.\n\n\"From the streets of Harlem to concert stages around the world, Sonny Rollins transformed jazz into something deeply personal and alive. His 1956 masterpiece Saxophone Colossus, with its Caribbean-rooted 'St. Thomas', stands as one of the greatest recordings in American music history. He was a towering figure who played alongside Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, and yet he always remained connected to where he came from.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands community takes deep pride in his legacy. He is proof of what our people carry within us\u2014creativity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that knows no limits. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones, and the countless musicians and fans whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6074", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF COACH ARTHUR 'JIMO' JAMISON", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nMay 29, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF COACH ARTHUR \"JIMO\" JAMISON\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of former Charlotte Amalie High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Arthur \"Jimo\" Jamison Sr.:\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has lost one of its great pillars. Coach Arthur 'Jimo' Jamison was more than a coach, he was a builder of people. For decades, he walked the halls and fields of Charlotte Amalie High School not simply to win games, but to shape young men and women into disciplined, driven, and purposeful human beings. His work was never just about athletics. It was always about life.\n\n\"Jimo arrived on St. Thomas in 1962 and made these islands his home and his mission. As athletic director, head football coach, and the Interscholastic Athletic Association's territorial tackle football commissioner, he set a standard of excellence that extended far beyond any scoreboard. He saw potential in young people before they could see it in themselves, and he refused to let them settle for less.\n\n\"The stories of students he guided to college scholarships, of athletes he called back home to contribute to their community, of young people he steadied simply by being present are his true legacy. The Virgin Islands is full of doctors, educators, coaches, and professionals who carry a piece of Jimo with them every single day.\n\n\"To his children Tracey, Stacey, Arthur 'Aree' Jr., and Aixa, and to all who loved him, Jonathan and I extend our deepest condolences. Coach Jamison gave 91 years of life, and he used them well. May he rest in eternal peace.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6071", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF MABLE BRADY", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 26, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF MABLE BRADY\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Mable Brady:\n\n\u201cI was saddened to hear of the passing of Mable Brady, matriarch of the Brady family on St. Croix. Alongside her husband, Allan Brady, Sr., Mrs. Mable opened Brady's Restaurant in the late 1960s, building it into one of the most treasured and award-winning establishments in Christiansted. For many years, she stood at the heart of its kitchen, feeding our community with food and love. Brady\u2019s Restaurant also served as a meeting place for my family for decades. Mrs. Mable cooked well into the early 2000s, a testament to her devotion and her joy in the craft.\n\n\u201cAbove all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a constant source of kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-27T06:38:34Z", "2026-05-27T06:40:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6070", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ENGAGED ON WATER SPIRIT FREIGHT DISRUPTION AFFECTING VIRGIN ISLANDS SUPPLY CHAIN", "2026-05-15", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 15, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ENGAGED ON WATER SPIRIT FREIGHT DISRUPTION AFFECTING VIRGIN ISLANDS SUPPLY CHAIN\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is actively engaged with federal authorities and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority following docking restrictions imposed on Water Spirit Freight Services V.I., Inc., a St. Croix-based cargo carrier that has provided island-to-island freight service across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the broader Caribbean for more than two decades.\n\nWe all recognize this disruption poses a direct concern for Virgin Islands residents and businesses who depend on Water Spirit's freight service for the timely movement of goods between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and San Juan.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett's office reached out directly to the U.S. Coast Guard and has remained in continuous contact with USCG and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The office has also reached out to Water Spirit to help determine what the best path forward is\u2014pursuing all forms of engagement to ensure that the Virgin Islands has a voice in these discussions as authorities work toward a resolution.\n\n\"Virgin Islanders depend on reliable cargo service \u2014 this is not an abstract maritime matter, it is a supply chain issue that affects real people and real businesses in our territory,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"My office has also reached out to our own local port authority for additional support. We will continue to monitor developments and continue our advocacy for a resolution that protects the uninterrupted flow of goods to and from our territory.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6069", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO \u201cPETE\u201d ENCARNACION", "2026-05-11", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 11, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO \u201cPETE\u201d ENCARNACION\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Pedro \"Pete\" Encarnacion:\n\n\"I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Pete Encarnacion. He was a man of deep faith and genuine kindness with a dedication to service in our community. Raised in a strong family with deep Virgin Islands roots, Pete was someone who showed up, served, and gave everything he had to the people of St. Croix.\n\n\"His life was one of dedication across every role he took on. He rose through the ranks of the Virgin Islands Fire Service from firefighter to director and brought a genuine love of community to every assignment. As a senator in the 26th Legislature, he chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice at a time when gun violence was ravaging our communities. He answered that moment with the same calm, steady resolve that defined everything he did.\n\n\"Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service.\n\n\"My prayers and deepest condolences go to his wife Janie, his children, Kimberly and Khyle, and the many lives he touched.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6068", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORT OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS IN FREDERIKSTED", "2026-05-09", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 9, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORT OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS IN FREDERIKSTED\n\nSt. Croix, USVI \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement in response to a report of over 100 gunshots fired in Frederiksted, St. Croix:\n\n\"The ongoing violence in our territory weighs heavily on me. Every incident is a painful reminder of how much work remains for us.\n\n\"Frederiksted holds a very special place in my heart and in the work of my office. We have seen this town endure years of neglect and deterioration \u2014 and we have also seen the resilience of the people who refuse to give up on it. I am continually inspired by the residents, business owners, advocates, and community members who show up every single day committed to making the town of Frederiksted better. My team and I stand with you, as we always have.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, my team and I have consistently advocated for public safety, community investment, and regional security across the territory. Public safety begins long before a crime is committed, and I worked to ensure that USVI youth-serving organizations like the Caribbean Centers for Boys & Girls received $1 million in community project funding in 2024 to support effective youth programming. Organizations like these provide safe spaces, mentorship, and wraparound services for at-risk youth and are an integral part of violence prevention. I will continue to champion federal funding for community-based organizations on the front lines of violence prevention in the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cI have also fought to restore and protect federal behavioral health grants, including SAMHSA funding and secured $141,000 for Project Cultiv8te's after-school gun violence intervention programming for at-risk youth, $857,000 for St. Clair Institute, and $788,000 for Bush Tea and Therapy Foundation. I understand that trauma, untreated mental illness, and lack of behavioral health infrastructure are significant drivers of community violence.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, I have long advocated for equipping the Virgin Islands Police Department with the resources necessary to address the unique security challenges of a Caribbean territory. This includes securing $3.9 million in federal funding to purchase three marine enforcement vessels to assist with drug-trafficking interdiction and safety patrols in the territory's waters.\n\n\"Frederiksted and our entire territory deserves safety, investment, and the full attention of every level of government. I will continue to fight for nothing less.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-10T06:06:32Z", "2026-05-10T06:07:48Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6048", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL", "2026-05-07", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 7, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announces the inclusion of her amendment directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study identifying locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands suitable for the development of aquaculture small businesses in the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 30, 2026.\n\nThe amendment requires the Agriculture Secretary to complete the study within 180 days of enactment and mandates consultation with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The study will assess water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, laying critical groundwork for the growth of a sustainable aquaculture economy in the Territory.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has everything it takes to be a leader in aquaculture \u2014 our waters, our geography, our people. What we have lacked is the federal investment and infrastructure assessment needed to turn that potential into real economic opportunity for our small business owners and our community. This study is a meaningful step toward ensuring that the Virgin Islands is not left out of the blue economy, and is the outgrowth of discussions with John Farchette while he was with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). I am excited about the possibility of deep-sea farming for export, the potential development of high-value fisheries (crustaceans) and mechanisms for effective sargassum management here in the Virgin Islands. I will continue to fight to make sure that federal resources and federal attention reach our shores,\" said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.\n\nTerritorial aquaculture leaders welcomed the amendment as a turning point for the industry. Mr. Farchette, a leading voice on marine aquaculture development in the Virgin Islands, offered the following statement:\n\n\"Thank you to the Delegate and her staff for the opportunity to comment on this most important subject. Aquaculture and mariculture in our region would go a long way to ensuring our economic future in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are uniquely fortunate to have and be surrounded by the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. We currently have a seafood trade deficit of $20 billion dollars annually \u2014 most of that from China, India, and Ecuador. Promoting marine aquaculture helps in the resiliency of coastal areas, creates meaningful employment, grows our economic future, and brings a new industry to the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cExportation of manufactured seafood products to the U.S. market would offset that trade deficit we currently have with Asian countries and Ecuador, shared Mr. Farchette. \u201cOur waters can produce 25% more biomass than areas currently being fish farmed in the United States, and we have unique incentives to promote the exportation of manufactured products from the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands has established rules and regulations to govern this new industry and a VI 5-Year Aquaculture Plan pursuant to Act 6471 \u2014 we are currently the only Caribbean territory under the U.S. flag to have done so. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, NOAA's Office of Aquaculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal institutions to ensure that our environment and public health are protected as this industry grows. Again, we would like to thank Delegate Stacey Plaskett for her invaluable support over the years. God bless the United States of America and the people of the United States Virgin Islands.\"\n\nThe Farm Bill passed the House on April 30, 2026, and now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6047", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD RUSSELL", "2026-05-06", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 6, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD RUSSELL\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ronald E. Russell:\n\n\"It is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences on the passing of former Senate President Ronald E. Russell Esq., a man whose life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on an entire community.\n\n\"Ronald Russell was, in every sense, a son of these islands. Raised by his beloved grandmother, the legendary educator Eulalie Rivera, he carried her commitment to education and community throughout his life. His public service was deeply shaped by his roots in Frederiksted, his education as an attorney, as an athlete representing his home, and a belief in service to Virgin Islanders at every level of government. From his work as legal counsel to the Board of Education, the Public Services Commission, the Coastal Zone Management, and the Judicial Ethics Commission, to his distinguished tenure in the Legislature, culminating in his service as Senate President of the 29th Legislature, Senator Russell gave the best of himself to his people.\n\n\"As Delegate to Congress, I was proud to work alongside him as he demonstrated his intellectual rigor and deep humanity. His passing leaves a void in our public life.\n\n\"To his wife, Royette, his children, his family, his colleagues at the V.I. Bar, and the community of Frederiksted that shaped him and that he served so faithfully, please know that you are in my and Jonathan's prayers. May God grant you comfort and peace, and may Senator Russell's legacy continue to inspire the next generation of Virgin Islanders called to serve. May he rest in eternal peace.\"", 1, "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6046", "CONGRESSWOMAN\u00a0PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF FARM BILL", "2026-05-01", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nMay 1, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF FARM BILL\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.\n\n\"The Farm Bill is an opportunity to stand with farmers and families who are struggling under the weight of rising input costs, skyrocketing grocery prices, reckless tariffs, and the economic strain the ongoing war. Unfortunately, the bill passed by House Republicans chose instead to cement the largest cuts to SNAP in history \u2014 $187 billion stripped from food assistance in H.R. 1 \u2014 while offering nothing to reverse the devastation already underway. More than 40 million Americans will see their benefits reduced or eliminated: 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 1.2 million veterans, and 4 million people with disabilities. Virgin Islanders who rely on SNAP \u2013 our children, elders, veterans and hard-working families will feel these cuts. This is not a policy choice. It is a moral failure.\n\n\"Rather than making food more affordable for working families, Republicans used the Farm Bill to override the will of voters by preempting state food production standards that were approved at the ballot box and upheld by the Supreme Court. And they gutted nearly $800 million from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program \u2014 one of the most essential tools farmers rely on to protect their land and manage rising costs.\n\n\"This bill also fails rural communities. It fails beginning farmers and farmers of color, key groups necessary for the future of farming in the Virgin Islands. It provides no new or additional funding for rural small business programs, strips legal set-asides for beginning farmers in USDA lending, and weakens the 2501 Program \u2014 the only USDA program specifically focused on supporting farmers of color. At a time when farm bankruptcies have surged 46 percent and USDA projects farm income to continue falling, this bill turns its back on the very people it claims to serve.\n\n\"For the U.S. Virgin Islands and the territories, I fought to deliver meaningful provisions to this bill. I am proud that included in the bill was my amendment which requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study identifying suitable locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam for the development of aquaculture small businesses, including assessments of water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable regulatory requirements. This support from the Department of Agriculture to the Virgin Islands aquaculture development will provide substantive support to the development of this industry. Aquaculture represents a real opportunity for economic growth and food security in the territories, and I will continue to push for these investments.\n\n\"But make no mistake \u2014 a Farm Bill that does not support to farmers of color (who have been disproportionately impacted by prior discriminatory policy) or programs which provide resources to new and emerging farmers does not deserve our support. Republicans have openly stated their intent to come back for even more SNAP cuts through future reconciliation packages. We cannot accept a bill that treats food assistance as an afterthought while families are paying $310 more for groceries than they were just a year ago, and fruit and vegetable prices have risen over five percent,\u201d continued Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett added, \"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to develop a better, bipartisan farm bill \u2014 one that provides real relief to farmers crushed by falling incomes and rising costs, restores food assistance protections for millions of vulnerable Americans, invests in our rural and territorial communities, and is worthy of the American people's trust.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6045", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR ST. THOMAS CARNIVAL BREAK", "2026-04-28", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 28, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR ST. THOMAS CARNIVAL BREAK\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 In observance of the 2026 St. Thomas Carnival season, the district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas will be closed beginning Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1, 2026. All offices will be open on Monday, May 4, 2026.\n\n\u201cOur carnival and festival celebrations are where our ancestors' stories live. In every parade costume, every pan note, and every Jouvert morning and parade day rhythm echoing through the streets,\u201d shared Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank every vendor, every performer, every organizer, and every volunteer who poured their energy into making this year\u2019s carnival possible. You are the backbone of this event, and we are grateful. Also, a very special thank you to our Virgin Islands Police Department and first responders for their service and for keeping us safe as we celebrate.\n\n\u201cHappy St. Thomas Carnival to all!\u201d\n\nFor immediate assistance during this time, please contact the Washington D.C. office via phone at 202-225-1790.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-29T06:03:53Z", "2026-04-29T06:05:09Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6044", "PRESS RELEASE - CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT", "2026-04-22", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nApril 22, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Congressman David Scott of Georgia:\n\n\"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and friend, Congressman David Scott. For more than two decades in the United States Congress \u2014 and nearly fifty years in public service \u2014 David dedicated his life to the people of Georgia and to the nation he loved.\n\n\"David was a trailblazer. Born on a farm in South Carolina and educated at Florida A&M University and the Wharton School of Business, he rose from humble beginnings to make history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. In that role, he fought to protect our farmers, strengthen nutrition programs, and secure critical funding for our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His legacy on that committee alone touched millions of American families.\n\n\"As a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I witnessed firsthand David's unwavering commitment to lifting up communities too often overlooked. David understood that public service is not about title \u2014 it is about showing up for people.\n\n\"My prayers are with his wife Alfredia, his daughters Dayna and Marcye, his grandchildren, and the entire Scott family during this time of tremendous loss. The halls of Congress are quieter today, but David Scott's legacy of service, faith, and perseverance will endure for generations to come.\"", 1, "2026-04-23T05:48:52Z", "2026-04-23T05:50:10Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6042", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER SENATOR JOHN A. BELL, SR.", "2026-04-21", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of former Senator John A. Bell, Sr.:\n\n\"I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator John A. Bell, Sr., a man whose life was a testament to the power of transformation, service, and unwavering love for the people of the Virgin Islands.\n\n\"Senator Bell's journey is one that will continue to inspire generations. From challenging beginnings, he rose through sheer determination and discipline to become a soldier, a counselor, a co-founder of the Mortar and Pestle and Unity Movement, and a six-term member of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, where he served with distinction as both Vice President and Minority Leader. His was a life that proved beyond any doubt that one's circumstances do not dictate one's destiny.\n\n\"Throughout his decades of public service, Senator Bell championed justice, equality, and opportunity for all Virgin Islanders. He lifted up those around him, stood beside families in crisis, mentored young people, and worked tirelessly to shape a more just and equitable territory. His contributions are forever memorialized in the institution that bears his name, the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, a fitting tribute to a man who believed deeply in redemption and second chances.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to former Senator Bell's family, his loved ones, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. May his legacy of perseverance, compassion, and service continue to light the way for our community.\"", 1, "2026-04-22T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-22T05:48:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6043", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR HUBERT L. FREDERICK'S MOTHER, PRIMROSE FRANCIS", "2026-04-21", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 21, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR HUBERT L. FREDERICK'S MOTHER, PRIMROSE FRANCIS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Primrose Francis, beloved mother of Senator Hubert L. Frederick:\n\n\"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Francis, the beloved mother of Senator Hubert L. Frederick. A mother's influence is immeasurable, and hers is evident in the strength and character of the family she leaves behind. Ms. Francis\u2019s commitment to raising a family grounded in faith, service, and love for community values is reflected in Senator Frederick's dedication to the people of St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\n\"The loss of a mother leaves a void that nothing can fill. I ask our Virgin Islands community to lift the Frederick and Francis families in prayer as they navigate this profound loss and cherish the memories of a woman who meant so much to so many.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest sympathies to Senator Frederick, his siblings, and all who loved Ms. Francis. May her memory be a source of comfort and may the love of this community surround the family during this season of mourning.\"", 1, "2026-04-22T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-22T05:48:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6041", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF VIOLETTE ROACH BROWNE", "2026-04-20", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 20, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF VIOLETTE ROACH BROWNE\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Violette Roach Browne, beloved sister of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq.:\n\n\"My heart goes out to Lieutenant Governor Roach and his entire family following the passing of his dear sister, Violette. I spoke personally with the Lieutenant Governor to offer my sincere condolences during this painful time.\n\n\"Violette was a cherished member of her family and community, and her loss is felt deeply by all who knew and loved her. As a big sister, she played an irreplaceable role in her family's life, and her absence will be profoundly felt.\n\n\"I ask our Virgin Islands community to keep the Roach family in their prayers, especially their mother, who bears the immeasurable grief of losing a daughter. There is no sorrow quite like that of a parent, and we pray that God grants her strength and peace in the days ahead.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest sympathies to Lieutenant Governor Roach, his brother Ian, their mother, and all who mourn Violette's passing. May her memory bring comfort and may the love of this community surround the family during this difficult season.\"", 1, "2026-04-21T05:46:59Z", "2026-04-21T05:48:34Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6040", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO RESTORE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OF HAITIAN NATIONALS", "2026-04-17", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 17, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO RESTORE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OF HAITIAN NATIONALS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the statement below following the U.S. House of Representatives' vote requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until April 20, 2029.\n\nThe vote to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until April 20, 2029 follows the successful adoption of H. Res. 965, the Discharge Petition led by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) to consider H.R. 1689. This marks a significant milestone in Congresswoman Plaskett's longstanding efforts to protect Haitian TPS holders. Congresswoman Plaskett assisted this week in whipping votes for passage of the legislation. The bipartisan vote comes after the Administration moved to revoke TPS from more than 350,000 Haitian nationals; protections that a federal court order has been keeping in place.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett has been instrumental in Congress to defend these protections. In 2025, she led a congressional letter with 48 of her colleagues to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of TPS for Haitian nationals, detailing the catastrophic humanitarian conditions on the island, including gang violence that has killed thousands of civilians and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians. Congresswoman Plaskett has continued to advocate for Haitian TPS holders through legislation, coalition building, and direct engagement with the Administration.\n\n\"Our immigrant neighbors and their children are not our enemies, and today this body affirmed that reality,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Haitian TPS holders contribute nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy each year and annually pay $1.56 billion in taxes, as they are required to do, even though they are not eligible for the benefits that they directly help fund, like Social Security. For over 15 years, Haitian TPS holders have started families, built businesses, and contributed to communities throughout this country as teachers, caregivers, and more. Today's vote is a critical step toward restoring their protections.\"\n\nHaiti's TPS designation was first granted after the deadliest earthquake in the history of the Western Hemisphere killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than a million Haitians. Despite these deep roots in American communities, President Trump stripped legal status from otherwise law-abiding Haitian nationals.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continued, \"It is notable that even members of the Trump Cabinet understand this reality and the profound negative consequences of this decision. According to HHS Secretary Kennedy, there is already a shortage of health care workers. A mass deportation of Haitians will worsen the caregiving crisis. More than 20 percent of Haitians in the United States work in healthcare and help comprise the 1 in 4 long-term care workers who are immigrants. This decision is counterproductive, and even one of the most questionable members of this Cabinet understands that reality.\"\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continued, \"Arbitrarily stripping Temporary Protected Status from Haitians is cruel and unconscionable. It forces Haitian people to return to a nation in abject chaos. Congress took a stand against pulling the rug out from under our law-abiding neighbors. We must now see this bill through the Senate and to the President's desk.\"\n\nBACKGROUND: Discharge Petitions are a procedural tool that allow Members of Congress to bring to the House floor for consideration a public bill or resolution that has been referred to committee but not reported, once 218 Members have signed the petition. This allows the consideration of legislation outside of regular order, which is controlled by the Speaker of the House.\n\n###\n\nPictured below: Congresswoman Plaskett and Haitian Ambassador Lionel Delatour", 1, "2026-04-18T05:35:53Z", "2026-04-18T05:37:16Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6026", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RICHARD SCHRADER", "2026-04-11", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 11, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RICHARD SCHRADER\n\nSt. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today issued the following statement on the passing of Richard Schrader, beloved son of St. Croix, author, poet, and cultural icon of the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands has lost one of its great storytellers and most devoted culture bearers. Richard Schrader spent his life making sure that who we are, including our traditions, our folklore, our history, would never be forgotten.\n\n\u201cFrom his early years on to his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Mr. Schrader embodied the resilience and pride of the Virgin Islands people. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, he picked up a pen, and in doing so, gave our islands a voice that will endure for generations.\n\n\u201cOver nearly four decades and across twenty-eight books, Mr. Schrader catalogued our Virgin Islands traditions and folklore with extraordinary vividness and love. Works like St. Croix by Night, Notes of a Crucian Son, and In A Heartbeat: Stories of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard are not just books, they are our living memory. He was rightly honored as the Virgin Islands Humanities Council\u2019s Humanist of the Year and penned the 2003 Inaugural Poem, a testament to how deeply his words are an integral piece of the fabric of our community.\n\n\u201cMr. Schrader was a consummate gentleman. A reminder of Crucian men with quiet strength, tremendous capacity to give love and an enduring commitment to family, community and country. I will miss his kind words, his reassuring smile and the sense of safety, even in his advanced years, I would have when he was around or when his great niece Angeline Muckle Jabbar started, \u201cI spoke to my Uncle\u2026.\u201d\n\n\u201cI send my prayers for God\u2019s comfort and peace to his wife Claudette, his children, and all who loved him \u2014 the people of the Virgin Islands grieve with you. Mr. Schrader\u2019s stories will remain in our memories, reminding us of the pure strength and God-given grace of Virgin Islanders.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-12T05:43:33Z", "2026-04-12T05:44:50Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6013", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR.", "2026-04-03", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 3, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND\n\nPETER G. THURLAND, SR.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) shared the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand, located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the ''Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand'':\n\n\"Peter G. Thurland, Sr. was a giant in the St. Croix community as a master craftsman, a dedicated musician, a proud veteran, and a tireless champion of the arts. He helped build the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there throughout his military service, and spent decades ensuring the next generation of Virgin Islands musicians had a stage on which to shine. It is a profound honor to introduce this legislation to permanently affix his name to a landmark he helped create and loved deeply.\"\n\nBorn on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr. was a celebrated trombone and baritone horn player who devoted his life to musical excellence. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland joined the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a proud member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand, where he performed with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.\n\nIn 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand \u2014 a gift to the community that endured for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son upon retiring for health reasons. Widely revered across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker, Mr. Thurland's contributions to the cultural and civic life of St. Croix remain immeasurable.\n\n\u201cThe Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr,\u201d said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. \u201cNot only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician was a master joiner, educator, family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continued, \"I am proud to introduce this legislation, which was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The Christiansted Bandstand is more than a landmark \u2014 it is a living testament of St. Croix's rich cultural heritage. Renaming it in honor of Peter G. Thurland, Sr. ensures that every resident and visitor knows the name of one of our island's most beloved sons. I am committed to advancing this bill through the legislative process.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:06:43Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6011", "CONGRESSWOMAN\u00a0PLASKETT\u00a0JOINS TERRITORIAL LEADERS BEFORE SUPREME COURT IN FIGHT TO AFFIRM BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP PROTECTIONS AS ORAL ARGUMENTS CONCLUDE IN TRUMP V. BARBARA", "2026-04-01", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nApril 1, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT JOINS TERRITORIAL LEADERS BEFORE SUPREME COURT IN FIGHT TO AFFIRM BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP PROTECTIONS AS ORAL ARGUMENTS CONCLUDE IN TRUMP V. BARBARA\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in Trump v. Barbara, a landmark case in which she joined current and former elected officials and judges from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa in filing an amicus brief urging the Court to affirm that birthright citizenship is a constitutional guarantee that no executive order can override.\n\nAt the center of this case is whether the Trump administration can rewrite the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to certain immigrant parents? The amicus brief, signed by leaders across the political spectrum with varying views on territorial status, makes clear that whatever their differences, they stand united against any executive branch attempt to unilaterally redefine who counts as a citizen.\n\nThe brief draws a troubling comparison to the period following the Spanish-American War of 1898, when the McKinley administration tried to redefine \"in the United States\" to exclude people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, and other newly acquired territories. The Supreme Court's deference to the political branches on that question gave rise to the Insular Cases \u2014 a legal framework that left millions of territorial residents with statutory, rather than constitutionally protected, citizenship. The effects of that decision are still being felt today.\n\nAmerican Samoans, for example, are still classified under federal law as \"non-citizen\" U.S. nationals \u2014 a designation that has cost people military security clearances, created wrongful voter registration complications, and blocked full civic participation. The brief warns that allowing the administration's executive order to stand would deepen that history, handing the executive branch sweeping power over one of the most fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.\n\n\"For the people of the U.S. Territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, this fight is deeply personal. For generations, we have struggled to have our citizenship and our rights fully recognized. The Supreme Court's long avoidance of the birthright citizenship question in the territories has left our residents in an unacceptable state of legal limbo \u2014 and now we are watching that same dangerous logic weaponized to strip citizenship from children born on American soil. The Fourteenth Amendment is unambiguous: Those born under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the United States are Americans. No executive order can change that. The Constitution does not bend to the political preferences of any administration, and no president holds the power to rewrite it by executive order. I am proud to stand alongside leaders across our territories to make that case before the Supreme Court on April 1st,\" said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.\n\nBACKGROUND: The amicus brief was coordinated by Right to Democracy, co-founded by Neil C. Weare, and filed on February 26, 2026, by co-counsel Patricio Martinez Llompart and the team at KKL LLP. The signatures urge the Court not to repeat the errors of the past by deferring to the political branches on the scope of the Citizenship Clause. Instead, they call on the Court to affirm, unambiguously, that birthright citizenship is a constitutional right \u2014 one that belongs to all persons born under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the United States, and right that cannot be narrowed by executive or legislative action.", 1, "2026-04-02T05:33:17Z", "2026-04-06T21:06:43Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6012", "CONGRESSWOMAN\u00a0PLASKETT\u00a0ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR EASTER\u00a0HOLIDAY", "2026-04-01", "2026", "2026-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 1, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR EASTER HOLIDAY\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 In observance of the Easter holiday, the Washington, D.C., St. Croix, and St. Thomas offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3, 2026. Offices will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026.\n\n\"As we enter this Easter weekend, I extend my warmest wishes to all who are celebrating across our territory and beyond. Whether you are gathering with family, attending church services, or participating in the many cherished community traditions that make this season so meaningful in the Virgin Islands, I hope this time brings you renewal, reflection, and joy.\n\n\"Easter is a season of hope, and hope is something our territory has always held close, through every challenge and every triumph. To our families, our faith communities, and everyone who calls the Virgin Islands home, may this weekend be a time of peace, gratitude, and togetherness.\n\n\"I wish you and your family a blessed Easter.\"\n\nFor non-urgent matters, please email the offices or call after office reopening. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026.", 1, "2026-04-02T05:33:17Z", "2026-04-06T21:06:43Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5990", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO BORDER PATROL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ON ST. CROIX; CALLS FOR DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL RESIDENTS", "2026-03-19", "2026", "2026-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 19, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO BORDER PATROL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ON ST. CROIX; CALLS FOR DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL RESIDENTS\n\nST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement regarding enforcement actions conducted by Border Patrol agents on St. Croix on March 19, 2026:\n\n\"My office has received reports and video footage from community members regarding Border Patrol enforcement actions taking place on St. Croix. My team and I have investigated the matter with the appropriate authorities and can confirm that these actions were conducted by Border Patrol agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are part of an initiative allegedly targeting individuals with criminal records.\n\n\"I am deeply concerned by these enforcement actions and the manner in which they were carried out. Regardless of the stated purpose of any federal initiative, I want to be clear: all agents \u2014 regardless of their designation \u2014 must treat our residents with dignity and respect. The safety and wellbeing of all Virgin Islands residents remain a priority, and I am committed to ensuring that any federal enforcement activities are conducted lawfully and with full respect for the dignity and rights of our residents.\n\n\"I urge all Virgin Islands residents to know their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. My office has 'Know Your Rights' information, which has been distributed in the community and on social media, available in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish to help community members understand their legal protections during encounters with federal agents. Regardless of immigration status, you have constitutional protections. I want to remind everyone in the community that in the United States, being present in the country without the appropriate documentation is a civil matter, not a criminal one.\n\n\"My team and I will continue to closely monitor the situation for any significant or increased presence of Department of Homeland Security agents on St. Croix. We will keep the public apprised of any developments. If you experience concerning interactions with federal enforcement or need assistance understanding your rights as an immigrant, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to serve you.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have championed comprehensive, compassionate immigration reform - including proudly cosponsoring the American Dream and Promise Act. Recently, I joined my colleague Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA) in supporting the Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act (H.R.6390), which redirect the $175 billion allocated to ICE funding, DHS raids, and border militarization toward housing relief, including benefiting first-time homebuyers, working and middle-class renters, and extremely low-income households.\n\n\u201cScripture reminds us: \u201cWhen a foreigner resides among you in your land,\n\ndo not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated\n\nas your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in\n\nEgypt.\u201d \u2014 Leviticus 19:33\u201334.\n\nThis ancient call to compassion is not merely a moral aspiration, it is the standard by which we must measure our treatment of every person who calls these islands home or who seeks safety and dignity within our community. I call on all federal agents operating in our territory to act accordingly\u201d\n\nMy offices are located at 60 King Street on St. Croix and at 9100 Port of Sale Mall, Port Havensight on St. Thomas and can be contacted at 340-778-5900 (STX) and 340-774-4408 (STT/STJ).\n\nTo access the Know Your Rights flyers, please visit plaskett.house.gov or any of the congressional offices on St. Thomas or St. Croix.\n\nKnow Your Immigration Rights\n\nConozca Sus Derechos de Inmigraci\u00f3n\n\nKonnen Dwa Imigrasyon W Yo", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:05:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5978", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS", "2026-03-17", "2026", "2026-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is urging residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands to be on high alert after the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a national scam warning to remind the public that new and replacement Social Security cards are provided at no cost. Numerous fraudulent websites and impersonators are currently charging fees for services that the federal government provides for free.\n\nThe SSA provides this assistance \u2014 for first-time applicants, replacements for lost cards, and name changes \u2014 at no charge. Residents are encouraged to visit SSA's official website at ssa.gov/number-card or call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Eligible individuals may also create a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to apply for a replacement card online.\n\n\"I want every Virgin Islander to know that you should never have to pay for a Social Security card \u2014 not a new one, not a replacement, not for any reason,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Scammers are actively targeting communities throughout the country with false claims about Social Security card fees. I urge all Virgin Islanders to go directly to the official SSA website or call their hotline, and to avoid third-party websites that may seek to steal your money or your personal information.\"\n\nThe SSA OIG has cautioned the public to be wary of imposter websites and fraudulent social media accounts designed to collect sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and credit card information. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act explicitly prohibits misleading SSA-related communications and restricts charging for services the SSA provides for free. Violators are subject to financial penalties.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett urges all residents to keep the following steps in mind:\n\nPause. If you receive an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message, be skeptical. Think: is this a scam?\n\nProtect. Guard your personal and financial information. Talk to someone you trust before sharing sensitive details or making any payment.\n\nReport. Visit ssa.gov/scam to report suspected Social Security-related scams. Follow SSA OIG on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for the latest scam alerts. You may also visit the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov for additional consumer protection resources.\n\n\"Our seniors, our families, and our most vulnerable residents deserve to access the federal benefits and services they are entitled to without fear of exploitation,\" Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. \"I will always fight to ensure that Virgin Islanders are informed, protected, and empowered. If you or someone you know believes they have been targeted by one of these scams, please report it immediately and do not provide any further personal information.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:05:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5980", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO ST. JOHN EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE", "2026-03-16", "2026", "2026-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 16, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO ST. JOHN EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE\n\nSt. John, USVI \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement in response to the extended power outage affecting the island of St. John, which has now exceeded 40 hours:\n\n\u201cWe want the people of St. John to know we feel the weight of what you are enduring. More than 40 hours without power is not an inconvenience; it is a crisis,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cI know what it means to be at home when the lights go out: the isolation, the uncertainty, the fear for elderly neighbors and young children, the medications and food spoiling in refrigerators, the businesses that cannot open, the medical equipment that cannot run. This is an urgent crisis, demanding our full attention.\u201d\n\nThe Congresswoman extends her deep gratitude to the line crews and technical workers who have been working around the clock since the outage began: \u201cI want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the WAPA lineworkers and technicians who have not stopped working since this outage began. These men and women are out through the night and into the day, doing everything within their power to restore electricity to our fellow Virgin Islanders on St. John. Their dedication and professionalism in the face of a deeply challenging situation deserves to be recognized.\u201d\n\nReports have emerged suggesting that the outage may have resulted from deliberate tampering with WAPA\u2019s electrical infrastructure.\n\n\u201cIf it is determined that someone intentionally tampered and caused the outage, it is my hope that the appropriate authorities will hold those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. An attack on our electrical infrastructure is an attack on our people. It should not go unaddressed.\u201d\n\nThe Congresswoman also acknowledged the community support efforts underway in response to the outage. Love City Strong case managers have been actively reaching out to individuals on their high-risk list. The majority of residents Love City Strong has connected with have confirmed contingency plans are in place. Residents who feel they may need additional support are encouraged to self-identify by contacting the Love City Strong office at 340-714-7744 or via email at info@lovecitystrongvi.org, where staff will assess their situation and provide a vulnerability rating. Those identified as high-risk will be proactively contacted during future emergencies.\n\nThe Congresswoman also acknowledged ongoing discussions about battery storage and alternative energy solutions for St. John: \u201cI am aware of the battery storage and alternative energy initiatives that have been planned and discussed for St. John. I remain a strong advocate for moving those projects forward with speed and seriousness. Realistically, a battery system would not have been able to carry an entire island through a 40-plus-hour outage of this magnitude, but it would have provided meaningful, critical relief in the earliest hours.\n\n\u201cThe United States Virgin Islands deserves a resilient, modern, and reliable electrical grid. Our people deserve energy security. I will continue to fight for our people, and work with every available partner to bring the investment and infrastructure to our territory that our people have long been promised and have always deserved. We will get there. When we do, the strength of our community that we see now, in the way neighbors are looking out for one another across St. John will be the foundation we build upon.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:05:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5977", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ON THE PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS SOURCE REPORTER SUSAN ELLIS", "2026-03-09", "2026", "2026-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nMarch 9, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ON THE PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS SOURCE REPORTER SUSAN ELLIS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 It is with deep sadness that Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett mourns the passing of Susan Ellis, a dedicated journalist and beloved member of the U.S. Virgin Islands community who served for many years as a reporter both with the St. Croix Avis and the Virgin Islands Source.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has lost a tireless voice\u2014one that told our stories with care, accuracy, and a deep commitment to truth. Susan Ellis was more than a reporter; she was a chronicler of our community. For years, she showed up, to the legislative hearings, the community events, the moments big and small\u2014because she understood that the people of these islands deserved to see themselves reflected in a free and independent press. Susan was passionate in her advocacy for healthcare in the Virgin Islands--particularly mental health--agriculture and animal welfare.\n\n\"I had the privilege of working alongside Susan in my capacity as Congresswoman for the Virgin Islands, and I always found her to be thorough, fair, and deeply invested in the wellbeing of this territory. She asked the hard questions because she believed the public deserved honest answers. That is the hallmark of a great journalist, and Susan was exactly that.\n\n\"To her daughters, her family, her colleagues at the VI Source, and all who loved her\u2014you are in my thoughts and prayers. The Virgin Islands press community is smaller today, but Susan's legacy will endure in every story she told and every person whose voice she elevated. May she rest in peace and in power.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:05:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5972", "HOUSE PASSES PLASKETT-BACKED BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO GUARANTEE IN-STATE TUITION FOR TERRITORIAL STUDENTS", "2026-03-04", "2026", "2026-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, bipartisan legislation that guarantees in-state tuition rates for students from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The bill, led by the territorial Members, passed the House floor today following debate and a full vote, marking a historic milestone in the decades-long fight to expand affordable higher education access for territorial students pursuing degrees on the mainland.\n\nThe legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions receiving federal funds to charge eligible territorial residents no more than the in-state tuition rate. Out-of-state tuition can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, representing a significant deterrent for families who already face higher costs of living, limited degree options on-island and the added burden of long-distance relocation.\n\n\"Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Since my first term in office, I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the territories. Today, the House has spoken clearly: our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states. Guaranteeing in-state tuition is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economies. I am proud to have fought alongside my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly so that we can deliver this long-overdue relief to territorial students and families.\"\n\n\u201cThe passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories,\u201d Congressman Moylan (R-GU) said. \u201cToo many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren\u2019t available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families. This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It\u2019s about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam\u2019s growth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year University degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, we\u2019re a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity for our students,\u201d said Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS).\n\n\u201cStudents from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need,\" said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP).\n\n\"I want to thank Congressman Moylan for his leadership on this issue, as well as Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hern\u00e1ndez, and Congresswoman King-Hinds for their steadfast partnership in this fight for educational equity,\" Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. \"I also extend my gratitude to Chairman Walberg, Ranking Member Scott, and every Member of the House of Representatives who voted to advance this critical legislation. Our work is not finished\u2014this bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration, and if passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. I remain fully committed to seeing this bill across the finish line, ensuring that Virgin Islands students and all territorial students finally have the same access to affordable higher education as their peers across this nation.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:05:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5951", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON SR.", "2026-02-18", "2026", "2026-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nFebruary 18, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON SR.\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.:\n\n\"Today, our nation mourns the loss of a giant. During Black History Month, we honor the life of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., who dedicated his life to the fight for justice, equality, and human dignity. His voice and moral courage shaped the soul of our nation and losing him during Black History Month reminds us that the leaders who made history walked among us, and their work is now ours.\n\n\u201cThrough Operation Breadbasket and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition\u2014a movement he created that transformed how America approaches civil rights\u2014Reverend Jackson channeled the cry for justice into action. He pressured corporate boardrooms, securing diplomatic victories, and opened doors for generations to come. His historic presidential campaigns as a Democratic candidate in 1984 and 1988 shattered barriers, winning 13 primaries and caucuses and showed America what was possible. He paved the path for the election of President Barack Obama and for so many of us who serve in Congress today.\n\n\u201cFor the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Reverend Jackson was more than a leader\u2014he was a North Star. His mentorship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Black political empowerment strengthened our institution and inspired countless members, including many who serve today, to fight for justice with the same moral clarity and courage he embodied.\n\n\u201cHis legacy lives in every voter registration drive, every march for economic justice, and every movement that demanded the voiceless be heard. He mobilized millions, transformed the political landscape, and inspired generations of leaders\u2014including many of us who now serve in Congress\u2014to believe that we too could make a difference.\n\n\u201cAs the representative of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a territory still fighting for full equality and representation, I am deeply grateful for Reverend Jackson's unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Americans\u2014regardless of where they live, what they look like, or how much money they have\u2014are treated with dignity and have access to opportunity.\n\n\u201cMy heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, children, grandchildren, and the entire Jackson family, including my colleague Congressman Jonathan Jackson, who carries his father\u2019s legacy forward in Congress. They shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of their extended family. May he rest in peace and power.\n\n\u201cReverend Jackson's work is not finished. It falls to all of us to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by\u2014justice, equality, and love. His life reminds us that change is possible when we have the courage to demand it and the determination to see it through. In his most famous words, we will 'Keep Hope Alive!'\"", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:03:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5943", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION", "2026-02-15", "2026", "2026-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 15, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 In February of 2026, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett met with the Virgin Islands Board of Education to discuss the impact of recently enacted federal funding cuts on education in our territory.\n\nThe meeting focused on P.L. 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which threatens essential programs and services that thousands of Virgin Islands families depend on every single day.\n\nThe budget reconciliation law cuts more than $840 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from SNAP nationwide\u2014programs that directly determine eligibility for free school meals. Fewer children will qualify for Medicaid and SNAP, putting the Virgin Islands' universal free school lunch program at risk. As fewer children qualify for these programs, our schools risk losing Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) eligibility\u2014jeopardizing free meals for all students at a time when nearly 40% of Virgin Islands households face food insecurity.\n\nThe Virgin Islands Department of Education currently manages $115.5 million in federal grants, including funding from the U.S. Department of Education for programs like the Consolidated Grant, Special Education (IDEA), and Adult Education. Nearly $29.4 million comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Services Program, and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program\u2014which also support local farms and producers.\n\n\"This is about understanding what is coming and preparing our community,\" Congresswoman Plaskett said. \u201cThis law affects millions of children nationwide, and the Virgin Islands will feel these cuts deeply. When funding for school meals is cut, children lose their ability to focus in the classroom. When SNAP benefits are reduced, families face impossible choices between feeding their children and paying rent. As these changes take effect, no child in the Virgin Islands should go to school hungry, and no family should face these choices alone. We must work together\u2014parents, educators, leaders, and our community\u2014to navigate this reality and protect our children through the challenges ahead.\"\n\n\"The Virgin Islands already operates under different federal funding formulas than the states,\" said Dr. Kyza Callwood, Virgin Islands Board of Education Chairman. \"We have less flexibility, fewer resources, and higher costs. When Washington cuts education and nutrition funding, Virgin Islands children go hungry. When they change SNAP eligibility, Virgin Islands families lose the ability to feed themselves. We cannot and will not accept that.\"\n\nThe urgency is compounded by the Trump administration's sweeping executive actions targeting schools nationwide\u2014launching hundreds of investigations, freezing billions in federal grants, and dismantling the Department of Education itself. Half the Department\u2019s workforce has been fired or departed, and the Office for Civil Rights now dismisses approximately 90% of discrimination complaints without investigation\u2014up from 49% in 2010-2011. These executive actions, combined with the enacted budget cuts, create unprecedented uncertainty for schools and families across the country.\n\nDuring the meeting, Congresswoman Plaskett and the Virgin Islands Board of Education emphasized the critical importance of parents, students, educators, and community leaders staying informed, advocating boldly, and standing together to protect children and families as these changes take effect.\n\n\"This is a defining moment,\" Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. \"When parents, teachers, students, and leaders move together with purpose and clarity, we can effect change. The children of the Virgin Islands are worth that fight.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-06T21:03:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5942", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF HISTORICAL MARKERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK", "2026-02-13", "2026", "2026-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 13, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF HISTORICAL MARKERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK\n\nSt. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) denounced a sweeping Trump Administration directive targeting historical markers at national parks nationwide\u2014a campaign that has reached the Virgin Islands National Park, where signs and exhibits documenting the territory's history are being removed. The Virgin Islands National Park protects more than 7,000 acres on St. John that tell the story of the territory's past: Taino archaeological sites documenting indigenous life and sugar plantation ruins that stand as testament to the forced labor of enslaved Africans who built the colonial economy.\n\nThe directive implements President Trump's March 2025 Executive Order 14253, \"Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,\" which has resulted in the removal or modification of displays related to Native American history, climate change, and the treatment of enslaved peoples at parks including the Grand Canyon, Glacier, Big Bend, and Grand Teton.\n\n\"The erasure of history does not change history\u2014it only ensures we are condemned to repeat it. The Virgin Islands National Park preserves the history of our ancestors \u2013 from the indigenous peoples who first called these islands home to those who endured enslavement and built our communities through unimaginable hardship. These stories must be told accurately and completely so current and future generations understand where we come from and the lessons we must carry forward. The removal of these historical markers robs our children and all Americans of the truth they deserve.\n\n\"National parks serve as America's storytellers, with a responsibility to present our history accurately \u2013 the beautiful and the painful, the triumphs and the tragedies. Removing references to the displacement of indigenous peoples, the realities of enslavement, or the scientific evidence of climate change is not restoring truth. It is manufacturing a sanitized fiction that disrespects every American who deserves to know the full truth of our history.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has never shied away from our history. We honor our ancestors by telling their stories truthfully, teach our children by acknowledging what came before, and protect our future by learning from our past. I have worked across the aisle to ensure our history is preserved\u2014 including passing bipartisan legislation to install a plaque at Ram Head commemorating the 1733 slave rebellion.\n\n\u201cI am engaging directly with the Department of the Interior and calling on the Administration to reverse these removals and restore accurate historical interpretation at the Virgin Islands National Park. I will continue fighting to ensure the Virgin Islands National Park preserves our complete history and supports St. John and the entire Virgin Islands\u2014our land, people, culture, and future\u2014for generations to come.\"\n\n###\n\nLetter to Secretary Burgum of the U.S. Department of Interior linked here.", 1, "2026-04-03T05:34:17Z", "2026-04-06T21:03:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5936", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ALERTS TRAVELERS: NEW TSA FEE TAKES EFFECT FEBRUARY 1 FOR THOSE WITHOUT REAL ID", "2026-02-01", "2026", "2026-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 1, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ALERTS TRAVELERS: NEW TSA FEE TAKES EFFECT FEBRUARY 1 FOR THOSE WITHOUT REAL ID\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) alerts Virgin Islands residents and all travelers that beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee for those arriving at airport security checkpoints without proper identification. This is a nationwide policy affecting all U.S. airports. The fee will apply to travelers aged 18 and older who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other TSA-approved form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.\n\nTSA ConfirmID is a voluntary, paid service that uses biometric data and federal databases to verify a traveler's identity. The non-refundable $45 fee must be paid through Pay.gov and is valid for 10 days from the travel start date entered during payment. If you travel after the 10-day expiration, you must pay the fee again. While travelers can access Pay.gov on their mobile device at the airport, TSA strongly recommends paying in advance to avoid significant delays.\n\nImportant details travelers should know:\n\nAccepted forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, U.S. passports, passport cards, and other TSA-approved forms of identification.\n\nTSA ConfirmID is voluntary. However, without it or acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and could miss your flight.\n\nBring a printed or electronic copy of your TSA ConfirmID payment receipt to show at the checkpoint.\n\nPayment must be made through Pay.gov using a valid bank account (ACH), debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Cash is not accepted.\n\nPayment of the ConfirmID fee does not guarantee clearance through security. If identity cannot be confirmed, you may not be allowed through security.\n\nThe identity verification process at the checkpoint takes an average of 10-15 minutes but could take more time.\n\n\"I want to ensure that Virgin Islands residents are aware of this change well in advance so they can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected fees or travel disruptions,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Thanks to the dedicated work of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles, residents can obtain REAL ID-compliant licenses. I strongly encourage anyone planning to travel to verify their identification is valid.\"\n\nVirgin Islands residents can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license at their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by appointment only. For more information about REAL ID requirements, visit bmv.vi.gov.\n\nSt. Thomas BMV Office: 4605 Tutu Park Mall - Suite 231, (340) 774-4268\n\nSt. Croix BMV Office: 10065 Industrial Park, (340) 713-4268\n\nSt. John BMV Office: Government Complex, Cruz Bay, (340) 776-6262\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-01T05:41:29Z", "2026-04-06T21:03:58Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5935", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON ARRESTS OF INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO VI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MEDICAID AND SNAP PROGRAMS", "2026-01-29", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 29, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON ARRESTS OF INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO VI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MEDICAID AND SNAP PROGRAMS\n\nST. CROIX, USVI\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement regarding the recent arrests of multiple individuals connected to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Medicaid and SNAP programs:\n\n\"I have been informed of the recent arrests of eleven individuals connected to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Medicaid department.\n\n\"Medicaid and SNAP are critical programs that provide healthcare access and food security to our most vulnerable residents\u2014seniors, children, people with disabilities, and low-income families. In communities like ours, where healthcare resources are already limited and food costs are high, these programs serve as essential lifelines for thousands of Virgin Islanders. They should not be tampered with or put in jeopardy by illegal activity.\n\n\"I commend the law enforcement agencies involved in investigating the alleged fraud. My office will await additional information as the investigation proceeds and the legal process moves forward.\n\n\"This situation highlights our responsibility as leaders to strengthen and protect the social safety nets that serve those living in our community. We must ensure that programs designed to help our most needy residents function with integrity and remain accessible to those who depend on them. Ensuring that all Virgin Islanders have access to livable wages, resources to meet basic needs, and affordable healthcare are some of my goals as a leader and I am certain we all wish the same. I ask that our community allow the legal process to work.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-01T05:41:29Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5934", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF ICE RAIDS ON ST. JOHN; URGES COMMUNITY VIGILANCE AS HAITI TPS EXPIRATION APPROACHES", "2026-01-28", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 28, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF ICE RAIDS ON ST. JOHN; URGES COMMUNITY VIGILANCE AS HAITI TPS EXPIRATION APPROACHES\n\nST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today issued the following statement regarding reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on St. John:\n\n\"My office received reports from community members concerning ICE raids occurring on St. John. My team and I have investigated the matter with the appropriate authorities and can confirm that these reports were false. There were no ICE raids on St. John.\n\n\"Nonetheless, this incident underscores the climate of fear and uncertainty facing many in our community as Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is set to expire on February 3, 2026. I am deeply concerned that this expiration will be used as an excuse to begin more aggressive enforcement actions against the most vulnerable members of our community\u2014not only Haitians, but anyone who may be profiled. The safety and wellbeing of all Virgin Islands residents remain a priority, and I am committed to ensuring that any federal enforcement activities are conducted lawfully and with full respect for the dignity and rights of our residents.\n\n\"I urge all Virgin Islands residents to know their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. My office has 'Know Your Rights' information that we have distributed in the community and social media available in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish to help community members understand their legal protections during encounters with federal agents. Regardless of your immigration status, you have constitutional protections.\n\n\"My team and I will continue to closely monitor the situation for any significant or increased presence of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in St. John. We will keep the public apprised of any developments. If you experience concerning interactions with federal enforcement or need assistance understanding your rights as an immigrant, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to serve you.\"\n\nMy offices are located at 60 King Street on St. Croix and at 9100 Port of Sale Mall, Havensight Mall on St. Thomas and can be contacted at 340-778-5900 (STX) and 340-774-4408 (STT/STJ).\n\nTo access the Know Your Rights flyers, please visit plaskett.house.gov or visit any of the congressional offices on St. Thomas or St. Croix.\n\nKnow Your Immigration Rights\n\nConozca Sus Derechos de Inmigracion\n\nKonnen Dwa Imigrasyon W Yo\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5915", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR BRYAN\u2019S FINAL STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS", "2026-01-27", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 27, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR BRYAN\u2019S FINAL STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS\n\nST. THOMAS, USVI \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement in response to Governor Albert Bryan Jr.\u2019s final State of the Territory Address:\n\nAs I shared in my 2026 New Year\u2019s message, we live in a time that calls for resolve, clarity, and shared purpose, and for recognizing that progress requires hard work and persistence. Tonight\u2019s address underscored that reality by detailing the scale of recovery now underway\u2014from federally funded rebuilding across our islands, to long-delayed infrastructure projects finally moving into construction, to reforms that have stabilized core systems like healthcare, energy, and pensions. I commend the Governor for his detailed review of accomplishments and would like the community to understand that the federal legislative victories that have paved much of this progress happened through relentless advocacy, strategic partnership, and an unwavering commitment to securing what our territory deserves from the federal government.\n\nFor Virgin Islanders, progress is not measured in speeches alone. It is measured by whether disaster recovery dollars are reaching our communities, whether our hospitals and clinics are being rebuilt and strengthened as outlined tonight, whether energy reliability is improving and costs are coming down, whether our schools and roads are moving from plans to construction, and whether our families can see a path toward stability. Many of the initiatives discussed in the address required congressional action led by my office, including securing historic disaster recovery funding, permanently improving the Medicaid match, restoring the rum cover-over rate, and reducing federal cost-share requirements that made large-scale rebuilding possible.\n\nThe permanent restoration of the rum cover-over rate to $13.25 per proof gallon\u2014a victory the Governor rightly celebrated\u2014was the result of years of coordinated effort with our congressional allies. Similarly, the permanent decrease of the required local Medicaid match from 45% to 17% by the federal government, which I had written into legislation, represents a transformational policy win that enables our healthcare system to serve over 29,000 Virgin Islanders annually without bankrupting our local government tax.\n\nWhen the Trump Administration threatened to impose devastating maritime fees that would have inflated costs on everything from building supplies to groceries, as a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade policy, I presented the rationale for a Caribbean waiver, negotiated with the administration to make changes\u2014and we won.\n\nThe $25 billion in federal recovery funds now rebuilding our schools, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure is the direct result of federal legislation I championed and defended. The reduced federal match requirement from 10% to 2%\u2014saving Virgin Islands taxpayers $2 billion\u2014did not materialize on its own. It required strategic legislative maneuvering and persistent pressure, calling in favors to the Biden Administration.\n\nThrough the American Rescue Plan Act, I was able to legislate that the Virgin Islands receive a permanent reimbursement of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit that has brought in annual funding of between $20 and $40 million to our local government. I was delighted when Governor Bryan and our legislature earmarked these funds for tax returns and the 8% retroactive payments to our government employees.\n\nI also want to address the challenges we continue to face. Energy reliability remains a pressing concern for our families and businesses. The conviction of three cabinet members reminds us that the people\u2019s trust is sacred and must be constantly earned through transparent, ethical governance. And as we look ahead to the significant infrastructure investments on the horizon, we must ensure that the next administration has the capacity, integrity, and vision to sustain this momentum. The road ahead demands more than ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings. It requires the discipline to maintain what we build, the wisdom to plan for sustainable growth, and the courage to make difficult decisions about how we invest in our collective future.\n\nOur work is far from finished. The next four years will test our resolve as federal recovery dollars flow into active construction projects across all three islands. We must rebuild not just structures, but systems. We must create not just jobs, but careers. We must invest not just in today\u2019s needs, but in tomorrow\u2019s capacity. My team and I remain firmly committed to working Governor Bryan through the final year of this administration and the 36th Legislature to ensure that every federal dollar serves our people effectively and that every policy decision strengthens our foundation.\n\nAs Virgin Islanders look ahead, we must shift from recovery to readiness in ways people can feel in our homes, at work, in our schools, and in our communities. We have come too far to settle for progress that cannot be sustained. The work ahead calls for continued action, clarity, and commitment. It is time to keep building on what has been earned\u2014let\u2019s get to work.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5914", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF DR. RALPH DECHABERT", "2026-01-24", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 24, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF DR. RALPH DECHABERT\n\nST. CROIX, USVI\u2014Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Ralph A. DeChabert, a pioneering physician and dedicated community servant in the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\"It is with great sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the loss of Dr. Ralph A. DeChabert, a visionary physician whose contributions left an indelible mark on healthcare in our territory.\n\n\u201cDr. DeChabert was more than a skilled obstetrician \u2013 he was a compassionate healer and innovator who understood the critical health needs of our people. His obstetric practice at Juan F. Luis Hospital during a crucial period in our history, brought countless Virgin Islanders into the world with expert care. His work establishing the March of Dimes on St. Croix through the Sickle Cell Clinic demonstrated his commitment to addressing the specific health challenges facing our community.\n\n\u201cThe people of the Virgin Islands have lost a quiet giant whose impact resonates through generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. DeChabert's family, (which includes my own Chief of Staff, Angeline Muckle-Jabbar) friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.\n\n\u201cHis service will not be forgotten.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5913", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS", "2026-01-15", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 15, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today announced the successful reinstatement of approximately 2,000 health and mental health service grants totaling roughly $2 billion nationwide. The reversal follows sustained pressure from Members of Congress, including the Congresswoman, who advocated with the Trump Administration successful explaining the chaotic and harmful termination of these critical programs.\n\nEarlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), issued abrupt grant termination letters without warning, which threw communities nationwide into crisis and threatened vital programs that serve the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\nVirgin Islands organizations affected by the Administration's reckless decision include the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, Inc., and The Village \u2013 VI Partners in Recovery. These organizations provide essential substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and community health programs on which thousands of Virgin Islanders rely.\n\n\"I want to thank the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, and The Village \u2013 VI Partners in Recovery for contacting my office about their grant termination letters,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cAfter national outrage and advocacy from Members of Congress\u2014during which we made clear the impact of the cuts to vulnerable communities to be abandoned without warning or justification\u2014HHS reversed this decision. I am pleased to share that HHS has begun to issue the grant reinstatement letters, and these vital health services will continue.\u201d\n\n\"This victory demonstrates what we can accomplish when we stand together and advocate respectfully but strongly to deter policies that harm our most vulnerable neighbors,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \u201cWe will remain vigilant and continue to fight for the health and well-being of Virgin Islanders.\"\n\nThe reinstated grants support essential services that include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, suicide prevention initiatives, and community health education throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5907", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES CRITICAL WINS FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS AND CARIBBEAN IN BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE", "2026-01-14", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJanuary 14, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES CRITICAL WINS FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS AND CARIBBEAN IN BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation delivers significant victories for the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. territories, and the Caribbean region while it rejects President Trump's proposed $163 billion in domestic cuts, eliminates over 80 extreme Republican policy riders, and reasserts Congress's power of the purse.\n\n\"This funding package delivers meaningful resources for the Virgin Islands and our Caribbean neighbors while it stands firm against cuts that would have devastated our communities,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"The legislation provides $90 million for Caribbean security and development, $45 million for election security nationwide, and $28 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, with special provisions for the U.S. territories. These victories strengthen our democracy, support our small businesses, and invest in our region's future.\u201d\n\nThe package provides $90 million for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), with additional prioritization for drug transit zones and countries affected by the humanitarian, economic, and political crisis in Haiti. The bill requires detailed CBSI spend plans within 45 days and mandates a report within 120 days to assess opportunities for educational partnerships in the Caribbean region. For Haiti specifically, the legislation provides $7.5 million for National Security Investment Programs focused on maternal and neonatal care, $5 million for non-lethal assistance to Haitian Armed Forces, and continued funding for reforestation, agricultural development, and justice system improvements.\n\nThe legislation provides $28 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and establishes that territories with 20 percent or more of their population living in poverty over the past 30 years qualify for enhanced consideration\u2014a critical provision for the Virgin Islands. The package provides $45 million for Election Assistance Commission Security Grants, which will directly benefit Virgin Islands election infrastructure.\n\nThe bill provides $150 million for the Small Business Development Center Program (SBDC) as part of $330 million in total Small Business Administration (SBA) entrepreneurial development funding. The legislation directs the SBA to assess minimum funding levels for States and U.S. territories to ensure adequate resources meet demand in each jurisdiction, with a report to Congress required within 180 days\u2014a critical step to evaluate whether territorial SBDCs receive the support they need to serve our small business communities effectively.\n\n\"This is what effective representation looks like,\" Congresswoman Plaskett stated. \"We delivered direct resources for our territory and the Caribbean while protecting the programs Virgin Islanders depend on.\"\n\nThe package strongly repudiates President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget request, which would have slashed investments and severely weakened critical initiatives. Instead, the legislation protects $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions, rejecting Trump's elimination efforts. It provides $1 billion for the Small Business Administration ($383 million above the Administration\u2019s request), increases Judiciary funding by $584 million above fiscal year 2025, and provides $5.5 billion for humanitarian assistance ($1.5 billion more than requested).\n\n\"The Virgin Islands and the Caribbean are better off because Democrats held the line,\" Congresswoman Plaskett added. \"We reasserted Congress's power of the purse, secured fair treatment for territories in federal funding formulas, invested in Caribbean security and regional partnerships, and protected critical programs\u2014all while eliminating every extreme policy provision that would have harmed our communities.\"\n\nBackground: The Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations package passed the U.S. House of Representatives on January 14, 2026. This appropriations package builds on P.L. 119-37, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, which provided continuing appropriations through January 30, 2026, and full-year appropriations for Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs. On January 8, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Commerce, Justice Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 which is under consideration by the U.S. Senate. The current package does not provide funding for other departments or agencies, which includes Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD, which have temporary funding that expires at the end of this month. Congresswoman Plaskett will continue to advocate for full-year appropriations for these remaining departments to ensure stable funding for critical services affecting the Virgin Islands.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5904", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES TSEHAI ALFRED ON APPOINTMENT AS EDITOR IN CHIEF OF THE COLUMBIA DAILY SPECTATOR", "2026-01-12", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nJanuary 12, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES TSEHAI ALFRED ON APPOINTMENT AS EDITOR IN CHIEF OF THE COLUMBIA DAILY SPECTATOR\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement congratulating Tsehai Alfred, a St. Croix native and former intern in her St. Croix district office, on her historic appointment as Editor in Chief and President of The Columbia Daily Spectator at Columbia University. Ms. Alfred is the first Black editor-in-chief of the publication, which is the second-oldest college daily newspaper in the United States and has been recognized as the best student newspaper in the country by the Society of Professional Journalists.\n\nA graduate of Good Hope Country Day School, where she restarted the school newspaper, Ms. Alfred once interned in Congresswoman Plaskett's St. Croix district office. During the summer of her freshman year at Columbia University, where she is studying English, Tsehai interned with the Virgin Islands Consortium, producing critical reporting that directly benefited the St. Croix business community. Her coverage of an obscure solid waste ordinance led to the cancellation of unwarranted fines for Christiansted businesses and resulted in the Waste Management Authority establishing a territory-wide public education initiative to ensure business owners understood their compliance obligations.\n\n\"I am incredibly proud of Tsehai and all that she has accomplished,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Tsehai has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, community service, and giving voice to those who have been overlooked. The Virgin Islands is fortunate to have such a brilliant young woman representing our community on the national stage, and I have no doubt she will continue to make us proud.\"\n\n\"Working with Tsehai was an absolute privilege,\" said Tionee Scotland, Communications Director for Congresswoman Plaskett. \"From day one, her intellectual curiosity, exceptional writing ability, and remarkable eye for graphic design set her apart. But what truly distinguished Tsehai was her genuine commitment to public service\u2014she approached every assignment, whether drafting communications or researching policy issues, with the same level of excellence and attention to detail that you would expect from a seasoned professional. When her internship concluded, our office felt the loss deeply. That said, we couldn't be more proud of her historic appointment as Editor in Chief of The Columbia Daily Spectator. Tsehai has the rare combination of brilliance, integrity, and purpose that defines truly transformative journalists. We are excited to watch her continue making an impact that will undoubtedly extend far beyond the campus.\n\nThroughout her career, Ms. Alfred has maintained a steadfast focus on serving her community through journalism that informs, engages, and drives meaningful change. As she assumes leadership of The Spectator, she brings the same values of integrity and community-centered reporting that defined her work in the Virgin Islands.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett commends Ms. Alfred's dedication to uplifting her home community through her work and congratulates her on this well-deserved achievement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5905", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HAITI ECONOMIC LIFT PROGRAM EXTENSION ACT", "2026-01-12", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 12, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HAITI ECONOMIC LIFT PROGRAM EXTENSION ACT\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6504, the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act, reauthorizing the HOPE/HELP trade preference program for three additional years through December 31, 2028:\n\n\"Today's passage of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act is a significant victory for Haiti and for strategic U.S. engagement in the Caribbean. The bipartisan support for reauthorizing HOPE/HELP demonstrates that when it comes to supporting our neighbors and advancing our shared interests, Democrats and Republicans can work together.\n\n\"I am proud to have championed this legislation to support our Caribbean neighbors and foster economic development in the region. I want to thank Ranking Member Neal, Chairman Smith, Dr. Murphy, and my longtime friend, Haiti's Ambassador to the United States, Lionel Delatour, for their leadership in keeping the light of Haiti HOPE alive in the House of Representatives. The work of countless civil society groups supporting Haiti\u2019s stabilization and any American manufacturers pushed for the renewal of this legislation.\n\n\"HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program with strong bipartisan support, that secures jobs for our allies. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and into the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\"I continue to emphasize the importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. This legislation advances stronger bilateral economic ties, provides greater certainty for investors, and delivers the economic security Haiti needs to rebuild and emerge more prosperous and resilient.\n\n\"The legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate, and if passed, will move to the President\u2019s desk for signature. We know Haiti's workers and families are counting on us to ensure this vital program continues without interruption.\"\n\nBackground: Haiti faces overlapping humanitarian, political, and economic crises requiring immediate action. More than 60% of the people of Haiti are living below the poverty line, with over 25% in extreme poverty. The 37% youth unemployment rate, combined with declining female literacy and lower school enrollment rates, as well as the crime and gang violence, makes finding skilled work increasingly difficult.\n\nThe apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti's economy and is the foundation for the country's economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis that have displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger, Haiti cannot afford to wait any longer for reauthorization of this vital program.\n\nThe HOPE/HELP reauthorization extends the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment, providing the long-term certainty that Haitian producers and workers need to build stronger, more resilient futures. The legislation also restores eligibility for certain textiles that became ineligible due to changes in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5900", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ENHANCED TAX CREDIT EXTENSION", "2026-01-10", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 10, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ENHANCED TAX CREDIT EXTENSION\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend for three years the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits that expired on January 1, 2026:\n\n\u201cThis week, as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I spoke on the House floor in defense of affordable healthcare for all Americans during debate on the three-year extension of ACA enhanced premium tax credits (view remarks here). The Virgin Islands and other territories, which have never had access to ACA Exchanges, reveal a clear picture of what happens without these critical benefits.\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands healthcare system is in crisis. Our hospitals operate under outdated Medicare formulas from 1982 and 1996, and face chronic shortages of supplies, medications, equipment, and staff\u2014forcing patients to bring their own sheets and diapers to the hospital and doctors to pool personal funds to pay vendors. Hospital funding gaps exceed $34 million annually. More than 3,000 Virgin Islanders lost Medicaid coverage when supplemental funding ended, dramatically increasing the uncompensated care burden on our already struggling system. In Puerto Rico, similar Medicaid funding caps forced reliance on borrowing and debt that contributed to their 2017 bankruptcy. These territorial healthcare crises stem directly from inadequate federal support.\n\n\u201cNationally, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits has already doubled healthcare costs for 20 million Americans. When millions lose affordable coverage, the impact ripples across the entire healthcare system. Uninsured individuals turn to emergency rooms for basic care, driving up costs that are absorbed through higher premiums and hospital charges for everyone\u2014even those with employer-sponsored insurance. This system-wide strain means all Americans pay more for healthcare, regardless of where they get their coverage.\n\n\u201cSeventeen House Republicans joined Democrats in voting for this extension yesterday, demonstrating bipartisan recognition that this is a healthcare crisis, not a partisan issue. More than 90% of Marketplace enrollees rely on these enhanced premium tax credits\u2014without the extension, families across America are forced to choose between seeing a doctor or paying rent, between filling prescriptions or putting food on the table. The Senate must now prioritize the well-being of the American people over partisan politics and send this commonsense, bipartisan extension to the President's desk.\n\n\"My commitment to ensuring healthcare equity for the Virgin Islands and all U.S. territories in federal programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and SSI, remains unwavering. When the Affordable Care Act was enacted, the U.S. Virgin Islands elected to receive a lump sum Medicaid allotment rather than establish an ACA health exchange, a decision driven by the prohibitively high cost and overwhelming administrative and regulatory burdens that made marketplace creation unfeasible for all U.S. territories. I continue to advocate for policy changes that would allow territorial residents without employer-provided health insurance to access coverage through the Washington, DC Exchange (DC Health Link), with standard reimbursement for premium tax credits. This critical option would ensure access to comprehensive healthcare coverage where ACA Marketplaces do not exist and address a critical gap in the U.S. territories' healthcare system.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5898", "PLASKETT STATEMENT ON SHARK ATTACK AT DORSCH BEACH", "2026-01-09", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 9, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT STATEMENT ON SHARK ATTACK AT DORSCH BEACH\n\nSt. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following upon learning about the horrific shark attack at Dorsch beach:\n\n\u201cIt is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the tragic death of Arlene Lillis, 56, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, who lost her life Thursday following a shark attack at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix.\n\n\u201cOur hearts go out to her husband, Richard Lillis, and to all of her family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. The loss of a loved one under such devastating circumstances is beyond words, and our entire community shares in their grief.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful to the emergency responders who acted swiftly in their efforts to provide assistance, along with the brave bystanders who stepped in; we extend our sympathies to all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.\n\n\u201cMs. Lillis\u2019 family remains in our thoughts and prayers.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5899", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE", "2026-01-09", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 9, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Commerce, Justice Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation provides critical funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands, rejects the Trump Administration's proposed $163 billion in cuts from domestic programs, and protects funding for clean energy, environmental protection, scientific research and public safety grants. The legislation will now be taken up and considered by the U.S. Senate before moving to the President\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\"This funding package delivers meaningful results for the Virgin Islands while standing firm against reckless cuts that would have devastated our communities,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"I am pleased to announce the bill includes $1,172,000 in Community Project Funding specifically for critical Virgin Islands programs: $1,031,000 for the Family Resource Center Emergency Shelter and Victim Services Expansion Project and $141,000 for Project Cultiv8te, which provides after-school programming as a gun violence intervention strategy for at-risk youth.\n\n\u201cThese funds are in addition to eight Community Project Funding requests secured in November of 2025, which included two significant mental health projects, $857,000 to the St. Clair Institute to renovate the St. Clair House of mental health and substance abuse recovery services and $788,000 to the Bush Tea and Therapy Foundation to expand the Frederiksted Center for Community Wellness. Just as importantly, Democrats eliminated every single extreme policy provision Republicans attempted to attach to this bill.\"\n\n\"This is what effective representation looks like,\" Congresswoman Plaskett stated. \"We delivered direct resources for our community while protecting the programs Virgin Islanders depend on. We rejected Trump's slash-and-burn approach and eliminated every poison pill Republicans tried to attach.\"\n\nThis funding package provides $117,217,000 to the Office of Insular Affairs, which administers federal assistance to the U.S. territories and freely associated states, for general technical assistance, maintenance, disaster assistance, coral reef initiatives, and natural resources activities.\n\nThis bill provides $10.4 billion in water infrastructure through the Army Corps of Engineers ($3.8 billion above the request), $3.1 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs ($2.2 billion above the request), and $8.8 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (nearly double the requested funding). It preserves programs President Trump tried to eliminate, including funding the Weatherization Assistance Program at $329 million, the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities at $207 million respectively, and increasing Violence Against Women Act grant funding to $720 million.\n\nBeyond funding allocations, the bill includes strong guardrails against executive overreach and strengthens congressional oversight. It mandates minimum staffing levels for key agencies including the EPA, Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management\u2014preventing the Trump administration from undermining their core missions. The Administration would be required to notify Congress before moving funds and the bill secures appropriations levels through detailed funding tables, preventing unilateral shifts of hundreds of millions of dollars. The package secures resources for the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and National Museum of the American Latino.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands and communities across America are better off because Democrats held the line on our values and priorities,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"We reasserted Congress's power of the purse, addressed rising energy costs, invested in community safety and water infrastructure, and protected the environment---all while eliminating every extreme policy provision that would have harmed our communities.\"\n\nBackground: This appropriations package builds on P.L. 119-37, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, which provided continuing appropriations through January 30, 2026, and full-year appropriations for Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs. The current package does not provide funding for other departments or agencies, including Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-HUD, which have temporary funding expiring at the end of this month. Congresswoman Plaskett will continue to advocate for full-year appropriations for these remaining departments to ensure stable funding for critical services affecting the Virgin Islands.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5897", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MARKS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6TH ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY", "2026-01-06", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\"Five years ago today, our nation witnessed an unprecedented assault on American democracy. History will forever regard January 6, 2021, as a dark day when our constitutional process and democracy were attacked evidence shows that it was a coordinated attempt to subvert the will of the American people and halt the peaceful transfer of power that has been the bedrock of our republic for over two centuries.\n\n\"As a result of the bravery of the Capitol Police and other law enforcement, this attempt to overturn the 2020 election results failed. Tragically, more than 140 law enforcement officers were injured, and five officers lost their lives in the aftermath. While the physical scars on the Capitol have been repaired, the damage to our democratic institutions requires constant vigilance to guard against future threats.\n\n\"The work of defending democracy is never finished. It requires each generation to stand firm against those who would undermine free and fair elections, who would substitute violence for the ballot box, and who would choose power over principle.\n\n\"Today, as we remember and honor those who defended democracy that day, we must also commit ourselves to protecting the truth about what happened. This was not 'legitimate political discourse.' This was not a 'tourist visit.' This was an insurrection, incited by lies about a stolen election\u2014lies that persist today and continue to threaten our democratic process.\n\n\u201cAs we enter the 250th anniversary of our nation\u2019s birth, we should use this year to recommit ourselves to the continuation of this democratic experiment until all its citizens have the opportunity to the American dream.\n\n\u201cOn this solemn anniversary, I stand with my colleagues in Congress\u2014and Americans across the country\u2014in our unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values that define us as a nation. We will not forget January 6, 2021, and we will not allow it to happen again.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5896", "PLASKETT STATEMENT ON U.S. MILITARY ACTION IN VENEZUELA AND FAA AIRSPACE CLOSURE", "2026-01-03", "2026", "2026-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJanuary 3, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT STATEMENT ON U.S. MILITARY ACTION IN VENEZUELA AND FAA AIRSPACE CLOSURE\n\nU.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement today regarding military action in Venezuela and the closure of airspace covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):\n\n\"I was informed that the FAA issued a security order closing airspace at all altitudes in the flight region of military action in Venezuela. I urge all Virgin Islanders and travelers to contact their airlines directly for updates on flight schedules and travel arrangements.\n\n\"The safety and security of Virgin Islanders and all Americans remains my top priority. Given the U.S. Virgin Islands' proximity to Venezuela and our position in the Caribbean, I will make sure to keep Virgin Islanders informed. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I will await any briefing to Committee members from the administration and share what information I am able to give to the public.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, my office has spoken with a regional representative from the U.S. Postal Service who has informed us that all Priority and Priority Express packages inbound and outbound will not arrive or be delivered today due to the airspace restriction. The U.S. Postal service assured my office that they will work diligently to rectify the interruption once the airspace reopens.\n\n\"My office will continue to monitor this developing situation closely and provide updates to constituents as more information becomes available.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:01:44Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5895", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nDecember 22, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 In observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the Washington, D.C., St. Croix, and St. Thomas offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed on the following days:\n\nDuring Christmas week offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 23, until Friday, December 26, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025. During New Year\u2019s week offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 30, 2025, until Friday, January 2, 2026, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.\n\n\"As we celebrate this holiday season, I wish all who observe a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a joyful Boxing Day, and everyone across the Virgin Islands a Happy New Year. For the Crucian community, I hope you enjoy every moment of the Festival Season\u2014from the parades and village nights to the food fairs and cultural celebrations that make this time so special on St. Croix.\n\n\"This season reminds us of what truly matters\u2014our families, our community, our rich culture, and our shared commitment to one another. To everyone celebrating across our beautiful islands, those working to serve and keep our festivals running, service members stationed away from home, and all who call the Virgin Islands home\u2014may this season bring you peace, joy, and time with loved ones.\n\n\"As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of hope and determination that defines our territory. Together, we will continue building a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season.\"\n\nFor non-urgent matters, please email the offices or call after office reopening. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025, and Monday, January 5, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5886", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF LILLIA KING", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 18, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF LILLIA KING\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Lillia King, daughter of former Governor Cyril King and Agnes King, and a respected member of the Virgin Islands community:\n\n\u201cI am saddened by the passing of Lillia King, a beloved daughter of the Virgin Islands and a distinguished healthcare administrator and community leader. Lillia was part of a generation that helped preserve and share the history of the Virgin Islands, including her contributions to documenting the legacy of her father, Governor Cyril King, whose leadership helped shape our modern Territory.\n\n\"For more than four decades, Ms. King made immeasurable contributions to healthcare in the Virgin Islands. As supervisor and manager of the histopathology department at Schneider Regional Medical Center, she was not simply an administrator\u2014she was an innovator who transformed patient care through the mechanization and computerization of critical medical systems, including pioneering work that established the foundation for our territory's cancer registry.\n\n\"Beyond her professional achievements, Lillia King was a compassionate humanitarian who understood that true leadership means service to others. From mentoring countless high school and college students through educational programs she created, to her extensive philanthropic work with organizations across our community, she gave generously of her time, talent, and heart.\n\n\"As the territory's first 'first daughter,' Ms. King was raised to understand the responsibility that comes with privilege. She carried out that understanding every day of her, approaching her work with the same dedication and humility her parents instilled in her, carrying forward the legacy of her distinguished parents with grace, humility, and an extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of others.\n\n\"On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the King family, her loved ones, and all who are mourning this loss. May her memory be a blessing, and may her family find comfort during this difficult time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5883", "PLASKETT-BACKED BIPARTISAN BILL TO GUARANTEE IN-STATE TUITION FOR TERRITORIAL STUDENTS ADVANCES FROM EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 12, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT-BACKED BIPARTISAN BILL TO GUARANTEE IN-STATE TUITION FOR TERRITORIAL STUDENTS ADVANCES FROM EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the House Education and Workforce Committee approved bipartisan legislation that would guarantee in-state tuition rates for students from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The bill, led by the territorial Members, was marked up and advanced by the Committee on December 11, 2025. This legislation now advances to the House floor for consideration, marking a major step forward toward easing the financial burden faced by territorial students pursuing higher education on the mainland.\n\nThe measure would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions receiving federal funds to charge eligible territorial residents no more than the in-state tuition rate. Out-of-state tuition can often be two to three times higher than in-state rates, placing a disproportionate financial barrier on families who already contend with higher costs of living, limited on-island degree options, and the added burden of long-distance relocation.\n\n\"I am proud to join Congressman Moylan, Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hern\u00e1ndez, and Congresswoman King-Hinds in this critical effort to address a fundamental inequity faced by residents of the U.S. territories,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Since my first term in office, I have fought for legislation to expand in-state tuition college access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the small territories. Yesterday\u2019s vote out of Committee brings us one step closer to making this long-sought goal a reality. Our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states, and guaranteeing in-state tuition rates is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economy.\"\n\nCongressman Moylan (R-GU) stressed that the legislation is fundamentally about fairness and educational affordability: \"Families on Guam and across our neighboring islands already struggle with higher costs of living, limited degree options at home, and the added expense of traveling thousands of miles to pursue their education. This bill tackles one of the biggest affordability barriers our students face and finally guarantees them equal access to the higher education opportunities their peers in the states already receive. We're not just expanding access to college, we're ultimately investing in the future workforce, leadership, and economic strength of our islands.\"\n\nCongresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) highlighted the long-standing challenges students face: \"Our students deserve the same access to four-year University degrees that millions of students in all 50 States have. Our students often find ways to succeed despite obstacles like these, but they do not have the same opportunities for in-state university tuition that almost all the country has. I appreciate working together with my colleagues on this bipartisan priority to provide meaningfully better access to higher education for students from the four insular territories. This bill would help correct a significant financial disadvantage, opening the door to our students' pursuit of excellent academic and career goals.\"\n\nCongresswoman Kimberly King-Hinds (R-CNMI) shared, I join my colleagues in co-sponsoring this legislation that affirms a simple principle: students from the territories deserve the same educational opportunities as students in the states. This bill is an important step for students from the Northern Marianas, many of whom must leave home to pursue programs not available in our islands. Expanding access to in-state tuition would ease the financial burden on working families and open more pathways for students. By extending in-state tuition to all public colleges and universities nationwide, we remove long-standing barriers to affordable higher education. I look forward to advancing this practical, commonsense benefit to support Marianas students working to further their education.\u201d\n\nEducation and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) voiced support for the bill, emphasizing the territories' critical role in the nation's security and workforce needs: \"Territories like Guam play a vital role in America's national security and are important pieces of the fabric of our nation. As the Chinese Communist Party threatens U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific, this bill will help students in Guam advance their education to obtain degrees that may not have been otherwise available. These students can then return and bring back much-needed workforce skills to help keep our nation safe. As Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to support every opportunity possible to help America and its territories build stronger workforce pipelines with more opportunities for individuals to thrive.\"\n\n\"I want to thank Congressman Moylan for his leadership on this issue, as well as Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hern\u00e1ndez, and Congresswoman King-Hinds for their partnership in this fight for educational equity,\" Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. \"I also extend my gratitude to Chairman Walberg, Ranking Member Scott, and all Members of the House Education and Workforce Committee for advancing this critical legislation. Yesterday's Committee action is an important milestone, but our work is not done. The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. I remain committed to seeing this bill through the legislative process, ensuring that Virgin Islands students and all territorial students have the same access to affordable higher education as their peers across the nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5884", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS\u2019 OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 12, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS\u2019 OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY\n\nSt. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the Medical Executive Committee of the Medical Staff's (MEC) open letter regarding adverse conditions at Virgin Islands hospitals:\n\n\"Healthcare in our country and exponentially in the Virgin Islands is in crisis. I commend the Medical Executive Committee and the medical staff for their extraordinary commitment to our community. The MEC\u2019s open letter fulfills their regulatory obligation to notify CMS of adverse conditions involving supplies, staffing, medications, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and patient placement challenges. This notification is a serious step that I am sure our physicians do not take lightly. It reflects the reality that systemic failures have reached a point where medical professionals have an obligation and must formally document conditions that compromise their ability to deliver appropriate care to Virgin Islands residents, a truth that can no longer be ignored.\n\n\"These conditions did not develop overnight. In April, I and my office met with key stakeholders in our healthcare sector from both districts. Given the escalating concerns related to our hospitals in the Virgin Islands\u2014including staffing shortages, supply deficits, and operational challenges\u2014my office met with hospital leadership and these dedicated providers to identify what more can be done. For decades, I and my predecessors have worked to address the structural inequities that undermine Virgin Islands healthcare. I have fought relentlessly on multiple fronts to secure healthcare equity for the Virgin Islands, and I want to be clear about the scope of that work and the barriers we continue to face.\n\n\"Medicare payments for the Virgin Islands are calculated using the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. Under TEFRA, the respective base years are 1982 for the Schneider Regional Medical Center and 1996 for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital. The base year reimbursement system, which relies upon an inflation adjustment, does not accurately capture the expenses of patient care services. In the face of these obstacles, I have introduced legislation for healthcare equity in every Congress, and included in annual appropriations legislation language to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to update the payment data and formulas for the hospitals in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, I have met repeatedly with CMS leadership to urge the use of their administrative scope to assign a new base period, which is more representative of the reasonable and necessary cost of inpatient services. Despite these extensive efforts, TEFRA rebasing still requires CMS administrative action that has not materialized due to technical obstacles and the politics of healthcare in America.\n\n\"During the Biden Administration, I successfully secured transformative changes to Medicaid funding for the territories. I secured provisions in legislation to change the percentage of Medicaid payment by the federal government from 55 percent to 83 percent and raise the ceiling on the total amount of annual Medicaid funding. This change directly strengthened healthcare delivery across the Virgin Islands and provided paid access to healthcare for thousands more in our community. This permanent change in law represented a historic shift in how the federal government supports territorial healthcare, providing critical resources that had been denied for decades.\n\n\"I have long-championed extending and permitting Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to U.S. territories. DSH payments help close the financial gap caused by geographic isolation and rural conditions, which drive up the cost of care and strain our hospitals that already operate with limited resources. Additionally, I have advocated for Medicare and Medicaid payment systems that allow rural and geographically isolated hospitals an increased reimbursement rate, including Critical Access Hospital designation for our facilities. I have discussed with federal officials other programs and creative mechanisms to create larger funding for the hospitals.\n\n\u201cBeyond hospital funding mechanisms, addressing the economic security of our most vulnerable residents is essential to reducing healthcare system strain. For too long, our most vulnerable citizens in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories have been denied access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an integral program that supports our elderly and disabled residents with the greatest needs, solely based on their place of residence\u2014a United States territory. Since my first term in Congress, I have made obtaining access to SSI for Virgin Islanders an ongoing priority. I introduced Right to Democracy to attorneys who gave pro bono support all the way to the Supreme Court in United States v. Vaello-Madero (a case challenging the lack of SSI in the U.S. territories). In 2021, I had SSI for the Virgin Islands and other territories included in President Biden's Build Back Better legislation, which passed in the House of Representatives, but the Build Back Better package did not advance through the Senate. I am proud to continue co-leading the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act with Congressman Moylan to end decades-long disparities in federal benefits eligibility, because based on ZIP code alone, otherwise eligible citizens in territories are denied benefits. Access to SSI is critical not only for the dignity and economic security of our most vulnerable residents, but also for the sustainability of our healthcare system\u2014when our elderly and disabled citizens have adequate income support, they can better afford healthcare services and reduce the strain on already overburdened hospital resources.\n\n\"Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, which devastated our healthcare infrastructure and amplified problems that already existed, I worked aggressively to secure federal support to rebuild critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. I successfully advocated for cost-match reductions and extensions that provided critical financial relief for our hospitals in the Territory. Through the changes in law I obtained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 for the rebuild of the Virgin Islands, FEMA has now obligated more than $928 million for the Roy L Schneider Regional Hospital and $834 million for the Juan F. Luis Hospital rebuilds, creating an unprecedented opportunity to transform our healthcare infrastructure. During COVID-19, I secured additional support and funding streams to help our healthcare system weather another crisis that strained already limited resources.\n\n\"Since my April meetings with physicians and hospital leadership, I have remained in constant communication with our healthcare community. I deeply value the commitment of the medical community and the honesty with which they have described the conditions on the ground. A CMS notification could lead to federal inquiries, accreditation reviews, or required corrective action, just like we weathered in 2013. While such scrutiny is serious, it may also be the catalyst needed to force long-avoided changes. Ultimately, this moment demands that all of us set aside politics and prioritize care for every Virgin Islander. Virgin Islanders cannot afford another decade of avoidable decline.\n\n\u201cOur hospitals should not operate under reimbursement formulas based on data from forty years ago. Our medical staff and dedicated hospital employees should not endure resource challenges, poor working conditions, and stagnant wages, while carrying an ever-increasing burden. We need a system that attracts and retains healthcare professionals and also does not unduly deplete the incredible providers committed to serving in the Virgin Islands. Our patients should never experience diminished care because political obstacles delay necessary reforms.\n\n\u201cVirgin Islanders deserve the same access, the same dignity, and the same quality of care as every American citizen. I will not stop fighting until our healthcare system receives the federal support and local investment required to deliver the standard of care our people deserve.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5880", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO ADVANCE REAUTHORIZATION OF HOPE/HELP TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAM FOR HAITI", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nDecember 11, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO ADVANCE REAUTHORIZATION OF HOPE/HELP TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAM FOR HAITI\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved the reauthorization of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act) which will now advance to the House Floor for a vote:\n\n\"Today marks a significant victory for Haiti and for smart, strategic U.S. engagement in the Caribbean. The unanimous, bipartisan vote to advance the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP demonstrates that when it comes to supporting our neighbors and advancing our shared interests, Democrats and Republicans can still come together to do what's right.\n\n\"It was particularly meaningful to have Mr. Jean Bernard Henry, Counselor at the Embassy of Haiti, join us for today's markup. His presence and gratitude remind us that this work has real consequences for real people\u2014Haitian workers, families, and communities who depend on the economic opportunities these programs create. I am proud to lead the charge for HOPE/HELP's reauthorization because this is the kind of work that matters: supporting our Caribbean neighbors and fostering prosperity throughout the region\" said Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\nHaiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. The dire circumstances in Haiti require immediate action. The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti's economy and presently is the foundation for the country's economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis that have displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger, Haiti cannot afford delays in reauthorizing this vital program.\n\nThe HOPE/HELP reauthorization extends the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment, providing the long-term certainty that Haitian producers and workers need to build stronger, more resilient futures.\n\n\"HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program that boosts development for our allies with strong bipartisan support, and no domestic opposition,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \"Haiti is an ally, one of the few countries in the Hemisphere that still recognizes Taiwan, and U.S. support for Haiti's apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and to the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\"I continue to emphasize the great importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. The United States has a responsibility to support its Caribbean neighbors. This legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient.\n\n\"Today's committee vote is an important first step, but our work is not done. I urge my colleagues in the full House and Senate to act swiftly to ensure this critical program continues without interruption. Haiti's workers and families are counting on us.\"\n\nThe legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5879", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SPEAKS AT RIGHT TO DEMOCRACY EVENT ON TERRITORIAL RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC EQUALITY", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 8, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SPEAKS AT RIGHT TO DEMOCRACY EVENT ON TERRITORIAL RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC EQUALITY\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) delivered remarks at Right to Democracy's \"Recognizing Your Leadership Event\" on December 4, 2025, addressing the ongoing fight for full democratic rights and equal treatment for the nearly four million Americans living in U.S. territories.\n\nThe event was organized by Right to Democracy and featured remarks from Congressman Pablo Hern\u00e1ndez of Puerto Rico and honored individuals and organizations advancing democracy and self-determination in America's territories, including Covington & Burling LLP for their pro-bono partnership in securing the Department of Justice's historic condemnation of the Insular Cases, and Gretchen Sierra Zorita for her groundbreaking service as the first White House Director for Puerto Rico and the Territories.\n\n\"For 125 years, the racist Insular Cases have justified second-class citizenship and systemic discrimination against my constituents and millions of other Americans,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"While the Department of Justice\u2019s condemnation of these cases in 2024 was historic, words must become action. True democracy cannot coexist with colonialism\u2014even when that colonialism wears an American flag.\"\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett emphasized that as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 125th anniversary of the Insular Cases, the tension between these two moments reveals fundamental contradictions in American democracy. The Insular Cases, rooted in racist pseudoscience, declared territorial residents \"foreign in a domestic sense\" and have been used to justify excluding territories from equal Medicare and Medicaid funding, denying full voting rights in the House of Representatives and membership in the Senate, and withholding access to federal programs that states take for granted.\n\nAt the start of the 119th Congress in January, Congresswoman Plaskett addressed territorial voting rights and reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for equal opportunities for the U.S. Virgin Islands and all U.S. territories. She continues to lead this fight through concrete legislative action.\n\n\"In 2021, I led bipartisan amendments to prevent the Department of Justice from using federal funds to defend discrimination in United States v. Vaello-Madero\u2014a case that sought to deny SSI benefits to citizens based solely on their residence in a territory,\" Congresswoman Plaskett stated. \"I became the first Member ever from a Territory to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee\u2014the oldest and most exclusive Committee in Congress\u2014giving the Virgin Islands and all territories a voice on tax, trade, and healthcare policy at the highest levels.\"\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett recently secured eight critical Community Project Funding victories totaling $8.5 million for the Virgin Islands, demonstrating her commitment to delivering tangible results for her constituents while fighting for structural change. She has also worked to secure exemptions from punitive port fees and to make the rum cover-over permanent.\n\n\"The work ahead requires all of us\u2014advocates, legal scholars, policymakers, and most importantly, the people of the territories themselves\u2014to push beyond symbolic victories toward structural change,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"We must continue building coalitions and fight for healthcare equity, economic opportunity, and the infrastructure investments our communities deserve.\"\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett emphasized that every American\u2014regardless of zip code\u2014deserves full democratic rights and equal treatment under law, and that the fight for territorial equality is connected to the broader struggle for American democracy.\n\n\"As this nation faces increasing threats to our multi-racial democracy, the territories offer both a warning and a roadmap,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"We are living proof of what happens when 'consent of the governed' becomes conditional, when constitutional protections are treated as negotiable, and we are demonstrating the resilience, creativity, and determination required to demand what is rightfully ours.\"\n\nBackground: Right to Democracy is a project co-founded by Adi Mart\u00ednez Rom\u00e1n and Neil Weare that seeks to overcome historic obstacles to change through a new approach that unites rather than divides. The organization aims to build a real movement focused on confronting and dismantling the undemocratic colonial framework governing people in U.S. territories. Right to Democracy's work is centered on core values including building common ground, respecting differences, provoking change, staying focused on mission, and avoiding toxicity through an approach that centers shared goals. The organization is focused on bringing about a reckoning to address 125 years of colonialism and undemocratic governance in U.S. territories, overruling the Insular Cases, building a coalition that unites all five U.S. territories, ensuring U.S. commitments to democratic principles are achieved in U.S. territories by making decolonization a mainstream issue, and centering diversity as a strength in all their work.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5874", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE TO ADVOCATE FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS PRIORITIES", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nDecember 4, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE TO ADVOCATE FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS PRIORITIES\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer during a Ways and Means Committee roundtable session to discuss the Trump Administration's ongoing trade negotiations and their impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\nThe Congresswoman raised critical concerns about recent changes to de minimis exemptions that are driving up costs for Virgin Islands families and small businesses, as well as charter fee increases affecting the British Virgin Islands.\n\n\"I am grateful to Ambassador Greer and his team for their commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing the Virgin Islands,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"As our nation navigates complex trade negotiations, it is essential that the voices of territorial communities are heard and that our specific needs are considered in policy decisions that directly affect our economy and quality of life.\"\n\nThe de minimis exemption allows goods valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free. Recent administrative changes to this policy have created unintended consequences for Virgin Islands residents and businesses that rely on imported goods, resulting in increased costs that strain already tight household budgets and threaten small business viability.\n\nAfter the roundtable discussion with the Members of Ways and Means, Plaskett and Greer had a more in-depth discussion with a commitment from Ambassador Greer to support fixes to the issues that will support the residents and businesses in the Virgin Islands.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has unique trade circumstances that require thoughtful consideration,\" Congresswoman Plaskett continued. \"These policy changes may seem minor from a mainland perspective, but they have outsized impacts on island communities where access to affordable goods is already limited. I appreciate Ambassador Greer's willingness to engage on these issues and work toward solutions that protect Virgin Islanders from unnecessary economic hardship.\"\n\nThe Congresswoman also discussed broader trade policy matters affecting the Caribbean region, including charter fee structures that impact tourism and maritime commerce between the U.S. Virgin Islands and neighboring territories.\n\n\"I look forward to our continued collaboration as we work to ensure that trade policies support rather than burden territorial economies,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"The Virgin Islands deserves a seat at the table when trade decisions that affect our people are being made, and I will continue to advocate for policies that promote economic opportunity and affordability for our community.\"\n\nIn August, after Ambassador Greer\u2019s discussion with Congresswoman Plaskett during a Ways and Means committee hearing, USTR created an exemption for the Caribbean from the $1 Million fee for Chinese made vessels docking in U.S. Ports.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5869", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ELISA MCKAY", "2025-11-28", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 28, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF ELISA MCKAY\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Elisa McKay:\n\n\u201cIt is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Elisa McKay, a beloved artist, educator, and pillar of our Virgin Islands community.\n\nElisa was a truly remarkable woman whose creative spirit and generous heart touched countless lives across St. Croix and throughout our territory. As a self-taught artist, she channeled what she described as a divine expression, creating work that reflected her deep love for our islands, our culture, and our people. Her art was an extension of her soul\u2014vibrant, authentic, and deeply rooted in her Crucian heritage.\n\nBeyond her artistic talent, Elisa dedicated herself to uplifting our community in so many ways. She served as an educator, taught yoga for four decades, worked tirelessly with our seniors through the Interfaith Coalition, and gave her time and wisdom to numerous organizations including Unity of St. Croix, the St. Croix Environmental Association, and the Women's Coalition. Her compassion, spiritual leadership, and commitment to service made our Virgin Islands a better place.\n\nElisa lived with purpose and love, seeing the divine in everyone she encountered. Our community has lost a truly special soul, and she will be deeply missed.\n\nMy heartfelt condolences go out to her daughter Ayanna Joy McKay, whom Elisa considered her greatest accomplishment, and to all who knew and loved her. May her memory be a blessing, and may her artistic legacy continue to inspire us for generations to come.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5868", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 24, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) led 48 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond the February 3, 2026, expiration date. The letter highlights Haiti's dire humanitarian crisis, recently compounded by Hurricane Melissa, which killed at least 43 people and brought catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage to the island nation.\n\n\"Haiti represents the most acute humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. The ongoing political and security crisis, fueled by violent gangs and now exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa's devastating impact, makes the continuation of these protections both statutorily appropriate and essential to America's moral values and national security interests,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"Haitian TPS recipients have maintained full compliance with all legal requirements, contribute $4.4 billion annually to the United States economy, and pay over $1 billion a year in federal taxes. They are integral members of American communities working in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transportation, and countless other sectors that keep our nation running.\"\n\nThe letter details the catastrophic conditions in Haiti, where violent gangs have killed more than 3,000 civilians this year and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians\u2014more than 10 percent of the country's population. Half the country's population is experiencing life-threatening hunger. Hurricane Melissa further devastated the nation by destroying homes, contaminating water supplies and agricultural land, damaging healthcare facilities, and eliminating critical infrastructure needed for humanitarian aid.\n\nThe signers wrote, \"If the Trump administration does not renew TPS for Haitians by February 2026, it will deal a significant blow to both the American and Haitian economies. Beyond the economic impact, allowing TPS to lapse would further destabilize Haiti, creating opportunities for adversary nations, including China and Russia, to establish greater footholds in a region of vital importance to American security. We are deeply concerned that the Administration is actively deporting Haitians back to life-threatening conditions and gang-controlled territory.\"\n\nThe congressional letter requests an 18-month extension of Haiti's TPS designation, a comprehensive review of conditions in Haiti incorporating assessments from multiple federal agencies and humanitarian organizations, and engagement with Congress to explore legislative solutions providing more durable protections for Haitian nationals and other vulnerable populations.\n\n\"As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday\u2014a time that reminds us of the importance of community and caring for our neighbors\u2014we are called to act on those values year-round,\" Congresswoman Plaskett added. \"Haitian TPS recipients have complied with all legal requirements, contributed meaningfully to American communities, and provide essential support to their families in Haiti. Extending TPS is consistent with the statute's purpose, reflects the reality of conditions on the ground, and serves both our humanitarian values and our national security interests. I would like to thank my Democratic colleagues for joining my call to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond February 2026.\u201d\n\nThe Members of Congress who joined Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s letter are:", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5865", "REPS. PLASKETT, FITZPATRICK, RILEY, AND BRESNAHAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN FARM TO SCHOOL ACT", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nNovember 21, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nREPS. PLASKETT, FITZPATRICK, RILEY, AND BRESNAHAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN FARM TO SCHOOL ACT\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) and her colleagues, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY), and Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), introduced the Farm to School Act of 2025, H.R. 6065. This bipartisan legislation would double federal funding for farm-to-school programs from $5 million to $10 million annually. The bill would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in schools nationwide while strengthening local agricultural economies and supporting small-scale farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.\n\n\u201cThe Farm to School Act is a blueprint for nourishing our children while invigorating our local economies. Since its inception, this program has channeled more than $52 million into projects across all states and territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, benefiting nearly 21 million students in 47,000 schools. This legislation doubles funding for a program that works, providing an essential economic lifeline to our small farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, while ensuring millions of students have access to nutritious, locally sourced meals. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Fitzpatrick, Riley, and Bresnahan to support our nation\u2019s schools and local communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\n\u201cWhen local farmers and local schools work hand-in-hand, the whole community benefits. The Farm to School Act expands that partnership \u2014 increasing federal support, cutting red tape, and opening the door for more of our small and socially disadvantaged farmers to supply the fresh, local food our kids deserve. This bill brings healthier meals into our classrooms and stronger economic opportunity to our farms. It\u2019s a win for our farmers. It\u2019s a win for our kids. And it\u2019s exactly the kind of bipartisan, community-driven progress that defines Pennsylvania\u2019s First District,\u201d said Fitzpatrick.\n\n\u201cIn Upstate New York, fresh, local food shouldn\u2019t be a luxury \u2014 it should be what our kids get at school every day,\u201d Rep. Riley said. \u201cThe Farm to School Act helps connect our family farms with the cafeterias that feed our students and keeps more of our food dollars close to home. It strengthens our schools and ensures that Upstate New York farms feed Upstate New York kids. I\u2019m proud to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom Northeastern Pennsylvania farms to our school cafeterias, keeping it local matters,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cFarm to School grants and investments in our region have helped our students eat healthier and kept our family farms growing strong. The Farm to School Act will expand and improve these efforts so more of our kids can eat food grown by farmers right in their own backyards.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett continued, \u201cAs food assistance programs face continued attacks, the Farm to School Grant Program is increasingly critical. The program enables schools, nonprofit organizations, and local, state, and tribal governments to purchase and serve fresh food directly from local farms to school cafeterias. Ensuring that every child and every family has access to nutritious food is at the heart of my legislative agenda. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday\u2014a time that reminds us of the importance of community and caring for our neighbors\u2014we are called to act on those values year-round. No family should face the uncertainty of not knowing where their child\u2019s next meal will come from. I am grateful to my colleagues for their partnership on this critical legislation, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work together across party for our children.\"", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5866", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nNovember 21, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 The offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed from Tuesday, November 25 until Friday, November 28, 2025, in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Washington, D.C. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen on Monday, December 1, 2025.\n\n\u201cThis Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the people of the Virgin Islands\u2014your resilience, your strength, and your unwavering spirit. I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve you in Congress, to fight for our islands every single day, and to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who are committed to building a better future for our community.\n\n\u201cTo our families gathering around tables, to those working through the holiday to keep our islands running, to our service members far from home, and to everyone who makes the Virgin Islands the remarkable place it is\u2014thank you.\n\n\u201cAs we give thanks for our blessings, let us also recommit ourselves to lifting each other up and moving our territory forward together. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.\u201d\n\nFor non-urgent matters, please email the offices or call after Friday, November 28, 2025. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Monday, December 1, 2025.", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5870", "PLASKETT, KING-HINDS, RADEWAGEN, MOYLAN INTRODUCE BILL TO REINSTATE DE MINIMIS EXEMPTION FOR U.S. TERRITORIES", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 14, 2025 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT, KING-HINDS, RADEWAGEN, MOYLAN INTRODUCE BILL TO REINSTATE DE MINIMIS EXEMPTION FOR U.S. TERRITORIES\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands) joined Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Congresswoman Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa), and Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) to introduce H.R. 5960, a bipartisan bill to restore duty-free treatment for low-value shipments from the U.S. territories following the recent suspension of de minimis privileges under Executive Order 14324.\n\nThe legislation addresses concerns raised by territorial residents about being charged rates or classifications that treat their shipments as foreign. It restores the tariff treatment Congress specifically designed for Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and it makes clear that the territories should not be swept into trade restrictions aimed at foreign countries. The measure responds to mail delays, unexpected charges, and other disruptions created by recent federal tariff changes.\n\n\u201cFor too long, U.S. territories have been treated as afterthoughts in trade policy\u2014swept into restrictions meant for foreign countries despite being integral parts of the United States,\u201d said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cThis legislation permanently protects the de minimis exemption for our territories and requires federal agencies to consider territorial impacts before enacting trade restrictions.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Northern Mariana Islands and our sister territories have a clearly defined status under U.S. law,\u201d said Congresswoman King-Hinds. \u201cWe are not foreign countries, but neither are we part of the customs territory. Our relationship is unique, and that is reflected in the laws that govern how our goods move through the American market. This bill restores that balance and makes sure federal policy honors the intent of Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur people in the islands deserve the same federal services at the same rates as the rest of the United States,\u201d said Congresswoman Radewagen. \u201cThat\u2019s an important principle of fairness, and it\u2019s also important for our local economies, so our hardworking small businesses have services and shipping at standard U.S. rates. Thank you to Reps. King-Hinds, Moylan, and Plaskett as we work together on our bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nCongressman Moylan of Guam, who is also a cosponsor of the measure, noted the importance of restoring the exemption for territorial residents and shared, \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this essential legislation. The recent executive order suspending the de minimis exemption has a real impact on the lives of the people of Guam and is an unjust policy to levy on only those living in the US Territories. Through this legislation we\u2019re making our voices clear: Americans in the Territories should be treated equally to those in the States.\u201d\n\nUnder the bill, the U.S. Department of the Treasury would be required to admit goods originating in the covered territories duty-free, consistent with the treatment Congress intended prior to January 1, 2025. The bill also restores parity among the territories by adding the Northern Mariana Islands to the list of areas eligible for the \u201cbona fide gifts\u201d exemption under the Tariff Act of 1930.\n\nThe bill includes a new requirement that federal agencies consult on the territorial effects of any future trade or tariff changes. This provision reflects the concern shared by all four territorial delegates that federal policy decisions can unintentionally sweep the territories into rules designed for foreign countries. The consultation requirement ensures that federal agencies consider how proposed policy changes may affect territorial residents, local businesses, and the cost of essential goods and services.\n\n\u201cThis measure is an important step in ensuring fairness and consistency in federal trade policy, said Congresswoman Plaskett. \u201cOur residents pay taxes, serve in uniform, and are American citizens in every sense\u2014they deserve economic policies that recognize that reality. This legislation represents our united voice as territorial delegates: our constituents are Americans, and federal trade policy must reflect that reality.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5863", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PARTISAN REPUBLICAN SPENDING BILL", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nNovember 13, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PARTISAN REPUBLICAN SPENDING BILL\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after President Trump signed P.L. 119-37, Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 into law:\n\n\u201cFor more than six weeks, Americans \u2014 including hardworking federal employees and families in the Virgin Islands \u2014 have been caught in the middle of a destructive government shutdown. Once again, Republicans in Congress have chosen partisanship over progress, offering a stopgap measure that fails to provide the long-term stability our people deserve.\n\n\"For 43 days, House Democrats stood firm to protect healthcare and lower costs for working families. That included opposing this partisan Republican spending bill that allows critical healthcare tax credits to expire. Republicans have turned the affordability crisis into a full-blown healthcare emergency relentless targeting of the Affordable Care Act while at the same time having voted for the largest Medicaid cut in history, and outrageous threats to Medicare \u2013 both of which will affect many Virgin Islanders.\n\n\u201cThis bill leaves critical programs underfunded and continues to create uncertainty for our small businesses, hospitals, and territorial agencies that depend on federal support. The American people \u2014 and Virgin Islanders \u2014 deserve leadership that governs responsibly, not political brinkmanship that puts livelihoods at risk. Additionally, this bill fails to address the Trump Administration's assault on the constitutional Power of the Purse. The Administration has illegally frozen or canceled more than $410 billion in appropriated funds, yet this legislation does nothing to stop these unlawful actions.\n\n\"This legislation includes eight critical Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for the Virgin Islands that will support organizations fulfilling vital community needs. The funded projects include:\n\n$1,698,000 to the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition, Inc. to build a community food, farm, and technology hub to enhance food security and disaster resilience;\n\n$1,332,000 to the Nature Association of the Virgin Islands to revitalize the Frederiksted Fish Market, supporting local fishermen and food security;\n\n$1,015,000 to the Virgin Islands Architecture Center to rehabilitate the Christiansted Old Barracks for workforce development and small business training;\n\n$1,000,000 to We Grow Food, Inc. to install water desalination and filtration systems for the Bordeaux farming community;\n\n$1,000,000 to the University of the Virgin Islands to purchase telehealth equipment for distance learning and medical training;\n\n$857,000 to the St. Clair Institute to renovate the St. Clair House for mental health and substance abuse recovery services;\n\n$825,000 to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture to renovate the St. Thomas abattoir facility; and\n\n$788,000 to the Bush Tea and Therapy Foundation to expand the Frederiksted Center for Community Wellness.\n\n\"These investments in our community are important and necessary, but they cannot come at the expense of affordable healthcare for our people or at the cost of Congressional authority and accountability. The people of the Virgin Islands and Americans nationwide deserve better. Our people have endured enough instability. It is time to put politics aside and pass comprehensive appropriations that invest in healthcare, infrastructure, and the well-being of our families.\n\n\u201cDemocrats will continue to stand up for the people we represent \u2014 to lower costs, safeguard healthcare access, and ensure that our federal government works for everyone, not just a select few. I will keep pushing for full, fair funding that meets the needs of the Virgin Islands and every community across this country.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5858", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICES CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 11TH IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 The offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C., St. Croix, and St. Thomas in observance of Veterans Day. All offices will reopen on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.\n\nMy office looks forward to participating in Veterans Day events on St. Croix and St. Thomas to honor the men and women from the Virgin Islands and across the nation who have bravely served our country. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and to express our deepest gratitude for their dedication to protecting our freedoms.\n\nFor non-urgent matters, please email the offices or call after Tuesday, November 11, 2025. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left will be responded to when the offices reopen on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5850", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HONORS SPEAKER EMERITA NANCY PELOSI ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT", "2025-11-06", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the retirement announcement of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi:\n\n\"Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi's announcement marks the close of one of the most consequential careers in American legislative history. I am deeply grateful for her decades of service to our nation and wish her and her family all the best in this new chapter.\n\n\"Speaker Pelosi's commitment to excellence and public service runs deep \u2013 not only in her own remarkable career, but through the many causes she has taken on over the years; her fight for the least of us, the poor, the ill, the working family trying so hard and needing support and opportunity and of course her favorite - the children. The Pelosi family's dedication to my alma mater, Georgetown University (under the Alma mater of many Pelosi\u2019s including my classmate Christine at the School of Foreign Service) exemplifies the values of leadership and service that define the Pelosi family legacy.\n\n\"I want to thank Speaker Emerita Pelosi for being willing to support so many members including me; her support changed the trajectory of my congressional career and opened doors that had been closed to territorial representatives for generations. Her recommendation for me to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, and our caucus ratified that historic appointment, made me the first member from a U.S. territory to serve on the oldest and arguably the most powerful committee in Congress. She also gave me the profound honor of serving as an impeachment manager, allowing me to represent my country and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law on the national stage.\n\n\"What I will cherish most about Nancy Pelosi, however, is her genuine care for people. She always asked after Jonathan, and my children by name, remembering the details of our lives even amid the chaos of leading the House. She demonstrated that you can be both graceful and tough \u2013 showing poise and dignity while being an absolute hammer when fighting for what's right.\n\n\"Thank you, Speaker Pelosi, for your service, your leadership, and your friendship. The Pelosi family's sacrifice and service have blessed this nation, and your legacy will endure for generations to come.\"", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5787", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES D. HAMILTON JACKSON DAY\u2014 \u201cLIBERTY DAY\u201d\u2014IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2025-11-01", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nNovember 1, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT COMMEMORATES D. HAMILTON JACKSON DAY\u2014 \u201cLIBERTY DAY\u201d\u2014IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in recognition of Liberty Day, also known as D. Hamilton Jackson Day or the beloved \u201cBull and Bread\u201d celebration, observed annually on November 1st in the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cEach year, Virgin Islanders gather to commemorate the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson \u2014 a teacher, labor leader, newspaper editor, and civil rights advocate whose courage, and leadership forever changed the course of our history.\n\n\u201cIn 1915, Jackson traveled to Denmark to advocate for the repeal of restrictive laws that prohibited independent newspapers in the then-Danish West Indies. Upon his return to St. Croix, he established The Herald, the first free press publication in our islands. This monumental act ushered in a new era of liberty and empowerment for our people.\n\n\u201cThe community celebration that followed \u2014 a day of speeches, fellowship, and the sharing of bread and roast bull \u2014 gave birth to the tradition we know today as \u2018Bull and Bread Day.\u2019 It remains a cherished Virgin Islands holiday, reminding us that freedom of expression, workers\u2019 rights, and self-determination are the cornerstones of a just society.\n\n\u201cDavid Hamilton Jackson\u2019s advocacy extended far beyond press freedom. He founded the first labor union in the Virgin Islands and fought tirelessly for fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity for every worker. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Virgin Islanders to stand boldly for equality and justice.\n\n\u201cAs your Representative in Congress, I remain committed to carrying forward the values that Jackson embodied \u2014 the pursuit of equity, the defense of free speech, and the advancement of opportunity for all. On this Liberty Day, I urge each of us to honor his memory by investing in our young people, supporting fair labor practices, and strengthening the institutions that give voice to our communities.\n\n\u201cMay this Liberty Day serve as a reminder that our freedom was hard-won \u2014 and that it is our shared responsibility to preserve and expand it for generations to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nDavid Hamilton Jackson (1884\u20131946) was born on St. Croix in the Danish West Indies. A teacher, advocate, and community leader, he was instrumental in securing freedom of the press, forming the first labor union in the Territory, and promoting workers\u2019 rights and civic engagement. His efforts laid the foundation for the modern Virgin Islands labor movement and for a free and informed society.\n\nThe Virgin Islands Legislature designated November 1st as Liberty Day in 1981 to honor Jackson\u2019s historic achievements. Each year, residents across the Territory \u2014 particularly on St. Croix \u2014 gather for the traditional \u201cBull and Bread\u201d celebration at Grove Place, featuring cultural performances, speeches, and community fellowship in remembrance of his contributions to freedom and justice in the Virgin Islands.", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-07T20:18:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5785", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF ARCHITECT & PRESERVATIONIST GERVILLE R. LARSEN", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Virgin Islands\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of esteemed Virgin Islands architect, artist, and cultural preservationist Gerville R. Larsen:\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands has lost one of its great creative and cultural visionaries with the passing of Gerville Rene Larsen. Gerville was more than an architect \u2014 he was a steward of our history and an artist of our identity. His work captured the spirit of these islands, ensuring that the stories of our people and the beauty of our heritage were preserved for generations to come.\n\n\u201cAfter earning his degree in architecture from Cornell University, Gerville returned home to his beloved St. Croix, choosing to live in his grandparents\u2019 home in the heart of Times Square, downtown Christiansted. From there, he poured his heart into our community \u2014 using his immense talent to collaborate with both the public and private sectors on projects dedicated to historic architectural preservation. Through his firm, Taller Larjas, LLC, he designed with reverence for our past and vision for our future.\n\n\u201cI was blessed to know Gerville not only as a respected colleague on boards and admired fellow Hillsider descendant, but also as my neighbor and a friend. His presence was always acknowledged \u2014 in lively conversations, sharp insights, and deep care for the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cGerville\u2019s belief that architecture is a vessel for culture and memory continues to guide us. His mark is visible throughout the Virgin Islands, but particularly on St. Croix \u2014 in the buildings he restored, the spaces he reimagined, and the lives he touched. I am grateful that my own son Christian was able as a young architecture major to have interned and been mentored by Gerville.\n\n\u201cMy heartfelt condolences goes out to his family, his friends, and colleagues. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy inspire us all to continue building with purpose, pride, and love for our Virgin Islands. He will be deeply missed by his circle of friends, family, and the entire Virgin Islands community. We are thankful for his lifelong contributions to preserving the character and soul of our home.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5758", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES HER ADVOCACY AND\u00a0CONCERN\u00a0FOR THE FUTURE OF\u00a0SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\u00a0DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND EXPECTED FEDERAL BUDGET", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nOctober 28, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES HER ADVOCACY AND CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE OF SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND EXPECTED FEDERAL BUDGET\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett expressed the concerns of Virgin Islands families and community members about the future of federal nutrition programs that support school lunches and breakfasts for students in the U.S. Virgin Islands and shares the work she has been doing for food security\n\n\u201cI share the deep concerns of parents, educators, and community leaders across the Virgin Islands about the future of school meals for our children. More than 11,000 Virgin Islands students currently receive free lunch through the National School Lunch Program, regardless of income. This program is not only about feeding our children\u2014it is about ensuring their success in the classroom and their well-being at home. Not only does the government shutdown threaten the short-term funding of SNAP and other food program but the massive cuts enacted by Republicans in budget reconciliation threaten to eviscerate the programs that make universal school meals possible nationwide.\n\n\"The Republican One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) cuts $186 billion from SNAP, impacting 11,100 Virgin Islands households, and reduces benefits by 20 percent nationwide. Republicans are cutting approximately $900 billion from Medicaid and more than $500 billion from Medicare. In the Virgin Islands alone, 21,000 Medicaid enrollees face potential loss of services or disenrollment, while more than 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries will see their healthcare access severely compromised. Our seniors, families, and most vulnerable residents depend on these programs for lifesaving care.\n\n\u201cThese federal funding cuts directly threaten the future of school meal programs. When families lose SNAP or Medicaid eligibility, their children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals. The Community Eligibility Provision, which enables universal free lunch, depends on students being certified as eligible through SNAP and Medicaid. Due to Republican cuts and new work requirements, fewer families will qualify for these programs, meaning fewer schools will qualify for universal free meals.\n\n\"I have a strong record of supporting school nutrition programs. I sponsored the bipartisan Farm to School Act to bring more fresh, locally grown foods into schools, doubling funding from $5 million to $10 million. The program has channeled more than $52 million into projects across all states and territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, benefiting nearly 21 million students in 47,000 schools. I have also championed legislation to expand nutrition education through the Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act. In 2019, I successfully advocated for a 17 percent increase in the federal reimbursement rate for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program in our territory, providing much-needed relief to the Virgin Islands Department of Education.\n\n\u201cI want the people of the Virgin Islands to know that I am committed to working with our local legislators and government officials to develop solutions that protect our students from food insecurity amid devastating Republican cuts. I am hopeful that members of Congress will recognize the cascading effect of these cuts on communities and recognize that tax cuts to billionaires should not be the priority. Our children deserve access to healthy, nutritious meals. I will continue fighting at the federal level while supporting our local leaders in their efforts to secure the future of school lunch programs and protect our students and families.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5756", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER\u2019S LICENSE PROGRAM TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nOctober 21, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER\u2019S LICENSE PROGRAM TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO\n\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 5656, legislation which would grant the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver\u2019s licenses:\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to expand access to commercial driver\u2019s licenses (CDLs) for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which will strengthen highway safety and bolster our local economies. This measure rectifies an inequity that has denied U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico residents these nationally recognized licenses, which are available to all other Americans. I appreciate the partnership of my colleagues Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC) and Resident Commissioner Hern\u00e1ndez (D-PR) on this critical legislation, and I commend organizations like the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for championing CDL access for our communities,\u201d stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett.\n\n\u201cAmericans in every part of the United States, including the territories, deserve access to the tools needed to strengthen their workforce and grow economically. The introduction of the OPEN CDL Act is a critical step toward meeting this goal by allowing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to issue commercial driver\u2019s licenses to those who are there legally,\" said Congressman Chuck Edwards. \"This legislation marks an important milestone in expanding the economic mobility of all Americans while enhancing the safety of our roads.\"\n\n\u201cThis bill is about fairness and opportunity. By allowing Puerto Rico to issue commercial driver\u2019s licenses and working with federal regulators to ensure compliance, we\u2019re opening doors for our people to access good-paying jobs, strengthen our transportation workforce, and ensure safety standards are met. Puerto Ricans deserve the same opportunities as workers in every state, and this measure helps level the playing field,\u201d noted Resident Commissioner Pablo Jos\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez.\n\n\u201cThe Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance supports H.R. 5656. As a transportation safety organization, the Alliance is committed to preventing commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways,\u201d said Collin Mooney, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. \u201cThis inclusive bill will bolster that goal by enabling the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to enhance their existing commercial driver\u2019s license programs, aligning them with U.S. federal regulations and allowing for the recognition of those licenses as equivalent to other U.S. licenses with a single and proper credential for all CDL holders from both territories.\u201d\n\n\u201cExpanding CDL access to the Virgin Islands is a strategic investment in our economy and public safety. It also ensures that our commercial drivers meet federal safety standards, which is essential for protecting passengers, freight, and everyone who shares our roads. I applaud Congresswoman Plaskett for her leadership in advancing this vital initiative,\u201d stated Barbara Jackson-McIntosh, Director, U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles. \u201cThe Bureau of Motor Vehicles is prepared to implement this program, helping residents access new career opportunities while ensuring our commercial drivers meet federal safety standards.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5755", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PROPOSED VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY FEES", "2025-10-16", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nOctober 16, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PROPOSED VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY FEES\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement regarding the marine and facility fee increases proposed by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA):\n\n\u201cEfficient, reliable, and accessible transit between islands is a fundamental need for our multi-island community. Virgin Islands residents depend on inter-island ferry and barge services for essential daily activities including to commute to work, access healthcare, and conduct business. The proposed fee increases will affect our entire community, and these impacts should be a primary consideration as VIPA determines how to fund necessary operations.\n\n\u201cI greatly appreciate the work of VIPA Director Dowe who held hearings on St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas to create opportunities for the community to be heard. I have spoken with Director Dowe and believe he is earnestly taking under consideration the concerns expressed by residents regarding the proposed fee increases.\n\n\u201cI understand the cost increase impact on Virgin Islands residents. While VIPA must maintain safe and reliable infrastructure, the costs of doing so cannot be borne solely by our local community. I trust that the VIPA Board and Director Dowe will support fee increases that are not drastic to local commuters. I have suggested that the fee schedule for locals and visitors should be markedly different. Federal partnerships and support are essential, which is why my office will continue to do what is necessary to support these vital transit systems through federal funding avenues.\n\n\u201cIn President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I secured historic increases in funding for the Territorial Highway Program, the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, and the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which have provided millions of dollars in additional funding for transportation infrastructure in the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cInter-island connectivity challenges impact our entire territory, including between St. Thomas and St. Croix where isolation has become highly income-driven with few options for Virgin Islanders to travel between islands other than air flights. I have been vocal about the need for a federally-supported ferry system between St. Thomas and St. Croix to transport passengers, cargo, goods, and agricultural products at a reasonable cost.\n\n\u201cMy staff has provided the Government of the Virgin Islands numerous examples from other jurisdictions and proposals with funding suggestions to establish this service, including combinations of federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which were successfully utilized in other communities, including Washington State and New York City. I was truly disheartened and frustrated when I learned that instead of utilizing those federal funds (especially a portion of the ARPA funds), the Government of the Virgin Islands is now borrowing money through GARVEE bonds to start this service. This approach creates substantial future debt, which is concerning when the anticipated revenue for repayment relies heavily on federal funding that is not necessarily guaranteed year to year.\n\n\u201cI will continue to reach out to the local government and, from my federal position, support work that serves the people of the Virgin Islands. I trust that as we continue to create avenues for discussion, inclusion, and transparency, decisions that are in the best interest of all will be made.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5754", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONTINUES EFFORTS FOR CUSTOMS DUTY RELIEF FOR U.S. TERRITORIES", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nOctober 9, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONTINUES EFFORTS FOR CUSTOMS DUTY RELIEF FOR U.S. TERRITORIES\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett provided an update on her continued engagement with the White House regarding customs duty requirements impacting U.S. territories outside the customs zone:\n\n\"Effective August 29, 2025, Executive Order 14324 \u2013 Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries \u2013 eliminated the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued at $800 or less entering from outside of the U.S. customs zone. This order affects the U.S. territories outside the customs zone (the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands) requiring residents to prepay customs duties on packages shipped to the fifty U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, which is the only U.S. territory inside the customs zone.\n\n\u201cThe duty requirements apply only to packages leaving the territories\u2014goods entering the Virgin Islands are not impacted by this change. While prices are increasing on many goods throughout the country for various reasons, the de minimis exemption suspension does not impact goods coming into the Virgin Islands.\n\n\"I am grateful for the continued engagement and dialogue on this critical issue with the Trump Administration and my territorial colleagues. I remain committed to working closely with my colleagues representing Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to ensure our collective voices are heard and that we secure relief for all affected territories. The White House has demonstrated an acute awareness of the significant challenges this situation presents for the U.S. territories. In light of the current federal government shutdown, constituents have inquired whether we remain actively engaged in addressing this issue. I want to assure the people of the Virgin Islands that this remains a top priority. Through my office\u2019s White House liaison\u2014members of Congress are assigned White House liaisons to facilitate ongoing communication with the Administration\u2014our engagement is positive and has continued without interruption.\n\n\"I remain committed to securing a solution, just as I successfully worked with the Trump Administration earlier this year to obtain an exemption for the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean from punitive port fees. I will continue working with the same determination to secure relief for the people of the Virgin Islands and all affected territories.\u201d\n\nUsing the Zonos Prepay App\n\nResidents shipping packages from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the fifty U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico must use the Zonos Prepay app to calculate and pay duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before visiting the Post Office. After creating an account, users must input information about all package contents, including the number of items, descriptions, country of origin, and value. The application calculates the duties owed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and charges a clearance and processing fee. Once completed, customers obtain a Declaration ID and QR Code, which USPS requires to accept packages for delivery from the U.S. territories to the fifty U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.\n\nThe Zonos Prepay Application is available for Apple devices here and for Android devices here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5742", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES RENEWAL OF U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI AS PROGRAM NEARS EXPIRY", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nSeptember 30, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES RENEWAL OF U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI AS PROGRAM NEARS EXPIRY\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the HOPE and HELP programs for Haiti, which are set to expire after today, September 30, 2025.\n\n\u201cI am deeply disappointed by the persistent inaction ahead of the expiration of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Programs, commonly known as HOPE/HELP.\n\n\u201cHaiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. The dire circumstances in Haiti require immediate action. The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti\u2019s economy and presently is the foundation for the country\u2019s economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis, Haiti cannot afford to wait any longer for the reauthorization of this vital program. Companies will increasingly shift production away from Haiti unless it is clear that HOPE/HELP will continue. Haitian production and jobs would benefit from the certainty of longer-term trading access to the United States.\n\n\u201cHOPE/HELP is a trade preference program that boosts development for our allies with strong bipartisan support, and no domestic opposition. Haiti is an ally, one of the few countries in the Hemisphere that still recognizes Taiwan, and U.S. support for Haiti\u2019s apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and can play an essential role in further shifting supply chains out of China and to the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\u201cMy legislation, the HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act, would extend the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile, apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment from 2025 to 2035, and contains provisions to authorize additional technical assistance and capacity building in Haiti to close utilization gaps in the program found by the International Trade Commission. This legislation currently has more support than any other renewal option introduced in the 119th Congress. It is my hope that this legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient.\n\n\u201cI urge Congress and the President to act immediately to save this program that has such an immense mutual benefit to the Haitian people and to the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5743", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CALLS FOR BIPARTISAN NEGOTIATIONS TO AVERT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement as government funding is set to expire at midnight tonight, September 30, 2025:\n\n\"Republicans control the House of Representatives, Senate, and the White House. Despite the looming government funding deadline, they refuse to work with Democrats to stop an entirely preventable government shut down. Democrats have made it clear that we want to keep the government open and support legislation that lowers the cost of living and saves healthcare for the nation.\n\n\"The people of the Virgin Islands and across the nation are already facing healthcare challenges\u2014including the threat of rising costs for millions of families. For the past seven months, the Trump Administration has unilaterally redirected funds from medical research, school meal programs, and law enforcement resources. Democrats are pushing for the necessary guardrails to ensure everyday people including Virgin Islanders are protected, while Republicans have advanced a budget that enables further unilateral actions and supports billionaires.\n\n\u201cA government shutdown will disrupt critical services that all Americans depend on\u2014including disaster recovery efforts, passport services, support for small businesses, and healthcare programs. Federal workers will go without paychecks while trying to support their families.\n\n\u201cMy office while on furlough will remain open and working for the people of the Virgin Islands. And Democrats have been clear and consistent that we are willing to negotiate and to work across the aisle to reach a bipartisan funding agreement. If you have questions, you can reach us at 340-778-5900 or 340-774-4408.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5728", "PLASKETT ADDRESSES NEW CUSTOMS DUTY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. TERRITORIES FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nSeptember 24, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT ADDRESSES NEW CUSTOMS DUTY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. TERRITORIES FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett addressed new customs duty requirements that went into effect on August 29, 2025, impacting residents across all U.S. territories outside the custom zone including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands has been outside of the Customs Zone since becoming a territory of the United States. It is the discretion and authority of the Governor of the Virgin Islands to make requests to the Federal Government about inclusion or exclusion from the Customs Zone. I have said, for more than 10 years, that the Virgin Islands should determine if being outside of the Customs Zone has the same benefit that it did over 100 years ago to our Territory and residents. If not, the Governor of the Virgin Islands as the individual with authority to enter into arrangements of this nature with the Federal Government should request such change which would then require the executive branch authorization.\n\n\u201cAll of the U.S. territories, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, except for Puerto Rico which is the only U.S. territory inside the customs zone, are experiencing the same problems following Executive Order 14324, which eliminated the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued at $800 or less. I and my family are experiencing these same shipping challenges alongside my constituents as packages are being sent. All of the Members of Congress and other government officials of U.S. Territories affected by being outside the Customs Zone are working directly with the White House to address this burdensome consequence of the Administration's order on de minimis rules. This change creates an additional unfair burden for territorial residents. Our constituents in the Virgin Islands, along with residents of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, should not bear disproportionate shipping costs.\n\n\"I am committed to finding solutions. As an example, this past February, I worked with the Trump Administration\u2019s U.S. Trade Representative\u2019s Office (USTR) to provide an exemption for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean from punitive port fees and restrictions on shipping companies that would have had the potential to skyrocket costs of imports for the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands. I will apply that same determination to find a waiver for the U.S. territories from this customs duty requirement.\u201d\n\nBackground: As of August 29, 2025, customers shipping from U.S. territories to the United States and Puerto Rico must prepay duties before tendering packages to USPS. The U.S. Postal Service has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement the Zonos Prepay app solution, which allows customers to calculate and pay duties to CBP before visiting the Post Office. Without a Declaration ID from this system, USPS cannot accept packages for delivery to the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The prepaid duty requirement does not apply in certain cases, including documents, goods without monetary value, gifts valued at $100 or less, items valued over $800, or returns.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5738", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF LABOR LEADER AND FRIEND FREDERICK \u201cFREDDIE\u201d JOSEPH", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "\"The Virgin Islands has lost a giant with the passing of Mr. Frederick Joseph, affectionately known as \"Freddie.\" My first encounters with Freddie were in the course of negotiations for collective bargaining agreements for various unions within the Government of the Virgin Islands. He was fierce, passionate, and meticulous in his understanding of his people's rights. I enjoyed being jointly affectionately challenged, badgered, and harassed by him and Tito Morales\u2014may his memory be for a blessing. As can happen in the practice of law, when you find worthy competitors, it breeds mutual respect and oftentimes friendships.\n\n\"Freddie went on to encourage me to run for Congress and then offered advice as I went about the people's business. Even in retirement, he had opinions and passion for his home and our world. His dedication to working families never wavered, and his voice for justice never quieted.\n\n\"I am grateful for his friendship, and my deepest sympathies go to his family\u2014his wife, daughter, and so many others, especially his swimming group. The Virgin Islands is stronger because of leaders like Freddie Joseph, who fought tirelessly for the rights and dignity of working people. We've lost a great one, but his legacy of advocacy and unwavering commitment to our community will endure.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5721", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 The offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025 on St. Croix and St. Thomas due to inclement weather conditions affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Constituents are encouraged to monitor official weather advisories and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this time.\n\nThe Washington, D.C. office will remain open. For assistance, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.), 340-778-5900 (St. Croix), or 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas). Messages left at the St. Thomas and St. Croix offices will be responded to in short order when the offices reopen and resume normal operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5722", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES CAUTION AS SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING IMPACT VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nSeptember 18, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT URGES CAUTION AS SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING IMPACT VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement regarding severe weather conditions and flooding currently affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\"As we have all seen the severe weather conditions and flooding impacting our islands today, I urge all Virgin Islanders to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roadways, and heed all emergency advisories from local authorities. Your safety is the most important.\n\n\"The flooding we are experiencing today is a stark reminder of our territory's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. We have seen too many times how quickly conditions can deteriorate and the devastating impact on our people, homes, and businesses.\n\n\"Eight years later, our community is still recovering and rebuilding from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The changes in law that I secured under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 has allowed the funding to rebuild critical infrastructure with resilient design and features that meet the latest industry building standards rather than being limited to pre-disaster conditions (the standard that normally applies). In 2024, the Biden Administration approved an increase in the federal cost-share to 95% for all Public Assistance categories, and 98% for critical infrastructure projects, saving the Territory $1 billion in matching funds.\n\n\"We have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure the more than $20 billion in federal funding is used to create an exponentially better Virgin Islands that is resilient. We must ensure that this unprecedented federal funding reaches our communities while supporting infrastructure improvements that will better protect us from future events. We cannot afford delays in the deployment of these resources\u2014everyday matters as we work to strengthen our defenses against future storms and protect our people. Speed and resilience are not competing priorities\u2014they are both essential to our survival and prosperity.\n\n\"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the essential workers on the frontlines during this weather event\u2014from our utility crews working to restore and maintain power, to our first responders, emergency personnel, and all those who continue to serve our community during these challenging conditions. Your dedication and courage keep our islands functioning and our people safe.\n\n\"Please stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and do not take unnecessary risks. Emergency services are working tirelessly, and the best way to support them is by staying out of harm's way.\"\n\nFor emergency assistance, residents should contact local emergency services. For non-emergency federal assistance, contact Congresswoman Plaskett's Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-1790.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5719", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSICIAN AND EDUCATOR LOUIS B. TAYLOR JR", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nSeptember 16, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSICIAN AND EDUCATOR LOUIS B. TAYLOR JR.\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement the passing of Louis B. Taylor Jr.:\n\n\"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Louis B. Taylor Jr., a legendary musician, dedicated educator, and beloved son of St. Thomas who passed away on the evening of his 76th birthday, September 12th, 2025. My heart goes out to his wife Michelle, daughter Monet, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and extraordinary contributions to our Virgin Islands community.\n\n\"For more than six decades, Louis was a towering figure in Virgin Islands music, bridging the worlds of jazz and our local cultural traditions with unmatched artistry. Born in Savan and raised in the vibrant Upstreet community, he carried forward the musical legacy of his grandfathers while creating his own path that would see him perform alongside legends like Cab Calloway, Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, and Chaka Khan.\n\n\"What made Louis truly special was not just his incredible talent, but his dedication to passing that gift to future generations. For over thirty years, he dedicated himself to music education, teaching at schools across St. Thomas and at the University of the Virgin Islands. His classroom was a sanctuary where young minds discovered their musical voices and where the cultural treasures of our islands were preserved and shared.\n\n\"Just last month, our community had the privilege of celebrating Louis at a tribute concert at the Charlotte Amalie High School Auditorium, giving us the precious opportunity to honor him while he was still with us. Even facing physical challenges, he remained present throughout the celebration, reveling in the music that had been his life's work and witnessing the profound impact of his legacy on the many students and musicians he had mentored.\n\n\"Louis B. Taylor Jr. was more than a musician and teacher\u2014he was a cultural ambassador who helped define the sound of the Virgin Islands while connecting our heritage to the broader American musical tradition. His death represents not just the loss of an exceptional artist, but the end of an era. However, his influence will live on in every student he taught, every musician he inspired, and every note that carries forward the rich musical traditions he so lovingly preserved.\n\n\"As the Member of Congress for the U.S. Virgin Islands, I join our entire community in celebrating a life beautifully lived in service to music, education, and our shared cultural heritage. Louis B. Taylor Jr.'s melody will endure in the hearts of all who knew him and in the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary career.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5718", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT & DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES LEAD LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nSeptember 10, 2025 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT & DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES LEAD LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE U.S. TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR HAITI\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the introduction of the HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2025, H.R.5209:\n\n\u201cI am pleased to re-introduce this timely legislation with my fellow Democratic colleagues, Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and 18 other Democratic members. This bill will extend the U.S. preferential duty treatment program provided for Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) of 1983 for an additional ten years, through 2035. The bill also authorizes new technical assistance and capacity building in Haiti and contains additional authorities for enforcement of internationally recognized labor standards and the labor standards of Haiti.\u201d\n\nHaiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. Haitian production and jobs would be benefited by receiving the certainty of longer-term trading access to the United States.\n\n\u201cHaiti is facing serious challenges right now and passing Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s bill is critical to provide the stability and support they need. We must renew and reform the U.S. preferential duty treatment program to address labor rights violations in Haiti. Doing so, will give Haitian workers and families the long-term certainty necessary to build a stronger, more hopeful future.\u201d said Ranking Member Linda S\u00e1nchez.\n\nThe HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act would extend the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment from 2025 to 2035 and contains provisions to authorize additional technical assistance and capacity building in Haiti to close utilization gaps in the program found by the International Trade Commission. Without Congressional action, this preference program will expire in September 2025, next month.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett also shared, \u201cI continue to emphasize the great importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. The United States has a responsibility to support its Caribbean neighbors and, while the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act) have helped create support for the Haitian economy, this legislation seeks to establish more comprehensive and diverse trade engagement between the U.S. and Haiti, including by uplifting Haitian workers with high labor standards.\n\n\u201cIt is my hope that this legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank Reps. Linda Sanchez Linda Sanchez, Yvette Clarke, Maxine Waters, Susan DelBene, Don Beyer, Judy Chu, Teri Sewell, Gwen Moore, Tom Suozzi, Jimmy Gomez, Dwight Evans, Jimmy Panetta, Steven Horsford, John Larsen, Gabe Amo, Hank Johnson, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Kweisi Mfume and Valarie Foushee for their support in co-leading this important bill. This legislation, if passed out of the Ways and Means Committee, would proceed to the House floor for a full vote. If passed there, would need to be voted on in the Senate. If passed in the House and the Senate, it would then be sent to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 721, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "VI"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 721, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 721, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI", "results": [{"value": "VI", "label": "VI", "count": 721, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022", "selected": false}, {"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 82, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2023", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 79, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2021", "selected": false}, {"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 78, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019", "selected": false}, {"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 76, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 74, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 71, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 58, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2024", "selected": false}, {"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 56, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2018", "selected": false}, {"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 51, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2017", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 9, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2016", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-09-10,https~3A~2F~2Fplaskett~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D5718", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&_next=2025-09-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fplaskett~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D5718&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 41.700155939906836, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}