{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"VI\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3602", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES H.R. 5486 FOR SMALL PORTS ACT TO HELP SMALL PORTS ACCESS BROADBAND LOANS AND GRANTS", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nDecember 23, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES H.R. 5486 FOR SMALL PORTS ACT TO HELP SMALL PORTS ACCESS BROADBAND LOANS AND GRANTS\r\n\r\nThis Bipartisan legislation will increase internet service in rural coastal communities nationwide, stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett\r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after introducing H.R. 5486 Broadband for Small Ports Act, along with Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) and Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzlez Coln (R-PR):\r\n\r\nIn rural coastal areas people congregate near inland and small ports. These harbors act as hubs for commerce and tourism. This bill recognizes the importance of small ports to their rural economies. It will help small ports nationwide get federal loans and grants and improve their broadband coverage, thereby enabling working-waterfronts to order inventory and coordinate deliveries, access real-time weather updates and grow economically. \r\n\r\nBroadband loan and grant applications submitted to the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service (RUS) are assigned different levels of priority before they are awarded. This bill recognizes the importance of small ports and elevates the priority of applications seeking to boost internet capacity. This bill states that broadband loan and grant applications from small ports will be considered equal in priority to applications that are developed with the participation of a non-profit or philanthropic organization. \r\nIn rural America, small ports often support communities. Broadband internet is very important to small ports as it can improve commerce and safety. Broadband internet is equally valuable for coastal fishing communities and inland barge grain-shipments. Additionally, Army Corp dredging activities can use local broadband to operate with more precision and efficiency.\r\n\r\nI want to thank Senator Ron Wyden who has introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate and Reps. Yoho and Gonzalez Colon who are original co-sponsors here in the House. This important bill intends to elevate the importance of small ports transiting less than 1 million tons of cargo annually.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3601", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT REAFFIRMS HER SUPPORT TO GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN, JR. AND THE 33RD LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AMID WAPA STRUGGLES", "2019-12-22", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nDecember 22, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT REAFFIRMS HER SUPPORT TO GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN, JR. AND THE 33RD LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AMID WAPA STRUGGLES \r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett reaffirmed her support to Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. and the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands in response to the continued struggle to operate an efficient and sound Water and Power Authority (WAPA). As the Government of the Virgin Islands and WAPA face the consequences of the previously predicted insolvency, Congresswoman Plaskett urges all parties to work together to create a stable utility system that supports the businesses and people of the Virgin Islands.\r\n\r\nAs I stated in my letter to Governor Bryan and Senate President Francis on September 19, 2019, I stand ready as the Congressional representative of the Virgin Islands to work at the federal level with the Governor and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on solving the crisis in the Water and Power Authority. I appreciate that the Governor has stated that WAPA's position at this time is indeed a crisis. Now, we will need to use all the resources in our toolbox and work creatively to solve problems that have been decades in the making. I reiterate that I believe declaring WAPA in a state of emergency would be important. \r\n\r\nPlaskett went on to say, Many have asked, What benefit will come from such a declaration?' I have discussed with several federal officials in the administration how to bring multiple agencies to the table to provide support. A majority of these individuals have responded that declaring WAPA in a state of emergency is a positive signal that the Virgin Islands has faced the sober reality that the Water and Power Authority is indeed broken. Additionally, experts in the financial markets have reiterated the same to me. WAPA has a massive debt load, untenable contracts and severe operational inefficiencies that cannot be easily solved, and even with rate increases, financial markets remain skeptical of refinancing. \r\n\r\nGovernor Bryan's declaration and the support of the Legislature would facilitate a request for technical assistance and a plan for stabilization from federal agencies. We are at a critical stage where the VI government's next steps may determine the utilities' direction for not only the next months and years, but potentially for several generations.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3599", "HOUSE PASSES FY 2020 APPROPRIATIONS", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nHOUSE PASSES FY 2020 APPROPRIATIONS\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, released the following statement after the House passed two legislative packages that together comprise all 12 fiscal year 2020 federal government funding bills: \r\nI am happy to announce that Congress was able to come together, negotiate our differences, and reach a bipartisan agreement that makes investments to strengthen the Virgin Islands and give every American a better chance at a better life. I am particularly proud that we have fully funded a fair and accurate 2020 Census, and for the first time in more than 20 years, appropriated funding  $25 million  to research gun violence. This agreement represents House Democrats' commitment to fighting For The People.\r\nThe domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, H.R. 1865, reflects agreement on extending funding for health programs in addition to eight appropriations bills. This agreement comes after months of discussion between our office and House and Senate Members on the need to resolve the Medicaid Cliff by the end of the year, including increased funding for the territories and a greater percentage of funding from the federal government. The specific Medicaid language negotiated by my office that passed the House today includes the following:\r\n $252 million in additional Medicaid funding to the Virgin Islands over two fiscal years ($126 million in each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021);  \r\n\r\n Increases the rate of federal matching funds for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands from 55% to 83% for the remainder of fiscal 2020 and all of fiscal year 2021. 83% is the highest rate of federal match that any U.S. state may receive.  \r\n\r\nThe following amendments that I sponsored were included in the final package:  \r\n\r\n An amendment to prohibit the Department of Justice from using funds to prevent the Virgin Islands from implementing its medical marijuana law;  \r\n\r\n An amendment to provide $5 million in funding for micro-grants to improve the quality and quantity of locally grown food in U.S. territories;  \r\n\r\n Amendments to make the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories eligible for funding reserved for areas of persistent poverty. This includes funding reserved under programs for rural development loans and grants, economic development grants, and assistance funded by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund;  \r\n\r\n An amendment that repeals statutory caps on Federal Aid Highway Emergency Relief Program aid to U.S. territories.  \r\n\r\nThe minibus also includes historic investments in Head Start and child care programs, record funding for lifesaving medical research at the National Institutes of Health, and rejects the administrations misguided cuts to schools, health care, infrastructure, environmental protection and clean energy programs. We have outline areas where funding has increased and we are happy that we have not lost any of our vital funding in this package.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3595", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES U.S. SENATE DEAL TO PROVIDE A MULTIYEAR MEDICAID CERTAINTY FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-12-07", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nDecember 7, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES U.S. SENATE DEAL TO PROVIDE A MULTIYEAR MEDICAID CERTAINTY FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI), released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate's deal to provide multiyear Medicaid certainty for the territory:\r\nThis week, the Senate Finance Committee issued a statement indicating that they reached an agreement on a drug pricing and health extenders bill, which includes a package to extend and increase Medicaid funding in the territories. This agreement comes after months of discussion between our office and House and Senate Members on the need to resolve the Medicaid Cliff by the end of the year, including increased funding for the territories and a greater percentage of funding from the federal government. The specific Medicaid language in the Senate proposal includes:\r\n1. All territories, including the Virgin Islands, will receive a 4-year deal. \r\n2. $126 million annual funding increase for the Virgin Islands for each of fiscal years 2020-2023, which is the same annual increase that was proposed in the bill we prepared in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n3. Federal matching funds for the Virgin Islands will remain at the same rate of 100% through December 20, 2019.\r\n4. From December 21, 2019 through the end of 2023, the rate of federal matching funds will be 83% for Virgin Islanders. That's a significant increase from the previous 55% cap, and it is the highest possible rate that any state may receive.\r\nThe deal and resulting Medicaid bill from the U.S. Senate addresses each of the requests made by me and my colleagues in the House bill, the REACH act, which passed in the House Energy and Commerce Committee in July of this year. I am proud of the work my office has done to address and propose a solution to our impending Medicaid Cliff. Many were unsure what language would come out of the Senate, and this is far better than what had been originally discussed.\r\nMy office has spent a tremendous amount of time advocating with my bipartisan Senate counterparts. This language shows that those relationships have paid off. I am also grateful for the advocacy of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services as well as the consistent support of Governor Bryan and his staff. This is a tremendously positive step and relieves the tension felt by many as we awaited a decision that would determine what federal funding would be available for Medicaid services in the next few years. While this is not the number of years we requested, should this bill become law, it ensures that we will be able to continue supporting the thousands of Virgin Islanders currently on Medicaid.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3594", "CLARIFICATION OF CONGRESS ACTION ON TERRITORIES TAX CREDIT REIMBURSEMENT AND OTHER TAX MEASURES", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                                     Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nNovember 26, 2019                                                                                      202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCLARIFICATION OF CONGRESS' ACTION ON TERRITORIES' TAX CREDIT REIMBURSEMENT AND OTHER TAX MEASURES\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding Congress' action on territories' tax credit reimbursement and other tax measures:\r\nEarlier this week, several media outlets shared information regarding movement in the U.S. House of Representatives on a measureto provide reimbursement to the Government of the United States Virgin Islands (and other territories as applicable) for money the local government disburses for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Because our office has received questions regarding the taxes and the bills' implication to the VI, we thought it necessary to provide some background and information on the potential outcome.\r\nSince my first swearing in as the Delegate to Congress, I have introduced a bill for the reimbursement of the EITC and CTC in each Congress. In the 116th Congress, on January 9, 2019, I introducedHR 410, the Territorial Economic Growth and Recovery Act of 2019. This bill recognizesthe cost to the local government which under its Mirror Tax Code must utilize the federal tax form and thus disburses approximately $20 million annually for the EITC and approximately $7 million annually for the CTC. My bill addresses the need for reimbursement to the territories as well as other tax issues including Medicaid.\r\nOver the past 5 years, during my Advocacy Day on the Hill, Virgin Islanders have spoken with my colleagues on Capitol Hill amplifying the importance of specific issues. This tax bill was of particular importance. My office is grateful for the opportunity to work directly with the Governor of the Virgin Islands and the Senators of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on matters of importance. I was particularly excited when Senator Donna Frett-Gregory approached me in March 2019about the need for the tax reimbursement and her work on the matter. The passage of her Resolution 1850 whichaims to petition Congress to provide the territory with subsidies that will assist in the payment and reimbursement of Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits to residents.' Senator Frett-Gregory's leadership in advancing the resolution adds an important voice to this critical matter and now with a Democratic majority in the House, we have been able to get this language added to a larger tax bill. We are presently working on having the reimbursement placed in a Senate tax bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3592", "CONTINUING RESOLUTION BECOMES LAW TO EXTEND MEDICAID FUNDING FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                                     Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nNovember 22, 2019                                                                                      202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONTINUING RESOLUTION BECOMES LAW TO EXTEND MEDICAID FUNDING FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nLegislation Extends Government Funding, Health Programs Through December 20th\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement today regarding final passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR), H.R. 3055. Due to the inaction of the Senate we have been unable to create a permanent budget. Fortunately, H.R. 3055 extends 100% federal funding to the Virgin Islands to sustain Medicaid through December 20th, 2019:\r\nI am pleased that, through the hard work of my office, we were able to reach a short-term agreement to extend our disaster-related 100% federal funding for Medicaid, which was scheduled to expire on November 21st, for another month.\r\nWithout the fix in this bill, the rate of federal funds would plummet nearly fifty percentage points to the previous permanent, capped level of 55%. This agreement, now law, will ensure that Virgin Islanders will continue to have access to health care coverage while Congress works toward a long-term agreement.\r\nOur work is not done, and we must work toward a long-term deal to provide Medicaid funding certainty. I introduced legislation at the beginning of the 116th Congress, H.R. 1354, for equitable, State-like treatment for the Virgin Islands permanently. That is what I will continue to advocate moving forward. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3589", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES USDA INVESTMENT OF $1.3 MILLION IN THE EXPANSION OF RURAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE ACCESS U.S. IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                                                 Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nNovember 20, 2019                                                                                                 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES USDA INVESTMENT OF $1.3 MILLION IN THE EXPANSION OF RURAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE ACCESS U.S. IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a multi-million-dollar investment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in distance learning and telemedicine projects for rural communities across the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands:\r\nToday, the USDA announced $1,325,254 of grants in distance learning and telemedicine projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A $489,723 grant awarded to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VISBDC) will enable UVI to implement a distance learning program providing early health screening, educational courses, and training. A $489,936 grant to the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDOE) gives the Department the funding to expand course offerings, prepare students for college, and provide continuing education opportunities for teachers. The third grant of $345,595, awarded to the Government of the Virgin Islands, will fund a telemedicine project in five sites on St. Thomas and St. Croix.\r\nThese grants will be instrumental in providing rural areas with the tools needed to reduce the educational and health disparities between rural areas and urban and suburban areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3588", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT VETERANS DAY STATEMENT", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                                                         Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nNovember 7, 2019                                                                                                          202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT VETERANS DAY STATEMENT\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey. E. Plaskett released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:\r\nVeterans Day is a time to honor our men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, to demonstrate our appreciation for the sacrifices our Veterans have made and to promote peace so that their sacrifices will not have been in vain. Veterans Day is one of our country's most important days of observance as we pay tribute to those who defend our freedom. The U.S. Virgin Islands has one of the highest rates of military service in our country. I would like to thank every Veteran from the Virgin Islands who has served and currently serving for their incredible sacrifice to our great nation.\r\nToo many of our returning Veterans have difficulty transitioning from military service back to civilian life in our communities. To address this issue, I re-introduced the Hire-A-Hero Act of 2019. This bill will allow small businesses a work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) for hiring a member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve and make the WOTC credit permanent with respect to the hiring of qualified Veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve Component. Additionally, this week, I hosted two town halls in St. Thomas and St. Croix to address Veterans issues in our community.\r\nWhile we spend this day honoring their service, we should recommit ourselves to ensure that Veterans have the services that they need. I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs has the necessary resources to recruit and hire medical providers, and increase employment, education and housing opportunities.\r\nToday, we come together as a nation to share our deep and longstanding appreciation for the service and sacrifice of America's Veterans and their families. We may never be able to fully repay the debt we owe our Veterans, but we must do everything we can to fulfill our commitment to them.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3585", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM (NSLP) AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM (SBP) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-11-01", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nNovember 1, 2019 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN THE FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM (NSLP) AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM (SBP) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a reimbursement rate increase for National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program for the territory:\r\n\"Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service published a notice in the Federal Register providing a 17% increase in the federal reimbursement rate for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\r\nThis increase in the reimbursement rate allows for the provision of more nutritious meals for students in the Virgin Islands. My bill, H.R. 1352 the Federal School Meals Parity Act would establish fair reimbursements for all in-school means and child nutrition programs. The impact of the federal rate reimbursement is wide-reaching and affects millions of children and their families, as well as the thousands of workers involved in producing, distributing and preparing the food provided by these programs. \r\nBecause of the hard work of my office the Department of Agriculture felt it appropriate to increase the reimbursement rate. It gives relief to the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDOE) which struggles to meet the needs of our students, given local budgetary constraints. This is indeed good news for the children of the Virgin Islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3583", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 INVESTMENT AWARD FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 INVESTMENT AWARD FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $1,000,000 investment award for the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority:  \r\n\r\n\"Today the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority was granted an investment award of $1,276,001 from the Economic Development Administration. This EDA investment funds development of the 2040 Visioning Post-Disaster Resiliency and Preparedness Plan, to help rebuild communities devastated by natural disasters in the United States Virgin Islands, to include several designated Opportunity Zones. The investment will help hire managing directors, provide for industry analysis, and facilitate public meetings to gather ideas for the plan, which will lay the groundwork for the next 20 years of development in the Territory. Once completed, the project will increase job opportunities, attract foreign direct investment, and promote economic resilience after future natural disasters.\r\nThis investment award will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the reestablishment of our islands. The investment award is a vital component of that concern.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3584", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON VI TEACHERS OF THE YEAR", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON VI TEACHERS OF THE YEAR\r\nWashington, DC -Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the two individuals recently nominated for Teacher of the Year on St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John:\r\nI am tremendously pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to the two individuals who have been selected as teachers of the yearfor the St. Croix district, Mrs. Zahra O'Reilly-Bates and for the St. Thomas-St. John district, Ms. Michaelrose Ravalier.\r\nLike many, I am who I am today, in part, because of dedicated teachers like Mrs. O'Reilly-Bates and Ms. Ravalier. It is genuinely a privilege to participate in recognizing them and all of the teachers who understand the importance of their occupation, and those who do not take that responsibility lightly.\r\nEducation is paramount to the growth and continued development of our territory. It helps to acquire new skills and knowledge that will significantly impact our future. Teachers are the ones who possess the great potential to help our children develop many positive traits and learn new skills to become contributing and remarkable citizens. They actively contribute to the academic and social advancement of our youth. We must recognize and celebrate them for their tireless efforts in education.\r\n\r\nThe work of both Mrs. O'Reilly-Bates and Ms. Ravalier is evidence of their remarkable passion and commitment to education in the Virgin Islands. I commend each of them for fostering progressive learning environments in our community.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3576", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                             Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nOctober 17, 2019                                                                                 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS\r\nWashington, DC -Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the passing of House Oversight Committee Chairman and Congressional Black Caucus Member, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings:\r\nToday we lost the earthly man Elijah Cummings. Most of the country and many around the world knew him as a member of Congress from the city of Baltimore. He was a fierce fighter for the forgotten, a sworn opponent of hunger, of poverty, of abuse and of addiction. Chairman Cummings was a driven man, a person who pushed for what was right because he believed in the supreme responsibility of elected officials to look out for those that we represent.\r\nI had had the honor of being a member of the Committee he chaired for 5 years. He was a mentor to me. I and those who had a chance to interact with him knew him as more than a member of Congress. More importantly he was a man of God. He lived and worked in Congress on Christian values.\r\nHe was a man of great wisdom and although he needed little protection I viewed my role on the Committee as not only being the consummate prosecutor and counselor but as a frontline and protector to this gentleman.\r\nTo his wife, Maya, his family and staff our prayers and love are with you.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3577", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                                         Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nOctober 17, 2019                                                                                             202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS\r\nWashington, DC -Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the passing of House Oversight Committee Chairman and Congressional Black Caucus Member, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings:\r\nToday we lost the earthly man, Elijah Cummings. Most of the country and many around the world knew him as a member of Congress from the city of Baltimore. He was a fierce fighter for the forgotten, a sworn opponent of hunger, of poverty, of abuse and of addiction. Chairman Cummings was a driven man, a person who pushed for what was right because he believed in the supreme responsibility of elected officials to look out for those that we represent.\r\nI had the honor of being a member of the Committee he chaired, Oversight and Reform, for 5 years. Like so many of his generation, he was raised in a time of both overt and unwritten racism. He believed especially in his duty to speak up for the marginalized in his home city of Baltimore. Here in Congress he was a giant where he grew deep and meaningful friendships with people regardless of their political ideology. He was a mentor to me. I and those who had a chance to interact with him knew him as more than a member of Congress. He was a man of God. He lived and worked in Congress on Christian values. He demonstrated those daily.\r\nHe was a man of great wisdom and although he needed little protection I viewed my role on the Committee as not only being the consummate prosecutor and counselor but as a frontline and protector to this gentleman.\r\nTo his wife, Maya, his family and staff our prayers and love are with you. He often reminded us all of the legacy we leave, and the account we must give on Judgement Day. He left a positive legacy and among us, his account will be well done. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3573", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT CASE RELATED TO THE INSULAR CASES", "2019-10-16", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                                                     Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nOctober 16, 2019                                                              202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT CASE RELATED TO THE INSULAR CASES\r\nJessica Mendez Colberg, a young Puerto Rican attorney, made history at oral argument by expressly calling on the Supreme Court to overrule the Insular Cases. Whether the Justices do so in this case or not, the foundation has been laid for the Supreme Court to finally turn the page on the Insular Cases. Working together, this goal is finally in sight. Neil Weare, President of Equally American\r\nWashington, DC -Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the recent oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court dealing with the Insular Cases:\r\nSince the early 1900s, the Insular Cases have plagued the United States territories, by establishing for America full sovereignty without full constitutional rights and protections for the territories. Since coming to Congress, I have continuously pushed for territorial equity. The millions of Americans living within territories, including those in my district, are no less American than those living within the fifty states.\r\nThe Supreme Court yesterday heard the argument to correct the injustice that body made over a hundred years ago. The Insular Cases, decided on racist theories, still cast a dark shadow over our country and its promise of equality under the law even today. During oral arguments in Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Aurelius Investment LLC, Attorney Jessica E. Mendez-Colberg stated, when there is a constitutional injury, justice requires a remedy, that remedy is long overdue. In Financial Oversight BD.v. Aurelius Investment, the Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether a constitutional provision that ordinarily limits Congress applies when Congress legislates for a territory.\r\nAs the Supreme Court prepares to consider this case, I joined a resolution Chairman Ral M. Grijalva will introduce this week that rejects the use of the Insular Cases in present and future cases and controversies. I hope my colleagues will also support this resolution.\r\nOur territorial status is eerily similar to the status of the original 13 colonies to the British government. Today, the unequal footing of the territories in voting power, proximity to the mainland, funding formulas and resources of our country continue to keep the Virgin Islands from becoming all that we can be much as it kept colonial America from realizing its full potential. How can we herald the actions of our Founding Fathers while simultaneously depriving fellow Americans of the same rights those Founding Fathers fought so hard to achieve? Just as the colonists, we are subjected to the laws of an un-representational government. But just as the colonists, we will not stop fighting for the same representation that every other great American enjoys. A people who have made great contributions to this country  including Alexander Hamilton, Denmark Vessey, and Tim Duncan  still do not have equal citizenship. Democracy is not complete.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3566", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THREE IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR BOTH AIRPORTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TOTALING NEARLY $3 MILLION", "2019-09-27", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 27, 2019  202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THREE IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR BOTH AIRPORTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TOTALING NEARLY $3 MILLION\r\nThese grants are significant to the residents of the of St. Thomas and St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands because they will allow the USVI Port Authority to continue promoting the wise use of these facilities for the betterment of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its people, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement announcing three important grants for Henry E. Rohlsen and Cyril E. King Airports in the Virgin Islands: \r\nI am pleased to announce that the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas will receive important grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. \r\nThe Department of Transportation announced that the Virgin Islands Port Authority would receive a $660,000.00. This grant will provide federal funding for the Cyril E King Airport associated with Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands. This project reconstructs 14,500 square yards of the existing apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This project funds the design phase. This project conducts a Pavement Management Program to plan for maintenance and rehabilitation of the airfield pavements.\r\nThe Department of Transportation announced that the Virgin Islands Port Authority would receive a $1,503,000.00. This grant will provide federal funding for the Cyril E King Airport associated with Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands. This project improves the Runway 10/28 safety area to enhance the safety of airport operations.\r\nThe Department of Transportation also announced that the Virgin Islands Port Authority would receive $639,000.00. This grant will provide federal funding for the Henry E Rohlsen Airport associated with Christiansted, Virgin Islands. This project rehabilitates 10,000 feet of the existing Runway 10/28 lighting system that has reached the end of its useful life and requires rehabilitation to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions. \r\nThese important grants are significant to the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands because they will allow the USVI Port Authority to continue promoting the wise use of these airports for the betterment of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its people, and to assist the government and the community in fostering and sustaining sound economic development when it comes to its airports.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3567", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS", "2019-09-27", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 27, 2019 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a $3 million grant for VITEMA from FEMA to go towards the rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands associated with Hurricanes Maria and Irma:\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $3,982,818.49 in federal funding to the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency for State Management Costs. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee in administering a grant award. State management cost activities may include:\r\n Solicitation, review, and processing of subapplications and subgrant awards;\r\n Subapplication development and technical assistance to subapplicants regarding feasibility and effectiveness, BCA, and EHP documentation;\r\n Geocoding mitigation projects identified for further review by FEMA;\r\n Delivery of technical assistance (e.g., plan reviews, planning workshops, training) to support the implementation of mitigation activities;\r\n Managing grants (e.g., quarterly reporting, closeout);\r\n Technical monitoring (e.g., site visits, technical meetings);\r\n Purchase of equipment, per diem and travel expenses, and professional development that is directly related to the implementation of HMA programs; and\r\n Staff salary costs directly related to performing the activities listed above.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3568", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT THANKS VI LEGISLATURE FOR RESOLUTION AND INFORMS THEM OF HER BILL TO COLLECT GASOLINE TAX RECEIVED BY U.S. TREASURY", "2019-09-25", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release  Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 25, 2019   202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT THANKS VI LEGISLATURE FOR RESOLUTION AND INFORMS THEM OF HER BILL TO COLLECT GASOLINE TAX RECEIVED BY U.S. TREASURY\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement today regarding the introduction of H.R. 4198  a bill dealing gasoline tax revenues in the Virgin Islands:\r\nLate last month I introduced H.R. 4198 which is a bill that that amends the Internal Revenue Code regarding gasoline taxes in the Virgin Islands. Gasoline tax revenue collected by the U.S. that is originally sourced in the U.S. Virgin Islands would be transferred back to the territory's treasury under my bill.\r\nWith oil refining set to come online early next year at Limetree Bay it is important that we start thinking about securing the tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue by collecting a portion of the gasoline tax remitted to the federal government from refined oil exports produced in the Virgin Islands to the United States.\r\nI applaud the Virgin Islands Legislature for passing Bill No. 33-0052  which was approved in the Committee on Finance. This Legislatures bill would is a resolution to petition the governor of the Virgin Islands and myself to join the Legislature in pursuing the return of a portion of the gasoline excise tax collected by the Federal government. My bill here in Congress does just that. If the federal government were to remit 50 percent of the amount collected, the Government of the Virgin Islands could receive in a low estimate scenario (at 45,000 barrels per day), $67 million annually, or $79 million in a scenario where output is high. Oil exports at Limetree Bay are expected to range from 45,000 to 53,000 barrels per day. Each barrel holds 45 gallons, the estimated amount of Federal excise tax revenue at 18.3 cents per barrel would range from $370,575 to $436,455 per day.\r\nI look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to make sure the Virgin Islands collects the amount due to the territory from the U.S. Treasury in regards to taxes collected on our gasoline sourced in the Virgin Islands.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3565", "HOUSE DEMOCRATS PASS CONTINUING RESOLUTION EXTENDING MEDICAID FUNDS FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-09-19", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nHOUSE DEMOCRATS PASS CONTINUING RESOLUTION EXTENDING MEDICAID FUNDS FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nLegislation Extends Government Funding, Health Programs Through Nov. 21  \r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement today regarding the Democrats introduction and passage of a continuing resolution which extends 100% federal funding to the Virgin Islands to sustain Medicaid through November 21, 2019:\r\nThe bill contains critical Medicaid relief for us. Supplemental funding has only been provided on temporary basis; and disaster-related Medicaid relief, in the form of a 100% federal match, only lasts through the end of this month. While the House has already passed appropriation bills, the Senate appropriations process is far behind. Because of this delay, we in the House have passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avoid another government shutdown. This CR will provide families, businesses, and communities with budget certainty while we negotiate long-term funding. Importantly, the legislation also extends a full waiver of any local matching funds for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands through Nov. 21.\r\nThe territories are part of America, and we are American citizens, federal law unfairly places Medicaid funding caps on the islands (unlike States, where funding is open-ended), and requires them to pay a much greater percentage of Medicaid than States of comparable income levels. I am pleased that through the hard work of my office, we were able to come to a short-term agreement to extend our Medicaid matching funds waiver, which was scheduled to expire at the end of the month, through November 21, 2019. Without the fix in this bill, the rate of federal funds would plummet nearly fifty percentage points to the permanent, capped level of 55%. This agreement will ensure that Virgin Islanders will continue to have access to health care coverage while Congress works toward a long-term agreement. Our work is not done, and we must work toward a long-term deal to provide Medicaid funding certainty. I have sponsored legislation, H.R. 1354, to remove these caps permanently.\r\nI welcome the momentary certainty the CR delivers, but we must keep working to reach a long-term, bipartisan agreement that provides affected patients and family's real peace of mind.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3564", "VIRGIN ISLANDS DELEGATE TO CONGRESS STACEY E. PLASKETT WROTE TO BOTH GOVERNOR BRYAN AND SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS ASKING FOR THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY AT THE V.I. WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY", "2019-09-18", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Statement\r\nVIRGIN ISLANDS DELEGATE TO CONGRESS STACEY E. PLASKETT WROTE TO BOTH GOVERNOR BRYAN AND SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS ASKING FOR THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY AT THE V.I. WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a letter she sent to Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. and Senate President Novelle Francis regarding the viability and sustainability of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA):\r\nToday, I sent a letter to the Governor and the Senate President of the Virgin Islands regarding the long term state of affairs in addition to the regular power outages that are plaguing our Islands. These disruptions have impacted homes, workplaces, schools and particularly our residents with sensitive health concerns.\r\nBased on in-depth conversations with WAPA and outside utility and financial experts, I believe that the Virgin Islands is suffering an energy crisis noting that this conclusion is not simply a reaction to the regular power outages plaguing the islands but those outages are symptoms of more insidious problems facing the Authority.\r\nWAPA is out of options and must be radically reformed. WAPA must take radical, extraordinary steps for our people to receive efficient and reliable service in a financially sound utility system. In my letter to the leaders of the executive and legislative branches of the Virgin Islands government, I express deep concerns about WAPA's frail financial status which has left it effectively insolvent. I also discuss my concerns with the overall management of the Authority. . My letter is not to debase WAPA but to put the focus for correction on the Virgin Islands government leadership (myself, the Governor and the Senate President) to do what is necessary to fix our failed utility system. \r\nThe letter goes on to discuss the idea that my office, the office of the Governor, the 33rd Legislature and the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC) should work together to petition for financial and technical assistance from relevant federal agencies to enable WAPA to chart a new course. The letter discusses HUD's concern that WAPA lacked the ability to handle hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid. My letter cited specific areas where the government and the Authority should seek federal assistance once the emergency declaration has been made: community disaster loan forgiveness; technical assistance from the Rural Utility Service; expertise from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide efficient and reliable electrical service; a petition to HUD to re-evaluate funding levels provided the Virgin Islands for hazard mitigation projects; and federal court intervention. \r\nBusiness as usual, hopes rather than radical plans, bringing in experts to review symptoms rather than the disease; these behaviors have put us in a vicious circular motion that will become a whirlpool driving us to ruin. Now is the time for radical disruptive action to bring about an end to the energy crisis in the territory. I know the Governor and Senate President both want better for our government operations, the welfare of the people of the Virgin Islands, and our future.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3562", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE PRESIDENTS PLAN TO TAKE MONEY FROM IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO PAY FOR HIS INEFFECTIVE BORDER WALL", "2019-09-04", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO TAKE MONEY FROM IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO PAY FOR HIS INEFFECTIVE BORDER WALL \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      September 4, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n        \r\nFor Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 4, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO TAKE MONEY FROM IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO PAY FOR HIS INEFFECTIVE BORDER WALL\r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Today Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper notified her that the President will reprogram $3.6 billion in funding intended for military construction projects for our troops to build a border wall:\r\n\r\n\"News that the Administration will be diverting $3.6 billion from the Pentagon's coffers to shore up the funding for his border wall is troubling. Taking these funds, which have been duly allocated by Congress, will ultimately affect the completion of numerous crucial projects across America, including the Virgin Islands. We are aware of approximately 3 maintenance projects in the Virgin Islands National Guard that will be impacted by the President's decision. My office has informed Adjutant General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker regarding the projects in the Virgin Islands that are impacted.\r\n\r\nIt is disheartening to the members of the Armed Forces to have a Commander In Chief who is willing to raid already allocated military funding for a wall he promised Mexico would pay to build. The president is trying to usurp Congress's exclusive power of the purse and loot vital funds from our military. Depleting the Defense Department of much needed funds is an affront to our service members and when Congress returns next week from recess we will strongly oppose any funds for new wall construction.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3563", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE ALLOCATION OF OVER $744 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN CDBG GRANT FUNDS BY HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT", "2019-09-04", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release  Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 4, 2019  202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE ALLOCATION OF OVER $744 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN CDBG GRANT FUNDS BY HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing the allocation of $744,188,000 of Community Development Block Grant mitigation funds for the Virgin Islands:\r\n\r\nI received a call today from Secretary Ben Carson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in response to my letter written on August 20, 2019 regarding HUD's compliance with Congress' requirement to issue a Federal Notice by September 4, 2019 on the allocation of $744 Million of Community Development Block Grant mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds to the Virgin Islands. These recovery funds allocated today are provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant Program and are part of the hard fought battle here in Congress to appropriate funding specifically to the Territories. The CDBG program is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges, and has made a difference in the lives of millions of people across the Nation recovering from major disasters like hurricanes.\r\n\r\nSecretary Carson informed me that HUD would be meeting the requirement to issue the notice by today, September 4th regarding use of the CDBG mitigation funds and applicable rules, statues and grant conditions along with other required reporting. In the conversation, Secretary Carson acknowledged that the US Virgin Islands is in fact different than Puerto Rico in use of federal funding to date, and he did not dispute the work being done by The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (VIODR) and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Agency (VIHFA) to improve financial controls and appropriately utilize funds. \r\n\r\nThe Secretary did insist that because the Virgin Islands has never managed this amount of funding and that capacity needs will need to be addressed, although he was not forthcoming on what exactly needed to addressed. My office will be reviewing the notice to determine what HUD believed was necessary to meet the additional administrative requirements related to capacity issues. We will of course consult with those on the ground, VIODR, VIHFA, Property and Procurement and the Office of the Governor to determine next steps. This crucial funding will help the Virgin Islands to address disaster-related deficiencies in housing, public services, and infrastructure, as determined by local officials with citizen input. The Federal Government must continue to serve an ongoing role in supporting the people of the Virgin Islands as we recover from the destruction caused by recent Hurricanes.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3555", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE PRESIDENTS PLAN TO DIVERT FUNDING FROM FEMA TO PAY FOR ICE INDEFINITE DETENTION OF FAMILIES AND CHILDREN", "2019-08-28", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO DIVERT FUNDING FROM FEMA TO PAY FOR ICE INDEFINITE DETENTION OF FAMILIES AND CHILDREN  \r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Today Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on news that the President is diverting $271 million from FEMA to pay for a massive increase in ICE detention beds:\r\n\r\n\"News that the Administration will be diverting disaster relief funds during hurricane season is troubling. I have concerns about DHS's proposed end-run around laws passed by Congress that would drain millions from agencies tasked with protecting the homeland from security threats and natural disasters like hurricanes.\r\n\r\nTaking money away from FEMA in the middle of hurricane season could have deadly consequences  especially since the Virgin Islands is presently bracing for the effects of Tropical Storm Dorian. The President must be president of all Americans including the Virgin Islands. Congress should work to undo the damage this Administration is continually doing to our homeland security infrastructure and to FEMA.\"\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3554", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GROUP FOR THE MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING GRANT PROGRAM", "2019-08-27", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GROUP FOR THE MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING GRANT PROGRAM\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group:\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $1,000,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant Program. The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MCHB) Program gives pregnant women and families, particularly those considered at-risk, necessary resources and skills to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.\r\nFrom birth to kindergarten entry, MCHB, in partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), funds states, territories, and tribal entities to develop and implement evidence-based, voluntary programs that best meet the needs of their communities. Goals for every program are to improve maternal and child health, prevent child abuse and neglect, encourage positive parenting, and promote child development and school readiness. By electing to participate in local home visiting programs, families receive help from health, social service, and child development professionals. Through regular, planned home visits, parents learn how to improve their family's health and provide better opportunities for their children.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3551", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE NATIONAL COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO THE TERRITORY OF THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-08-22", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE NATIONAL COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO THE TERRITORY OF THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $1,000.000 grant awarded through the National Coastal Zone Management Program to the Territory of the US Virgin Islands:\r\nToday the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing a $1,000,000 grant through the National Coastal Zone Management Program to the Territory of the US Virgin Islands to help administer the territories federally approved coastal management program. The National Coastal Zone Management Program, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, is an important voluntary federal-state partnership that protects, restores, and responsibly develops our nation's coastal communities and resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection.\r\nNOAA is investing $1,022,000 to these efforts and actions. These funds will support jobs and provide continued assistance to the US Virgin Islands coastal management program to address many important coastal issues in the territory including coastal development, watershed management, land based sources of pollution, shoreline erosion, improving public access and tackling marine debris. The funding will improve the management of wetlands through policy development. The funding will also help the territory to improve its capabilities in helping communities respond to and prepare for coastal hazards.\r\nThis grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the reestablishment of our islands. The grant award is a vital component of that concern.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3550", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS URGE HUD TO RECONSIDER EXCLUSION OF VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM DISASTER RELIEF FUND", "2019-08-21", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS URGE HUD TO RECONSIDER EXCLUSION OF VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING\r\nWashington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement regarding a letter sent from Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, herself and several other members of Congress on HUD's recent announcement regarding the release of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to the Virgin Islands:\r\nToday my office along with Chairwoman Maxine Waters sent a letter to HUD Secretary Carson stating that conflating of any capacity issues in the Virgin Islands to unrelated challenges in Puerto Rico is absolutely inappropriate. The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Agency have done a tremendous job to improve financial controls and procurement processes, monitor subrecipients, assist with increased staffing, and provide other assistance needed to safeguard all federal disaster recovery funds. Those local agencies have been working with HUD, along with other federal agencies like the Department of Interior, for the Virgin Islands to ensure the proper use of funds that Congress has provided. The fiscal situation of the Virgin Islands has been steadily improving. Any additional administrative requirements related to capacity issues should be tailored to address such issues, and any Federal Register notice should take that into account.\r\nIn the letter, we highlight the Virgin Islands' longstanding track record of compliance and oversight with disaster recovery programs and the importance of the immediate disbursement of this funding, which will help families who are still suffering from natural disasters and ensure that HUD is complying with the law.\r\nThe letter which was also signed several members including Elijah Cummings, Chair of the Oversight Reform Committee and Subcommittee Chair of Housing, Community Development Insurance Lacy Clay, states in the letter that the Virgin Islands has been and is prepared to do its part in helping its residents recover from devastating hurricanes. The Virgin Islands has a years' long, solid track record of compliance and oversight with the CDBG program and disaster recovery programs. The letter states that HUD should reconsider as soon as possible its decision to exclude the Virgin Island's CDBG-DR mitigation funding from being released at the same time as other grantees' to prevent the delay of critical resources to help families rebuild their lives and ensure HUD is complying with the law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3549", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO FEMA EXPRESSING HER OPPOSITION TO THE RECENT CHANGE TO THE REPORTING STRUCTURE FOR THE JOINT RECOVERY OFFICE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (JRO-USVI)", "2019-08-19", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO FEMA EXPRESSING HER OPPOSITION TO THE RECENT CHANGE TO THE REPORTING STRUCTURE FOR THE JOINT RECOVERY OFFICE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (JRO-USVI) \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      August 19, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO FEMA EXPRESSING HER OPPOSITION TO THE RECENT CHANGE TO THE REPORTING STRUCTURE FOR THE JOINT RECOVERY OFFICE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (JRO-USVI)\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a letter she sent to FEMA Administrator Gaynor expressing her opposition to the recent change to the reporting structure for the Joint Recovery Office of the Virgin Islands (JRO-USVI):\r\nToday I sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Gaynor expressing my opposition to the reporting structure for the Joint Recovery Office of the Virgin Islands. Communication is always important when dealing with issues such as the recovery of the Virgin Islands from two major hurricanes. FEMA selected Jacqueline J. Heyliger to serve as the first U. S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director for FEMA Region II, Caribbean Area Division (CAD). Director Heyliger will oversee more than $8 billion in disaster recovery assistance with staff throughout the territory. The JRO-USVI, the government of the Virgin Islands and my Congressional office were never engaged when changes in the reporting structure were made. Decisions like that are crucial to the ongoing rebuilding efforts for the Virgin Islands. I have requested a meeting with the FEMA Administrator regarding this matter.\r\nFEMA's mission is to support people before, during, and after disasters. Given the enormous and complex issues facing Puerto Rico, placing the Virgin Islands within Puerto Rico's reporting structure could prove to be problematic to the most timely, successful completion of our recovery plans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3548", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING CANCELLATION OF MIDDLE EAST FACT FINDING TRIP", "2019-08-15", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING CANCELLATION OF MIDDLE EAST FACT FINDING TRIP \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      August 15, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING CANCELLATION OF MIDDLE EAST FACT FINDING TRIP\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding the recent cancellation of Middle East fact finding trip:\r\nI was invited by the Humpty Dumpty Institute, a longstanding international NGO focused on development work which has a Congressional Advisory Board with over 20 Members of Congress, to visit to Israel and Palestine this summer. The trip's focus was to meet with people on the ground and international community organizations doing good work under difficult circumstances. It's my understanding that this organization led a group of other members on this exact trip some time ago. Aside from a briefing with our own US State Department and Ambassador it was my understanding that we would not meet with any foreign governments. Additionally, my visit was not to highlight any person or groups agenda. I have had staff visit Israel at the request of the Israeli government and had hoped to use the trip to learn more related to this important but troubled region.\r\nThe Virgin Islands of the United States has the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and the longest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag. That synagogue is one of five in the world that feature sand-covered floors, dating back to the Inquisition era custom of using sand to muffle forbidden prayer. Our Jewish community is engaged with all people in our diverse culture. The Virgin Islands also has a distinguished Middle Eastern and sizable Palestinian population dating back to over one hundred years on our islands. We live and work side by side  of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. Our islands are the home to many peoples persecuted, enslaved, those looking for a better quality of life. We model tolerance and continually work to understand one another for the betterment of us all. That is what makes America great. While I recognize that I would still be able to go on the trip and that the people on the ground still need to be heard from unfortunately I believe the trip will not be productive at this time. I am hopeful that I will be able at another date to visit this region. During that visit I hope to learn more about the region and maybe share some of the sensibilities of Virgin Islanders  a people interested in making a better place for themselves and their children together.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3546", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING REPORTED DENIAL OF VISA EXTENSION FOR SEVERAL FOREIGN NATIONAL TEACHERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-08-08", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nAugust 8, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING REPORTED DENIAL OF VISA EXTENSION FOR SEVERAL FOREIGN NATIONAL TEACHERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding potential denial of visa extension for several foreign teachers participating in the Exchange Visitor Program:\r\n\r\nRecently my office was contacted by concerned teachers who's J1 Visas as visiting teachers had not been extended. These teachers were recruited by the Virgin Islands Department of Education to work and educate the children of the Virgin Islands, in areas of Math, Science, Library Science, Special Education, etc. The teachers in question have been working for several years and were requesting extensions. \r\n\r\nWith the upcoming school year fast approaching, the Virgin Islands cannot afford to lose any of its teachers. It is incumbent upon all of us to push our children forward - whether that is supporting access to infrastructure materials, funding, or making sure there are enough teachers for the classrooms. Due to privacy issues we cannot get into specifics for the denial in these cases, the State Department has always been strict and had clear requirements and deadlines for submission of materials from Visa holders and their sponsors. We know that these teachers play a vital role in the current educational landscape and we are doing whatever is possible to support them. As these visas are also never guaranteed we are offering our support the Department of Education with additional programs to augment our teaching abilities. \r\n\r\nSchools in the Virgin Islands are scheduled to open on September 3rd and there have already been reports that one high school may not open on time due to structural challenges. It is important to note that there is no doubt that the teachers of the Virgin Islands are committed to creating a more exciting, satisfying teaching environment for our children. We must all be concerned with the issues surrounding the timely opening of the schools in the Virgin Islands, and my office has reached out to the Virgin Islands Department of Education to see how we can help and support our children through these challenging issues.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3547", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RESPONDS TO RECENT HUD ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING HURRICANE RECOVERY FUNDS", "2019-08-05", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nAugust 5, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RESPONDS TO RECENT HUD ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING HURRICANE RECOVERY FUNDS  \r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the announcement by HUD to segregate the territories from the states in the manner that mitigation funds will be disbursed:  \r\n\r\nThe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that the third block of funding which will be used for mitigation activities, will be released for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands separately from other disaster-impacted areas.  \r\n\r\nAs a point of clarification from recent reporting, according to HUD, while the segregation of releasing funds is due to alleged corruption in the case of Puerto Rico - for the Virgin Islands, HUD has stated that it is due to a lack of capacity at agency level to be able to spend these funds efficiently.  \r\n\r\nI acknowledge that government agencies in the Virgin Islands will be tasked with handling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds, an unprecedented task that will challenge the government's capacity to process such a large amount of funding. The increase in funding will be hundreds of times what is normally handled and a sufficient number of staff will be needed to properly monitor and evaluate grants while keeping pace with the administrative requirements to properly expend these much needed funds.  \r\n\r\nThat is why I worked in the last Congress to fund the Department of Interior with funding which created the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR). ODR and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Agency have done a tremendous job to improve financial controls and procurement processes, monitor subrecipients, assist with increased staffing, and provide other assistance needed to safeguard all federal disaster recovery funds. Those local agencies and the Department of Interior have been working together aggressively for the Virgin Islands to be able to utilize the funds that Congress has allocated for it.  \r\n\r\n\"As a matter of record, I successfully had language included in the recently passed Disaster Relief Act of 2019, which requires HUD to issue such guidance for all areas no later than September 4, 2019. That deadline includes HUD issuing notice in the Federal Registry Notice on guidance for this third round of funding they would like to delay. That delay cannot be beyond September 4.  \r\n\r\nI have been in discussion with Governor Bryan and have spoken with the Virgin Islands legislature. We have done our work and followed the rules. The Virgin Islands will not be segregated or lumped with Puerto Rico for political or any other expedience. I'm calling on the Governor and the legislature to be aggressive on this issue to stand our ground and ensure we receive all the funding we have worked hard to secure and rightly deserve in a timely manner  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3545", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF GOVERNOR ROSSELLO OF PUERTO RICO", "2019-07-25", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF GOVERNOR ROSSELLO OF PUERTO RICO\r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the resignation of Governor Rossello of Puerto Rico:\r\n\r\nAs the Governor of Puerto Rico resigns over numerous allegations of personal misconduct as well as corruption within his government and indeed his appointed cabinet members, I and fellow Virgin Islanders would like the incoming Governor and people of Puerto Rico to know that we continue to be your neighbors and indeed your brothers and sisters next door. In the last week, Puerto Rican people were inspirational in not only their collective outrage but made all Caribbean people and Americans proud in the Buricuan demonstration of the best of our democracy and desire for a just government.\r\n\r\nI am grateful that the first branch of government in Puerto Rico, the legislature began the process to rectify the crisis with preliminary impeachment preparations and the judiciary issued search warrants of local officials. All of these, I believe, were key factors in the Governors' resignation. Please know that I will continue to carry the message here in Washington, DC that the outrage of Puerto Ricans is related not only to the disgraceful chat scandal of the outgoing Governor Rossello and evidence of massive corruption but is an expression of the frustration of such policies as PROMESA and the insurmountable debt crisis, the mishandling of the federal response in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and longstanding inequalities in federal funding and access to living as equal Americans.\r\n\r\nI will continue my work in Congress educating and reminding my colleagues that Congress has been complicit in the economic issues of Puerto Rico and the other territories, including my own islands of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Without equal access to federal resources for infrastructure, healthcare and other social service needs, along with a vote in Congress and a voice in the election of our president  the vicious cycle of disenfranchisement and its destructive fruits will continue. \r\n\r\nAs the Medicaid cliff crisis looms for the end of September and agreement with FEMA and HUD over support to begin rebuilding takes place, I look forward to working with Puerto Rico's new Governor as well as my good friend and colleagues Representatives Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, Darren Soto, Nydia Velazquez and other colleagues here in Washington supporting the idea that prosperity, good government and equity should be available for all Americans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3542", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AS THE MEDICAID PARITY BILL FOR U.S. TERRITORIES PASSES COMMITTEE, ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARDS BECOMING LAW", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJuly 17, 2019 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AS THE MEDICAID PARITY BILL FOR U.S. TERRITORIES PASSES COMMITTEE, ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARDS BECOMING LAW \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the passing out of committee of the Medicaid Parity bill:\r\n\"Today, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved bipartisan legislation to provide equal access of federal resources for Medicaid to all American citizens living in the five U.S. territories: U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. The Territories Health Care Improvement Act, included as part of H.R. 2328, now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote, one step closer to becoming law.\r\nThe legislation prevents many from losing health care coverage, by increasing the limit on Medicaid payments and the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for all U.S. territories. It also sets stipulations to implement integrity and reporting measures for the programs.\r\nThis legislation will save lives. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support the legislation received in Committee to grant every American citizen the equal access to Medicaid coverage they deserve. Under the current archaic system, unequal access to federal resources puts a strain on the territories' Medicaid programs, especially areas with ongoing health care crises exacerbated by hurricanes.\r\nThis plan ensures families have continued access to health care while immediately relieving financial pressures on the territories. The legislation provides a path away from capped federal funds for Medicaid program to several years of increased allotments - $756 million for USVI. It also implements important program integrity provisions, including a new asset verification system and payment error rate measurements, both already required for state Medicaid programs. All territories will also need to report annually to Congress on the expenditures of increased Medicaid funds.\r\nThe Territories Health Care Improvement Act creates a new funding structure increasing the matching rate Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP):\r\nU.S. Virgin Islands: 100 percent for one year, 83 percent for four years, and 75 percent for one year.\r\nThe bipartisan legislation was co-introduced by Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jenniffer Gonzlez-Coln (R-Puerto Rico), and co-sponsored by: Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Michael San Nicolas (D-Guam), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (I-Islas Marianas), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Jose Serrano (D-NY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Peter King (R-NY).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3538", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS", "2019-06-28", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 28, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n\r\nFor Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJune 28. 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a $75 million grant for VITEMA from FEMA to go towards the rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands associated with Hurricanes Maria and Irma: \r\n\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $75,217,821.18 in federal funding to the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency for Direct Administrative Costs. Direct Administrative Costs  or DAC  are the grant administrative costs that a recipient or sub recipient of Public Assistance funding tracks, charges, and accounts for directly to a specific eligible project in order to obtain reimbursement of those costs from FEMA. \r\n\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3539", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT TO ATTEND THE 40TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)", "2019-06-28", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT TO ATTEND THE 40TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OFTHE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)\r\nSt. Thomas, USVI.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding her upcoming participation in the CARICOM meetings to be held in St. Lucia:  \r\n\r\nI am pleased to announce that I will be attending next week's CARICOM meeting in St. Lucia. CARICOM is the premier organization of Caribbean nations: fifteen Member States and five Associate Members. Its members comprise approximately sixteen million citizens, 60% of whom are under the age of 30. Its primary objectives are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefit of the integration are equitably shared and to coordinate foreign policy. The 40th Regular Meeting of CARICOM will be held in St. Lucia July 3-5th with the implementation of measure to enhance the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as well as additional issues to support the Region's growth and development high on the agenda.\r\nAs a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus and in recognition of my efforts to continually place the Virgin Islands in a position to be a vital advocate for the region in Washington, I was pleased to be invited by the Secretariat-General, Irwin LaRocque, to attend the activities and engage with the Heads of Government next week. CARICOM is the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world. Great strides have been made, particularly through functional cooperation in education, in health, in culture, in security. CARICOM is a respected voice in international affairs because of its commitment to coordinated foreign policy. I'm interested in speaking with the participants about issues of importance to our nation and to obtain a deeper perspective on the member's countries concerns and issues that may be taken up by the United States. Of course, foremost will be an attempt to understand and press for ways the Virgin Islands can work more closely with our Caribbean neighbors and support one another in economic development, national security and social and educational endeavors.\r\nCARICOM rests on four main pillars: economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security  all issues very important to the Virgin Islands. I look forward to interacting with other distinguished members of CARICOM expressing to them the importance of the Virgin Islands and our commitment to the shared objective of the members of CARICOM.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3536", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2,000,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GROUP FOR THE IMMUNIZATION AND VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM", "2019-06-27", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2,000,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GROUP FOR THE IMMUNIZATION AND VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $2,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group:  \r\n\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $2,000,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group for the Immunization and Vaccines for Children program. Today, children in the United States routinely get vaccines that protect them from more than a dozen diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Most of these diseases are now at their lowest levels in history, thanks to years of immunization. Children must get at least some vaccines before they may attend school.\r\nVaccines help make you immune to serious diseases without getting sick first. Without a vaccine, you must actually get a disease in order to become immune to the germ that causes it. Vaccines work best when they are given at certain ages. For example, children don't receive measles vaccine until they are at least one year old. If it is given earlier it might not work as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes a schedule for childhood vaccines. This is an important grant when it comes to protecting the children of the Virgin Islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3535", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2019-06-26", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 26, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:  \r\n\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $300,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health for The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). HPP is the only source of federal funding for health care system readiness. HPP prepares the health care system to save lives through the development of regional health care coalitions. HCCs are groups of health care and response organizations that collaborate to prepare for and respond to medical surge events. HCCs incentivize diverse and often competitive health care organizations to work together. HPP prepares the nation's health care system to save lives during emergencies and disasters.\r\nWhen people experience a disaster, they may experience a variety of reactions, many of which are natural responses to difficult situations. Most people show resilience after a disaster. Resilience is the ability to bounce back, cope with adversity, and endure during difficult situations. Thankfully, resilience in disaster recovery is ordinary, not extraordinary, and people regularly demonstrate this ability. This grant will help with the resources needed to address stress and other hardships.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3529", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING PAYMENT ISSUES OF SUBCONTRACTORS POST HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA", "2019-06-21", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING PAYMENT ISSUES OF SUBCONTRACTOR'S POST HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 21, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING PAYMENT ISSUES OF SUBCONTRACTOR'S POST HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett met with subcontractors who have been contracted to fulfill several federally funded programs related to the US Virgin Islands rebuilding efforts (including the STEP Program and other programs). The purpose of the meeting was to hear from this important group on what has worked, community concerns, payment and non-payment to them and vendors as well as processes needed to be put in place to better execute on the billions of federal dollars Congresswoman Plaskett and others were able to secure in disaster funding over the last two years. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nDuring a recent subcontractors meeting I held in my office a great deal of time was spent discussing the gruesome review and constant change of processes in not only billing but the scope of work. The subcontractors informed that a major issue in payment occurred during construction where after bids were awarded, work scopes changed due to new codes while work was already underway and change orders were not allowed. Also, subcontractors were required to produce payment bonds which were not in concert with contractual agreements; and the battle continues to be a major issue to this day. Particularly enlightening was the observation of contractors who have worked in other states that these issues did not occur on the ground in those jurisdictions because municipalities and states had sufficient surplus or funds set aside for disaster to pay out to contractors, subcontractors, and vendors and wait for reimbursement from the federal government. The Virgin Islands does not have those additional revenues. Subcontractors all commented on the incredible spirit of the residents they worked with and in particular the integrity and hard work of Daryl Griffith, Director of the Virgin Islands Housing and Finance Authority. Since the 2017 hurricanes, I have been and will continue to work with various stakeholders to support the rebuilding efforts in the Virgin Islands. I have reached out to and received commitments from my Republican colleagues who represent the districts where the subcontractors have headquarters to assist in ensuring the Virgin Islands can draw down on funds to support our rebuilding efforts.\r\nThis meeting highlighted the importance of the Virgin Islands being able to not just utilize CDBG funding for cost-share but to press the Administration to implement the Insular Areas Act which allows federal agencies to waive cost share requirements. This meeting enforced my desire for Governor Bryan to press the federal government to utilize the Act for our benefit. As an elected federal official and member of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have a responsibility to ensure unnecessary federal processes that often re-victimize people and jeopardy the recovery efforts for entire Virgin Islands community are fixed.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3528", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER REQUESTING MEETING REGARDING FUNDING AND RECENT ACTIVITIES OF HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS (HIDTA) PROGRAM AND THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (DEA)", "2019-06-19", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER REQUESTING MEETING REGARDING FUNDING AND RECENT ACTIVITIES OF HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS (HIDTA) PROGRAM AND THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (DEA)\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a letter she has sent to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program and the Drug Enforcement Agency regarding their budget and their recent activity in the Territory:\r\nThe High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.\r\n\"The purpose of the HIDTA program is to reduce drug trafficking and production in the United States by:\r\n Facilitating cooperation among Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to share information and implement coordinated enforcement activities;\r\n Enhancing law enforcement intelligence sharing among Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies;\r\n Providing reliable law enforcement intelligence to law enforcement agencies to facilitate the design of effective enforcement strategies and operations; and\r\n Supporting coordinated law enforcement strategies that make the most of available resources to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in designated areas of the United States and in the Nation as a whole.\r\nI have written those with HIDTA and the DEA to determine their needs at this time as we here in Congress are finalizing appropriations request from various agencies. It would be important to know exactly what is needed to make sure the HITDA program and the DEA have all they need to combat drug trafficking and other illegal activities in the Virgin Islands. My letter also asked for a briefing regarding recent helicopter activity in the Territory which came in close proximity to children and other vulnerable members of the community. I look forward to the response from the HITDA program and the DEA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES SEVERAL FEDERAL GRANTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM THE OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS", "2019-06-05", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES SEVERAL FEDERAL GRANTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM THE OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding several grants announced today from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP): Today the Office of Insular Affairs awarded the Government of the Virgin Islands several grants from the Technical Assistance Program (TAP). Technical Assistance Program (TAP) grants are awarded on an annual basis through an application process. These grants are intended for short-term, non-capital projects and are not meant to supplant local funding of routine operating expenses of an insular government. TAP priorities include but are not limited to projects which foster development of the insular areas in the following categories: accountability; financial management; economic development; training/education; energy; life; safety and health issues.\r\nThe grants awarded today to the Virgin Islands include the following:\r\n $270,000 to the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for the DPNR E-Permitting System project, as detailed in the proposal submitted on March 1, 2019;\r\n $500,000 to the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget for the Reconciliation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards project, as detailed in the proposal submitted on February 21, 2019;\r\n $100,000 to the Virgin Islands DPNR's Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums (DLAM) for the ADA Awareness Campaign and the Mentorship Program Campaign for Artisans/Persons Seeking Museum Careers/Opportunities, as detailed in the proposal submitted on March 1, 2019;\r\n $100,000 to the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority for the Rejuvenation of Heritage Properties for the Arts project; as detailed in the proposal submitted on May 1, 2019.\r\nOIA will also be awarding funding to the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP) for the following projects:\r\n $300,000 to the Virgin Islands DNPR's DLAM for the Maintenance of AC Units and Generators and Training for Maintenance Staff, as detailed in the proposal submitted on March 1, 2019; and\r\n $202,580 to the Ivana Eudora Kean High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Department for the JROTC Drill Pad Covering project, as detailed in the proposal submitted on May 21, 2019.\r\nIn addition, OIA is also providing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the following projects:\r\n $996,265 for the St. Croix, Frederiksted Road Rehabilitation;\r\n $323,250 for the Charlotte Amalie Road Rehabilitation, and\r\n $544,485 for the Cruz Bay & Coral Bay Road Rehabilitation.\r\nThese grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the reestablishment of our islands. The grant award is a vital component of that concern.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3518", "HOUSE PASSES $19.1 BILLION BICAMERAL, BIPARTISAN DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE", "2019-06-04", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nHOUSE PASSES $19.1 BILLION BICAMERAL, BIPARTISAN DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE\r\nLegislation now cleared for President's signature  \r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plasektt released the following statement on the passing of legislation to provide relief and recovery assistance for Americans affected by hurricanes and other recent natural disasters:  \r\n\r\n\"I am pleased that we have finally rejected the political stunts and grandstanding that have made it difficult to deliver much-needed relief to Americans struck by natural disasters. While it has taken far too long, this $19.1 billion bill includes a broad array of measures to help meet the urgent needs of disaster-stricken communities, like the Virgin Islands, from health care and nutritional assistance to social services and infrastructure repairs. The bill represents bipartisan compromise that will strengthen communities and make lives better. For the Virgin Islands the measure provides the following:\r\n $27,059,085 in additional community development block grant - disaster recovery (CDBG-DR) funding.\r\n Requires FEMA to take into account pre-disaster conditions and other considerations when determining if a hurricane-damaged structure or facility in the Virgin Islands is repairable or must be replaced, thus promoting resiliency as the islands rebuild.\r\n Requires HUD to publish regulatory guidance governing CDBG-DR action plans for the mitigation funding appropriated under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 within 90 days of enactment. This will allow the process for dispersal of the mitigation funding that was allocated to the Virgin Islands ($774,188,000) to begin.\r\n\"The passing of this Disaster Relief Bill is yet another step in helping Virgin Islanders recover from the back-to-back devastation from two of the largest hurricanes this country has ever seen. As a country we have a commitment to our fellow citizens that are in the midst of major rebuilding efforts, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The Territories deserve the continued support from the federal government and it must provide the necessary resources for the Territories to recover from these emergencies.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3519", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2,200,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2019-06-04", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2,200,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $2,200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $2,200,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health for mental health disaster assistance in the Virgin Islands. This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously because by making healthy choices, one can improve their quality of life. Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and traumatic events is essential to the behavioral health of individuals and communities alike.\r\nWhen people experience a disaster, they may experience a variety of reactions, many of which are natural responses to difficult situations. Most people show resilience after a disaster. Resilience is the ability to bounce back, cope with adversity, and endure during difficult situations. Thankfully, resilience in disaster recovery is ordinary, not extraordinary, and people regularly demonstrate this ability. This grant will help with the resources needed to address stress and other hardships.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3517", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETTS STATEMENT REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUDGE ROBERT MOLLOY TO THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-05-29", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUDGE ROBERT MOLLOY TO THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the nomination of Judge Robert Molloy by President Donald J. Trump to the United States District Court of the Virgin Islands:\r\nWhen the White House informed us that they were seeking to nominate a new judge for the United States District Court of the Virgin Islands, I was happy to offer the name of Virgin Islands Superior Court Judge Robert Molloy,a native son of the U.S. Virgin Islands, to be a nominee for the federal judgeship.\r\nI have known Judge Molloy for a number of years and I am continually impressed by not just his thoughtfulness and well-reasoned demeanor but his tremendous work ethic on the bench. Judge Molloy has always been extremely competent, both as an attorney and a judge. He has consistently rendered very fair and thoughtful decisions, has moved his docket along and he will undoubtedly be a significant contributor to the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands. I will do everything in my power to support his confirmation, and I applaud President Trump for picking such an outstanding candidate for this nomination. We expect the nomination to be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. After a hearing we hope the nominee will be voted favorably out of committee, with a majority vote, and then the nomination is forwarded to the full Senate. The full Senate then debates and votes on the nomination.\r\nJudge Molloy's interest in the law began at a very young age when he worked for his brother, Attorney Jeffrey B.C. Moorhead, filing legal documents and delivering documents to court. He attended law school after working three years for the United States General Services Administration in Washington, District of Columbia, as a financial analyst. Judge Molloy earned his law degree from the American University, Washington College of Law in theDistrict of Columbia.\r\nJudge Molloy is well-respected by his fellow judges, lawyers and the general public. He has an impressive resume, and will bring a diverse background of service to the federal bench. His career serving in nearly every aspect of the law offers him a depth of experience and broad range of perspectives that will prove to be invaluable on the United States District Court of the Virgin Island.\r\nI trust that Judge Molloy will continue the excellence rendered by so many of our own who have served on the federal bench: named such as Almeric Christian, Wilma Lewis and Curtis Gomez come to mind. On behalf of the residents of the Virgin Islands, I would like to thank The Honorable Curtis Gomez for his judicial service as Judge and Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of the US Virgin Islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MEMORIAL DAY STATEMENT", "2019-05-23", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Statement\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT MEMORIAL DAY STATEMENT \r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding Memorial Day:\r\nOn behalf of my staff, my family, and myself, I'd like to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Virgin Islands and across the nation who have died in service to our country. I'd also like to recognize and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones. \r\nThis somber holiday of remembrance requires us to hold dear the memories of the servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting American lives and values. Since the United States purchased the Virgin Islands over a century ago, the islands and our people have been important parts of the U.S. Armed Forces.\r\nOne of the most important ways in which we should honor these brave Americans is by doing our part as a nation, a territory and as individuals to ensure that the families they have left behind and the members of the U.S Armed Forces who make it home are well taken care of. If we negate this duty, we are dishonoring the memory of the men and women that this day was created to memorialize. We cannot dishonor their memory.\r\nOn Monday morning as the U.S. flag is raised to half-staff, we will remember the fallen. As it is raised to full-staff at noon, we will remember that the sacrifices of the fallen have allowed the living, and the values of our great nation to continue to stand.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3509", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT PROUDLY SUPPORTS NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM COIN BILL DURING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK", "2019-05-15", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT PROUDLY SUPPORTS NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM COIN BILL DURING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK\r\nMuseum Commemorative Coin would honor the National Law Enforcement Museum and its role in telling the story of American law enforcement\r\nWashington, DC As the nation honors the country's men and women law enforcement officers during this National Police Week, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett proudly demonstrated support for the nation's law enforcement officers by signing the National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 1865. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nAuthorized by Congress in 2000, with ground broken in 2010, The National Law Enforcement Museum officially opened to the public on October 13, 2018. The Museum is a project of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and is dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement through a highly interactive, immersive and hands-on experience. The Museum hosts STEM-focused educational programs and workshops and is also committed to providing thought-provoking programs and events that help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.\r\nThe Memorial Fund also maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, a lasting tribute to those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice. It also hosts the annual Candlelight Vigil, now in its 31st year, to honor fallen officers.\r\nThe Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) should be commended for their hard work that they do. They are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and every visitor who visits our shores. I know that each member of the VIPD organization is equally dedicated to serving our needs, and earning an exceptional level of trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of professionalism. The Virgin Islands Police Department is a prepared organization dedicated to providing a safe environment and premier police services.\r\nThe National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 1865 would authorize minting of this coin to honor the Museum and its important mission in providing everyday citizens a window into the critical role law enforcement officer's play in society and their roles in the safety of our communities.\r\nSupport for H.R. 1865 for this important bill during National Police Week, which draws an estimated 30,000 people from around the country, would be a strong statement of congressional support for American law enforcement, its vital role in society, and the importance of honoring this proud profession during National Police Week and in the National Law Enforcement Museum.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3510", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $7 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE ST. JOHN RESIDENTIAL WIND RETROFIT", "2019-05-15", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $7 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE ST. JOHN RESIDENTIAL WIND RETROFIT\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding a $7 million grant from FEMA to go towards the St. John Residential Wind Retrofit:\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $7,030,000.00 in federal funding to the St. John Residential Wind Retrofit. This grant money will insure that the Virgin Islands will be able to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to public and private property before, during, and after a disaster occurs. Every year, homes along the coast are subject to high winds that cause extensive damage and threaten the safety and security of coastal residents. Much of this wind-related damage can be reduced or prevented by improving the performance of the buildings through retrofits that strengthen the building's envelope (the shell of the house, including the doors, roof covering, windows, and walls), the adequacy of the home's load path (the connections of each part of the structure, from roof to foundation), and their ability to transfer loads without failing.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3505", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT JOINS 7TH ANNUAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK", "2019-05-13", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT JOINS 7TH ANNUAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK  \r\n\r\nInfrastructure Week  May 13-20, 2019  is a week-long series of events  \r\n\r\n raising awareness for our country's infrastructure needs.\r\nLet's #BuildForTomorrow. Starting now.\r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Today is the first day of Infrastructure Week, which will take place from May 13-20, 2019. Across the country, hundreds of elected officials, and more will come together to spread the message that we must #BuildForTomorrow. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement:\r\nInvesting in infrastructure is consistently one of the issues that has the strongest bi-partisan support from voters, with more supporters wanting action from government on infrastructure than almost any other issue. America's ports, inland waterways, locks and dams serve as economic lifelines for many communities  the U.S. Virgin Islands being one of those places.\r\nWhen it comes to agreeing on a national vision for infrastructure, and a plan to pay for it, we have a long way to go. Regional projects with implications for the national economy are not getting the funding they need. And state and local projects that depend, even partly, on federal funding, loans, permitting, and new regulatory action, are not breaking ground. False starts, delayed starts, deferred maintenance, and inadequate levels of investment are putting our infrastructure, our health and safety, and our economy at risk. Territories, cities, counties, states and the private sector are working hard, but need a strong, reliable federal partner to get the job done.\r\nNow in its seventh year, led by a coalition of labor, business, and policy organizations, and joined by hundreds of affiliates nationwide, Infrastructure Week is uniting everyone to send one message to leaders in Washington and beyond: Let's #BuildForTomorrow.\r\nAs Co-Chair of the New Democrats Coalition Infrastructure Task Force I am thrilled to be acknowledging Infrastructure Week.The state of America's infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues facing us as a nation. The benefits of a stronger, better infrastructure system could be immense, but we urgently need political courage and leadership on this issue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3502", "HOUSE PASSES BILL TO STAY IN PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT WITH AN IMPORTANT AMENDMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT REGARDING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TERRITORIES", "2019-05-06", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSE PASSES BILL TO STAY IN PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT WITH AN IMPORTANT AMENDMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT REGARDING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TERRITORIES\r\nWashington, DC - The U.S. House recently voted 231 to 190 for the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9), a bill that would prevent the Trump Administration from withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement regarding her amendment which was added to the Bill:\r\nDemocrats said we would honor our commitment to act on the climate crisis. Now we are delivering. H.R. 9 was the first major piece of climate legislation to pass the House in 10 years. The Paris Climate Agreement carbon pollution reduction goals are vital to the growing clean energy economy and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. Instead of cutting and running from this agreement as President Trump proposes, the House voted to honor our commitment. When America leads on cutting carbon pollution, the world follows, so this is a major signal to our allies that Americans overwhelmingly support this agreement. We deserve clean air, family-sustaining jobs in the growing clean energy industry, and policies that work for the people, not corporate polluters.\r\nI am grateful that my amendment to H.R. 9 was accepted which would direct the GAO to complete a study and submit a report to Congress on the impact of the President's plan on the U.S. territories, including the potential positive and negative impacts on their economies, taking into consideration their unique energy needs and systems and the climate change vulnerabilities faced by communities in these jurisdictions.\r\nI am grateful to the citizens across America who are speaking loud and clear on climate change. I am also appreciative of my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and my fellow members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for their work on this legislation. This is exactly the sort of collaboration we need to address the climate crisis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3493", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INITIATED INTO DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED", "2019-04-26", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INITIATED INTO DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, who represents the U.S. Virgin Islands in Congress where she sits on the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is a very vocal voice on the Oversight and Reform Committee is pleased to announce that she has been initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at the St. Croix Alumnae Chapter. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Since its founding more than 200,000 women have joined the organization. The organization is a sisterhood of predominantly Black, college educated women. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea. Founded in 1913 by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University who wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act by participating in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was incorporated in 1930. 106 years later the organization continues in the footsteps of the founders and remains in the forefront of action as a voice for those in need.\r\nI am honored and blessed to become a member of the glorious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. As a public servant and long-time community advocate, I'm excited to become a part of an organization that has such an amazing history of public service, advocacy and WORK for all people, with an emphasis on the black community. Delta Sigma Theta has over a century of work in scholarship and service around the world and I'm anxious to get to work with my new sisters. With members of the sorority such as Dorothy Irene Height, Ruby Dee, Carol Mosely-Braun and my sheroes Cicely Tyson and Shirley Chisolm  the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority have a true history of service.\r\nThe process of initiation was not easy (particularly for a Member of Congress) and I have my family, staff and friends to thank for supporting me as I went through the process. I've made lifetime bonds with the other amazing women on my line as well as the dynamic women of the St. Croix Alumnae Chapter of the sorority. The President of our Chapter, Sandra Setorie is one of the most gracious gentlewomen I have now the pleasure to call sister and I'm grateful to the women who led me through my initiation especially Sana Joseph Smith, who led the process. I must say, I was elated and surprised by 5 of the 6, colleagues who serve with me in Congress and are members of the sorority, and who made the trip to the Virgin Islands to be present for the occasion: Congresswomen Yvette Clark, Joyce Beatty, Val Demings, Marcia L. Fudge, and Brenda Lawrence. These sisters work daily to share our national president, Beverly E. Smith's theme of #PowerinOurVoice and #JoyinOurSisterhood #ServiceinOurHearts.\r\nTo see more about Congresswoman Plaskett visit https://plaskett.house.gov/biography/\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3494", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-04-26", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 26, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett announced the University of the Virgin Islands has been awarded a $33,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The Congresswoman made the following remarks:  \r\n\r\nCoral reef ecosystems of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region provide substantial economic benefits and coastal protection. This $33,000 research grant from the National Science Foundation awarded to the University of the Virgin Islands will fund a project aiming to create a model able to predict the impact of multi-species disease spread of reefs based on the ingathering of coral species.\r\nI would like to extend congratulations the seven UVI students contributing to this valuable research and wish them the best in their efforts. The results of this research may be able to assist in not only better understanding the threats facing these ecosystems but may lead to further research on what we may be able to do to preserve our reefs and the diversity of life in our seas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3495", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES", "2019-04-26", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 26, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded over $1.6 million for Head Start Programs to Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands. The Congresswoman made the following remarks:\r\nStudies have shown that the first five years of a child's life are crucial for brain development and that the first three years even more so. The $1.6 million dollars awarded in this grant will help to fund the Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands' Early Head Start program which provides service to over a hundred children, families, and pregnant women.\r\nEnsuring that the community has access to quality childcare is an issue that benefits all aspects of our community, including health, education and economics. I am confident that Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands will use these funds to continue providing exemplary services to the children and families of the U.S. Virgin Islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1494", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $5 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE CHARLES A. TAPPY SEALES (GROVE PLACE) FIRE STATION RETROFIT PROJECT", "2019-04-12", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $5 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE CHARLES A. TAPPY SEALES (GROVE PLACE) FIRE STATION RETROFIT PROJECT \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 12, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $5 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE CHARLES A. TAPPY SEALES (GROVE PLACE) FIRE STATION RETROFIT PROJECT\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding a $5 million grant from FEMA to go towards Charles A. Tappy Seales (Grove Place) Fire Station Retrofit Project:  \r\n\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $$4,995,000.00 federal funding will fund the retrofit and upgrade of the fire station and its components to ensure operational capacity and continuity of services including placement of functional areas to exceed the current ABFE's for the 500-year flood zone (as required for critical facilities). The station will also be retrofitted to exceed the USVI's recently adopted IBC 2018, and the 180 mph Design Wind Speed for the USVI in accordance with ASCE 7-16 for wind risks associated with Risk Category IV (critical facilities). The retrofit will include safe room construction in order to enable the facility to continue to function as a coordination point during emergency response operations, to ensure continuity of critical functions as well as to ensure the life safety of personnel performing critical emergency response functions during an emergency, including installation of a 100kw generator and transfer switch for generator, as required. The 300 sq. ft. safe room will be capable of housing 30 people.  \r\n\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1493", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $29 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY/ST. THOMAS FOR EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES", "2019-04-10", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $29 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY/ST. THOMAS FOR EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 10, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $29 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY/ST. THOMAS FOR EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding a $29 million grant from FEMA to go to Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority/St. Thomas for Emergency Protective Measures:\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $24,826,409 in federal funding to V.I. Water and Power Authority/St. Thomas for Emergency Protective Measures. This grant money will insure that the Virgin Islands will be able to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to public and private property before, during, and after a disaster occurs.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=499", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $56 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY", "2019-04-05", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $56 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 5, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $56 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding a $56 million grant from FEMA to go towards Emergency Protective Measures for the Virgin Islands:\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $56,014,051.50 in federal funding to V.I. Housing Authority. This grant money will insure that the Virgin Islands will be able to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to public and private property before, during, and after a disaster occurs.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=495", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR FOR FY 2019 FOR ISLAND AREA STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLOSE UP PROGRAM", "2019-04-04", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR FOR FY 2019 FOR ISLAND AREA STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLOSE UP PROGRAM\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett today announced the payment of $1,000,000 to fund the FY 2019 Close Up Insular Areas Program. The Congresswoman released the following statement:  \r\n\r\nSince 1971, Close Up has provided challenging, hands-on civic education programs in Washington, DC. Each year they serve over 15,000 students and teachers in more than 1,200 schools and youth organizations nationwide. Close Up is the only civic education program that serves every segment of society, actively seeking to provide opportunities for all high school and middle school students regardless of their socio-economic level or prior academic success. Over the past forty years, more than 850,000 students and teachers from across the country have participated in Close Up programs.  \r\n\r\nThis year's program will bring approximately 180 high school-aged students to Washington, D.C. from American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for civic education programs alongside their peers from the 50 states. Funding would also support an additional 320 students and teachers participating in a summit in the Virgin Islands.  \r\n\r\nThis important program will provide opportunities for the youth from the U.S. Virgin Islands to visit Washington, D.C. and gain firsthand exposure to democratic institutions at the federal level. Every single experience in this program becomes a teaching and learning moment.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=496", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETTS AMENDMENT IN THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT PASSES", "2019-04-04", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S AMENDMENT IN THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT PASSES \r\nWashington, D.C.  Today, the House passed H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. H.R. 1585 is a bipartisan, robust, long-term reauthorization. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett had an amendment accepted to H.R. 1585 (see video). The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nThe landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ushered in transformative progress by calling for the protection of women and all Americans from violence and abuse, while working to ensure survivors have access to essential services. Each time Congress reauthorized VAWA, they have strengthened it to improve protections and access to safety and justice for all survivors. Since 1994, the rate of domestic violence has declined by roughly 50 percent. However, the extent of domestic violence in the Virgin Islands remains far too high.\r\nLike previous reauthorizations, H.R. 1585 makes some vital improvements to address gaps in current law, based on extensive consultation with victim service providers, law enforcement, and other experts. One of those improvements was my amendment which doubles the available funding to the Virgin Islands and other small territories under the Sexual Assault Services Program and the Transitional Housing Assistance Program.\r\nAccording to psychologists in the Virgin Islands, a recent increase in domestic violence cases can partially be attributed to the residual stress of the disastrous hurricanes of 2017. Even before this uptick, the territory was massively under equipped to shelter and protect the victims of violence and this situation has only worsened since. There is currently one domestic violence and abuse program on St. Thomas that offers a hotline but no emergency shelter. On the island of St. Croix, there is one program that offers a hotline and emergency shelter to victims. I would like to thank these programs, the Women's Coalition of St. Croix and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas for their passionate and continued work in providing services and resources to the victims of abuse and their families. \"The Women's Coalition of St. Croix would like to thank Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett for her leadership and her amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Her amendment gives additional funding to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With violence on the rise in the territory, coupled with the extreme lack of housing, it has been extremely difficult to ensure the safety and well-being of victims and survivors. Hopefully, this additional funding will go a long way to address the needs of victims and survivors in our community,\" stated Clema S. Lewis, Executive Director, Women's Coalition of St. Croix.  \r\n\r\nThis amendment and this bill will help provide additional services to the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence within the territory. The Virgin Islands has unique problems related to protecting and assisting victims of abuse including confidentiality, sensitivity and selection of options. I'm confident that with this additional funding, we can close some of the gaps that exist to improve training, education, and the availability of resources for victims and their families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=491", "T & I COMMITTEE PASSES CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETTS LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE DISASTER RECOVERY", "2019-04-02", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "T & I COMMITTEE PASSES CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETTS' LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE DISASTER RECOVERY\r\nWashington, D.C. - The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced a bipartisan disaster relief bill authored by Reps. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) and Garret Graves (LA-6). The legislation, H.R. 1311 is designed to help communities recover from disasters and increase disaster program transparency and oversight. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nI am pleased that the Transportation and Infrastructure committee successfully passed HR 1311  a bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that unmet needs after a major disaster are met. I am grateful to work across the aisle with my colleague Representative Garret Graves toward solutions for families and communities in need after disaster strikes. After the experiences of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Virgin Islands and the other disaster-impacted areas need the support of the federal government as quickly as possible to rebuild lives, businesses, and communities. This bill cuts out some of the unnecessary federal process that, while well intentioned, burdens communities who have just been destroyed by disaster, while giving states and territories flexibility in spending, without taking away oversight of taxpayer dollars. I look forward to this bill passing in the Senate and ultimately being signed into law.\r\nWhen disaster strikes, disruptive changes happen to people fast  the federal response needs to match the urgency that victims feel after having their lives turned upside down. This bill starts to fix the slow, unnecessary federal processes that often re-victimize people and jeopardize recovery for entire communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=475", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO THE VI LEGISLATURE URGING A DISCUSSION ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLITICAL STATUS WITH THE UNITED STATES", "2019-03-27", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO THE VI LEGISLATURE URGING A DISCUSSION ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLITICAL STATUS WITH THE UNITED STATES\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding her letter to Senate President Kenneth L. Gittens regarding starting a dialogue with the people of the Virgin Islands in regards to the political status of the Territory:  \r\n\r\nRecently I sent a letter (attached) to Senate President Kenneth L. Gittens and Joint Board of Elections Chairman Arturo Watlington in reference to starting a dialogue with the people of the Virgin Islands as to the political status of the Territory. With Transfer Day approaching it is time to recognize the considerable progress our Virgin Islands have made through our history under Danish Rule and with the United States of America. Through the arts, sports, politics, military service, and intellectual discourse, the Virgin Islands of the United States continue to contribute to the rich fabric of the United States while keeping our unique Caribbean history and culture.\r\nAmericans have seen and Virgin Islanders (and others living in the territories feel) the impact of limited electoral participation. For example, federal legislation often has unintended consequences to the territories or are passed with deficiencies in treatment to the territories and residents of the territories serve in the armed forces in disproportional numbers but cannot vote for their Commander in Chief. I am pleased to announce that an Amendment to create a Congressional Task Force on Territorial Voting Rights that my office proposed with the support of the territorial members on both sides of the aisle (along with many of our colleagues) has been incorporated into H.R. 1 which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. With such an amendment being accepted to such an important bill I think it is time the Virgin Islands begin a structured discourse related to the ways we here in the Territory can discuss our political status with the United States.\r\n###\r\nPlease see video which explains my Amendment to HR 1.\r\nThe Honorable Kenneth L. Gittens\r\n Senate President \r\n33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands\r\n46 King Street\r\nChristiansted, VI 00820\r\nDear Senate President Gittens:\r\nOn June 28th of last year, I sent a letter to Senate President Myron Jackson and Joint Board of Elections Chair Arturo Watlington to ask what. if any, mechanisms are being utilized to obtain the meaningful position of the people of the Virgin Islands as to the political status of the territory.\r\nLast week, the House of Representatives passed the For the People Act of 2019 (H.R. I which contained provisions to advance the issue of voting rights of U.S. citizens in the territories. Under the bill, Congress finds that residents of the territories have played an important part in the American democracy for more than 120 years; that political participation and the right to vote are among the highest concerns of territorial residents, in part because they were not always afforded these rights; that voting participation in the territories consistently ranks higher than many mainland communities; and that the right to vote is one of the most powerful instruments that residents of the territories have to ensure that their voices are heard. Accordingly, the bill would establish a Congressional Task Force on Voting Rights of United States Citizen Residents of Territories of the United States. The Task Force would gather findings and issue a report to Congress with recommendations to address the disenfranchisement of Americans in the territories.\r\nMeanwhile, cases have been progressing in the federal courts to decide whether the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment extends birthright citizenship to those born in unincorporated territory of the United States. Certainly, the voting power of Americans in the Virgin Islands, along with the other territories, is linked in part to the political status of the islands as unincorporated territory of the United States.\r\nWith such movement on the federal level, I would like to reiterate my request that the government of the Virgin Islands begin structured education and discourse related to a mechanism to obtain the meaningful consent of the Virgin Islands to its political status, and an eventual referendum on the issue of status within the United States. I am more than willing to use my position in Washington, DC to support this process.\r\n Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your reply. Stacey E. Plaskett  \r\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=479", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $850,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH  FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM", "2019-03-27", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $850,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\r\nFAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $850,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the U.S. Virgin Islands a $850,000 grant for the Virgin Islands Department of Health's Family Planning Program, whose services include access to birth control, STD testing, vaccines and treatment, cancer screenings, pregnancy testing and consulting, and basic infertility services.\r\nThis significant grant will benefit the Virgin Islands by increasing the capabilities of the Virgin Islands Department of Health's Family Planning Program providing men, women, and adolescents access to sexual health and reproduction services. Family planning helps reduce infant mortality, adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy-related health risks, prevent HIV/AIDS, empowers people and enhances education.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=466", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $2.5 MILLION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY", "2019-03-22", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $2.5 MILLION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $2.5 million to go towards repairs to the Lagoon Street Force Main Break as a result of Hurricane Maria:\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\r\nThe grant is for $2,573,794.68 in federal funding to the V.I. Waste Management Authority - St. Croix for repairs to the Lagoon Street Force Main Break. This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=464", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2019-03-15", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $300,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in the Territory. Chronic diseases are defined as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously because by making healthy choices, one can reducethe likelihood of getting achronic diseaseand improve their quality of life. By making healthy choices, one can reduce the likelihood of getting a chronic disease and improve their quality of life.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=458", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $700,000 GRANT FOR HEAD START PROGRAM IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2019-03-13", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $700,000 GRANT FOR HEAD START PROGRAM IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment released the following statement regarding a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Head Start in the U.S. Virgin Islands awarded to Virgin Islands Department of Human Services:\r\nToday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $700,000 for Head Start which was awarded to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through agencies in their local community. Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in centers, child care partner locations, and in their own homes. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts to make the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. Head Start programs provide family-centered services for low-income families with very young children. These programs are designed to promote the development of children and to enable their parents to fulfill their roles and move toward self-sufficiency.\r\nThis grant is important because Head Start programs support parents, both mothers and fathers, in their role as primary caregivers and teachers of their children. This programs assists families in meeting their own personal goals and achieving self-sufficiency across a wide variety of domains, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=456", "New Democrat Coalition Releases Infrastructure Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress", "2019-03-12", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Democrat Coalition Releases Infrastructure Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress\r\nWashington, DC Today, the New Democrat Coalition Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chairs Stacey Plaskett, Jason Crow, Elissa Slotkin, and Salud Carbajal released their goals for the 116th Congress. The Infrastructure Task Force will meet with stakeholders and develop policy positions for the Coalition to advance in both the near term and long term.  \r\n\r\nInfrastructure Task Force Mission Statement for the 116th Congress:\r\nThe New Democrat Coalition Infrastructure Task Force will work to create jobs, spur economic growth, and modernize America's transportation, port, air, water, energy, and communications infrastructure. We must make sustainable and innovative public and private investments across the U.S. to repair and upgrade existing assets and build vital new projects. We will seek to support projects that help communities become more energy efficient, resilient and better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change and environmental cleanup. Finally, we will seek to give communities ownership of local development, and encourage innovation, regulatory streamlining, and more comprehensive and multi-project long term planning.\r\nI'm proud to co-chair the New Democrat Coalition's Infrastructure Task Force, and am pleased to be working in the Task Force on new ways to fund, fix, and accelerate infrastructure projects to provide a stronger foundation for economic growth and new jobs, said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL). I look forward to new thinking as to innovative solutions that will improve outcomes, including those that address the threats of climate change and extreme weather events that are increasingly disruptive to our infrastructure systems.\r\nThe sixth district is growing more every day but with that comes a growing strain on our infrastructure needs. As co-chair, I look forward to advocating for increased federal funding of our highways and public transit systems so our community can keep pace with our country's economic growth, said Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06). I look forward to leading the Infrastructure Task Force and working with my colleagues to find commonsense policy solutions.\r\nRebuilding our roads, bridges and water infrastructure is something that folks are demanding of us as their representatives, said Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08). I'm proud to help lead the New Democrat Coalition's Infrastructure Task Force, and with legislation currently progressing, I'm committed to getting a robust infrastructure package passed to fix our roads and ensure clean, safe drinking water.\r\nComing from local government, I've seen the toll aginginfrastructureis taking on our communities, said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). Congress can no longer afford to ignore our failinginfrastructurethat Americans rely on each day. Fortunately,infrastructurelends itself to strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to working with the Task Force to put forward commonsense proposals that make robust investments in our nation's crumblinginfrastructureand ensure the long-term solvency of our Highway Trust Fund.\"\r\nInfrastructure Task Force for the 116th Congress:\r\n \r\n    Co-Chairs: Reps. Stacey Plaskett, Jason Crow, Elissa Slotkin, and Salud Carbajal \r\n    Members: Reps. Julia Brownley, Cheri Bustos, Gil Cisneros, Rick Larsen, Tom Malinowski, Lucy McBath, Chris Pappas, Max Rose, David Scott, Mikie Sherrill, Greg Stanton, Norma Torres, David Trone, and Susan Wild\r\n \r\n###  \r\nThe New Democrat Coalition, the largest ideological caucus of House Democrats, is comprised of 101 forward-thinking Democrats who are committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=457", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF HR 1 THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT", "2019-03-12", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF HR 1 THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT\r\nDemocrats are committed to ensuring that voting is free, fair and easy for all citizens and that every vote by an eligible voter is counted as cast, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1  The For the People Act:\r\nH.R. 1 represents a transformation for American democracy. It would create a democracy that welcomes every eligible voter's chance to participate in civil life, and a democracy that demands integrity, fairness and transparency for our nations' elections. Despite the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which was readopted and strengthened in 1970, 1975 and 1982; voter suppression has been a shameful reality in our country  undermining the power and representation of African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and other groups historically excluded from our political process. The ability to have meaningful participation in our democracy is crucial to the vibrancy of our nation. H.R. 1 is an opportunity for voting reform that includes everyone  including the US territories. \r\n\"Democrats are committed to ensuring that voting is free, fair and easy for all citizens and that every vote by an eligible voter is counted as cast. H.R. 1 incorporates key provisions of Rep. John Lewis' Voter Empowerment Act, and ends systemic, discriminatory barriers to voting by ending the indiscriminate purging of voters from the rolls, restores voting rights to individuals with felony convictions after they have completed their prison sentences, establishes automatic voter registration, and expands absentee and early voting. The bill also makes important revisions to government ethics laws.\r\nAmericans have seen and Virgin Islanders (and others living in the territories feel) the impact of limited electoral participation. For example, federal legislation often has unintended consequences to the territories or are passed with deficiencies in treatment to the territories; residents of the territories serve in the armed forces in disproportional numbers but cannot vote for their Commander in Chief; citizens in the Pacific live under constant nuclear threat from North Korea but have no voting representative in Congress to influence American foreign policy. I am pleased to announce that an Amendment to create a Congressional Task Force on Territorial Voting Rights, that my office proposed with the support of the territorial members on both sides of the aisle (along with many of our colleagues) has been incorporated into H.R. 1 which just passed the U.S. House of Representatives. My amendment calls for the creation of a Congressional Task Force to look into:\r\n impediments to full and equal voting rights for United States citizens who are residents of territories of the United States in Federal elections;\r\n impediments to full and equal voting representation in the House of Representatives for United States citizens who are residents of territories of the United States;\r\n recommend changes that would allow for full and equal voting right in Federal elections; and\r\n recommend changes that would allow for full and equal voting representation in the House of Representatives.\r\nMajority Leader Steny Hoyer commented, I'm glad that we included in H.R. 1 a provision to launch a new task force exploring voting rights for U.S. territories. It is critically important that all Americans have their voices heard in their Congress, and I thank Stacey for her hard work and ongoing efforts to secure full representation for the U.S. Virgin Islands.\r\nCongress which has the constitutional responsibility for the territories must create a plan to end the untenable positions under which the American citizens living in the territories reside. This bill passed in the US House and now moves to the Senate. It is the first major legislative step in curing this ill, this stain on our country and blight over the people of the territories. \r\nNeil Weare, President and Founder of Equally American, a nonprofit organization that advocates for equality and voting rights in U.S. territories commented, Voting rights in U.S. Territories is a challenging political issue to solve. That's why Congresswoman Plaskett's leadership in getting Congress to take seriously the structural disenfranchisement of nearly 4 million Americans is so vitally important. This is yet another example of Congresswoman Plaskett seizing the opportunity to advance national awareness on these issues at every turn. That's how we will get from where we are to where we want to be.\"\r\nUntil the United States began ownership of offshore territories, which have majority minority people, disenfranchisement in territories was viewed as a temporary condition. From the 1787 Northwest Ordinance until the acquisition of Puerto Rico, lands were deemed territories with the expectation that they would eventually become fully part of the Union as states. Under the Constitution Congress has the responsibility for the territories and inclusion of my Amendment in this bill, forces Congress to begin finding equity for the citizens of the territory in voting rights.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=452", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $59 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY", "2019-03-05", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 5, 2019 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT WORTH OVER $59 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding a $59 million grant from FEMA to go towards repairing buildings in the Virgin Islands as a result of the damage from the hurricanes:  \r\n\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce an important grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  \r\n\r\nThe grant is for $$59,540,773.50 in federal funding to V.I. Housing Authority - St. Thomas for repairs to five buildings. This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=453", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR HENRY E. ROHLSEN AIRPORT AND CYRIL E. KING AIRPORT", "2019-03-05", "2019", "2019-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR HENRY E. ROHLSEN AIRPORT AND CYRIL E. KING AIRPORT\r\nThese grants are significant to the residents of the of St. Thomas and St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands because they will allow the USVI Port Authority to continue promoting the wise use of these facilities for the betterment of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its people, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement announcing two important grants for Henry E. Rohlsen and Cyril E. King Airports in the Virgin Islands: \r\nI am pleased to announce that the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas will receive important grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. \r\nThe grants announced today are:\r\n$20 million to construct a Parking and Transportation Center (PTC) at the Cyril E. King Airport on the island of St. Thomas. The project will improve transit access and operational capacity to minimize time required for the transport of people and goods, driving both economic recovery and resilience. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to help retain 139 jobs, create up to 116 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment. \r\n$7 million to renovate and expand approximately 6,550 square feet inside the Henry E. Rohslen Airport on the island of St. Croix. This project will improve the structure's ability to withstand powerful tropical weather and will provide a broader resiliency to the island by restoring tourism and import/export opportunities. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to help retain 40 jobs, create 42 jobs and spur $1.1 million in private investment. \r\nThese important grants are significant to the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands because they will allow the USVI Port Authority to continue promoting the wise use of these airports for the betterment of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its people, and to assist the government and the community in fostering and sustaining sound economic development when it comes to its airports.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=446", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT AFTER ATTENDING TODAY'S INTER AGENCY GROUP ON INSULAR AREAS (IGIA) PLENARY SESSION HERE IN WASHINGTON, DC", "2019-02-25", "2019", "2019-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT AFTER ATTENDING TODAY'SINTER AGENCYGROUP ON INSULAR AREAS (IGIA) PLENARY SESSION HERE IN WASHINGTON, DC\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI) statement on her participation in today's Inter agency Group on Insular Affairs plenary Session here in Washington, DC:\r\nSince coming to Congress I have been working hard on Capitol Hill to raise awareness and explore opportunities for collaboration between the territories. While we may be thousands of miles from one another are issues are fundamentally the same. We have issues of economic stagnation; lack of true long term incentives to attract private sector development over more trusted' U.S. jurisdiction or too many restrictions to compete with non U.S. jurisdictions in our regions; equity and parity in federal treatment and the effects of an often volatile environment and climate change.\r\nFor the Virgin Islands of the United States, devastation of two category five hurricanes have caused my office to adapt our direction and legislative priorities. In the 116th Congress the efforts related to rebuilding and resilience after the hurricanes of 2017 have brought into clear focus many long standing concerns and legislative advocacy of the Virgin Islands. In the early morning hours of February 9th 2018, members of Congress approved a 2 year budget package that included critical disaster relief to hurricane-affected areas, including the Virgin Islands.\r\nWhile the bill did not provide anywhere near the full amount needed or all of what was requested by the Virgin Islands, it Contains provisions to support long term recovery by providing legislative support to long standing issues that the federal government to date had not addressed. For example, it included an important provision to allow the Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, to utilize FEMA assistance to rebuild critical infrastructure to be more resilient than before Hurricanes Irma and Maria in order to withstand future storms. Much of the Virgin Islands infrastructure destruction were (aside from houses) related in large party to underfunding, off formula funding, or lack of equity in funding to the territories from the federal government. The territory has not received support for building schools, we are removed from the formulas for the highway trust fund funding in the 90's and our lack of inclusion in DSH (disproportionate share for hospital), 1980's CMS reimbursement rate and Medicaid issues  all were factors in the level of destruction to our schools, roads and hospitals after the storm's.\r\nHealthcare funding is a leading example of the substantial burden the federal government has placed on local governments in the territories which cause them to make untenable decisions in funding which in the short or long term puts the territories at financial risk.. For example, regarding Medicaid  Medicaid is the main insurance payer to our hospitals, but the disparities in payment from the federal government to the States vs. the territories under the program are significant, and this has been an issue for decades. It has become an even more serious issue in the aftermath of the natural disasters that the territories have all experienced over the past two years.\r\nFederal Medicaid funding to the states and DC is open-ended, while the Medicaid programs in the territories are subject to annual federal funding caps (allotments). Once the cap is reached, the territory must assume the full cost of Medicaid services. The annual federal capped funding has been supplemented by additional Affordable Care Act allotments since July 1, 2011. This crucial support expires on Sept. 30, 2019, which has come to be known as the fiscal cliff.'\r\nI have been working since I started in Congress following the fight of my predecessor to address this by resolving the fundamental problem, that the territories are forced to operate Medicaid under statutory caps. The caps are antithetical to the purpose of the program  a health safety net that is able to expand and contract based on local health needs. I have sponsored legislation, along with my colleagues from the territories, and others, to correct the inequities we face under Medicaid, in part by lifting the Medicaid caps and providing for fair inclusion of the territories in the disproportionate share hospital (or DSH) program. I am proud to announce that I will be reintroducing this legislation shortly.\r\nAs we execute our rebuilding and our long-term recovery, we must do so cognizant of other longstanding financial issues. While we have made significant strides and will continue to do so, we must continue to confront the difficult reality that our islands, and their U.S. citizen residents, have been neglected and allowed to fall behind.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=442", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMPS UNLAWFUL EMERGENCY DECLARATION THAT VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION AND MAKES AMERICA LESS SAFE", "2019-02-15", "2019", "2019-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S UNLAWFUL EMERGENCY DECLARATION THAT VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION AND MAKES AMERICA LESS SAFE\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI) statement on President Trump declaring a national emergency:\r\nThe President's decision to declare a national emergency to divert funds to build a border wall is disgraceful and un-American. Our Founding Fathers' established a fair and equal system of checks and balances to ensure that no branch of government is more powerful than another. In declaring a fraudulent national emergency, NOTHING is being checked.\r\nThis is a power grab by a President who has gone outside the bounds of the law to try to get what he failed to achieve in the constitutional legislative process. President Trump has failed to convince Mexico, the American people or Congress to pay for his ineffective, wasteful, multi-billion concrete wall, and now is trying a desperate end-run around Congress with his unlawful emergency declaration.\r\nThe President needs to wake up and realize this decision is inconsistent with American values. As a Delegate for the United States Virgin Islands, I cannot and will not stand for this, when my people are still recovering from the damage done from Hurricanes Irma and Maria nearly two years later. Congress will explore legislative and legal action. The President's actions clearly violate Congress's exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution. The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the Courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=435", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF FEMA DIRECTOR BROCK LONG", "2019-02-13", "2019", "2019-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF FEMA DIRECTOR BROCK LONG \r\nWashington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement after the resignation of FEMA Administrator Brock Log:\r\nI would like to thank Administrator Brock Long of FEMA for his service to this nation and to the Virgin Islands. I hope to work closely with the current acting Administrator and look forward to working with the permanent replacement when they are named. Brock Long has seen this nation respond and recover from 6 major hurricanes, 5 historic wildfires and dozens of other serious emergencies.\r\nThe mission of FEMA is to help people before, during and after disasters. I look forward to working with FEMA in order to bring an orderly and systemic means of federal natural disaster assistance to not only the Virgin Islands but to state and local governments in the United States in an effort to carry out its responsibilities to aid all citizens.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=432", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR THE ST. THOMAS EAST END MEDICAL CENTER", "2019-02-01", "2019", "2019-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR  THE ST. THOMAS EAST END MEDICAL CENTER\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment released the following statement regarding a $1,184,580 grant from Health and Human Services (HHS) to the St. Thomas East End Medical Center: Today, I am pleased to announce a $1,184,580 grant from Health and Human Services (HHS) to the St Thomas East End Medical Center. The St. Thomas Medical Center is a community-based and patient-directed organization that delivers comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services.\r\nThe St. Thomas Medical Center also integrates access to pharmacy, mental health, substance use disorder, and oral health services in areas where economic, geographic, or cultural barriers limit access to affordable health care services. The St. Thomas East End Medical Center delivers care for those most vulnerable individuals and families, including people experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, residents of public housing, and veterans. This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=433", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT NAMED NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CO-CHAIR", "2019-02-01", "2019", "2019-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT NAMED NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CO-CHAIR \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      February 1, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT NAMED NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE CO-CHAIR\r\nWashington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was named Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Infrastructure Task Force. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nI'm excited to lead the New Democrat Coalition Infrastructure Task Force because this Task Force will continue to identify bipartisan opportunities to improve outcomes for our nation's infrastructure. The Task Force will also look to increase long-term federal investments in all types of infrastructure and drive investment in our communities and maintaining America's economic competitiveness, said Congresswoman Plaskett. The New Dems have a strong reputation for reaching across the aisle to get things done, and I am ready to work with my Democratic colleagues to find commonsense policy solutions for the biggest challenges facing Americans today.\r\nThe New Democrats are about finding innovative solutions to complicated issues, said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Vice-Chair for Policy. The American people have said they want Congress to get things done. With this talented group, we're committed to finding the best ideas to expand our middle class and create opportunities for hardworking families in this new economy.\r\nThe New Democrat Coalition is made up of over 100 forward-thinking Democrats who are committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies. New Democrats are a solutions oriented coalition seeking to bridge the gap between left and right by challenging outmoded partisan approaches to governing. New Democrats believe the challenges ahead are too great for Members of Congress to refuse to cooperate purely out of partisanship.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=431", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS FROM GOVERNOR BRYAN", "2019-01-28", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 28, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS FROM GOVERNOR BRYAN\r\nSt. Thomas, VI  Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement after attending Governor Albert Bryan's State of the Territory address:\r\nThis is a historic and defining moment before us. We are in a unique period as our new Governor begins his term as the 9th Governor of the Virgin Islands. We are at a special point in the Virgin Islands journey because the prospect of a brighter path forward is very near. What we do as a unified group of people elected by the citizens of the territory could be considered the moment in time that changed the Virgin Islands.\r\nDuring his speech I was encouraged to hear about the Governor's ideas on our recovery from two devastating hurricanes. I have stressed that we must rebuild the Virgin Islands the right way so that when faced with natural disasters in the future we will not have to spend massive amounts to recover. While the federal funding does not include the full amount or all of the requests of the Virgin Islands, it will help us substantially in the rebuilding efforts. The federal resources the Virgin Islands will receive will help us create a resilient utility system which will hopefully allow the Government of the Virgin Islands to bury lines, create microgrids and implement renewables in its energy portfolio.\r\nI was encouraged by the Governor's words regarding transparency and the financial state of the Territory. We must be sober-minded as we execute our rebuilding. We must do so cognizant of other longstanding financial issues. Aside from the exacerbation of budget shortfalls due to the new tax law, GERS and our bond rating will make it increasingly difficult for us to receive the loan funding being offered by the federal government. A transparent detailed rebuilding plan will need to be forthcoming in short order that also is clear-minded about our true financial state.\r\nThe people of the Virgin Islands expect excellence and demand we solve our problems. That is why we were elected  to lead, roll up our sleeves, get to work, solve problems, and find solutions. This is a defining moment for the territory. We have two clear choices  we can continue down a path of sliding backwards, or the second path is to say Enough is enough! We can do better! We deserve better! Our children deserve better!' This is a great opportunity to address ongoing challenges, to strengthen the Territories image and brand.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=429", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTS DECISION TO REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT", "2019-01-25", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT'S DECISION TO REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT  \r\n\r\nSt. Croix, VI  Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement on President Donald Trump's announcement that he is finally ending the government shutdown and temporarily reopening the federal government:  \r\n\r\nAfter the longest shut down in history, I am pleased that the government will reopen and federal employees will be paid. The solution to the Trump Shutdown has always been simple: reopen the government, pay federal employees, and then begin a period of constructive negotiations on border security. It is sad that it took 35 days of inflicting pain and misery on Americans for President Trump and Republicans to come to their senses and agree to this solution, but it is better late than never.\r\nI look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle and across the Capitol to craft a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security that provides smart, effective solutions for border security while staying true to our values as Americans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=423", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPOINTED CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY, HORTICULTURE, AND RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE", "2019-01-24", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPOINTED CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY, HORTICULTURE, AND RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), has been appointed to serve as the Chairwoman of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nToday I was appointed as Chairwoman of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee. This important Subcommittee has jurisdiction over policies, statutes, and markets relating to horticulture, which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals  issues very important to the residents and farmers of the Virgin Islands. I am humbled to have been selected as the chair of a subcommittee that allows me to serve as a voice for farmers, fisherman and livestock owners in the Virgin Islands. Agriculture has the potential to be a great economic driver and job creator in the Virgin Islands  feeding our people and visitors here at home but also around the world. Ensuring that the Virgin Islands agriculture industry thrives is not only beneficial for the economic development of the Virgin Islands, but the entire country. I want to thank Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Collin Peterson for his confidence in me and my colleagues to lead in tackling the challenges faced by our farmers, livestock owners, rural communities and working families. This committee has a good cross-section of the diversity of crops grown in this country and the regions that grow them, as well as the variety of issues over which the committee has jurisdiction. As chairwoman of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, I look forward to highlighting the importance of Agriculture as an economic driver for our nation. As the chair of what will be the largest subcommittee on the House Committee on Agriculture, I intend to use my position as a platform for the needs of the Virgin Islands, maintain robust support for nutrition assistance programs for Virgin Islanders who rely on those programs to put food on the table, as well as represent multiple facets of the agriculture industry. \r\nThe Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research has jurisdiction over the following:  (1) Specialty Crop Block Grant program which solely enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables etc.)  \r\n(2) the Farmer's Market and Local Food Promotion Program which increases domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and serves to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities  \r\n(3) the Value-Added Agricultural Market Development Grants which helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products whose goals are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income  \r\n(4) the University Research and Extension Program that promotes understanding and use of the cooperatives to market and distribute agricultural products.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=418", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT REAPPOINTED TO HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND REFORM COMMITTEE", "2019-01-23", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 23, 2019 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT REAPPOINTED TO HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND REFORM COMMITTEE  \r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), a Senior Whip for the House Democratic Caucus, has been appointed to serve on the House Oversight and Reform. This comes as a special third assignment to the Congresswoman who will also serve on Agriculture Committee as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Members are given 2 committee assignments, so receiving a third comes only at the approval of the leadership of the Democratic Caucus. The Congresswoman issued the following statement:  \r\n\r\nI want to thank the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and Speaker Pelosi for appointing me to the House Oversight and Reform Committee. It is imperative that this Committee serve as an oversight to examine federal response and support for hurricane recovery efforts in the Virgin Islands along with issues with the Department of Interior, our National Parks and the United States Postal Service. The Committee is the primary investigative body in the House, and under the leadership of Chairman Elijah Cummings the Committee will address the government's effectiveness in supporting the American people. The American people voted for accountability and transparency this past election, and I am eager to work in a bipartisan manner on behalf of all of our constituents to deliver on these goals.\r\nAs a former prosecutor and Justice Department official, I understand that my experience will be utilized front and center to support the Committee in some of its important work this term. The House Oversight and Reform Committee will conduct oversight of President Trump's administration. The long neglect of meaningful House oversight on our nation's most serious problems in recent years ends now with Democrats serving in the majority in the House.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=417", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RECOGNIZES THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR", "2019-01-21", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RECOGNIZES THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.:\r\nMartin Luther King Day is a day where we celebrate the life, legacy and achievements of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A Civil Rights leader and champion of equality for all, Martin Luther King was instrumental in nearly every aspect of the Civil Rights movement until his assassination in April of 1968. A Nobel Peace Prize awardee, Dr. King was recognized internationally for his courage and dedication to civil rights and social justice.\r\nDuring a time where the civil rights and liberties of minorities are being infringed upon by the very laws meant to protect them we must honor Dr. King by continuing to fight for peace, justice and equality for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.\r\nBy continuing his fight not only do we honor his legacy but we work to achieve his vision of a place where children are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. It is my hope that people in the Virgin Islands, across the country and around the world will be inspired by Dr. King's work, and keep his legacy alive by joining the struggle for justice and equality. Let us march on, with hope and fearless resilience, as Virgin Islanders do, as we follow in the footsteps of Dr. King.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=416", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT TO PRESIDE OVER U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES", "2019-01-16", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Advisory\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT TO PRESIDE OVER U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will preside over the U.S. House of Representatives today, January 16th. As Speaker pro tempore, Congresswoman Plaskett will manage debate on the House Floor.\r\n\r\nCongresswoman Plaskett was sworn in to her 3rd term as the U.S. Representative for the Virgin Islands. Congresswoman Plaskett has recently been appointed Senior Whip by Leadership. \r\n\r\nPresiding over the House of Representatives is a great honor and privilege, and I thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the opportunity to take the gavel in the 116th Congress, said Plaskett. The American people voted for a Democratic Majority in the U.S. House to make government accessible, build an economy that works for everyone, and be a positive source for change in our country. As I take the gavel as Speaker pro tempore today, I reaffirm my commitment to serve in a government that works for Virgin Islanders and the nation.\r\n\r\nWHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 2019\r\n\r\nWHAT:  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will preside over the U.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\nWHEN:  Approximately 3:00pm EST/4:00pm (Virgin Islands Time)\r\n\r\nWATCH:  Live on C-Span's television and radio networks and streaming live at www.c-span.org \r\n\r\nhttp://plaskett.house.gov\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=414", "PLASKETT PLANS MAJOR PUSHBACK AGAINST DIVERSION OF EMERGENCY RECOVERY MONIES TO FUND TRUMP BORDER WALL", "2019-01-14", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 8, 2019 202-215-8524 \r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nPLASKETT PLANS MAJOR PUSHBACK AGAINST DIVERSION OF EMERGENCY RECOVERY MONIES TO FUND TRUMP BORDER WALL;\r\n\r\nA MORE VIABLE SOLUTION TO IMMIGRATION CHALLENGES MUST BE DEVELOPED;\r\n\r\nFEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN MUST END\r\n\r\nWashington, DC - As the partial federal government shutdown continues to negatively affect U.S. government employees, recipients of federal benefits, and participants in a myriad of programs, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett said this weekend the fight will continue against any attempt by President Donald Trump to divert recovery monies slated for the Virgin Islands to funding the border wall.\r\n\r\nPlaskett and Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon of Puerto Rico will be introducing a joint letter to the Trump White House opposing any attempt to strip billions in unspent recovery monies from the budget of the Army Corps of Engineers. We are opposed to this approach, without question. These funds were approved by Congress and The White House specifically for the recovery, and it is simply improper for the President to now siphon off the funding to the wall--a 5th century solution to a modern day challenge\", Plaskett said Monday. Trump has toyed with declaring national emergency to fund the southern border wall which would allow him to tap the relief monies. The Army Corps has maintained a presence in the territory since the 2017 hurricanes, working on various initiatives from rooftop programs to shoreline cleanup and restoration.\r\n\r\nThe 24-day shutdown is the result of differences between Trump and Congressional Democrats over immigration control. Trump wants $5 billion to construct the southern border wall while Democrats are opposed to the idea. Plaskett warned that the impact of the continued government shutdown will worsen as not only federal employees are being affected, but recipients of programs such as food stamps, farmers seeking loans or businesses who rely on federal workers for continued success. The longer the shutdown goes, the deeper the effect.\r\n\r\nShe noted however, that federal emergency workers who continue to work in the Virgin Islands on the post-hurricane effort however are not affected as funding for the response and recovery is not impacted by the lapse in federal appropriations.\r\n\r\nPlaskett said Trump must come to the realization that the southern border wall is not the solution to the immigration challenges we face. The wall is an age-old solution. He must abandon this notion of holding the operations of the federal government hostage to secure funding for an inefficient solution. We must reopen the federal government while providing a meaningful response to the immigration and border security challenges we face. Our conversation with the White House will continue in opposition to the wall and in opposition to the continued shutdown of the government. President Trump cannot continue to hold American federal workers hostage to pressure the fulfillment of campaign rhetoric. Plaskett also said this weekend she has briefed Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on her efforts and the continued work of her congressional colleagues toward resolving the impasse with President Trump.\r\n\r\nIn a news conference a week ago, Plaskett identified programs and services that could be adversely impacted by the ongoing partial federal government shutdown. They include but are not limited to: the issuance of social security checks, taxpayer assistance, passport processing, park service operations, school lunch program and food stamp issuance, TSA operations at major airports, federal law enforcement operations, Coast Guard programs and initiatives, USDA programs and loan applications centers. Plaskett in a final statement said, I want to hear from our residents about just how the shutdown is affecting their lives. Visit plaskett.house.gov and complete the survey. It is important that we know how the government shutdown is affecting all facets of the lives of our residents\".\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETTS STATEMENT REGARDING THE CONVENING OF THE 116TH CONGRESS", "2019-01-07", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 7, 2019 202-215-8524 \r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE CONVENING OF THE 116TH CONGRESS \r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement on the Convening of the 116th Congress:\r\n\r\nThe 116th Congress has commenced and I am excited about the opportunities for the Virgin Islands. Upon taking the majority Democrats restored the right for Delegates to vote on the House Floor. \r\n\r\nDemocrats introduced H.R. 1, For The People Act, a historic reform package to restore the promise of our nation's democracy, end the culture of corruption in Washington, and reduce the role of money in politics to return power back to the American people. The bill contains finding on voting rights in the territories and there will be opportunities to discuss self-determination in hearings on this legislation. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am looking forward to passing an infrastructure bill that will fundamentally change this country's transportation and buildings as well as support the Virgin Islands ports, public buildings and roads. \r\n\r\nThis week, the Democrats will vote on individual appropriation bills to end the Trump Shutdown. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to not only make the Virgin Islands better and stronger BUT make America a better place to live also.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETTS STATEMENT REGARDING THE INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN AND LT. GOVERNOR TREGENZA ROACH", "2019-01-07", "2019", "2019-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 7, 2019 202-215-8524 \r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN AND LT. GOVERNOR TREGENZA ROACH\r\n\r\nCHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the inauguration of Governor Albert Bryan and Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach:\r\n\r\n\"I would like to congratulate Albert Bryan on his inauguration as the 9th elected Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States. I look forward to working with the Bryan Roach administration as we serve the people of the territory in our respective roles. We have many challenges but huge opportunities to advance the people of the Virgin Islands.\r\n\r\n\"I echo the sentiment expressed during the inauguration ceremonies today that from St. Croix to St. John to St Thomas and Water Island, we choose to be united as one Virgin Islands and walk and work together in one accord, into our shared and connected destiny. We celebrate our multiple islands and the fact that our different talents and unique abilities and resources make us great! I am committed to advancing the interests of our islands in the Halls of Congress and in Washington and working in collaboration with Governor Bryan and the incoming 33rd Legislature. \r\n\r\n\"Thank you to the people who stepped up to participate in our democratic process by voting, volunteering, and caring about our islands. I am grateful for your vote of confidence and support and look forward to not only working with the administration but with the people who make these islands great.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 78, "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 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "VI", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 78, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 78, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VI&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "VI", "label": "VI", "count": 78, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 78, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 27.52896025776863, "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"}