{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"VI\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3728", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $17 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 30, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $17 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $17 million for the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency:\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 $17,417,560.24 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency for state management costs. State Management costs, which essentially cover the costs of managing or administering the programs which are not covered by the percentage allowance, include all other direct grant administration costs' of the grantee. These costs generally represent regular time salaries and approved equipment purchases and are not intended to fund overtime, per diem, and other costs already covered by statutory administrative costs.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. 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 rebuild our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3726", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT WORKS WITH DEMOCRATS TO SECURE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL THAT HAS $900 BILLION IN COVID-19 RELIEF", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 27, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT WORKS WITH DEMOCRATS TO SECURE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL THAT HAS $900 BILLION IN COVID-19 RELIEF\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding passage of an amendment to H.R.133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 which includes an estimated $900 billion for coronavirus relief activities:\r\nThis $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief will support efforts to protect the lives and livelihoods of Virgin Islanders and the American people. Among its provisions, the bill:\r\n \r\n    Funds another round of direct stimulus checks to Americans, providing $600 for both adults and children. The Virgin Islands will be reimbursed by the federal government for the cost of the stimulus checks, like it was for the first round of rebates earlier this year.\r\n    Extends pandemic-related unemployment benefits until mid-March and provides an additional $300 per week above regular state rates.  Assistance to the unemployed will be provided to the Virgin Islands in the same fashion as States.\r\n \r\nI am pleased to see the COVID-19 relief funding legislation also includes:\r\n \r\n    $325 billion in aid to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing employers to obtain a second round of additional assistance;\r\n    $80 billion to assist schools;\r\n    $25 billion for renters and extends the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2020;\r\n    $69 billion for testing and vaccine distribution.\r\n    $2 billion in assistance for U.S. transportation service providers  including U.S. flag passenger vessel operators such as passenger ferries. Passenger ferries in the Virgin Islands will be eligible for new federal assistance.\r\n \r\nIn addition, this omnibus bill provides full Fiscal Year 2021 funding for many federal agencies and programs that support the Virgin Islands, including programs under the Departments of Commerce, Education, Housing, Interior, Justice, and Labor. For example, annual assistance to territories from the Department of Interior will be increased by more than $3.8 million.\r\nFurthermore, this legislation contains the biennial Water Resources Development Act for 2020, with provisions for long-term federal support for water-related infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. Notably, the bill will reauthorize the federal projects for navigation in the harbors of St. Thomas and Christiansted, St. Croix. The reauthorization of these projects will provide the harbors access to federal resources for maintenance dredging and improvements to navigation systems, which will allow them to accommodate more and larger cruise ships over the long-term and better compete in the Caribbean market.\r\nThis emergency relief bill is an important initial step, which must be built on under the Biden-Harris Administration. We must move forward in a science-based way to meet the needs of the American people during this time of great suffering. Next month, when Joe Biden enters the White House, more help will be on the way.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3725", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT WORKS WITH DEMOCRATS TO SECURE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS IN H.R. 133, CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021, WHICH INCLUDES $900 BILLION IN EMERGENCY SPENDING TO PROVIDE COVID RELIEF", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 21, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT WORKS WITH DEMOCRATS TO SECURE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS IN H.R. 133, CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021, WHICH INCLUDES $900 BILLION IN EMERGENCY SPENDING TO PROVIDE COVID RELIEF\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the passing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the $900 billion in COVID relief funding:\r\nThis $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief protects the lives and livelihoods of Virgin Islanders and the American people. Among its provisions, the bill includes:\r\n \r\n    Direct payment checks: Democrats secured a new round of $600 in direct payments for individuals making less than $75,000 per year. $1,200 for couples making less than $150,000 plus and additional $600 for each child in the family.\r\n    The Virgin Islands will be reimbursed by the federal government for the cost of the stimulus checks, like it was for the first round of rebates earlier this year.\r\n    Enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Democrats averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\r\n    Assistance to the unemployed will be provided to the Virgin Islands in the same fashion as States.\r\n    $325 billion for small businesses including extension of PPP and additional provisions to assistance.\r\n    $80 billion to assist schools.\r\n    $25 billion for renters and extends the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2020.\r\n    $69 billion for vaccine testing and distribution.\r\n \r\nIn addition to providing funding for COVID relief, H.R. 133 also funds the federal government until next Fall. I am pleased that this funding includes:\r\n \r\n    Passenger ferries in the Virgin Islands will be eligible for new federal assistance in response to the impact of Covid-19 on the passenger transportation sector.\r\n    Annual assistance to territories from the Department of Interior is increased by more than $3.8 million. \r\n    Reauthorizes the federal projects for navigation in the harbors of St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) and St. Croix (Christiansted). The reauthorization of these projects will provide the harbors access to federal resources for maintenance dredging and improvements to navigation systems which will allow them to accommodate more and larger cruise ships over the long-term and better compete in the Caribbean market.\r\n \r\n \r\n    This Omnibus also funds programs in all federal agencies including Commerce, Justice, Labor, Housing and Education.\r\n \r\nWe are disappointed that Republicans have refused to recognize the need to honor our heroic frontline workers by supporting robust funding for state and local governments. State and local governments need much more funding to prevent senseless layoffs and critical service cuts. The agreement does provide some new targeted funds for government functions that will help ease their budget burdens.\r\nThis emergency relief bill is an important initial step, which must be built on under the Biden-Harris Administration. We must move forward in a science-based way to meet the needs of the American people during this time of great suffering. In 31 days, when Joe Biden enters the White House, more help will be on the way.\r\nThe news of the vaccine is an important and hopeful development that takes us closer to ending this crisis. If you have not already, please make an appointment to receive the vaccine, as it is a precious resource.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3724", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ROBERT \u201cBOB\u201d O\u2019CONNOR, JR", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 18, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ROBERT BOB O'CONNOR, JR\r\nWASHINGTON, DCCongresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the Virgin Islands community regarding the loss of a great giant and civic activist, Robert Bob O'Connor, Jr:\r\nIt is with profound sadness that I share my condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Robert Bob O'Connor, Jr.  Bob has served our beloved territory with distinction, merit, and a lifelong commitment as a legislator, Board Member of the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), businessman and community advocate. Because of his positive disposition and notable service, in February of 2019, the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands enacted Act No. 8202, naming the new VIPA maintenance building in his honor, which stands proudly adjacent to the Cyril E. King Airport. I am proud to say that he was a trusted advisor to me and humbly gave advice to young people who came to him. I will miss being able to sit with him at the Lutheran Church on St. John or across from him at a Democratic breakfast meeting.\r\nBob was involved in several community initiatives, charitable endeavors, and entrepreneurial activities, wherein he possessed keen insights and knowledge to navigate around any hurdle. He displayed leadership in making suitable decisions for the greater good and he was a real visionary. Our community has indeed lost a consummate and versatile leader.\r\nHis decades-long service and commitment is unparalleled and will most certainly be missed.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3723", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT BECOMES FIRST MEMBER OF A TERRITORY TO BE NOMINATED TO THE EXCLUSIVE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 17, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\n CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT BECOMES FIRST MEMBER OF A TERRITORY TO BE NOMINATED TO THE EXCLUSIVE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES \r\nThis is a tremendous accomplishment for our Delegate and puts her, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, at the center of decision making on financial issues that affect our country during these challenging times. Additionally, this appointment makes us aware that Delegate Plaskett is truly well-respected and held in high regard by her colleagues. To get a seat on Ways & Means is a highly sought-after and competitive placement by House members, and she was selected, which is truly is noteworthy, stated former Governor John de Jongh\r\n\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after being nominated to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives:\r\nIt will be my honor to be the first member ever from a Territory to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest and most exclusive Committee in Congress and has jurisdiction over key economic policy issues like tax, trade and health care issues. Eight Presidents and eight Vice Presidents have served on Ways and Means, as have 21 Speakers of the House of Representatives, and four Justices of the Supreme Court. It's my honor to be the voice for Virgin Islanders and all the territories on the prestigious House Committee on Ways and Means.\r\nThe decisions made by this committee have a profound impact on the economy, health and welfare of Virgin Island families and I plan to utilize my experience in public finance law to support the work of the Committee. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to strengthen the retirement security system, social safety net, and critical infrastructure so many Americans rely on. Issues of rum cover over, excise tax, customs, tax incentive programs are all within Ways and Means.\r\nI would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Whip Clyburn and the members of the Steering and Policy Committee for supporting Virgin Island business owners, taxpayers, and working families to ensure representation on a committee so central to the business of the 117th Congress. I look forward to working with Chairman Neal who has been a stellar leader of the Committee and is a fighter against economic inequality.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3719", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 10, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passage of S. 1811, the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA):\r\nThis bipartisan legislation, which Congress has developed and passed on a biennial basis since 2014, is important to improving our ports, harbors, and waterways, as well as ecosystem restoration and flood mitigation in both rural and urban communities across our country, including in the Virgin Islands. The legislation is the result of House negotiations with the Senate.\r\nI applaud the House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. This bill includes provisions to build more resilient communities; address affordability concerns for communities; unlock the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund; and see that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers carries out projects in an economically and environmentally responsible manner while keeping equity in mind.\r\nFor the Virgin Islands, WRDA 2020 will help to recover our economy over the long-term, upgrade our water-related infrastructure and safeguard our environment. I was pleased to have a number of important provisions included for the Virgin Islands. This legislation:\r\n1. Reauthorizes the federal projects for navigation in the harbors of St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) and Christiansted. The reauthorization of these projects will provide the harbors access to federal resources for maintenance dredging, and improvements to navigational systems, which will allow them to accommodate more and larger cruise ships over the long-term, and thereby allow them to better compete in the competitive Caribbean market. \r\n2. Authorizes construction of the Savan Gut Phase II and Turpentine Run projects for flood control on St. Thomas. \r\n3. Requires the Army Corps to expedite the project for storm damage reduction and shoreline erosion protection at Bolongo Bay on St. Thomas. \r\n4. Increases for inflation the cost share waiver eligibility of water resources development projects in U.S. territories.\r\nWRDA 2020 is a great example of common sense, bipartisan policy in action. Water infrastructure is essential to our daily operations, whether you live in downtown New York City or in the Virgin Islands. I've collaborated with my Transportation and Infrastructure Committee colleagues to put together a bill that moves critical water infrastructure projects forward, including in the Virgin Islands. I'm happy to see all of Congress working together on this bill to get it to President Trump's desk. I look forward to seeing it implemented across the country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3720", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 10, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021\r\nWASHINGTON, DCCongresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement applauding passage of the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 in the House of Representatives:\r\nI am pleased that the House of Representatives passed the NDAA for fiscal year 2021. In addition to providing a 3% pay raise for armed servicemembers, the bill also contains a number of provisions listed below for the benefit of the Virgin Islands. The bill incorporates my amendments (noted below) that include continuing the waiver for the University of the Virgin Islands to use pre-hurricane 2017 enrollment data for purposes of post-hurricane HBCU grant funding through 2025, as well as providing additional assistance for small businesses.\r\n Authorizes $39.4 million in federal funding for two military construction projects for National Guard infrastructure on St. Croix.\r\n Allows the U.S. Department of Education to continue the waiver for the University of the Virgin Islands to use pre-hurricane 2017 enrollment data for purposes of post-hurricane HBCU grant funding, through 2025. This would help to prevent disaster-related shortfalls to UVI's HBCU grant funding. ***Plaskett amendment\r\n Establishes a maritime emergency relief program for the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide financial assistance to the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and other port authorities, to cover operating and capital expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies.\r\n Directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to reserve at least 18 percent of competitive grant funding for port infrastructure projects at smaller ports and terminals, including those in the Virgin Islands.\r\n Provides additional assistance to small businesses in the Virgin Islands with securing opportunities in the federal marketplace. Specifically, it allows federal agencies to transfer surplus property and technology to Virgin Islands small businesses; allows the Small Business Administration to develop incentives for Virgin Islands small businesses that are subcontractors as part of the agency's mentor- protg subcontracting program; and permits additional mentor-protg relationships under the program for protg firms that are Virgin Islands small businesses. ***Plaskett amendment\r\n Requires the Coast Guard to report to Congress on drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin. The report must include a determination of whether current hours and assets of the Coast Guard devoted to such drug interdiction satisfies Coast Guard mission requirements in the Caribbean. ***Plaskett amendment\r\n Makes the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories eligible for AMBER Alert system grants to help find missing children.\r\nI am hopeful that President Trump will see the tremendous need for prompt enactment of this bill upon passage by the Senate, which is expected later this week.\r\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3721", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HOPE FOR AN OMNIBUS PACKAGE BEFORE CHRISTMAS THAT WILL CONTAIN A COVID-19 STIMULUS RELIEF PACKAGE THAT SUPPORTS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND ALL AMERICANS", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nDecember 10, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HOPE FOR AN OMNIBUS PACKAGE BEFORE CHRISTMAS THAT WILL CONTAIN A COVID-19 STIMULUS RELIEF PACKAGE THAT SUPPORTS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND ALL AMERICANS\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the one week stopgap Continuing Resolution and continued negotiation for an Omnibus bill that may include COVID-19 Stimulus measures:\r\nEvery day, the coronavirus and accompanying economic crisis accelerate out of control. In light of the urgency of the needs of Virgin Islanders and the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents, I'm hopeful that all parties will work together to finalize a true, bipartisan effort to address the crisis. The need to act is immediate, and we hope that with good-faith negotiations, using the bipartisan framework introduced by Senators last week as the basis for immediate bicameral negotiations, we can come to an agreement. \r\nOn Wednesday, the House passed a stopgap funding bill which gives us an additional week to negotiate full-year spending legislation, avoid a government shutdown later this month, along with a compromise agreement on COVID-19 relief funds which may be attached to the omnibus bill. We are all fighting for an additional round of funding of the Payroll Protection Program for small businesses, unemployment benefits, as well as funding for states and territories for lost revenues. Leadership is not in agreement on liability protections for businesses and the amount of funding for unemployment. \r\nPreventing permanent economic damage requires strong action. Unless Senate Republicans stop blocking real relief to help those who are suffering and to stimulate the economy, we face the prospect of a prolonged recession with many people and businesses facing permanent economic damage. We are also talking about engagement in a substantive stimulus bill in the next Congress that will create long term economic development  tax reform, infrastructure and jobs bill to create true long term economic recovery.\r\nAdditionally, I would like to remind Virgin Islanders to remain safe and heed the precautions of the VI Health department and the CDC. Hospitals are at a capacity, the death toll is rising we are in a terrible surge of the Coronavirus pandemic that I trust Virgin Islanders will take seriously  practice social distancing as much as possible, wash your hands and wear a mask.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3718", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS THANKSGIVING GREETINGS AND ENCOURAGES VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO MAINTAIN VIGILANCE FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 25, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS THANKSGIVING GREETINGS AND ENCOURAGES VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO MAINTAIN VIGILANCE FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY\r\nWASHINGTON, DC--Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement offering Thanksgiving greetings and encourages Virgin Islanders to maintain vigilance regarding the recent spikes in Coronavirus cases seen locally and across the U.S.:\r\nThanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. There is something particularly special about setting aside time to remember and give thanks for the many blessings and triumphs seen in the past year. Research shows that gratitude can improve our well-being, increase resilience and reduce stress and depression. We all need these benefits, especially as we come to the end of what has been a year of monumental loss. Despite the difficulties encountered in 2020, there is still much to be thankful forlife, health, family, friends and freedom.\r\nThis is usually a time that we spend with extended family and friends, but our holiday celebrations will look markedly different this year. I encourage everyone to continue being safe, practicing social distancing and washing/sanitizing your hands. With the recent uptick in cases seen across the nation and in our territory, it is imperative that we follow the CDC's guidelines.\r\nIt is my hope that you and your loved ones continue to be safe and blessed with good health. May you harvest a brighter tomorrow and may you reap peace always.\r\nHappy Thanksgiving!\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3717", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR. RUTH E. THOMAS", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 24, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR. RUTH E. THOMAS\r\nWASHINGTON, DCCongresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the Virgin Islands community after learning of the passing of Dr. Ruth E. Thomas:\r\nIt is with profound sadness that I share my condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Miss Ruth E. Thomas. She was a consummate public figure, educator, and academic leader in the Virgin Islands for many years. As an educational leader, she took personal interest in all of her students; being knowledgeable of their families and involved in all their educational pursuits. Miss Thomas was equally involved in charitable endeavors, and she possessed the ability to identify strategies that were of great value to the overall success of the organizations she was associated with.\r\nI am certain that anyone who has had the good fortune of knowing and working with Miss Thomas would agree that she was admired and respected by all Virgin Islanders. Our community has indeed lost an important trusted educational activist. Like all great educators her legacy lives on in the many students she touched. She was a Stalwart of Educational Excellence! Her decades-long service and commitment to our community is unrivaled and will most definitely be missed, Plaskett said. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3716", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES 2020V.I. TEACHERS OF THE YEAR AND BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS-ELECT DURING AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 19, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES 2020V.I. TEACHERS OF THE YEAR AND BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS-ELECT DURING AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK\r\nWASHINGTON, DC--Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement congratulating the 2020 V.I. Teachers of the Year along with Board of Education Members-Elect during American Education Week:\r\nAs we celebrate American Education Week this November, I count it a privilege to celebrate public education and recognize the many individuals who have made and continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.\r\nI extend hearty congratulations to the 2021 Teachers of the Year for the St. Croix District, Mrs. Alicia Walters-Ramos and the St. Thomas District, Ms. Cristina Marie L. Senosa, as well as the new members-elect of the Virgin Islands Board of Education, Ms. Emmanuella Perez-Cassius, Mr. Angel Bolques, Jr., and Ms. Shawna Richards.\r\nOur public education system would not exist without the tireless contributions of our teachers, education support personnel, administrators, and the many individuals who have made it their life's mission to educate and enrich our students. We must honor and support the work of those in the field of education. I continue to remain committed to my work in Washington, securing funding to ensure that public education in the Virgin Islands can improve and that our educators have access to the resources that they need.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3715", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 11, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY\r\nSt. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which is observed every year on November 11th:\r\nToday, is a day we share our deep and longstanding appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Virgin Islands veterans and their families; and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, past, present, and those who will in the future. To all who have put their lives on the line in our defense, thank you. To those who have died, we honor and respect you.\r\nMany Americans will take time to think about the sacrifices that you, our veterans have made and continue to make, and reflect on the freedoms and rights that this great country owes you. I recognize and respect the challenges and difficulties that you encounter daily. While we spend this day honoring your service, it is crucial that we push forward in our commitment to ensure you have what you so rightly deserve.\r\nThis year, 2020, marked another national election that did not include votes of many of our Virgin Islands Veterans. Four million. That's how many Americans the US Census Bureau estimates live in the territories of the United States. Millions of them are of voting age. Many are veterans or active military. But still, we cannot vote to elect our commander in chief. The restrictions on your and my ability to vote is an everyday reality for U.S. Virgin Islanders due to the mere fact that we lack voting representation not only in Presidential elections but also on the floor of both houses of Congress.\r\nAs your Representative in the United States Congress, I promise to continue my fierce advocacy for the fair and equal voting rights for citizens in U.S. territories. Our Veterans and our citizens deserve the right to vote for the Commander and Chief and participate in our nation's democracy.\r\nWe are also acutely aware of the difficulties the pandemic continues to cause. To that end, we have been working with the Veterans Affairs Committee to ensure that adequate funding was included for Veterans under the CARES Act. Under the CARES Act, we received a grant to end homelessness for Veterans. I continue to address the needs of Veterans by gathering support for my legislation to offer a tax credit to small businesses that hire a member of the national guard and ready reserve. In addition, my office has had active discussions with the VA Caribbean Healthcare system in conjunction with our local hospitals to ensure that healthcare needs don't go unmet. But today is not about us:\r\nMaya Angelou once said. How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes. Today we recognized three individuals:\r\n Oscar R. James Sr.  St. John\r\n Romeo A. Malone  St. Thomas (Eldest known Veteran on ST Thomas at age 97)\r\n Abraham Hewitt  St. Croix (Eldestknown Veteran on St Croix and the territory at age 98).\r\nThere's no way to adequately thank you and all of our veterans for everything you have sacrificed for our freedom, but on November 11th Veterans Day, we have to try.Not only should we thank the military this Veterans Day, but we should strive to thank themand their families throughout the year for the vital service they perform for our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifice!\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3714", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT MEETINGS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ON ST. JOHN", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 10, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT MEETINGS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ON ST. JOHN\r\nSt. John, USVI-- Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding her meetings with the Department of Interior and National Park Service on St. John:\r\nToday, I met with officials from the Department of Interior, the National Park Service and discussed a host of issues integral to our St. John community. Foremost among those issues was continued discussion and planning regarding the land exchange agreement to construct the first K-12 public school on St. John. This land swap is long overdue and is something that my office and I advocated for and worked toward from my very first term in Congress. My team and I are very pleased to see the progress being made and will work to ensure its completion.\r\nThe attached pictures show my meeting with representatives from the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service and the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park at the Main Concession. Also featured in the photos are attendees discussing the historical importance of the ruins on the beach at Cinnamon Bay.\r\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3712", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT KAMALA HARRIS", "2020-11-07", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nNovember 7, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT KAMALA HARRIS\r\nSt. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the election of President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala D. Harris:\r\nToday the United States' presidential election has been decided through 75 million Americans on the mainland who cast their ballots to elect Joe Biden President of the United States - a consummate statesman, politician, gentleman and American.\r\nThis Presidential election has revealed what a completely divided nation we are, and the work ahead in the Congress and with the new Administration will be to unify this country and to Build Back Better. I pledge to work with President Elect Biden on his mandate from the American people. \r\nIn President-elect Joe Biden we will have a president who will work to lower health costs, to create new jobs and bigger paychecks by rebuilding America's infrastructure and a president who believes in science and medicine to crush the coronavirus. Most importantly, President-elect Biden will be a unifier who values faith, family and community, and who will work tirelessly to heal our nation and fight for those who have been forgotten and oppressed.\r\nI am so excited to work with President-elect Biden and especially with my good friend and Caribbean sister Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. They know that they have me as an ally in the House and I will count on them to be champions for the Virgin Islands in the White House.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3711", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $294,549 GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nOctober 30, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $294,549GRANTAWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementannouncing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Virgin Islands Department of Health a grant for $294,549 for Maternal and Child Health Services:\r\nI am happy to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded these funds to the V.I. Department of Health for maternal and child health services.\r\nDuring these times, it is important that we have funding available for our mothers and children. This grant will provide resources to help keep some of the most vulnerable among us safe as well as assist the Department of Health in continuing to execute their public health mission.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3710", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $778,000 IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR USVI FARMERS AND AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY", "2020-10-07", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nOctober 6, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $778,000 IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR USVI FARMERS AND AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), Chair of the Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research Subcommittee, released the following statement announcing over $778,000 in federal grants for USVI Farmers and Agriculture Community:\r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service has awarded a number of grants to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the University of the Virgin Islands Agriculture Department and the Foundation for Community Development. These grants include the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), the Micro-Grants for Food Security (MGFSP) and the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMLFPP). Each of these grants will strengthen the Specialty crop industry and increase quantity and quality of locally grown food.\r\nAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I emphasize the need for our local farmers to participate in non-competitive grants. I am happy to announce that the SCBGP will be awarded for a three-year period beginning September 30, 2020. The MGSFSP will assist communities that have significant levels of food insecurity and import a significant quantity of food. This grant is awarded for a four-year period beginning September 30, 2020.\r\nThe FMLFPP supports development, coordination and expansion of direct producer to consumer markets and local and regional food businesses enterprises. This funding can be used expand markets on roadside stands, agritourism activities, community agriculture programs (CSA) and online sales.\r\nI will continue to support farmers as we continue negotiations for fiscal year 2021. Agribusinesses in the Virgin Islands have been the backbone of our economy and this funding is vital in its perpetuity.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3706", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONCERN AND OFFERS HER SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE IN FORT MYLNER", "2020-10-06", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nOctober 6, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONCERN AND OFFERS HER SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE IN FORT MYLNER\r\nSt. Thomas, USVI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett today expressed her concern and thoughts on the Fire at the Fort Mylner Shopping Center, thanking the Virgin Islands Fire Service, Firefighters, and First Responders who through their bold service to the people of the Virgin Islands continually keep us, our homes and properties safe. You are heroes each and every day!\r\nYesterday's fire at the Fort Mylner Shopping Center in Tutu on St. Thomas caused great devastation for the proprietors of those businesses that were destroyed, stated Congresswoman Plaskett. The Center has been an important community landmark for decades. So many of us have enjoyed and patronized the businesses and essential service providers at Fort Mylner. I offer my thoughts, prayers, and support to all businesses damaged. My office stands ready to support how we can assist those businesses affected by the fire to make contact with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other supporting organizations after the necessary assessments are completed.\r\nOn behalf of my staff, myself and the entire community, we are here with you.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3699", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE PROGRAM", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE PROGRAM  \r\n   Washington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund a Sexual Risk Avoidance Program in the US Virgin Islands \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      October 1, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\n\r\nOctober 01, 2020 202-215-8524  \r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE PROGRAM\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund a Sexual Risk Avoidance Program in the US Virgin Islands:\r\nI am happy to announce that HHS's Administration for Children and Families has awarded the Virgin Islands Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. a $36,864 grant to fund a Sexual Risk Avoidance Program. \r\nThis program will educate 80 teens throughout the territory on how to voluntarily refrain from non-marital sexual activity, prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and other risky behaviors. We know that proper sexual education leads to good decision making and reduces the chances of teen pregnancy and STD contraction. \r\nPrograms such as these benefit our entire community and I am proud of the Virgin Islands Developmental Disabilities Council for taking on the task of educating our vulnerable youth population with such pertinent lifelong knowledge.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3701", "PRESS STATEMENT  CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release                   Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 30, 2020                            202-225-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett made the following statement regarding the second round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2.0):\r\nI am happy to announce that USDA has released a second round of aid to farmers. This second round will assist farmers who have suffered loss from the pandemic starting mid-April to the end of the year.\r\nI have worked hard to ensure that tropical and subtropical crops grown in the Virgin Islands were not excluded on any aid offered by USDA. CFAP 2.0 includes locally grown crops such as lemons, breadfruit, sugarcane, coconuts, bananas, melons, mangos, goats and more! Furthermore, I commend this program for simplifying the application process for specialty crop growers, ultimately increasing their involvement.\r\nOur farmers have undergone a pandemic as well as an unexpected D2 severe drought. This much needed financial assistance will help farmers stay afloat.\r\nFor more information on this program, please visit USDA's official website: farmers.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3702", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $20 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR THE CROWN BAY TERMINAL (CBT) REHABILITATION PROJECT", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 30, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $20 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR THE CROWN BAY TERMINAL (CBT) REHABILITATION PROJECT\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $20 million federal grant for Virgin Islands Ports Authority:\r\nToday I am happy to announce a $20 million grant to the V.I. Ports Authority. Specifically, the Port Infrastructure Development grant will support the Crown Bay Terminal (CBT) Rehabilitation project. CBT is the primary facility for the import and export of goods to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and serves as an international transshipment port in the Caribbean and surrounding regions. This facility operating at peak efficiency is vital to the economy of the USVI and maintaining the United States' strong foothold in international commerce.\r\nThe CBT project will increase cargo throughput, decrease vessel emissions, improve reliability of cargo transportation, improve water quality, and increase revenue for the Virgin Islands Port Authority  revenue that would allow them to support future terminal enhancement and expansion. Further, this project leverages private investment as part of the overall project funding. The positive economic and environmental impacts of this project serve to provide the federal government a very positive return on investment.\r\nA majority of the raw and finished goods needed for rebuilding efforts come through CBT. It is of the utmost importance that the capacity and efficiency of CBT is maximized to expedite the rebuilding efforts, so that the USVI can again become a regional economic engine. 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=3703", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $170,964 GRANT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 30, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $170,964 GRANT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $170,964.00 grant for the University of the Virgin Islands:\r\nToday the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded The University of the Virgin Islands with a grant totaling $170,964.00 that will strengthen food and agricultural science education in the Virgin Islands. Funding is made through NIFA's Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA), which works to strengthen institutional educational capacities in instruction and curriculum within the food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines. This program strengthens the institutional education capacities in curriculum, improves post-secondary agricultural science education, and enhances the quality of teaching and learning, helping the insular area institutions meet their needs.\r\nThe present lack of undergraduate academic programs in agriculture at the University of the Virgin Islands has led to alternative methods to involve students in agricultural sciences. Through the USDA-NIFA-RIIA program this grant was awarded to engage undergraduate students in hands-on agricultural research and outreach opportunities. Students will be able to develop problem solving and decision-making capabilities and technical skills to enhance their overall experience in leadership and broaden the scope of their education.\r\nThis grant will better prepare students by providing support, nurture critical thinking and research that will assist them in obtaining advanced degrees in agricultural sciences.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3704", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO FEMA GRANTS TOTALING $7 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 30, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO FEMA GRANTS TOTALING $7 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding two grants totaling $7 million for the US Virgin Islands:\r\nToday the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a $5,970,221.28 million grant to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority - St. Croix for Emergency Protective Measures. FEMA's Public Assistance Program funds eligible emergency protective measures taken by a community before, during, and after a disaster to eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health or safety or significant damage to improved public or private property. While the list of eligible activities includes actions that do not affect the environment (such as provision of food and water), there are several that do have the potential to adversely affect natural, historic, and/or archaeological resources. Hurricane Maria caused widespread power outages and fuel shortages throughout the Virgin Islands and St. Croix. This created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public. As a result, the Virgin Islands infrastructure systems sustained severe damage leaving most of the public without power and potable water as provided by WAPA. In response to the event, WAPA used force account labor and contract labor to provide emergency manpower, equipment, materials, housing and food to perform emergency repairs of transmission and distribution lines island wide. This grant will go towards material cost and contract costs.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a grant of $1,003,946.86 to the VI Department of Sports, Park and Recreation (DSP&R), St. Thomas, for permanent repairs to the Lionel Smut Richards Ballpark. Hurricane Maria brought hurricane force winds, wind driven rain and wind driven debris, causing damages to the Lionel Smut Ballpark, which includes a baseball and soccer field, basketball court, a batting cage, concession stand and bathrooms building, bleachers, two dugouts and grounds. The DSP&R will utilize contract labor to restore the facility back to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity.\r\nThese grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our rebuilding efforts. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the reestablishment of our islands. These grant awards will serve as 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=3700", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 29, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding two important grants totaling $24 million for the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections:\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 $14,217.506.32 in federal funding to the Bureau of Corrections of the Virgin Islands. The funds are for the replacement of the Alva A. Swan Correctional Annex Building damaged during Hurricane Maria.\r\nI am also pleased to announce another grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $9,558,744.41 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Police Department for Emergency Protective Measures. Emergency Protective Measures are temporary measures taken against an incident. Emergency Protective Measures are actions taken before, during, and after an incident to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to improved public and private property.\r\nThese important grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously in our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. 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 rebuild our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3698", "PLASKETT AND JOYCE INTRODUCE HR. 8345 - LEGISLATION TO  EXTEND RELIEF TO U.S. AIR TRANSPORTATION SECTOR", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nSeptember 23, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nPLASKETT AND JOYCE INTRODUCE HR. 8345 - LEGISLATION TO\r\nEXTEND RELIEF TO U.S. AIR TRANSPORTATION SECTOR\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) and Congressman David Joyce (R-OH) today introduced legislation, the Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020, to extend the airline worker Payroll Support Program through March 2021:\r\nThe aviation industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic. Within days, hundreds of thousands of aviation jobs, and flight connections all across the United States, were put at risk due to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. Through passage of the CARES Act, Congress moved quickly to keep airline workers on the job, with their benefits, and off the unemployment lines. As an example, the air travel to the Virgin Islands was reduced by weeks into months at the beginning of COVID-19. It did pick up in the summer, but we have had to recently limit leisure travel. In my District tourism accounts for 60% of the Virgin Islands GDP.\r\nThe Payroll Support Program for aviation industry employees, included in the CARES Act, has been very successful in keeping hundreds of thousands of U.S. aviation workersincluding pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, and mechanicson payroll. However, because this program is set to expire on October 1st, and air travel demand remains at historic lows, tens of thousands of job losses are possible within a matter of days, said Congresswoman Plaskett. The PSP must be extended for another six months to make sure hardworking men and women in the air transportation sector are not left out in the cold through no fault of their own. We need to make sure these workers, some of whom undergo security clearances and cannot be replaced quickly, remain on payroll once airline demand returns.\r\nWhen Congress passed the CARES Act back in March, we created several programs to protect American workers, including the Payroll Support Program, said Congressman Dave Joyce. This program has successfully kept hundreds of thousands of pilots, flight attendants, airline customer service agents, and aviation mechanics on payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But with air travel remaining at historic lows and the Payroll Support Program expiring on October 1st, immediate action must be taken to prevent tens of thousands of those workers from being laid off. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Plaskett to ensure the hardworking Americans in the aviation industry can keep the lights on and provide for their families as we continue to navigate the ongoing pandemic.\r\nWe are grateful for the support of Rep. Plaskett and Rep. Joyce for extending the Payroll Support Program an effort to save the jobs of thousands of U.S. airline employees - flight attendants, pilots, mechanics, gate agents and others. In just seven days, U.S. airlines will be forced to make very difficult business decisions, including announced furloughs and significant reductions in service, without additional federal aid. We are running out of time, said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. These are dire times for the U.S. airline industry. Passenger volumes remain down approximately 70 percent, a third of the U.S. fleet is still idled and U.S. carriers continue to collectively burn $5 billion in cash per month. We are grateful for the strong bipartisan, bicameral support from Congress - including a large group of senators who wrote a letter saying, [W]e must take swift action to extend CARES Act payroll support for passenger air carrier employees to prevent furloughs and provide certainty for workers ahead of October 1, 2020,' as well as the more than 250 House members who wrote that Without further relief from Congress, mass layoffs among airline industry workers are inevitable-and their magnitude will eclipse those of any furloughs the industry has ever seen.' Congress needs to act now to protect the jobs of tens of thousands of U.S. employees, who continue to provide essential services and are truly the backbone of the U.S. airline industry.\r\nThe Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020 would extend PSP for six months, through March 2021, help frontline employees continue to receive their current paychecks, and require airlines to maintain flights to the communities they serve. The House of Representatives remains committed to ensuring that all facets of our transportation network have the resources they need to survive the current economic crisis. I will continue to support an extension of the PSP lifeline for air transportation workers in the next economic stimulus package.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3697", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 18, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:\r\nToday the United States and the world has lost a tremendous jurist and leader - Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Words are hard to find to express what the Supreme Court, the legal field and what humanity has lost. The fragility of our democracy is demonstrated as we held our collective breath praying for the continued health and longevity of our 87-year fighter, who fought until her last breath. Justice Ginsburg once said, Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.' How profound.\r\nShe has been an American hero, in every sense. We can honor her by carrying on her legacy of equality, empathy, and justice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived an extraordinary life. She fought to ensure equal protection in our laws, fearlessly dissented and defended, and was a powerful role model for us all. Our prayers are with her family during this time. And let us continue to pray and fight for our country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3696", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER SENATOR, STAUNCH DEMOCRAT AND ROTARIAN, HORACE A. CALLWOOD", "2020-09-17", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER SENATOR, STAUNCH DEMOCRAT AND ROTARIAN, HORACE A. CALLWOOD \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      9/17/2020,\r\n      September 17, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 17, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER SENATOR, STAUNCH DEMOCRAT AND ROTARIAN, HORACE A. CALLWOOD\r\nSt. Thomas, USVI Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement mourning the loss of Horace A. Callwood:\r\nI was saddened to hear of the loss Horace A. Callwood, who was a thought leader, iconic democrat and honorable member of community. We will miss his advocacy of democratic principles and the restoration of public trust and the value of community.\r\nMr. Callwood was a stalwart example of leadership and activism and profound influence in the Virgin Islands. He brought forth distinction and vigor at his weekly democratic breakfast meetings and proudly promoted incumbent and aspirant candidates for democratic positions and membership in the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands.\r\nFormer Senator Callwood was a true democratic advocate and displayed lifelong courage. He was an inspiration to everyone within his reach and will be sorely missed by the entire community.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3695", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF $272,950,000 MILLION TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS IN RUM TAX PAYMENTS FOR FY 2021", "2020-09-10", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 10, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF $272,950,000 MILLION TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS IN RUM TAX PAYMENTS FOR FY 2021\r\nSt. Croix, USVI Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding rum tax cover-over payments for estimated FY 2021 rum tax collections received by the Virgin Islands:\r\n\r\nThe Virgin Islands will receive $272 million from the Office of Insular Affairs works closely with the Internal Revenue Service to ensure a quick and smooth transfer of these taxes back to the USVI. These funds will be critical to the U.S. Virgin Islands as they work to manage health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in the territories.\r\n\r\nUnder the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, any excise tax collected on USVI manufactured rum imported into the mainland United States are transferred to or covered-over' to the USVI. Most federal excise taxes do not apply in the Virgin Islands. An exception, however, is provided by Section 7652 of the Internal Revenue Code, which applies a special excise tax to items produced in the USVI and shipped to the United States. The tax is equal to any excise tax that would apply to an identical item produced in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.\r\n\r\nAll payments are certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3694", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES AN $8 MILLION GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY FOR AIRPORTS ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS", "2020-09-02", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nSeptember 2, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES AN $8MILLION GRANTFROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY FOR AIRPORTS ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS\r\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementannouncing that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded an $8 Million dollar grant to the V.I. Port Authority for the Henry E. Rohlsen and Cyril E. King airports:\r\nI am happy to announce that DOT has awarded these funds to Virgin Islands Port Authority for both Virgin Islands' airports. This $8 Million grant will provide much needed funds to both airports to complete a number of critical projects, to include: reconstructing our runways, taxiways and commercial service aprons as well as upgrading our runway lighting.\r\nAdditionally, this grant is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020 and increases the federal cost share for our airports to 100 percent. The availability of these funds, as well as the complete coverage provided by the federal cost share will go a long way in ensuring that we are able to improve and harden the infrastructure at both airports. These improvements will ensure that our airports are able to operate at a more efficient level for years to come.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3691", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RESPONDS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL BARR USING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO JUSTIFY USE OF FEDERAL TROOPS AND POLICE IN AMERICAN CITIES", "2020-07-24", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJuly 24, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RESPONDS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL BARR USING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO JUSTIFY USE OF FEDERAL TROOPS AND POLICE IN AMERICAN CITIES  \r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after Attorney General Barr compared the use of federal law enforcement in American cities to the use of federal law enforcement and the National Guard in the Virgin Islands in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo:\r\nOn June 7th, Attorney General Barr appeared on the Face the Nation program and attempted to compare the imposition of federal law enforcement to the Virgin Islands in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo to legitimize the current Administration's use of federal troops and police in Washington, DC and other American cities. More recently, this example is being used to justify the President's decision to send active duty military to Portland, Oregon in the wake of peaceful protest.\r\nI do not believe the use of federal force in the Virgin Islands in 1989 is comparable to these present situations. When Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989, it damaged 90% of the buildings and destroyed the communication and transportation infrastructure of the Virgin Islands, hindering the ability of the Virgin Islands Government to assess the situation on the ground and communicate with federal officials.\r\nFollowing Hurricane Hugo, President George H.W. Bush issued two proclamations to trigger the Insurrection Act. Neither of these proclamations make any mention of this being requested by then Governor Farrelly. These forces were used by the President irrespective of the wishes of the Virgin Islands Government. I think we can all agree that there have been necessary and good uses of the Insurrection Act in rare instances in the past. Of course, the actions that were taken for the desegregation of the South and to protect the civil rights of Black Americans, are a prime example.We can agree that an island devastated by hurricane with no communication is not comparable to Americans exercising their constitution rights of free assembly and free speech are not a comparison. We should also be able to agree that what is similar is the use of law enforcement to control people of color.\r\n\r\nIt is important to note that despite the differences between these two situations, Attorney General Barr is willing to use federal law enforcement on people of color to quell the fears and bigotry of those who want to use the police state to control communities of color. In 1989 elements within the Virgin Islands used the initial chaos of a natural pandemic to bring federal law enforcement to supersede the power of the Virgin Islands government and quell black and brown people. Now, we see the importance in objecting to the misuse of federal power  no one stood up for the Virgin Islands in 1989 and it is now being used again in Portland, Oregon. We must take a stand and prevent the current Administration from taking unilateral decisions to suppress the rights of peaceful protesters. \r\n\"If the President truly must use military force against Americans, the Congress, as a co-equal branch, must be able to assess the appropriateness of that usage.I support the recent action of the House, in the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2021, to require the President to certify to Congress that a State or Territory is unable or unwilling to suppress an insurrection whenever a President wishes to deploy active duty military within the United States during civil unrest.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3689", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF MOST PUBLIC USE AT BUCK ISLAND REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT", "2020-07-18", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJuly 18, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF MOST PUBLIC USE AT BUCK ISLAND REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT\r\nSt. Croix, USVI  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement upon hearing via a PSA about the closure of Buck Island:\r\nYesterday I sent a correspondence requesting a meeting with the Regional Director Stan Austin and Superintendent Greg Camacho immediately after hearing the PSA on the temporary restriction of most public use at Buck Island Reef National Monument.\r\nThe announcement came as a surprise as I had not been informed of the impending closure by the National Park Service. In my conversation with the Regional Director, I shared my concern over the vagueness of timing and rationale for the closing but more importantly reminded the National Park Service of federal law which prohibits the closure of Buck Island to the people of the Virgin Islands.\r\nWhile their notice gives as citation several cases and federal rules to afford the National Parks Service with authority for closure it does not cite several laws and court ruling which are specific to Buck Island Reef National Monument. First, under federal proclamation 3443  December, 28, 1961 which establishes the monument, President Kennedy expressly forbids any closure of Buck Island to the bathing or recreational privileges by inhabitants of the Virgin Islands. I also reminded the National Park Service of federal court opinion in 1996 which ruled that the National Park Service was enjoined from closing the beach at Buck Island. The case cited the proclamation and the Open Shoreline Act in conjunction with the Revised Organic Act (which applies to lands ceded to the United States). Additionally, the Clinton proclamation of 2001 caused additional concern and federal interpretation the relevant portion of such was that the federal agency ruled that theexisting rights' of the inhabitants remained. This was also tested during the federal shutdown of 2013 when discussion of closing Buck Island became an issue and the Monument was required to remain open.\r\nGiven the insufficiency of the NPS arguments and the flawed rationale, I have suggested that NPS engage the St. Croix community in the decision making to find solutions to the issues of the Park. I am happy to be part of a strategizing for a solution which does not contravene the law. I suggested holding a virtual or other meeting with the local community (who are also concerned) requesting their support and utilizing their good will to find a solution which meets all of our needs.\r\nAfter sending the correspondence I did receive a call from the Regional Director and the Superintendent and we will meet on Monday. Of course I will keep the public informed and thank everyone who has shared their concerns and suggestions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3690", "STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN R. LEWIS", "2020-07-18", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJuly 18, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nSTATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN R. LEWIS\r\nSt. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman John R. Lewis:\r\nToday my family and staff join fellow Americans in mourning the passing of the American hero, John Lewis. He risked his life to make America better, and we are forever grateful for his moral leadership and his tireless fight for a more just society. Although his passing comes during the zenith of the next chapter in the struggle for civil and human rights, he'll continue to be an example for all of us. Congressman Lewis had the ability to draw out the best in us. On the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Congressman John Lewis was embraced by America's first African American President Barack Obama on the bridge, representing a milestone in the fulfillment of hopes and dreams of Congressman Lewis and the foot soldiers who put their lives on the line for the right to vote. Former President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush joined the Obama family and Congressman Lewis for the momentous occasion.\r\nCongressman Lewis graced public service with a revolutionary kind of love that was the heart of the American Civil Rights Movement. He never gave in to hatred and divisiveness in politics. He despised injustice and unkind behavior, and he never lost or abandoned hope for the redemption of anyone. He taught his Congressional colleagues to never give up, and never give in on matters of justice. He was always working toward that more perfect union. I was grateful when he invited me to be part of the original group of members of Congress to engage in civil disobedience by engaging in a sit-in to bring gun legislation to the Floor of Congress. He was always engaged in the fights for others.\r\nOur love and prayers are with the Congressman's son John-Miles and his family, with Rep Lewis  Chief of Staff Michael Collins and the entire Lewis staff, and his many loved ones. John Lewis is a biblical figure. Beaten, imprisoned, he led on for just causes. He existed to bring about the Beloved Community as he called it. Giants are leaving us with an example of sacrifice, commitment and love. God help us to continue the Way.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3685", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LUIS HOSPITAL AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJuly 15, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LUIS HOSPITAL AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding two important grants totaling $10 million grant for Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and the Virgin Islands Department of Health:\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 $1,562,923.99 in federal funding to Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital. This award provides federal funding for Emergency Protective Measures. Emergency Protective Measures are temporary measures taken against an incident. Emergency Protective Measures are actions taken before, during, and after an incident to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to improved public and private property.\r\nI am also pleased to announce another grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $8,994.564.00 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Health. Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage throughout the US Virgin Islands (USVI) including the Island of St. Croix. The Charles Harwood Medical Clinic (CHMC) is an 82,400SF Medical Clinic, which suffered catastrophic damages due to hurricane-force winds and water intrusion. The CHMC consist of several buildings such as the Clubhouse Building, the Motor Pool Building, Storage Outbuilding, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Building, and Maintenance Building. The damages to all of the buildings consisted of but not limited to the roofs, ceilings, interior and exterior doors and windows, electrical systems, lighting, insulation, floors, ducts and heating /cooling /fire systems. Due to the amount of damages, a 50% calculation was performed and was determined to be 59.72% damaged and eligible for replacement. This grant is for A&E services to develop a Master Plan, the technical evaluation of damages, and design and restoration of the CHMC. This Project proposes funds in the amount of $9,993,960.00 based on the Preliminary Estimated Cost of Construction (Work to be Completed) of $23,020,059.00. No insurance proceeds are anticipated for this project. No mitigation considerations are associated with this project. The costs for this project are for A & E services at $9,993,960.00 with a Federal Cost Share of 90% = $8,994,564.00.\r\nThese important grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. 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 rebuild our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3686", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF EXTENDING FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR RESIDENTS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJuly 15, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF EXTENDING FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR RESIDENTS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  As the COVID-19 public health and economic crises persist across the nation, Congresswoman Plaskett is highlighting the need for Congress to extend the $600 weekly emergency unemployment payments that are due to expire on July 31. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act established the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, which provides this critical assistance to families who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. If the Senate does not pass the House-approved Heroes Act before the end of the month, this benefit will abruptly end.\r\nVirgin Island workers and families are facing tremendous strain due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the last thing Congress should do is allow a critical lifeline like emergency unemployment compensation to expire in a few short weeks. This assistance allows Americans who have lost their jobs during the pandemic to afford life's necessities, like food, housing payments, and medications. In May, I supported the Heroes Act, legislation that passed the House of Representatives and extends the FPUC through the end of the year. Now, the Senate must also pass this crucial bill and protect Virgin Island families from utter disaster.\r\nAccording to Ways and Means Committee analysis, if Senate Republicans allow emergency unemployment compensation to end on July 31, recipients of the assistance in the Virgin Islands will experience a shocking 59% cut to their weekly benefits.\r\nI've heard from vulnerable families who are terrified at the prospect of losing this vital support. I'm going to fight to extend this essential assistance that is helping workers and families survive these unpredictable, frightening times.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3687", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES PASSING OF IMPORTANT AMENDMENT THAT REQUEST FOR CANCELLATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMUNITY DISASTER LOANS (CDL) STEMMING FROM THE 2017 HURRICANES", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJuly 15, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES PASSING OF IMPORTANT AMENDMENT THAT REQUEST FOR CANCELLATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMUNITY DISASTER LOANS (CDL) STEMMING FROM THE 2017 HURRICANES\r\nCancellation of the CDLs would remove the restrictions imposed on the Territory's ability to obtain financing to help it smooth out the massive revenue losses caused by the pandemic, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding an important amendment to the FY'21 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill regarding cancellation of the CDL's for the Virgin Islands:\r\nThe USVI obtained Community Disaster Loans (CDLs) to offset lost revenue from the devastation caused by the 2017 hurricanes. The aggregate principal amount of those loans is approximately $300 million. The CDL promissory notes are extremely restrictive, requiring the territory to obtain express consent of the U.S. Treasury before undertaking any new obligations over $25,000 and encumber its major revenue streams with a security interest.\r\nCongresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman offered an amendment in committee that was accepted that granted cancellation of the CDLs and would remove the restrictions imposed on the territory's ability to obtain financing to help it smooth out the massive revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before COVID-19, the territory was likely to qualify for loan cancellation under the terms of the CDL promissory notes, as well as under applicable regulations. The fiscal crisis resulting from the pandemic makes the need for cancellation even more urgent.\r\nThe USVI cannot afford to take revenue desperately needed for the current crisis and use it to fund debt service from the previous one. Because the CDLs were likely assigned a subsidy amount by the Treasury Department under the Federal Credit Reform Act, the budget cost of cancellation should be substantially lower than the face amount of the debt.\r\nEven before the COVID-19 outbreak, the Territory was likely to qualify for loan cancellation under the terms of the CDL promissory notes, as well as under applicable regulations. The fiscal crisis resulting from the pandemic makes the need for cancellation even more urgent. The Government cannot afford to take revenue desperately needed for the current crisis and use it to fund debt service from the previous one.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3684", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER DELEGATE RON DE LUGO", "2020-07-14", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER DELEGATE RON DE LUGO \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      7/14/2020,\r\n      July 14, 2020\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\nJuly 14, 2020                          202-215-8524\r\n  \r\nPRESS STATEMENT  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER DELEGATE RON DE LUGO  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSt. Croix, USVI  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the passing of former Delegate to Congress Ron de Lugo of the Virgin Islands:  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nToday, with the passing of the former Delegate to Congress Ron de Lugo, the Virgin Islands community, our Congressional family and the entire country has lost a beloved public servant. Delegate de Lugo dedicated every chapter of his life to serving his community and country; whether in the Army, on the radio at WSTA and WIVI radio, or as an elected official. His public service was extensive: Virgin Islands Territorial Senator, Democratic National Committeeman, St. Croix Administrator, a Delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968 and of course, for 10 terms as Delegate in the US House of Representatives.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAll who knew Delegate de Lugo respected him for his patriotism and his passion for public service, and loved him for his humor and kindness. I had the opportunity to intern for him right after college and recall his booming voice, his negotiating skills and of course his whistle. I am honored to continue his legacy of championing postal and transportation & infrastructure issues in the US Virgin Islands through my seat on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe world has lost the warmth and humanity of this special man. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss him, however the Virgin Islands is better for his work and devotion. May it be a comfort to Mr. de Lugo's family that many of us are praying for them at this sad time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3681", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $1.4 MILLION GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2020-06-22", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $1.4 MILLION GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH \r\n   Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Virgin Islands Department of Health a $1.4 million grant: \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 22, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJune 22, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $1.4 MILLION GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Virgin Islands Department of Health a $1.4 million grant:\r\nI am happy to announce that the Virgin Islands Department of Health will receive a grant totaling, $1,475,998 to fund the Vaccines for Children program. This program supports our health system ensure maximum vaccination coverage for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD).\r\nDuring these times we have been reminded of the importance and power of vaccines. Programs such as Vaccines for Children help maintain our community's herd immunity keeping the most vulnerable amongst us safe. This funding will assist the Department of Health in continuing to execute their public health mission.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3682", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES SUPPORT FOR H.R. 2 - THE INVEST IN AMERICA ACT TO FUND TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SUPPORT U.S. MANUFACTURING, AND CREATE JOBS", "2020-06-22", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJune 22, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES SUPPORT FOR H.R. 2 - THE INVEST IN AMERICA ACT TO FUND TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SUPPORT U.S. MANUFACTURING, AND CREATE JOBS\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after she and her colleagues on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted the H.R. 2 - Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act favorably out of committee:\r\nLast week I joined my committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted out of Committee H.R. 2 - Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, a key component of the Moving Forward Framework that House Democrats released earlier this year. The INVEST in America Act would help communities around the country undertake transformative infrastructure projects that are smarter, safer and made to last.\r\nFixing our crumbling infrastructure by making it easier for communities in my district to carry out transformational projects is one of the reasons I came to Congress. We need bold ideas to fix our Nation's big infrastructure problems, and that is exactly what the INVEST in America Act is all about. I am proud to support this bill.\r\nThis bill, as passed out of Committee and with the hard work of my office, was able to secure the following measures for the Virgin Islands:\r\n \r\n    More than doubles the federal transportation infrastructure funding to the Virgin Islands, from $16.8 million annually to $40 million annually;\r\n    Provides more flexibility for federal funding to the Virgin Islands to be used for private ferry transportation projects;\r\n    Makes the Virgin Islands eligible to compete for numerous additional Department of Transportation grant programs available to States, including Projects of National and Regional Significance;\r\n    Exempts U.S. territories from the non-federal match requirement for Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) projects;\r\n    Includes U.S. territories in the definition of \"areas of persistent poverty\" for eligibility to receive transportation infrastructure grant funding that is set aside for such areas;\r\n    Contains more Federal Transit Administration funding to the Virgin Islands for buses and bus facilities;\r\n    Allows the Virgin Islands to use federal surface transportation funding for construction of access and development roads that will serve resource development, recreational, residential, commercial, industrial, or other like purposes; and\r\n    Makes the Virgin Islands eligible for AMBER Alert grants for notification and communication systems regarding missing children along transportation routes.\r\n \r\nThe INVEST in America Act authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years to address some of the country's most urgent infrastructure needs, including:\r\n \r\n    Tackling the massive backlog of roads, bridges, transit, and rail systems in need of repair and replacement. \r\n    Building resilient infrastructure that will withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather. \r\n    Designing streets that are safer for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.\r\n    Putting the U.S. on a path toward zero emissions from the transportation sector by prioritizing carbon pollution reduction, investing in public transit and the national passenger and freight rail network, building out fueling infrastructure for low- and zero-emission vehicles, and deploying technology and innovative materials.\r\n    Sharply increasing funding for public transit options in urban, suburban and rural areas in order to integrate technology and increase routes and reliability with tools such as bus-only lanes and priority signaling. \r\n    Improving access to Federal funding to help communities around the country undertake transformative projects that are smarter, safer, and made to last.\r\n \r\nI am immensely grateful to my Committee colleagues. We have spent months working on behalf of the American people to finalize this bill, and I am hopeful that this bill will pass the House of Representatives this week. I will be sending a letter to the Governor requesting that he direct his lobbyists in Washington to advocate in the Senate for the measures my office was able to obtain in the House bill to remain in the Senate version. Additionally, this legislation fulfills one of my first promises before taking office  to significantly increase the federal highway funding for the Virgin Islands which would allow us to support a ferry system between St. Croix and St. Thomas. With a more than $23 million annual increase in federal highway funding and additional provisions to allow flexibility in funding for ferry systems, I am requesting that the Virgin Islands Legislature direct at least half of the new money, $11.6 million a year, toward a passenger and cargo ferry system between the two big islands. This set aside would create a much needed vehicle for increase in commerce, economic growth as well as social and cultural enrichment. This bill does much to fix our crumbling infrastructure, cut carbon pollution from the transportation sector, and create millions of good-paying jobs in urban, suburban and rural communities. I'm glad to have been a part of its development and passage in the House and make sure the Virgin Islands was included \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3680", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THAT THE USDA HAS APPROVED A PROGRAM TO FEED KIDS IN US VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-06-10", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJune 11, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPress Statement\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THAT THE USDA HAS APPROVED A PROGRAM TO FEED KIDS IN US VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nPandemic EBT to Feed Children during COVID-19 National Emergency\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, today released the following statement that the US Virgin Islands has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures:\r\nThe U.S. Virgin Islands will be able to operate Pandemic EBT, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. For the 2019-2020 school year, the US Virgin Islands had approximately 13,200 children eligible for free and reduced-priced lunch (all children in participating schools).\r\nUnder FFCRA, States have the option to submit a plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for providing these benefits to SNAP and non-SNAP households with children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to pandemic-related school closures. State agencies may operate Pandemic EBT when a school is closed for at least five consecutive days during a public health emergency designation during which the school would otherwise be in session.\r\nThe implementation of Pandemic EBT is in line with USDA's commitment and the efforts of my office to keep Virgin Islanders safe, secure, and healthy during this national emergency and to keep Virgin Island children fed when schools are closed. My office is working with the USDA and local authorities to ensure schools and other program operators can continue to feed children. This latest action complements previously announced flexibilities for the Child Nutrition programs that:\r\n \r\n    Allow parents and guardians to pick up meals to bring home to their kids;\r\n    Temporarily waive mealtimes requirements to make it easier to pick up multiple-days' worth of meals at once;\r\n    Allow meals to be served in non-congregate settings to support social distancing;\r\n    Waive the requirement that after-school meals and snacks served through certain programs be accompanied by educational activities to minimize exposure to the novel coronavirus; and\r\n    Allow states, on an individual state-by-state basis, to serve free meals to children in all areas, rather than only those in areas where at least half of students receive free or reduced-price meals.\r\n \r\nToday's announcement is the latest in a series of actions that USDA's Food and Nutrition Service has taken to uphold the USDA's commitment to Do Right and Feed Everyone' during this national emergency.\r\nUSDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American's agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3676", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO FEMA GRANTS TOTALING $5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LUIS HOSPITAL", "2020-05-15", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO FEMA GRANTS TOTALING $5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LUIS HOSPITAL \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      5/15/2020,\r\n      May 15, 2020\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\n\r\n\r\nFor Immediate Release                         Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nMay 15, 2020                                    202-215-8524\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO FEMA GRANTS TOTALING $5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR JUAN F. LUIS HOSPITAL \r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding two important grants in the amount of $5 million for the Juan F. Luis Hospital from FEMA: \r\nToday, I am pleased to announce two grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The first grant is for $4,635,041.09 in federal funding to Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital for Management Costs. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee or subgrantee in administering a grant or subgrant award. \r\nThe second grant is for $1,146,492.00 in federal funding to Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital for Emergency Protective Measures. FEMA's Public Assistance Program funds eligible emergency protective measures taken by a community before, during, and after a disaster to eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health or safety or significant damage to improved public or private property. While the list of eligible activities includes actions that do not affect the environment (such as provision of food and water), there are several that do have the potential to adversely affect natural, historic, and/or archaeological resources. \r\nThese important grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nexperiencing 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=3672", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (VIWMA)", "2020-05-13", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMay 13, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (VIWMA)\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding an important $2 million grant for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) for Emergency Protective Measures (EPM):\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 $2,444,715.00 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA). This award provides federal funding for Emergency Protective Measures. Emergency Protective Measures are temporary measures taken against an incident. Emergency Protective Measures are actions taken before, during, and after an incident to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent damage to improved public and private property.\r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. 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 rebuild our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3673", "HOUSE DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE THE HEROES ACT", "2020-05-13", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSE DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE THE HEROES ACT \r\n   Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement regarding the introduction of The Heroes Act by House Democrats: \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      May 13, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMay 13, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nHOUSE DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE THE HEROES ACT\r\nThis is bold, transformative legislation that meets the challenge of the Coronavirus Pandemic, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement regarding the introduction of The Heroes Act by House Democrats:\r\nYesterday the House Democrats introduced a bold and comprehensive coronavirus recovery bill that will meet the challenge this pandemic poses to our nation that will be taken up on the House Floor at the end of this week. The Virgin Islands Government would receive approximately $3 billion if this bill is passed by both chambers and signed into law. The bill includes the following that will protect the lives and livelihoods of Americans (and the Virgin Islands is included):\r\n \r\n    Honors our heroes, by providing nearly $1 trillion to state, local, territorial and tribal governments who desperately need funds to pay vital workers like first responders, health workers, and teachers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs.\r\n    Establishes a Heroes' Fund for essential workers, with $200 billion to ensure that essential workers who have risked their lives working during the pandemic receive hazard pay.\r\n    Provides additional direct payments, cushioning the economic blow of the coronavirus crisis with a second round of more substantial economic impact payments of $1,200 per family member, up to $6,000 per household.\r\n    Protects payrolls, by enhancing the new employee retention tax credit that encourages employers to keep employees on payroll, allowing 60 million Americans to remain connected to their paychecks and benefits.\r\n    Supports small businesses and nonprofits, by strengthening the Payroll Protection Program to ensure that it reaches underserved communities, nonprofits of all sizes and types and responds flexibly to small businesses by providing $10 billion for Covid-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.\r\n    Extends unemployment benefits, ensuring weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January, providing a vital safety net for the record number of Americans who are unemployed.\r\n    Bolsters housing assistance, helping struggling families afford a safe place to live with $175 billion in new supports to assist renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments and other housing-related costs.\r\n    Strengthens food security, addressing rising hunger with a 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.\r\n \r\nMy office worked with House committee staff to secure additional funding in the House bill for the Virgin Islands and the other territories. The great working relationship that my office has with House Leadership and the Professional Staff of the authorizing committees was important in making sure the Virgin Islands and our needs were included in this legislation. After passage in the House, the bill will be sent to the Senate where a tremendous amount of negotiation will take place . I am now asking for the Governor and his team of lobbyists in Washington, DC to work with me to lobby the Senate to ensure the provisions important to the Virgin Islands in The Heroes Act are included in the final bill that will be sent to the President and eventually signed into law.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3674", "LOS DEM\u00d3CRATAS DE LA C\u00c1MARA DE REPRESENTANTES PRESENTAN LA LEY DE H\u00c9ROES", "2020-05-13", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Para distribucin inmediata  Contacto: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\n13 de mayo 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nComunicado de Prensa\r\nLOS DEMCRATAS DE LA CMARA DE REPRESENTANTES PRESENTAN LA LEY DE HROES\r\nEsta legislacin valiente y transformativa enfrenta los desafos de la pandemia causada por el coronavirus, declar Congresista Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC  La Congresista Stacey Plaskett pblico el enunciado siguiente en respecto de la presentacin de la Ley de Hroes por los Demcratas de la Cmara de Representantes:\r\nAyer los Demcratas de la Cmara de Representantes presentaron un proyecto de ley valiente y exhaustivo para arrostrar los desafos causados por el coronavirus que amenazan nuestro pas. El proyecto de ley ser tramitado en la Cmara de Representantes al fin de la semana. Es importante saber que, por los esfuerzos de mi oficina, el gobierno de las Islas Vrgenes recibira aproximadamente $3 mil millones si el proyecto de ley est aprobado por ambas cmaras y firmado por el presidente. El proyecto de ley incluye las siguientes disposiciones que protegern las vidas y los sustentos de estadounidenses (incluyendo las Islas Vrgenes):\r\n\r\n\r\n Da respecto a nuestros hroes con la distribucin de casi $1 billn para estados, localidades, territorios y gobiernos indgenas que necesitan desesperadamente los fondos para pagar trabajadores esenciales cmo trabajadores de salud, trabajadores de primera respuesta y maestros, las personas que nos protegen y que estn en riesgo de perder sus trabajos.\r\n Establece un Fondo de Hroes para trabajadores esenciales, con $200 mil millones para asegurar de que trabajadores esenciales que han arriesgado sus vidas trabajando durante la pandemia reciben prestaciones para condiciones de vida peligrosas.\r\n Provee pagos directos adicionales para disminuir el impacto econmico de la pandemia con una segunda ronda de pagos de impacto econmico de $1,200 para cada miembro de una familia, con el lmite de $6,000 por familia.\r\n Protege nminas con la ampliacin del nuevo crdito fiscal para la retencin de empleados, un programa que apoya a empleadores mantener a sus empleados en nmina.\r\n Apoya a pequeas empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro con el fortalecimiento del Programa de Proteccin de Pago para asegurar de que los fondos alcancen a las comunidades marginadas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro de todos tamaos y tipos. Tambin asegura que el programa responda con flexibilidad a empresas pequeas con la inversin de $10 mil millones para subsidios de emergencia para COVID-19 por el Programa de Anticipo de Prstamo EIDL (anticipo de prstamos por daos econmicos).\r\n Extiende el programa de prestaciones de desempleo y asegura $600 de pagos semanales para el desempleo hasta enero 2021. Provee una red de proteccin para un nmero rcord de estadounidenses desempleados.\r\n Refuerza asistencia para vivienda y ayuda a familias a pagar por un hogar seguro. Invierta $175 mil millones en nuevos soportes para asistir arrendatarios y propietarios cumplir con su renta mensual, hipoteca, pagos de servicios pblicos y otros costos asociados con la vivienda.\r\n Fortalece la seguridad alimentaria y afronta el crecimiento de hambre con un aumento del 15% a la cantidad mxima de ingreso y suministra fondos adicionales para programas de nutricin que ayudan a familias poner comida en su mesa. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMi oficina se esforz en asegurar de que un indicador fuerte fue establecido en este proyecto de ley para las Islas Vrgenes y otros territorios. La relacin de trabajo entre mi oficina y los lderes de la Cmara de Representantes y el personal profesional de los comits de autorizacin era importante en asegurar de que las Islas Vrgenes y nuestras necesidades fueran representadas en esta legislacin. Despus de su aprobacin en la Cmara de Representantes, el proyecto de ley se entregar al Senado donde empezar negociaciones vigorosas. Ahora estoy pidiendo al gobernador y su equipo de cabilderos (lobbyists) en Washington, DC que continen trabajando conmigo a cabildear el Senado para asegurar de que las disposiciones importantes para las Islas Vrgenes en la Ley de Hroes estn incluidas en el proyecto de ley final que recibira y firmara el presidente.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3740", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING IMPORTANT REPORT TO CONGRESS FROM THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO) REGARDING ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE PUBLIC PENSION SYSTEM OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS?", "2020-05-11", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\n\nMay 11, 2020 202-215-8524\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING IMPORTANT REPORT TO CONGRESS FROM THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO) REGARDING ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE PUBLIC PENSION SYSTEM OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding her request to the General Accounting Office (GAO) to report back to Congress its findings regarding the economic viability of the pension system of the Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cAs the GAO has noted in a recent report, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is facing many serious fiscal challenges. A key element of these difficulties stems from the weak financial condition of its defined benefit pension for USVI government employees, the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS). GERS actuary reported that it was only 21% funded as of October 2018, with $3.7 billion in liabilities and $768 million in assets. It is projected to deplete its assets by 2024-2025.\n\n\u201cThose born in the USVI are United States citizens who stand to be directly or indirectly affected by the collapse of GERS. Decisions made by the federal government may impact the economic situation facing the territory, and may affect the options available to the territorial government to address their public pension crisis effectively. Unlike defined benefit plans in the private sector, the unfunded liabilities of GERS are not federally insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.\n\n\u201cThe territorial government is the USVI\u2019s largest employer, and one fifth of the population is covered by GERS as an employee, dependent, or beneficiary. GERS attracts workers to do important work, such as keeping the United States citizens living on the islands safe, and provides for their financial security in retirement. Furthermore, GERS supports public workers that create an environment for tourism, a very important industry to the economy.\n\n\u201cThe government of the USVI is seeking to address this issue, but also faces other economic challenges concurrently. Compounding these financial challenges is the devastation created by recent major disasters, which has limited tourism and severely reduced other economic activity. In November 2017, the USVI government estimated that uninsured hurricane damage would exceed $7.5 billion. USVI government employees have played an essential role in responding to this destruction and in efforts to rebuild the islands\u2019 housing and infrastructure.\n\n\u201cGAO reported last year that officials in the USVI government were evaluating the best way to restructure the pension system going forward. However, total public debt outstanding was 68% of GDP in fiscal 2016, and the USVI has not been able to access capital markets at favorable interest rates since January 2017. Considering the crucial role that the GERS pension system plays in the lives of the people of the USVI, and the importance of addressing this issue to restore the long-term economic health of the territory, my office has asked that the GAO report back to Congress on the following questions:\n\n1. How does GERS compare with other defined benefit pensions on characteristics such as the way it is funded and the benefits it provides?\n\n2. What is known about the extent to which GERS is able to pay the benefits it has promised to employees, if no changes are made?\n\n3. What options exist to ensure that the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands can sustainably maintain and fund the pensions that it has promised to its employees?\n\n\u201cI look forward to the findings in this report and as soon as those findings are complete and the report is sent to Congress I will ensure that the residents of the Virgin Islands are informed on the conclusions from the GAO.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:07:19Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3669", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES HR 6648 - THE TERRITORIAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT", "2020-05-04", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMay 4, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES HR 6648 - THE TERRITORIAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after introducing HR 6648, the Territorial Economic Recovery Act:\r\nTo compensate for historical disadvantages, and to create jobs and middle-class economies, the territories have historically relied on provisions in the U.S. tax code that treat U.S. investment in the territories more favorably than investment in foreign jurisdictions. However, recently, including through new taxes on global intangible low taxed income (GILTI) in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, U.S. territories have been treated the same as foreign countries. This has had a negative impact on private investment and job creation in the Virgin Islands.\r\nTo remedy this unintended result, I have introduced H.R. 6648, the Territorial Economic Recovery Act, to treat qualified investment in U.S. territories as domestic  rather foreign  for purposes of the GILTI tax regime. In other words this bill will place the Territories on par with other states here in America. This legislation is not intended to favor the issue of status in any of the U.S. territories.\r\nHR 6648 would implement a limitation on the GILTI tax for businesses operating in U.S. territories. To qualify, companies would have to ensure that they have an active trade or business in a territory or possession of the United States, and that income from the business would be limited to possession-sourced income.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has devastated local economies, with an especially negative impact in U.S. territories. The Virgin Islands is NOT a foreign country, and this GILTI impediment has had a negative impact on private investment and job creation in the Virgin Islands. This bill will not only create jobs, but it will bring tax relief for the Virgin Islands, and allow for more diversification to our economy to bring in longer-term economic growth.\r\nI look forward to working with my colleagues both in the House and the Senate and eventually the Administration to make sure this bill gets signed into law.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3668", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT URGES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE CONSIDERATION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE FARMERS TO FAMILIES FOOD BOX PROGRAM", "2020-04-29", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 29, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT URGES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE CONSIDERATION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE FARMERS TO FAMILIES FOOD BOX PROGRAM\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in regards to a letter sent from her office to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the Farmers to Families Food Box program:\r\nThe recently announced USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program is meant to deliver perishable goods to families in need. Under the current structure of the Request for Proposal (RFP), I am concerned that the Virgin Islands will not receive equitable treatment. I have written to the USDA asking them to alter the RFP in a fashion that recognizes preexisting relationships within the region and geographic proximity.\r\nAs closures and social distancing orders meant to limit spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) extend across the country, the impact is being felt in communities large and small - like the Virgin Islands. While changes taking place are disrupting the lives of nearly everyone in some way, food-insecure individuals  who numbered over 37 million (11.5%), including over 11 million children, in 2018  will face particular challenges, and the number of people who experience food insecurity is likely already increasing.\r\nIn order for this program to make a meaningful impact in the Virgin Islands, the USDA must swiftly make the necessary changes and effectively communicate the update to stakeholders. I look forward to working with the USDA to ensure that Virgin Islanders are not left behind due to relying on states who are unfamiliar with the challenges of shipping perishable goods to the territory.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3667", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND 143 OF HER COLLEAGUES URGE FCC TO COORDINATE WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES TO INFORM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES THEY CAN RECEIVE BROADBAND SERVICES", "2020-04-28", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 28, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPress Statement\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND 143 OF HER COLLEAGUES URGE FCC TO COORDINATE WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES TO INFORM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES THEY CAN RECEIVE BROADBAND SERVICES\r\nWashington DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research along with Marcia Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations, and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) led 140 colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai urging him to work directly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to inform families of their eligibility for broadband and telephone assistance. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nMillions of Americans eligible for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid are also eligible for the FCC's Lifeline programthe primary federal program charged with helping low-income families obtain broadband and telephone services.\r\nNon-essential businesses and schools have closed in the Virgin Islands to limit the spread of the coronavirus, leaving families to rely on the internet now more than ever to access public benefits, search for employment, learn from home, or access telehealth services. The need is greatest among low-income households forced to stretch limited resources to try to keep up with monthly expenses and put food on the table during the public health crisis. For these vulnerable populations, the FCC's Lifeline program can help struggling families afford basic internet and telephone connectivity at a time when they need it most  but only if they know about it, the lawmakers wrote.\r\nWhile we understand that the FCC has traditionally issued guidelines for states and telecommunications providers to advertise the Lifeline program, given the critical role of internet connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic, I have led the effort to urge the FCC to coordinate directly with USDA and HHS as well as territories, states and stakeholders to help ensure people in need are informed about their eligibility for the Lifeline program.\r\nThe letter is supported by Public Knowledge, the National Consumers Law Center, United Church of Christ, OC Inc., and Third Way. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, especially here in the Virgin Islands, that connectivity is more important than ever. I have called for the FCC to coordinate with agencies that administer services that determine eligibility for the Lifeline program to ensure that communities in the Virgin Islands learn about the critical Lifeline program. Virgin Islanders cannot afford for the government to work in silos and we as Members of Congress must make sure more Americans and Virgin Islanders alike know about this essential program in our social safety net.\r\nThe Lifeline program provides critical connectivity for those who need it most. Informing consumers about their Lifeline eligibility is a necessary step to help close the digital divide and is clearly something we should continue doing even after the pandemic ends.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3666", "CONGRESS PASSES FOURTH BIPARTISAN CORONAVIRUS PACKAGE TO BOLSTER SMALL BUSINESSES, FARMERS AND HEALTH CARE NEED", "2020-04-24", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESS PASSES FOURTH BIPARTISAN CORONAVIRUS PACKAGE TO BOLSTER SMALL BUSINESSES, FARMERS AND HEALTH CARE NEED \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\nApril 23, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCONGRESS PASSES FOURTH BIPARTISAN CORONAVIRUS PACKAGE TO BOLSTER SMALL BUSINESSES, FARMERS AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS \r\nThis Legislation Provides Small Business Funding, Supports Hospitals and Farmers, and Invests in Nationwide Testing, stated Congresswoman Plaskett \r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, Chairwoman of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $484 billion package to support small businesses and farmers, provide additional funding for hospitals and health care providers, and invest in a widespread testing plan: \r\nVirgin Island families, farms, and businesses are facing unprecedented hardship as we deal with the reality that COVID-19 has taken lives in the Virgin Islands. I know businesses and workers are understandably eager to get back to work. Americans will not be able to safely get back to our lives and work until we have widespread testing to ensure our communities and workplaces are safe. This bill makes a substantial investment in the testing we need to save lives and work towards reopening our economy. The bill also includes urgent funding for our health care providers and small businesses. Importantly, this new funding makes sure that minority-owned small businesses and businesses in the Virgin Islands can get the help they need to survive this crisis. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPresently Congress has focused legislation on relief and support to Americans and businesses directly affected by the pandemic. The first CARES Act sought to provide initial relief to states and territories in need of operating funding. I'm grateful for Governor Bryan's letter to Congress requesting action on a host issues for which I have previously sponsored legislation or advocated for; such as cost share waivers, loan forgiveness and reimbursement for Earned Income and Child Tax Credit. The difficult environment in Washington right now, however, necessitates that the Governor, the legislature and I coordinate on 2 things: first, focusing our advocacy on one, or at most three impactful, relevant actions that will bring important funding to the Virgin Islands. Second, the local government must demonstrate in the utilization of federal funds the territory's commitment to effective and efficient spending, self-governance against mismanagement of funds, as well as execution on a strategic plan for the development of new revenues. \r\nUnder the legislation The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provides the following: Small Business Funding - $310 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers forgivable loans to small businesses. Sixty billion dollars of this will be set aside for Community Development Financial Institutions, Minority Depository Institutions, community-focused lending intermediaries, and the smallest community banks and credit unions. Sixty billion dollars in economic disaster relief for small businesses. Fifty billion to fund Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which will support more than $350 billion of additional EIDL lending, and $10 billion in EIDL grants. Eligibility for these loans was expanded to include farms and agricultural businesses. This funding and the set asides are a tremendous boost and will directly support the local banks and many of the businesses in the Virgin Islands. \r\nHealth Care Funding - $75 billion in additional funding for hospitals and health care providers. This money will help with expenses and lost revenue hospitals and health care providers are facing during the COVID-19 crisis. $25 billion for researching, manufacturing and administering COVID-19 tests. This funding will also support infrastructure to implement contact tracing and laboratory capacity expansion. Testing remains free to all Americans due to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. \r\nFarmers - Agriculture businesses and farms with fewer than 500 employees now qualify for small business disaster relief loans. I will always work to ensure that Virgin Island family farms receive relief during this global pandemic. This bill contains an expansion of the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan and Emergency Economic Injury Grant Programs to include farms with fewer than 500 employees.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nVirgin Island family farms are the lifeblood of our agriculture sector, which is an important industry and is vital to the Territories. As the representative of the Virgin Islands in Congress, it was important to me that this program was expanded to include farmers because they need certainty as we head into planting season. I am working hard to ensure that all Virgin Islanders, including our farmers are not left behind. \r\nAs this legislation is passed, we have already begun the negotiations on another stimulus package. My office is assisting on this package as we continue to work on appropriations for the next Fiscal year. I am thankful for the support of the Governor, and the Virgin Islands Legislature as I and my office begin work on the next package. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3663", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-04-17", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded $2,932,867 to the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program:\r\nAs a Member of Congress, we recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic. Today the Virgin Islands was awarded a $2,932,867 grant from the Department of Justice under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program.\r\nPursuant to the CARES Act, the CESF Program provides funding to assist eligible local units of government in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime pay, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses, and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.\r\nI am grateful that Congress passed this vital coronavirus emergency response package. I commend the House leadership on taking the lead on this issue and for making provisions so Americans living in the Territories are included.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3655", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $41 MILLION GRANT  FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS' AIRPORTS", "2020-04-14", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 14, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $41 MILLION GRANT \r\nFOR VIRGIN ISLANDS' AIRPORTS\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding $41 million grants for the Cyril E, King and Henry E. Rohlson Airports in the Virgin Islands:\r\nThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes funds to be awarded for economic relief to eligible U.S. airports impacted by the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am happy to announce that Cyril E. King Airport will receive $21 million and Henry E. Rohlson will receive $19 million in funding.\r\nThe CARES Act provides funds to increase the federal share to 100 percent for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and supplemental discretionary grants already planned for fiscal year 2020. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors' current financial circumstances.\r\nAdditionally, the CARES Act provides new funds distributed by various formulas for all airports that are part of the national airport system. This includes all commercial service airports, all reliever airports and some public-owned general aviation airports.\r\nUnder this new CARES Airport Program:\r\n \r\n    Primary commercial service airports, with more than 10,000 annual passenger boardings, will receive additional funds based on the number of annual boardings, in a similar way to how they currently receive AIP entitlement funds.\r\n    All commercial service airports will receive funds based on the number of passengers that board aircraft there, the amount of debt an airport has, and the amount of money the airport has in reserve.\r\n \r\nThese important grants are significant to the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands because they will assist the government and the community in fostering and sustaining sound economic development when it comes to its airports. As a member of the US House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand how important and I am working hard to support our ports and airports as they help to support our economic development.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3656", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT HOLDS EDUCATION DISTANCE LEARNING WEBINAR FOR TERRITORY'S PARENTS AND EDUCATORS", "2020-04-14", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 14, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT HOLDS EDUCATION DISTANCE LEARNING WEBINAR FOR TERRITORY'S PARENTS AND EDUCATORS\r\nWashington, DC On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett held an Education distance learning webinar with Virgin Islands educators, along with a representative from the Library of Congress, as her guest presenters. Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding the webinar:\r\nAs our territory and the nation grapples with the new reality of closed schools and stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19, I was pleased to be able to host this webinar in order to share valuable information on how the CARES Act affects educational stakeholders along with various programs and resources available.During the webinar, the various presenters provided excellent information on a number of topics, including best practices for distance learning, and creative projects and ideas that parents can do with their children during this time.The Library of Congress staff participated as well, sharingvirtual resources available within the Library of Congress's online portal.\r\nWhile the coronavirus pandemic is revealing new layers of inequity in Education, this also provides us with an opportunity to address educational needs.Education leaders across the nation and in the Virgin Islands are tackling the unexpected challenge of providing distance learning as the primary mode of instruction for weeks, months, and possibly the remainder of the school year. I, along with a dozen members of Congress, have been advocating, sponsoring legislation, writing opinion pieces, and speaking on the need for more funding for Education to tackle challenges as it relates to academic success by closing the digital divide, among other important factors.\r\nThe CARES Act creates a stabilization fund for K-12 schools and Institutions of Higher Education, including the University of the Virgin Islands. The K-12 education fund reserves one-half of one percent for schools in the small territories of the United States, including the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Northern Mariana. So, there is a subtotal of $153.75 million for these territories. This funding is to help schools respond to coronavirus and related school closures, meet the immediate needs of students and teachers, improve the use of education technology, support distance education, and make up for lost learning time. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has estimated that the University of the Virgin Islands will receive approximately $1.7 million from the higher education fund under the CARES Act. At least 50% of that funding must be reserved to provide students emergency financial aid grants.\r\nThe webinar provided attendees with great ideas, resources and even a pep talk for parents like myself taking on the daunting task of being much more hands-on in the educational process of our children.I am grateful to each of the presentersDr. Lisa Hassell-Forde, Dr. Valrica Bryson, Mrs. Zahra O'Reilly Bates, Mrs. Michaelrose Ravalier and Ms. Cheryl Lederlefor their commitment to educational excellence, for their ability to showcase and highlight best practices, principles and recommendations, and for taking the time out of their busy schedule to share the information with our community.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3653", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE END OF HOLY WEEK", "2020-04-13", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 13, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE END OF HOLY WEEK\r\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the end of Holy Week:\r\nFuture generations will look back on this as the long Lent of 2020, a time when disease and death suddenly darkened the whole earth. The Passover this week was a reminder of God's provision for the people of Israel, directing them to shelter in their homes and the blood of the lamb over their doorpost as the Angel of Death passed by. We too have shut ourselves up at home as we conclude Holy Week, the most sacred days of the year. People across the United States and the world are living under quarantine, our societies shut down, in an attempt to protect one another from the coronavirus.\r\nBut we know that our Redeemer lives. Even in this extraordinary and challenging moment, we give thanks for what Jesus Christ has done for us by his life, death, and resurrection. Even now, we marvel at the beautiful grace and love of our salvation, how precious each one of us is in the eyes of God.\r\nThese are times almost without precedent in the long history of the Church. In this difficult moment, we ask God for his grace, that we might bear this burden together with patience and charity, united as one family of God. From my family and staff, God's riches blessings and grace to you all as we look to the resurrection  new life.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3651", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON TIM DUNCAN\u2019S SELECTION FOR THE NBA HALL OF FAME", "2020-04-06", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nApril 6, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON TIM DUNCAN'S SELECTION FOR THE NBA HALL OF FAME\r\nWashington, DC - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that former San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan will be one of nine honorees in the Class of 2020. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement:\r\nSt. Croix native Tim Duncan has become the first Virgin Islander and the third player in San Antonio franchise history with his jersey retired to be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, joining George Gervin and David Robinson. Tim Duncan is among eight finalists  led by the late Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett- selected on Saturday for induction in August, 2020.\r\nTim Duncan spent his entire 19-year career with the Spurs. During his tenure, the team won five championships and posted a 1,072-438 regular season record, giving the team a .710 winning percentage, which is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB during that span.\r\nTim Duncan is a graduate of St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School on St. Croix and a graduate of Wake Forest and is the Spurs all-time NBA leader in total points (26,496), rebounds (15,091), blocked shots (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392), as well as third in assists (4,225). In NBA history, Duncan is fifth all-time in double-doubles (841) and blocks, sixth in rebounding and 14th in scoring.\r\nNot only is Tim Duncan a leader on the basketball court, he is a leader in his community. When Tim Duncan was 13 years old he witnessed Hurricane Hugo ripped through his home in the Virgin Islands, and his life and community changed forever. When Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the Virgin Islands in 2017, he knew exactly what kind of devastation a hurricane of this magnitude could cause and wanted to do all he could to aid in the relief efforts for the islanders. Tim Duncan, with the help of former teammates and others, matched financial donations for the relief efforts in the Virgin Islands. In addition, Tim Duncan helped raise an additional $1,000,000 relief supplies for this area.\r\nThe news of the hurricanes have faded from the headlines, but Tim Duncan has once again put the spotlight on the Virgin Islands.. The spotlight shines on one of the 2020 NBA Hall of Famer inductees, Tim Duncan, and today the Virgin Islands, the United States of America and the world salute you.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3647", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC FAMILIES & WORKERS-FIRST CORONAVIRUS LEGISLATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF IT PROVIDES TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-03-27", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nMarch 27, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC FAMILIES & WORKERS-FIRST CORONAVIRUS LEGISLATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF IT PROVIDES TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett applauded the passage of historic Families and Workers-First legislation, which will now go to the President's desk for his signature. The Congresswoman released the following statement:\r\nI am proud to support this historic piece of legislation, which will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses all across this country, including the Virgin Islands. During this time of stress and uncertainty, every American needs to know that their government is there to support them without hesitation. This latest piece of legislation is an important step in our ongoing effort to act decisively on behalf of the American people and ensure workers and families have the resources they need today and throughout this unprecedented crisis.\r\nAmerica is currently facing a grave health emergency with a serious impact on our economy. The coronavirus bill that Senate Republicans put forward last weekend was a non-starter and put corporations first, not America's workers. The Republican bill gave big corporations billions in taxpayer dollars with no real requirement to protect their workers' wages and benefits instead of CEO pay, stock buybacks and layoffs. It failed to provide meaningful support for Americans losing their jobs or hours.\r\nThanks to the hard work of Congressional Democrats, the Republicans' corporations-focused proposal bill has been turned into a bipartisan workers-first bill. Democrats have achieved the bold, pro-worker action that is desperately needed to protect the health and well-being of every American.\r\nHere are just a few of the numerous initiatives in this historic piece of legislation that will benefit the residents of the Virgin Islands:\r\n \r\n    $153.75 million of the $30.75 billion education stabilization fund is reserved for school systems in the small U.S. territories.\r\n    $55 million is provided to the Dept. of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs for assistance to the small U.S. territories to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and for general technical assistance.\r\n    A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that the Virgin Islands and the other Territories will receive approximately $3 billion in desperately needed funds to benefit our residents.\r\n    $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits: Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four weeks, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.\r\n    Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans: Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household. These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.\r\n    More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief: Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.\r\n    Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research: Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.\r\n    More Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:\r\n    \r\n        Child Care and Development Block Grant: Supports child care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.\r\n        Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.\r\n        Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program: Provides $850 million for this program, giving additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies, thereby allowing them, for example, to obtain the personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency. \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    CDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards: Provides about $750 million in CDC State, Local, and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards to help agencies cope with the public health emergency. The minimum award for our state is $466,000. In addition, states can apply for additional funds above their minimum award, based on their needs.\r\n \r\nThe American people need and deserve a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep them and their loved ones safe from the coronavirus epidemic. On behalf of the hard-working families of the Virgin Islands and all Americans, I will continue to join House Democrats to work relentlessly and in a bi-partisan way to put Families and Workers First and protect Americans' health, safety and economic security.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3644", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETTS STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS PROPOSAL IN U.S. CONGRESS", "2020-03-24", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nMarch 20, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS PROPOSAL IN U.S. CONGRESS\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the stimulus proposal making its way through Congress presently:\r\nCongress has been working on several pieces of legislation to support the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those include support to public health, the American people, and our economy. On March 6, 2020 the President signed into law legislation to support our nation's public health agencies. Under that law, our first step, the Virgin Islands has received a CDC grant of $419,000.\r\nThe second component of Congress' response has been passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. It provides; free testing for the coronavirus, paid emergency leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, and measures for food security - all of which include the Virgin Islands. That law also increases Medicaid funding for the Virgin Islands by $4.65 million through fiscal year 2021. It also increases the federal share of Medicaid funding for the Virgin Islands to 89.2% (from 83%). Finally, it provides a payroll credit for required paid sick leave and family leave, and tax credits for sick leave and family leave for certain self-employed individuals. The bill contains special rules to ensure equality for U.S. territories in providing those credits.\r\nCongress is presently working on an economic stimulus package, which will be a third legislative action to be sent to the President. The current proposal from Senate Republicans includes a provision to issue tax rebates to individuals making under $99,000 and to married couples with a household income of less than $198,000. The Senate proposal is not final and will likely change as the House of Representatives finalizes its proposal and then both chambers of Congress and the White House negotiate.\r\nGovernor Bryan has sent a substantial request to Congressional leadership related to all facets of Virgin Islanders' needs. The Governor, the Virgin Islands' Legislature and I are working together to combat this global crisis. My office is working diligently to ensure that the Virgin Islands is included in all relief packages. I will keep the community updated as the situation changes. Finally, I'd like to remind everyone to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and the governor's office. This is for the health and safety of all us, especially the vulnerable members of our community. If you have any questions, please call my offices at 774-4408 on St. Thomas or 778-5900 on St. Croix. You can also send an email to askstacey@mail.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3645", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY", "2020-03-24", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release              Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 24, 2020                           202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding an important $30 million grant for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority from FEMA to go towards management costs:\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 $30,085,835.62 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. This award provides federal funding for management costs. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee or subgrantee in administering a grant or subgrant award. Eligible management cost activities may include:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Solicitation, review, and processing of subapplications and subgrant awards;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Subapplication development and technical assistance to subapplicants regarding feasibility and effectiveness, BCA, and EHP documentation;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Geocoding mitigation projects identified for further review by FEMA;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Delivery of technical assistance (e.g., plan reviews, planning workshops, training) to support the implementation of mitigation activities;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Managing grants (e.g., quarterly reporting, closeout);\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Technical monitoring (e.g., site visits, technical meetings);\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Purchase of equipment and professional development that is directly related to the implementation of HMA programs.\r\n    \r\n \r\nThis important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and 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 rebuild our islands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3646", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS RECEIVING A WAIVER TO PROVIDE SNAP BENEFITS THROUGH MAY 31, 2020", "2020-03-24", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release              Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 24, 2020                           202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS RECEIVING A WAIVER TO PROVIDE SNAP BENEFITS THROUGH MAY 31, 2020\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released this statement in regards to the Virgin Islands receiving a waiver to provide SNAP benefits through May 31, 20202:\r\nAs a Member of Congress, I recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic.\r\nThe Family First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) provides $1 billion in grant funding to help states and territories manage things like SNAP, student meals, seniors nutrition and food banks; and additional federal funding for Medicaid. Today I was informed that the Virgin Islands will receive a waiver until May 31, 2020.\r\nThe USDA has approved the Virgin Islands waiver requests to allow WIC program remote issuance of benefits. During COVID-19 response local agencies are closed or hours significantly disrupted and social distancing is practiced. This important waiver allows the The Virgin Islands to automatically load monthly benefits onto a WIC card. Remote issuance facilitates continued access to healthy foods and formula for enrolled children, women, mothers and babies during COVID-19 related disrupted services.\r\nLives are at stake, and we must act now to put families first. I commend the House leadership on taking the lead on this issue and for making provisions so Americans living in the territories are included.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3643", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON SECOND CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE BILL", "2020-03-20", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release              Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nMarch 18, 2020                            202-215-8524  \r\n  \r\nPRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON SECOND CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE BILL Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released this statement on passage by the House of Representatives of a second coronavirus emergency response bill: As a Member of Congress, I recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic. Yesterday the House of Representatives sent to the Senate a second emergency coronavirus response package to address urgent health, economic, and food security needs of our country, including in the Virgin Islands. The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) establishes a federal program to provide sick and quarantined workers with two weeks of emergency paid leave and provides tax credits for employers to provide up to three months of paid time off for protracted absences from work due to the pandemic. It also provides $1 billion in grant funding to help states and territories manage and expand their unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 crisis; funds for free coronavirus testing; funding for enhanced food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors nutrition and food banks; and additional federal funding for Medicaid. I was pleased to see provisions in this legislation to increase Medicaid funds to the Virgin Islands by $4.65 million over the next two fiscal years, and to increase the federal share of Medicaid funding to 89.2% (from 83%). The bill also contains special rules to ensure equality for U.S. territories in providing tax relief to self-employed individuals. It provides for payments to United States territories to compensate the Virgin Islands for tax credits on self-employed individuals' income tax. Today the Senate passed this legislation that will deliver additional relief to the American people. Lives are at stake, and we must act now to put families first. I commend the House leadership on taking the lead on this issue and for making provisions so Americans living in the territories are included. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3638", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AMIDST COVID-19 GLOBAL CRISIS", "2020-03-13", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AMIDST COVID-19 GLOBAL CRISIS \r\n   Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding Governor Albert Bryan Jr's press update regarding COVID-19 and the Virgin Islands' response: \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      March 13, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 13, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AMIDST COVID-19 GLOBAL CRISIS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding Governor Albert Bryan Jr's press update regarding COVID-19 and the Virgin Islands' response:\r\nAmidst the very serious concerns regarding COVID-19, I want to publicly express my support for Governor Bryan and the Government of the Virgin Islands during this crisis. I have been working with my fellow colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure funding of over $400,000 immediately available to the V.I. Government, as well as ongoing discussions to address economic impacts moving forward. We are working on developing on a package to support areas and individuals who will be impacted by the crisis.\r\nYesterday, I met with and questioned Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH) officials and have been working alongside Department of Health Commissioner, Justa Encarnacion to ensure expedited services and supplies from these federal agencies.\r\nI am committed to doing my part to support our islands as we deal with the COVID-19 crisis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3639", "CDC TO AWARD $419,000 TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF COVID-19 RESPONSE", "2020-03-13", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 12, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCDC TO AWARD $419,000 TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF COVID-19 RESPONSE\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing $419,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will provide resources to the Virgin Islands to support the Islands response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):\r\nAs a Member of Congress, we recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic. Today I met with the CDC Director, the head of NIH, along with other officials combatting the virus. I was informed of specific funding immediately available for the Virgin Islands to combat COVID-19.\r\nLocal health departments, like the one in the Virgin Islands, are on the frontlines to responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, and my office is deeply grateful for their work so far. Today the CDC is disbursing $419,000 in new funding as called for by Congress. Awarding this funding will accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response.\r\nThese funds will allow public health leaders to implement critical steps necessary to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus in communities in the Virgin Islands.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3640", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY RESPONSE BILL", "2020-03-13", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nMarch 4, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY RESPONSE BILL\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released this statement on the passage of the coronavirus emergency response supplemental funding bill today:\r\nAs a Member of Congress, we recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic. Today the House passed an emergency coronavirus response funding package of $8.3 billion of new funds to address the urgent needs of the country.\r\nThis funding is provides $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness and response, including nearly a billion dollars specifically to alleviate the immense financial strain on state, local, tribal and territorial hospitals and health systems. To protect public health, the bill will allow Medicare providers to extend telemedicine services to seniors regardless of where they live, at an estimated cost of $500 million. The bill also allows an estimated $7 billion in low-interest SBA loans to small businesses impacted by this epidemic.\r\nThis funding commits more than $3 billion to the development of treatments and a coronavirus vaccine and include an additional $300 million to ensure Americans will have access to the vaccine regardless of their ability to pay. The legislation protects against price-gouging of these medicines developed with taxpayer dollars by ensuring that the federal government will only pay a fair and reasonable price for coronavirus vaccines and drugs and providing HHS the authority to ensure that they are affordable in the commercial market.\r\nI am grateful that the House moved swiftly to pass this vital coronavirus emergency response package. I commend the House leadership on taking the lead on this issue and for making provisions so Americans living in the Territories are included.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3627", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OVER $4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR THE VI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ST. CROIX ANIMAL WELFARE CENTER AND THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS", "2020-02-25", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 25, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OVER $4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR THE VI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ST. CROIX ANIMAL WELFARE CENTER AND THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing three grants awarded to the VI Department of Education, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and the VI Department of Public Works from FEMA totaling over $4 million:\r\nFEMA has awarded a $1,450,883.45 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) for temporary repairs to Ulla Muller Elementary School. This new funding will allow the Department to begin the process of educating our students in facilities conducive to their educational growth.\r\nFEMA also awarded $1,286,206.87 in federal funding to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center for building and site restoration. The mission of the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center is to provide and promote the humane treatment of animals on St. Croix through humane education, animal protection and community service.\r\nFEMA also awarded $2,104,122.50 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works for State Management Cost. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee or subgrantee in administering a grant or subgrant award. Eligible Applicant or sub applicant management cost activities may include:\r\n \r\n    Solicitation, review, and processing of sub applications and subgrant awards;\r\n \r\n \r\n    Sub application development and technical assistance to sub applicants regarding feasibility and effectiveness, BCA, and EHP documentation;\r\n \r\n \r\n    Geocoding mitigation projects identified for further review by FEMA;\r\n \r\n \r\n    Delivery of technical assistance (e.g., plan reviews, planning workshops, training) to support the implementation of mitigation activities;\r\n \r\n \r\n    Managing grants (e.g., quarterly reporting, closeout);\r\n \r\n \r\n    Technical monitoring (e.g., site visits, technical meetings);\r\n \r\n \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 \r\n \r\n    Staff salary costs directly related to performing the activities listed above.\r\n \r\nWe must be prepared and become more resilient to disaster. Funding for these entities give each group the resources to best serve our children, pets and technical needs they help each fulfill their mission in the event of future emergencies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3628", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON U.S. SENATES VOTE TO CONFIRM JUDGE ROBERT A. MOLLOYS APPOINTMENT TO U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE", "2020-02-25", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON U.S. SENATE'S VOTE TO CONFIRM JUDGE ROBERT A. MOLLOY'S APPOINTMENT TO U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE  \r\n   Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding Judge Robert A. Molloy's appointment to serve as a U.S. District Judge by the United States Senate: \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      February 25, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 25, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON U.S. SENATE'S VOTE TO CONFIRM JUDGE ROBERT A. MOLLOY'S APPOINTMENT TO U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding Judge Robert A. Molloy's appointment to serve as a U.S. District Judge by the United States Senate:\r\nThis afternoon, the United States Senate voted (97-0) to confirm Judge Robert A. Molloy's nomination to serve as a District Judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands. Judge Molloy has served the Virgin Islands community skillfully and in good faith for much of his legal career; first clerking for Judge Raymond Finch on the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands, then as Assistant Attorney General, and finally serving as a Judge in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. His tremendous work ethic and thoughtfulness is known by the entire legal community.\r\nI was honored to send Judge Molloy's nomination to the White House and in May of this year, President Trump announced his nomination of Judge Molloy to serve as our territory's United States District Judge. President Trump's appointment and the U.S. Senate's eventual confirmation of Judge Molloy are evidence of the possibility of bi-partisan collaboration and successful joint efforts between the parties.\r\nI highly commend U.S. District Judge Robert A. Molloy for his work and efforts in reaching this milestone. My office and I are looking forward to a successful and productive tenure as he takes on the duties that await him in this new role. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3625", "PLASKETT REITERATES POSITION REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GERS SOLVENCY", "2020-02-20", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 20, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nPLASKETT REITERATES POSITION REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GERS SOLVENCY\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding testimony given by the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) representatives during a Virgin Islands Legislature Committee on Government Operations and Consumer Affairs hearing:\r\nOn Thursday, February 20th, GERS General Counsel Kathy Smith testified before the Committee on Government Operations and Consumer Affairs that a draft letter for Governor Bryan to consider sending to the U.S. Department of Treasury was shared with my office and that we did not respond for two weeks. On Monday, January 13th, I met with GERS leadership and clearly stated, as I have in previous meetings with them, that the request for a loan should come from the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, not the Delegate's office. At the hearing, Senators Barnes and Vialet both reiterated my position that the letter should come from the Governor. Upon receiving a request for a letter from GERS, we have informed them that the Governors letter and thoughts were his and that our office would support the position of the Governor with Treasury for a loan. Additionally, it was for GERS not the Delegate's office, to send a draft letter to the Governor for his consideration.\r\nI have further stated to GERS that my role would be to support the Governors letter along with our work to pursue a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on GERS system funding, as indicated in my bill, H.R. 408, to require such a study, and a GAO report on their findings and actions that may be necessary to ensure that the system can be sustainably maintained and funded by the U.S Virgin Islands for at least the next 20 years.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3626", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS CHAIRMAN OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS", "2020-02-20", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 19, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS CHAIRMAN OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after hosting Chairman Peter A. DeFazio of the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on St. Croix and St. Thomas:\r\nThis is a time of unprecedented opportunity to rebuild our highways and roads as well as harden our utilities and infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. I was very pleased to welcome Chairman DeFazio along with other Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to our territory.\r\nOn St. Croix, we met with William Vogel, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer along with other FEMA officials at the VI Joint Recovery Office to discuss the territory's disaster recovery progress and objectives regarding housing, power, education and project obligations and formulation. After the meeting the delegation toured the Juan F. Luis Hospital and had a working lunch with Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery and Daryl Griffith, Executive Director of the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, where we discussed the status of critical infrastructure rebuilding and the importance of resiliency as the islands rebuild, and what our territory's specific needs are as we move forward.\r\nFollowing the working lunch, I led Chairman DeFazio and the Committee Members on a number of site visits and tours, including the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Cardiac Medical Center, the Arthur A. Richards K-8 School, and a private residence rebuilt by FEMA's Permanent Housing Construction Program and the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) program.\r\nDuring our St. Thomas tour, our delegation was joined by Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe and his executive team, Department of Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty, WAPA Chief Operating Officer Clinton Hedrington, U.S. Army Corp. Regional Colonel Andrew Kelly and WICO Chief of Security Joseph Francis. We then took a ferry tour of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and discussed our ports, airports, roads and plans for flood control. Additionally, we talked through infrastructure challenges in the wake of past disasters and what our needs are moving forward. The primary focus of these discussions was to learn about projects around the harbor regarding navigation and bringing in more ships, Veterans Drive, the plans to improve cargo transshipment infrastructure, flood control in Savan, Nadir and obtainin marine highway status for St. Thomas.\r\nI am grateful for the Committee Members who took the time to be with us and to our local and federal government officials and constituents who hosted us so graciously for our tours throughout the territory. My staff and I are committed to continue working with Chairman DeFazio and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure that the future of our own local highways and infrastructure are rebuilt for resiliency and durability for years to come.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3618", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS CHAIRMAN OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE FOR 49TH ANNUAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR", "2020-02-19", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 19, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS CHAIRMAN OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE FOR 49TH ANNUAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after hosting Members of Congress from the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee in St. Croix for the 49th annual Agriculture and Food Fair:\r\nI was delighted to host Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson and Congressman James Comer as special guests to the 49th Agriculture and Food Fair on St. Croix. Chairman Peterson has been a member of the House Agriculture Committee for over 30 years and has been a strong advocate for farmers and small business owners over the years. Both Chairman Peterson and Congressman Comer attended the Agriculture Fair opening ceremony along with me, where they were greeted by Governor Bryan and Senate President Francis. Following the ceremony, Stafford Crossman, Assistant Director with the University of the Virgin Islands' Cooperative Extension Service (UVI-CES), gave the Agriculture Committee Members a personal tour of the fairgrounds. During the tour, the Committee Members spoke at length with local Senepol cattle farmers, 4-H students and other farmers.\r\nI also hosted a roundtable for the Agriculture Committee Members so they could meet with local farmers, USDA representatives, UVI-Cooperative Extension Service representatives, along with Senators Allison Degazon and Javan James, Jr. and other local agriculture stakeholders. During the discussion, Congressman Comer, a farmer himself and former Commissioner of Agriculture in the state of Kentucky, provided excellent insight based on his experience in agribusiness and spoke specifically about the new challenges facing the hemp market. The roundtable discussion led to a list of action items that we all agreed to work on together back in Washington, DC. Additionally, we specifically discussed the unique aspects of farming in the Virgin Islands and the challenges and opportunities that exist for agriculture in the territory.\r\nI am pleased that Chairman Peterson pledged his commitment to work with the Virgin Islands to address and resolve some of the unique challenges we face as a territory. In his words, I'm glad that we could bring the Committee to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to meet with farmers, local officials, and USDA representatives to discuss challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the territory. I also enjoyed our visit to the USVI Agricultural and Food Fair to meet with 4-Hers and see the diversity of agriculture in the USVI, and the resourcefulness of farmers to supply the growing demand for local and regional products.'\r\nI look forward to working with my colleagues back in Washington, DC and with local officials here in the Virgin Islands to ensure that our farmers get what they need to be successful, while making sure the excellent agriculture products that are produced in the Virgin Islands continue to be recognized. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3619", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES H.R. 5756, THE RESILIENCY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2020, TO IMPROVE RESILIENCY AS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REBUILDS", "2020-02-13", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nFebruary 13, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\n\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES H.R. 5756, THE RESILIENCY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2020, TO IMPROVE RESILIENCY AS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REBUILDS\r\n\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementregarding H.R. 5756, the Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2020, legislation recently introduced in the House of Representatives to allow the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to rebuild additional infrastructure to be more resilient than prior to recent disasters:\r\nIn the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, there was a recognition from Congress as to the sweeping destruction inflicted on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. FEMA was given flexibility to make repairs and replace infrastructure on the islands to incorporate resilient design and features, regardless of pre-disaster condition (the standard that normally applies). However, eligibility was limited to infrastructure providing critical services  schools, hospitals, utilities, etc. In addition, according to FEMA, this assistance cannot apply to damages caused by disasters declared after 2017, such as the recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico, without congressional action.\r\nI have introduced the Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2020 to expand infrastructure eligible for this additional resiliency assistance to include our roads, bridges, ports, airports, affordable housing, and stormwater infrastructure as the islands build back, which would minimize the need for future taxpayer investments in recovery. It would also apply this additional assistance to any major disaster declared in the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico through fiscal year 2022. This bipartisan legislation has 9 cosponsors, including Congresswoman Gonzlez-Coln of Puerto Rico, and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, which will hopefully approve it for consideration by the full House of Representatives in the next few weeks.\r\nWith climate change fixed on the radar of corporate and civil risk managers around the world, more and more attention needs to turn towards resilience and working out effective measures and solutions for global disaster loss reduction. This bill will do just that.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3613", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF DISASTER AID AND TAX RELIEF BILL FOR U.S. TERRITORIES", "2020-02-10", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF DISASTER AID AND TAX RELIEF BILL FOR U.S. TERRITORIES  \r\n\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding H.R. 5687 - the emergency supplemental appropriations bill passed in the House by a vote of 237  161 which will provide support to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico following a series of recent earthquakes in the Caribbean region:\r\nAmericans in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have urgent needs following recent disasters. While President Trump has finally released some of the aid that Congress has appropriated for our recovery, more support is clearly needed, especially in the wake of more disasters over the past several months. House Democrats' emergency funding and tax relief package would provide targeted assistance to help put families and communities on a better path to long-term recovery.\r\nThis legislation contains a number of provisions that I have long championed for the economic recovery of U.S. territories. Among its provisions for the Virgin Islands, the bill includes:\r\nRevenue measures: The bill creates equality in the child tax credit for the Virgin Islands, and it expands the earned income tax credit by reimbursing the islands for costs related to providing the credit and educating preparers to encourage more workers to elect the credit. This will be important to raise wages and improve the economic standing of low-income people in the territories. The bill would also repeal the cap on the rebate of federal tax revenue collected on distilled spirits produced in the territory, commonly known as the rum cover over.\r\nInfrastructure and community development: The bill imposes deadlines for disbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars in community development funding owed to the Virgin Islands and other territories from the Bipartisan Budget Act of two years ago; stalled by the Trump administration. \r\nHighway funding: The bill contains $1.25 billion for emergency highway relief projects nationwide. This is intended to fill a backlog of projects resulting from recent disasters, including $73 million in Virgin Islands projects.\r\nEnergy assistance: The bill contains $18 million in funding for Department of Energy technical assistance with the recovery of electric grids in U.S. territories. Congresswoman Plaskett had this amount increased by $3 million, from $15 million, through an amendment that passed the House of Representatives unanimously.\r\nEducation recovery: The bill contains higher education relief for the University of the Virgin Islands. It allows UVI to continue to use pre-disaster enrollment figures for post-disaster HBCU formula grants for at least another three fiscal years. In addition, to speed up K-12 school recovery in the Virgin Islands, it allows the territory more flexibility to shift education-related disaster relief funds to the most in-demand programs.\r\nOverall this crucial legislation provides $4.67 billion for educational needs, transportation infrastructure repairs, and disaster relief activities for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3614", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE ALLOCATION OF OVER $779 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN CDBG GRANT FUNDS BY HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT", "2020-02-10", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THE ALLOCATION OF OVER $779 MILLION TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN CDBG GRANT FUNDS BY HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT\r\nWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing the allocation of $779,217,000 of Community Development Block Grant mitigation funds for the Virgin Islands:\r\nToday my office was notified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that $779,217,000 million of Community Development Block Grant mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds to the Virgin Islands has been released to territory. 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\nThis 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=3612", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MOURNS THE LOSS OF DR. EDDIE DONAHUE", "2020-02-07", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nFebruary 7, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS RELEASE\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT MOURNS THE LOSS OF DR. EDDIE DONAHUE\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement mourning the loss of Dr. Eddie Donahue:\r\nI was saddened to hear of the loss Dr. Eddie Donahue, who was a good friend and thought leader. We will miss his staunch advocacy for arts and culture, his tremendous research writing skills, his performances, and his weekly radio talk-show. He believed in advocating for the restoration of social ills and promoting arts and culture throughout the United States and the Caribbean, Plaskett said.\r\nDr. Donahue has been a pillar of leadership and research in the Virgin Islands for so many years. His steadfast love for his adopted home and a keen eye for positive change in our community will be sorely missed.\r\nEddie provided hours of great discussion. Jonathan and I spent a period of time with him and his mountain of manila folders discussing issues of the day. We send our condolences to his family.\r\nDr. Donahue was a true renaissance man, cultured, and diverse in interests and passions. He was a true and honest gentleman.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3620", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES BILL TO DESIGNATE ST. CROIX AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA", "2020-02-04", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nFebruary 4, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES BILL TO DESIGNATEST. CROIX AS ANATIONAL HERITAGE AREA\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementafter introducing legislation, the St. Croix National Heritage Area Act, H.R. 5747, to designate St. Croix as a National Heritage Area:\r\nNational Heritage Areas (NHA) are designated by Congress as places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. St. Croix is rich in culture, history and offers the resources ideal for establishing an NHA. The effort to achieve this designation started with former Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen in 2003 with a bill to authorize a feasibility study for the NHA designation on St. Croix.\r\nH.R, 5747 would assign the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office as local coordinating entity to oversee and develop programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the Heritage Area. In addition, this bill would make funding available to develop recreational and educational opportunities to inform and engage our youth on the heritage of St. Croix.\r\nIt is imperative that we protect and restore historic sites and buildings in our historical district of St. Croix through public-private partnerships. I am pleased that the territorial delegates signed on to H.R. 5747 as original cosponsors and the legislation has the continued support of local government and stakeholders. This bill would be an economic boost for St. Croix and spur economic growth.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3621", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $3.5 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES", "2020-02-04", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nFebruary 4, 2020 202-215-8524\r\n\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $3.5 MILLION GRANT FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES\r\nThis vital program provides many children from low income families with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementannouncing a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the V.I. Department of Human Services:\r\nThis $3,537,408 grant provides the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services with disaster assistance for the Head Start program. This vital program provides many children from low income families with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under.\r\nIn order for our children to succeed regardless of their socio-economic status we must ensure that they and their families have access to resources that will enable them to do so. Disaster assistance funding for Head Start aids in ensuring that the program will be able to continue operations despite natural disasters.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3622", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OVER $10 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION", "2020-02-04", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nFebruary 4, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OVER $10 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION\r\nThis new funding will allow the Department to begin the process of educating our students in facilities conducive to their educational growth, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementannouncing two grants awarded to the V.I. Department of Education by FEMA:\r\nFEMA has awarded a $2.1 million grant to the V.I. Department of Education for the purpose of making repairs to Joseph A. Gomez Elementary School in St. Thomas. The Department has received another grant totaling $10.6 million to fund Emergency Protective Measures in St. Croix.\r\nThe children of the Virgin Islands have gone to school in modular classrooms for over two years, I'm pleased that we are heading towards the end of that period. This new funding will allow the Department to begin the process of educating our students in facilities conducive to their educational growth.\r\nWe must be prepared and become more resilient to disaster. Funding for Emergency Protective Measures give the Department of Education the resources to best serve our children and fulfill their mission in the event of future emergencies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3623", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT TO CONVENE OPIOID ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-02-03", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nFebruary 3, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT TO CONVENE OPIOID ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nThe opioid crisis is incredibly complex, and we must attack it from all angles and address prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement, stated Congresswoman Plaskett\r\nWashington, DC Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the followingstatementregarding her upcoming Roundtable discussion on the potential opioid crisis for the Virgin Islands:\r\n192. That's how many people die every day from a drug overdose. Last year alone, more than 70,000 people died of drug overdoses. People are now more likely to die from an overdose than they are a car crash.\r\nI am glad that our local government has begun to pay attention to the increasing threat of opioid abuse in the Virgin Islands. Although we are not experiencing a crisis with opioids it is always good to get in front of situations like this. My office will be convening anOpioid Roundtableon March 17, 2020 in my St. Croix District Office with various federal and local stakeholders. The relevant stakeholders invited will include the Commissioners from both the VI Police Department and the VI Health as well as critical community advocates. We look forward to also bringing national experts to the Roundtable. It is imperative that we take action to stop a potential opioid addiction crisis and save lives now. While we work to pass legislation in Washington to end the epidemic, we can also take action now in our communities to make a difference.\r\nSubstance use disorders are impacting communities throughout our state and affect people regardless of age, gender, race, and class. There has been bipartisan support in Congress to address this issue. We know that any response to the opioid epidemic requires a comprehensive approach that includes treatment and recovery, education and prevention, and law enforcement. I look forward to my upcoming Roundtable Discussion next month with our federal and local officials to expand our understanding of how we can avoid an opioid crisis here in the Virgin Islands. I want to thank again the local government for addressing this important issue also.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3624", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT UNVEILS HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEW $760 BILLION FRAMEWORK TO MAKE TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS ACROSS U.S.", "2020-01-29", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry  \r\nJanuary 29, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESSSTATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT UNVEILS HOUSE DEMOCRATS' NEW $760 BILLION FRAMEWORK TO MAKE TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS ACROSS U.S.\r\nWashington, DC Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett unveiled House Democrats' new framework for a five-year, $760 billion investment that would create an estimated 10 million jobs addressing some of the country's most urgent infrastructure needs, from the massive maintenance backlog, to designing safer streets, to putting the U.S. on a path toward zero carbon pollution from the transportation sector and increasing resiliency. This framework would bolster the Federal role in order to help communities around the country undertake transformative projects that are smarter, safer and made to last.\r\nI came to Congress to work on issues facing everyday Americans, like fixing our Nation's crumbling infrastructure by making it easier for communities in the Virgin Islands to carry out transformational projects. I am proud to support this framework because I believe it is the roadmap we need to put people to work building the infrastructure of the future. I look forward to working with my House colleagues to move forward on infrastructure legislation.\r\nAmong other things, the framework outlines major investments, including those in surface transportation, airports, ports and harbors, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, brownfields and broadband  all areas important to the Virgin Islands.\r\nIt is infrastructure investment that issmarter, safer and made to last with a framework that:\r\n \r\n    Brings existing infrastructure into a state of good repair and enables the completion of critical projects through long-term, sustainable funding.\r\n    Sets a path toward zero carbon pollution from the transportation sector, creating jobs, protecting our natural resources, promoting environmental justice and increasing resiliency to climate change.\r\n    Ensures a transportation system that is green, affordable, reliable, efficient and provides access to jobs.\r\n    Provides safe, clean and affordable water and wastewater services.\r\n    Prioritizes the safety of the traveling public.\r\n    Helps combat climate change by creating good-paying jobs in clean energy, investing in energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas pollution.\r\n    Expands broadband internet access, adoption for unserved and underserved rural, suburban and urban communities.\r\n    Modernizes 9-1-1 public safety networks.\r\n    Creates family-wage jobs with Davis-Bacon and other strong worker protections.\r\n    Supports U.S. industries, including steel and manufacturing, through strong Buy America protections\r\n \r\nWhen we invest in infrastructure, it results in a significant economic multiplier  with each dollar spent, our nation becomes more competitive and prosperous. Democrats' new infrastructure framework creates jobs, bolsters American industry, and builds the smart, safe connections between communities that our country needs to advance.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3608", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETTS STATEMENT REGARDING THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE OFF THE COAST OF JAMAICA AND CUBA", "2020-01-28", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE OFF THE COAST OF JAMAICA AND CUBA \r\n   Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the recent earthquakes that have rocked the islands of the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica: \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      January 28, 2020\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      For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 28, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE OFF THE COAST OF JAMAICA AND CUBA\r\nWashington, DC  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the recent earthquakes that have rocked the islands of the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica:\r\nWe are praying for our Caribbean brothers and sisters in the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica. We are grateful there are no initial reports of casualties. I am concerned with the recent seismic activity in the Caribbean Basin and have spoken with Chairman Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and other Members of Congress about engaging in fact-finding as well as providing support which the region may need in the coming weeks.\r\nWe all are aware that severe earthquakes are possible at any moment and we must be prepared. My office will continue to work to ensure communities in the Caribbean are prepared for any disaster.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3607", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RECOGNIZES THE APPOINTMENT OF NIGEL FIELDS AS SUPERINTENDENT OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITES IN U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2020-01-27", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\r\nJanuary 27, 2020 202-215-8524\r\nPRESS STATEMENT\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RECOGNIZES THE APPOINTMENT OF NIGEL FIELDS AS SUPERINTENDENT OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITES IN U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI) released the following statement today on the announcement of Nigel A. Fields appointment as superintendent of the Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, effective February 16, 2020:\r\nI am happy that today the National Parks Service (NPS) has named a permanent superintendent for the Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. This selection comes after the NPS engaged in discussion with multiple stakeholders concerned and interested in the VI National Parks and St John. I applaud Mr. Fields for his ongoing efforts to reach out to the residents of St. John in order to engage and inform them regarding the programs that the NPS offers, the interpretation of the Park sites and other important uses of the parks.\r\nFrom the beginning of my term as Congresswoman, it has been my priority to support a more cooperative relationship between the National Park Service and the Virgin Islands community. As the former Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Interior, Energy and the Environment for the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I conducted hearings, investigations and meetings regarding NPS. I look forward to working with Superintendent and NPS leadership on improving and cultivating a working relationship between our residents and the National Park Service. Selecting dedicated and committed individuals to leadership positions is a step in the right direction towards this effort. I continue to be committed and will advocate for local hires of the Park system, at all levels.\r\nI am presently working to prepare a meeting in the near future for senior leadership of the National Parks to give and update and hear from the residents of St. John regarding plans for the reopening of a resort on St. John. We want the residents of St. John use that time as an opportunity to engage and give ideas to National Parks leadership.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 76, "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": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 76, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 76, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VI&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "VI", "label": "VI", "count": 76, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 76, "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": 35.188728012144566, "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"}