{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"VI\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4219", "PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON HOUSE VOTE TO REQUIRE ANNUAL IRS AUDIT OF SITTING PRESIDENTS", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, of the Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committee co-sponsored common-sense legislation to guard the public trust and ensure tax laws are applied evenly and justly to every American \u2013 especially the President of the United States. The Presidential Tax Filings and Audit Transparency Act will require the IRS to conduct an annual, publicly-disclosed audit of the President's finances.\n\n\"Today, House Democrats proudly voted to ensure that the federal government serves the interests of the American people above all else,\" said Rep. Plaskett. \"Virgin Islanders and all Americans deserve to know that nobody is above the law \u2013 not only in the case of Donald Trump, but for any President. By requiring the IRS to audit the President's finances, this legislation will strengthen faith in our public institutions and uphold transparency in the halls of power.\"\n\nIn 1977, the IRS adopted a policy of conducting mandatory audits on the President. However, over the course of a four-year investigation, the House Ways and Means Committee found that this policy was \"dormant, at best\" under the previous administration. Plaskett was honored to be a member of this esteemed Committee which worked vigilantly to secure this finding.\n\nThe Presidential Tax Filings and Audit Transparency Act will formally codify this policy into federal law, requiring the IRS to:\n\nConduct an audit of the President's tax returns, along with any entities controlled by the President, as rapidly as possible after filing.\n\nProvide public updates on the status of the audits.\n\nPublicly disclose the President's tax returns, along with those of any entities, within 90 days of filing to allow for public examination.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4220", "MEDICAID CLIFFS NO MORE, CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RECOUNTS JOURNEY TO MONUMENTAL MEDICAID WIN FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a member of the House Ways & Means, Agriculture and Budget Committees released the following statement on final passage of the permanent increase in Medicaid funding for the Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cAdvocacy for equitable treatment for Virgin Islanders with regard to Medicaid has been years in the making. For decades, delegates to the territories and in particular, my predecessor, Donna Christian-Christensen, pushed provisions that expanded health care access and increased Medicaid coverage, yet the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories continued to suffer from significant underfunding in healthcare.\n\n\u201cIn the Virgin Islands, up until the storms of 2017, nearly 30% of our residents had no health insurance, which is a rate that is disproportionately higher than the national average of approximately 9%. As of 2021, 34,000 individuals in the Virgin Islands, over a third of our population, relied on Medicaid and CHIP. The Virgin Islands historically has been denied the Medicaid funding available in the 50 states; and the federal government covered just 55% of Medicaid costs to the Virgin Islands, which was temporarily expanded from the hurricanes of 2017 to 83%.\n\n\u201cAfter weeks of late nights and early mornings, the Democrat-led Congress successfully passed H.R.2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023\u2014 with permanent Medicaid funding that will benefit the Virgin Islands and other territories. I am pleased that through the hard work of my office, we were able to finally reach an agreement that would permanently extend the rate of federal funding for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands at 83 percent, the highest level of federal financial participation in Medicaid that any U.S. State may receive. While Puerto Rico has been given the 83% for the next 5 years, the Medicaid funding for the Virgin Islands and smaller territories will be permanently set at 83%, the highest percentage offered in the nation. Our prior Medicaid \u201ccliffs\u201d in the Virgin Islands (arbitrary dates where higher funding runs out) will now be a thing of the past, as we finally move toward equity in Medicaid for the territories. This law will create the certainty of continued access to health care coverage for tens of thousands of Virgin Islanders, a third of our population, indefinitely. Additionally, for the individuals that struggle with chronic illness but have no insurance, and use our hospitals as their primary healthcare providers, the hundreds of million dollars available to our territory through this increase will provide some relief for the unfunded liability that our main healthcare facilities have dealt with over the years.\n\n\u201cI and my team are elated that the years-long fight for equitable treatment for Medicaid is now over for the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories. I thank my colleagues in the House and the Senate for their commitment to the good of all Americans, especially and including Virgin Islanders.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4221", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON $1.7T FEDERAL SPENDING BILL", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding H.R. 2617 \u2013 the Omnibus bill with permanent Medicaid funding and Community Project Funding that will benefit the Virgin Islands and other territories.\n\n\u201cAfter weeks of late nights and early mornings, the Democrat-led House successfully passed H.R.2617, the Omnibus bill\u2014 with permanent Medicaid funding and Community Project Funding that will benefit the Virgin Islands and other territories. I am pleased that through the hard work of my office, we were able to finally reach an agreement that would permanently extend the rate of federal funding for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cThe omnibus bill also secures Community Project Funding I have requested, which will be enacted into law should this package pass the House and Senate and receive President Biden\u2019s signature this week:\n\n$900,000 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Bright Path Holistic Wellness project.\n\n$200,000 for the Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) Harbor Study project.\n\n$200,000 for the Christiansted Harbor Study project.\n\n$1,059,152 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Christiansted Sunday Market Square Revitalization project\n\n$1,964,210 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Community First Tiny Homes Build Out Phase III project.\n\n$900,000 under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations, Research & Facilities account for the Coral and Aquatic Research and Restoration project\n\n$4,000,000 under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Cyril E. King Airport Commuter Wing project\n\n$4,000,000 under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Cyril E. King Airport Safety Drainage project\n\n$3,984,000 under the Department of Justice Byrne Justice Assistance Grants account for the VIPD Marine Enforcement Vessels project\n\n$4,000,000 under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation project\n\n$4,000,000 under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Runway project\n\n$2,200,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Education to incorporate relevant STEM opportunities for students at all levels, ensuring that STEM initiatives are included in various courses and afterschool programs\n\n$995,000 for the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence for the purchase of capital equipment required to diagnose diabetes and for services to help patients manage their diabetes\n\n$1,897,000 for the Virgin Islands Fire Services to procure ambulances for emergency medical services\n\n\u201cOur project funding requests specifically focus on providing solutions through social services, particularly tackling homelessness, behavioral and mental health issues, as well as improving infrastructure in the territory. The requests reflect the great priority my office places on the need for education, health care, community development and providing more economic opportunities to our most vulnerable populations. I am very pleased by the inclusion of my office\u2019s FY2023 Community Project Funding requests in this end of year legislation.\n\n\u201cI am also pleased that this funding legislation includes other important provisions for the Virgin Islands and other insular areas of the U.S., including an increase to Department of the Interior funding for assistance to territories, and a directive for the Secretary of the Interior to install a plaque at the peak of Ram Head on St. John to commemorate the 1733 slave rebellion on St. John. There are also funding increases for energy and environmental protection programs, infrastructure programs, housing programs, research and development, and more funding for federal security assistance to the Caribbean basin. Lastly, this legislation supports our U.S. travel and tourism industry, including by directing the Department of Commerce to develop a 10-year travel and tourism strategy with annual goals to boost the industry. This provision will also establish an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism in the Department of Commerce, appointed by the President.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to our Caucus for their masterful leadership in crafting a strong, bicameral, bipartisan government funding bill that secured an enormous increase in non-defense discretionary funding \u2013 investing heavily in families and workers, honoring our commitment to our veterans, and strengthening Democracy at home and abroad.\u201d\n\nClick here to follow the progress of H.R.2617.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4218", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES INCLUSION OF ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA AND RAM HEAD PLAQUE IN MAJOR YEAR-END LEGISLATION", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES INCLUSION OF ST. CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA AND RAM HEAD PLAQUE IN MAJOR YEAR-END LEGISLATION\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement announcing the inclusion of the St. Croix National Heritage Area and installation of a plaque at the peak of Ram Head to commemorate the 1733 slave rebellion in two pieces of legislation taken up this week in Congress:\n\n\u201cIt is important for economic development, tourism and indeed cultural identification and validation, to have federal government support historic markers and designation throughout the country. Markers in National Parks allow visitors to have an interpretation of the importance of the site. National Heritage Areas are sites designated by an Act of Congress intended to encourage historic preservation of the area. National Heritage Areas (NHA) are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. Until this week there have been only 55 in the United States. My predecessor, Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen, introduced legislation in 2003 to authorize a feasibility study of the NHA designation for the island of St. Croix and successfully included a congressionally directed feasibility study in the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006. More than 10 years ago, in September of 2010, the National Park Service completed this study and concluded that St. Croix meets the evaluation criteria for this designation.\n\n\u201cThis past September I introduced H.R. 1424, legislation to designate St. Croix as a National Heritage Area; I am so grateful for the support and engagement of Senator Angus King, who introduced S. 4222, the Senate companion bill of my legislation, H.R.1424, and held a hearing on this impactful legislation. I am now pleased to announce that the designation of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area is included in S.1942, the National Heritage Area Act, which has been passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The rich and varied history of St. Croix lends itself to an intriguing set of themes that connect people to the distinct resources of the island and contribute to the overall heritage of our nation.\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office is designated as the local coordinating entity and charged with developing a management plan for the Heritage Area, in consultation with other local organizations that were involved in the planning and development of the Heritage Area. I express my sincere gratitude towards Senator King for his support, my predecessor, Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen, and all those tireless community groups, non-profits, culture bearers and residents who continued to push for this designation.\n\n\u201cIn addition, my legislation to direct the the Secretary of the Interior to install a plaque at the peak of Ram Head in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park on St. John to commemorate the 1733 slave rebellion, H.R. 7496, is included in H.R. 2617, the Omnibus bill. Once passed in the House and Senate this week, the contents of the Omnibus will be signed into law by President Biden. The language of the bill requires that the plaque will commemorate the rebellion and raise awareness of the significance of the location. While the National Park Service would decide on the aesthetic details and location of the plaque, the memorial must contain important facts about the slave rebellion, a mention of the notable collective suicide that occurred in the vicinity of Ram Head; and the overall significance of the island-wide rebellion to the history of St. John, the Virgin Islands, the United States and the African diaspora.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the St. Croix Heritage Area Act is included in S.1942 and the Ram Head plaque is included in H.R. 2617, the Omnibus bill. The St. Croix Heritage Area Act passed unanimously in the Senate last night (12/20/22), and the Omnibus will be taken up before the end of the week. After successful passage in the House, both will be sent to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. I cannot tell you how elated I and my staff are to be the instruments by which in some measure there is acknowledgement of our beautiful, culturally rich home and the tremendous spirit of our ancestors.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4216", "PLASKETT HIGHLIGHTS VI PROVISIONS IN NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL FOR FISCAL 2023", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding H.R.7776 \u2013 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023:\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the Democrat-led House successfully passed H.R. 7776, the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA\u2014a defense bill that benefits those in uniform and advances the American people\u2019s national security priorities. This year\u2019s NDAA reflects our enduring belief that people are the heart of America\u2019s defense; investing in the foundation of our strengths here at home keeps us competitive abroad.\n\n\u201cThis bill includes my amendment for the Department of Defense (DOD) to study and report to Congress on U.S. military capabilities in the Caribbean. The study and report must include an assessment of the need to increase capabilities regarding counterdrug and counter-trafficking operations; combating transnational criminal organizations; disaster preparedness and response; and countering China and Russia\u2019s malign influences in the Caribbean region.\n\n\u201cWith the FY2023 NDAA, House Democrats have advanced a range of key national security priorities \u2013 that are also beneficial to VI:\n\nKey pay increases for service members and their families, including a 4.6 percent pay raise for service members.\n\nRequires the Veterans Affairs Department to establish the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas to provide advice and guidance to the VA on matters relating to veterans residing in U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands. Among other duties, the committee would also advise the VA on how to improve its programs and services to better serve veterans living in the territories.\n\nIncludes the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, which authorizes a $1.584 million project to improve wastewater infrastructure in the Virgin Islands, to be carried out by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. It also includes Virgin Islands coastal waters in a Corps of Engineers demonstration program for detecting, preventing, treating, and eliminating harmful algal blooms such as sargassum.\n\nRequires FEMA to waive repayment requirements for those who received disaster aid because of FEMA error, as long as no fraud was involved\n\nProvides short-term mental health resources to disaster victims.\n\nReauthorizes the Coral Reef Conservation program and updates and reauthorizes several National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean mapping programs. It also creates a program to improve the collection and analysis of data to measure the value and impact of industries related to water-based economies in the United States.\n\nEstablishes the Ron Dellums Memorial Fellowship to expand minority participation in STEM fields in the Department of Defense.\n\nAuthorizes $131.7 million for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions to help expand research efforts at HBCUs and MSIs.\n\nModifies the selection process for Port Infrastructure Development Program assistance to allow the Secretary of Transportation to consider, for a noncontiguous State or territory:\n\nthe geographic isolation of the State or territory\n\nthe economic dependence of the State or territory on the proposed project.\n\n\u201cThis bill represents months of hard work and compromises with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress. This bill must now be taken up and passed by the Senate before it gets to the President\u2019s desk for signature into law.\u201d\n\nClick here to follow the progress of H.R.7776.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4215", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF LOCAL OB-GYN, DR. WARREN BRISCOE", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement expressing her condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Warren Briscoe:\n\n\u201cIt is with tremendous sadness that I share my condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Warren D. Briscoe, MD.\n\nDr. Briscoe and his wife, Dr. Trevena Moore were dear friends to me and my family for many years. A dedicated, skillful ob-gyn, Dr. Briscoe was a gift to our territory. He made a significant impact caring for Virgin Islands women, me included, and helped many of us bring our children into the world. We were blessed to have a native son come home with his beautiful wife and both lend healing hands to our community.\n\n\u201cI send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his wife, children and other family and friends during this time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4214", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON EPA'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONSENT ORDER FOR REFINERY ON ST. CROIX", "2022-12-05", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nDecember 5, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON EPA'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONSENT ORDER FOR REFINERY ON ST. CROIX\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) recent administrative consent order created for Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, LLLP (PHRT):\n\n\u201cToday, I met with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning their recent consent decree which requires Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, LLLP to hire experts to safely remove chemicals at the St. Croix refinery in equipment previously identified by EPA during an inspection conducted in September of this year, 2022. As in previous meetings, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia informed me that the EPA\u2019s primary concern is the health of Virgin Islanders and ensuring that our communities are protected. She further stated that PHRT is being held to the same safety standards as other refineries and industrial facilities throughout the country.\n\n\u201cUnder the consent order, PHRT will remove all ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), amines and hydrogen sulfide from the equipment at the facility. It is my understanding that PHRT has agreed and signed a consent agreement to the terms of the order.\n\n\u201cI reiterated my position that EPA\u2019s leadership as well as the White House and other federal government agencies should actively work to determine what can be done to provide resources to the Virgin Islands in repurposing the south shore of St. Croix, the site of the refinery. Given the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to actively transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, aiding underserved communities, creating good paying jobs \u2013 which squarely fits the needs of the St. Croix community \u2013 this appears to be an ideal time for local and federal government along with private sector to utilize the enormous grants available in both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to create an entire new economic / industrial system on the islands. Although the initial news of the permit requirement may seem to be negative, this situation presents our territory with a transformational opportunity.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4211", "PLASKETT LAUDS DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS'S HISTORIC SELECTION OF REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES AS PARTY LEADER", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding Rep. Hakeem Jeffries election as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus:\n\n\u201cI am extremely proud of my fellow New Yorker, brother, friend, the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries on his unanimous election as Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Today is a momentous day in the arc of American history as we champion the first Black party leader in either chamber of Congress. A brilliant mind, thoughtful strategist, consummate gentleman, and team leader. Rep. Jeffries has consistently put people over politics and is undoubtedly well-prepared to carry on Democrats\u2019 fight for working families and defense of Democracy. Additionally, I am pleased to extend congratulations to my other colleagues, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), who will chair the caucus and Katherine Clark (D-Mass) who will be our new minority whip.\n\n\u201cOur new generation of leaders reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our great nation and in particular, the Democratic party. I look forward to working with the new House Democratic Caucus leadership in the upcoming term of Congress.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4212", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $47 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR V.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 30, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $47 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR V.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding the federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Virgin Islands Department of Education:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant for $47,531,797 to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE). These funds have been allocated to repair the severe damages caused by Hurricane Maria to the main Curriculum Center campus on St. Thomas. The 2017 hurricanes ravaged all three islands and devastated our public education infrastructure and our public education system has long suffered from inadequate resources for our children\u2019s education, which serves as a roadblock to successful learning. This funding will be integral to not just rebuilding but reinventing our public school facilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4210", "PLASKETT MOURNS DEATH OF HOUSE COLLEAGUE REP. DONALD MCEACHIN", "2022-11-29", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement expressing her condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Donald McEachin of Virginia:\n\n\u201cIt is with deep sadness that I convey my condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Congressman Donald McEachin. Donald had a tremendous work ethic and fought for the people of Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District till the very end. He was a strong advocate for economic opportunity and environmental justice. In 2001, Donald made history becoming the first African American nominee for attorney general of a major party in the Old Dominion. I was grateful for Donald\u2019s acknowledgement and celebration of his Caribbean heritage and his advocacy for the region.\n\n\u201cI, my staff, and family are grateful for Congressman Donald\u2019s service, his dedication to his district and our nation. My love and the prayers of my family go out to my Soror and Donald\u2019s wife, Colette and Donald\u2019s pride and joy, his beautiful daughters. I pray for God\u2019s peace and comfort for their family and loved ones.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4209", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ANNOUNCING STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT EXTENSION", "2022-11-23", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement following the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s announcement of the Student Loan Repayment Pause Extension:\n\n\u201cYesterday, President Biden announced an extension of the pause on student loan payments until June 30th, 2023, which will give the Supreme Court more time to make a decision regarding the student loan debt relief program this term. Payments will resume 60 days after the pause ends.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to help middle-class federal student loan borrowers. I continue to remain hopeful that the courts will permit the U.S. Department of Education to implement the student debt relief program and allow us to make a significant step forward in the recovery of our nation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4208", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION SPRING INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE", "2022-11-21", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION SPRING INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement announcing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation\u2019s 2023 Spring Internship applications.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is offering several internship programs for the Spring of 2023.\n\nThese programs provide an incredible opportunity for young black professionals and college students to gain valuable work experience and knowledge that will foster important professional relationships and create avenues to success. Through these internships, individuals will be provided guidance and instruction from skilled experts about the process, development, and implementation of national policies from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.\n\nEach internship is designed to meet the unique needs of different career focus areas. For example, the State Farm Communications program focuses on building a comprehensive skill set in press and media relations on Capitol Hill. The Emerging Leaders Internship Program, sponsored by Walmart, seeks to educate young leaders who are interested in fostering meaningful and lasting change in both Washington D.C. and their local communities. Lastly, the Pathways to C-Suite Program pairs participants with high level executives from the private sector who provide knowledge on the development of public policy and corporate America.\n\nThe application deadline is Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022. As the date rapidly approaches, I encourage all interested to take advantage of these opportunities and apply today.\u201d\n\nClick here for more information on how to apply.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4204", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON VITOL'S PLANS TO SUSPEND SERVICE TO WAPA", "2022-11-18", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 18, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON VITOL'S PLANS TO SUSPEND SERVICE TO WAPA\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement concerning VITOL\u2019S plans to suspend their deliveries of propane to WAPA:\n\n\u201cThe people of the Virgin Islands deserve affordable, reliable power. Almost a decade ago, WAPA and the Virgin Islands government attempted to bring us closer to that goal by embarking on a conversion project to propane. Unfortunately, the company that we partnered with, VITOL, and the resulting relationship with them has proven to be an unbalanced, problematic one. VITOL\u2019s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Conversion Project at WAPA exceeded initial projections for a total cost of nearly $200 million - $92 million in unapproved change orders along with many other cost increases and contract amendments. Now almost 10 years later, despite WAPA remaining current on propane costs, VITOL continues to extract what would appear to be usury rates on the conversion project debt and holds hostage propane and use of the facility (that is near impossible for the VI Government to own because of the outrageous cost).\n\n\u201cMy office has been in discussions with WAPA\u2019s CEO, Andrew Smith, and we have also reached out to Governor Bryan and his team regarding VITOL\u2019s decision. I understand that the WAPA leadership team has already begun the process of looking for other propane providers and aggressively pursuing other solutions that will allow us to no longer be held hostage by VITOL\u2019s bad partner practices. We cannot continue to be saddled by the terms of such a lopsided contract. I and my team are looking for creative ways to support WAPA and the VI Government to bring VITOL to resolution in good faith.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, I and my team have requested the active engagement and assistance of my colleague, Frank Pallone (NJ), the Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, regarding the untenable relationship between the Virgin Islands/WAPA and VITOL.\n\n\u201cWe will continue to work with WAPA and Governor Bryan and his team on this matter.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4205", "PLASKETT THANKS HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE", "2022-11-18", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her withdrawal from House Leadership.\n\n\u201cSpeaker Nancy Pelosi is an iconic and exemplary leader who paved the way thus far as one of the most consequential and historic women leaders in American political history. After two decades in leadership, I thank Speaker Pelosi for her service and commitment to the Democratic party and the American people.\n\n\u201cDuring the darkest times in our nation\u2019s history, Speaker Nancy Pelosi believed in my abilities to help bring justice to the American people. I am beyond thankful that she chose me as one of the nine Impeachment Managers that argued the House\u2019s case during the Senate trial against former President Trump for his role in the January 6th insurrection. Furthermore, I am grateful for her support which has allowed me to serve on the Ways and Means committee as only the 4th African American woman and the first from a U.S. territory.\n\n\u201cAs a lifelong public servant, Speaker Pelosi has committed herself to be a voice for the territories and marginalized communities. Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Speaker Pelosi personally led a delegation to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result of her support, we have been able to bring much needed relief to the territories. She has always exemplified the best Christian values and the best of our country.\n\n\u201cMy colleagues and I are grateful that she will continue to serve as a member of the House, and we look forward to her continued guidance and support in the 118th congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4206", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING EPA\u2019S ANNOUCEMENT OF NEW CLEAN AIR ACT PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR OIL REFINERY ON ST. CROIX", "2022-11-18", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding EPA\u2019s requirement that West Indies Petroleum Limited and Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, LLP acquire a new Clean Air Act Permit before restarting operations at the refinery:\n\n\u201cYesterday, I met with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning their recent announcement on requiring the refinery owners to acquire a new Prevention Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit prior to restarting operations. The EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia has informed me that the EPA\u2019s primary concern is the health of Virgin Islanders. She further stated that the agency is continuing to make good on our promise to deliver environmental justice and ensure that EPA protects the health of every community, regardless of race, zip code or income.\u201d Congresswoman Plaskett further stated that \u201cour office understands that the new permit would require detailed air quality analyses and the use of the best available air pollution control technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven the issues raised by EPA on previous occasions, I continue to raise concerns regarding the level of engagement by the present owners of the refinery with federal and local partners.\u201d\n\n\u201cI have spoken at length with EPA\u2019s leadership as well as the White House about the engagement of federal government agencies and what they can do to provide support the Government of the Virgin Islands to reimage the Southshore of St. Croix, the site of the refinery. Given the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to actively transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, aiding underserved communities, creating good paying jobs \u2013 which squarely fits the needs of the St. Croix community \u2013 this appears to be an ideal time for local and federal government along with private sector to utilize the enormous grants available in both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to create an entire new economic / industrial system on the islands. Although the initial news of the permit requirement may seem to be negative, this situation presents our territory with a transformational opportunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must work collaboratively across all levels of government to ensure we understand our options and are aware of the resources available. Our community cannot and will not be left behind.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4207", "PLASKETT ENDORSES HAKEEM JEFFRIES AS MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE", "2022-11-18", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement endorsing Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as Leader of the Democratic Conference\n\n\u201cSpeaker Nancy Pelosi\u2019s decision to not seek re-election to House Democratic Leadership came with much sadness, however, I am pleased to endorse Hakeem Jeffries as the next Minority Leader of the Democratic Conference. As Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, Rep. Jeffries has supported the right of every American to exercise their voice and has fought to safeguard our democracy and expand it\u2019s promise to more Americans.\n\n\u201cPrior to Washington, Rep. Jeffries served as an attorney litigating in one of the finest law firms in the world. His academic credentials demonstrate his keen analytical mind. Since day one of his entry in this body after serving in the New York legislature, he has been an outstanding young leader.\n\n\u201cI have seen his determination and leadership firsthand. His vast experience and proven success in both Washington and in his congressional district will ensure the success of House Democrats into the future.\n\n\u201cUndoubtedly, Hakeem Jeffries is a leader who has consistently put people over politics and sought solutions. That is why I believe Rep. Jeffries has all the qualities we need in a House Democratic Leader.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4203", "PLASKETT AND STAFF SHOW SUPPORT FOR PAUL PELOSI BY PERFORMING VARIOUS ACTS OF KINDNESS IN HONOR OF HIS RECOVERY", "2022-11-16", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement on her office\u2019s participation in performing acts of kindness \u2013 at the request of Paul Pelosi, husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.\n\n\u201cMy team and I were shocked and saddened by the attack on Mr. Paul Pelosi at his and Speaker Nancy Pelosi\u2019s home. Last week, my office came together to perform a small act of kindness at the suggestion of Mr. Paul Pelosi. The St. Croix office donated dozens of one-gallon bottles of water to Community First!, a nonprofit organization which plays an integral role in aiding unsheltered individuals by providing supportive housing opportunities. In addition, the St. Thomas office donated vital personal protection equipment, including boxes of gloves and masks, to Queen Louise Home for the Aged. Lastly, here in Washington, D.C. we donated canned goods to Capital Area Food Bank to provide hunger relief to low-income families.\n\n\u201cI encourage all Members of Congress to honor Mr. Pelosi\u2019s wish to spread kindness, not hate as he continues to remain strong and is on the path to recovery. Speaker Pelosi and her family will remain in our prayers during these difficult times. It is my hope that America will not become a country where individuals are targets of hate and violence because of their political beliefs.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4201", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY", "2022-11-11", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which is observed every year on November 11th:\n\nToday, we pay our respect to all the men and women who\u2019ve served our nation. We honor veterans from generations past. We welcome a new generation of veterans back into civilian life. And we thank our future veterans, still serving at home and abroad.\n\nVeterans day is a time to honor and appreciate all servicemen and servicewomen who have selflessly fought and pledged their lives to secure the many freedoms that we enjoy today. Our veterans come from all walks of life. They are our friends, neighbors, relatives, and colleagues, who stand next to us every day, trading one uniform and set of responsibilities for another. Because of this \u2013 we make our thankfulness known \u2013 for our veterans rose to the challenge to defend and protect our country.\n\nI would also like to also acknowledge the families who remained behind to fight their own private battles. For every soldier we call upon, there remains a community of spouses, children, and loved ones, who must also answer a special call of duty. You are the backbone of our service members. So, to those military families, you, along with your solider, are heroes of this country. To veterans who derive from the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all other U.S. territories \u2013 this year, marks another year, that you are deprived of an electoral vote for president of the United States; the Commander-and-Chief of the military that you proudly served in. One more year where you don\u2019t have a senator, much less, a representative with full voting rights.\n\nIn addition to voting rights, we, as a combined Congress, have held true to our belief that toxic exposure \u2013 is a cost of war. Earlier this year, I voted to pass the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act of 2022. This critical legislation seeks to address the issues impacting our veterans\u2019 access to \u2013 earned \u2013 benefits and care. Additionally, over the years, veterans in the Virgin Islands have voiced their discontent and have fought endlessly for better healthcare and treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am proud to say that, earlier this year, I successfully advocated for an amendment to the PACT Act, which now requires, the Government Accountability Office to study the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans across the territories.\n\nI want you to know that I see you; I hear you, and I am actively working to address the matters that are most important to you \u2013 our nations heroes. That is why, as the representative for the Virgin Island, I am committed to fighting for the voting rights and needs of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Let us show appreciation and respect for our veterans. Let\u2019s hear their stories. Let\u2019s help those who need it. And let\u2019s honor our veterans by creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service.\n\nMay God bless all who served and still do. And may God bless the United States of America.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4190", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT IN HONOR OF ELECTION DAY", "2022-11-04", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, shared the following statement concerning her participation during Election Day:\n\n\u201cEach election I am always excited to go to all the polls, electioneering and thanking the people of the Virgin Islands young and old for participating in one of the most sacred aspects of our democracy. Unfortunately, this year I will be unable to participate due to illness in my family. My father, Leroy Plaskett, is gravely ill and it is important that I provide support and attend to the needs of both of my parents. I am grateful that my sons and daughter along with so many cousins and dear friends are with my father and family during this time. I\u2019m also eternally grateful that my husband, Jonathan, and the amazing members of my team will be with the voters of the Virgin Islands on Election Day.\n\n\u201cI ask that you all pray for the strength of my family and respect our privacy during this time. I would also like to remind those who did not vote during early voting to vote on November 8th. Thank you for your prayers and support.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4188", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RECENT REQUEST FOR WAPA INVESTIGATION BY REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS", "2022-11-03", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nNovember 3, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RECENT REQUEST FOR WAPA INVESTIGATION BY REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement concerning the letter requesting an investigation of the V.I. Water and Power Authority sent by four Republican Members of Congress:\n\n\u201cI find it concerning that these Members are requesting an investigation pertaining to WAPA\u2019s acquisition and installation of four Wartsila generators, particularly since none of them have shown any interest or concern regarding our territory at any point. If these colleagues of mine are as concerned as they expressed in the letter, which contained a number of glaring fallacies (i.e., the Randolph Harley power plant is actually on St. Thomas and not on St. Croix, as the letter incorrectly states), the House Oversight Committee, of which they are members, has specific processes in place to obtain necessary information and push agencies and recipients to use funds appropriately.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, the claim made in the letter that there is not an objective timeline of when the four generators will come online is false. Not only has WAPA\u2019s CEO, Andrew Smith made numerous public statements about the generators coming online in March of 2023, but the initial term sheet and timeline discussed for the integrated resource plan for these generators made during the previous administration (2019) estimated almost two years to integration, and that forecast did not account for the delays that were inevitably created by the pandemic.\n\n\u201cI strongly believe that the letter sent by my Republican colleagues may be motivated by the urging of special interest groups to assist those groups\u2019 pecuniary interests at the expense of the federal reputation of the people of the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cI urge Virgin Islanders to do their own research on this issue and others in our community. Let us be certain that the information we acquire and share is fact-based and not perpetuated propaganda.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4187", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE VIOLENT ASSAULT OF PAUL PELOSI", "2022-10-29", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released this statement following Paul Pelosi\u2019s successful surgery after the violent assault.\n\n\u201cAt this time, I would like to send my love and support to Paul Pelosi and his family, especially his wife Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Speaker Pelosi is a lifelong public servant. She and her family should not be threatened by individuals merely because they do not agree with her politics. We are praying that this scourge of hate and violence will come under control in our country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4186", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE 2020 ISLAND AREAS CENSUSES RELEASE", "2022-10-26", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, shared the following statement on the release of the 2020 Island Areas Censuses:\n\n\u201cThe decennial census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and is conducted once every 10 years, which gives us an opportunity to help shape the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The results of the decennial census help determine how federal funding is spent every year, for the next decade, and presents an opportunity to shape the future of communities.\n\n\u201cThe 2020 Island Areas Census is conducted in partnership with the local governments of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to meet the data needs for detailed housing, social, and economic information. For example, the U.S. Virgin Islands demographic profile for the 2020 Census showed that 91% of households owned a computer and 79% had a broadband subscription.\n\n\u201cThe results of the 2020 Island Areas Census will determine the share of federal funding that the Virgin Islands receives across numerous important federal programs, which is vital as we continue to recover and rebuild roads, hospitals, and schools. The Virgin Islands benefits the most when everyone participates in the census; if we are undercounted, we will be underfunded.\n\n\u201cI applaud every Virgin Islander who participated in the 2020 Census and continue to engage in your civic duty to make the Virgin Islands a better place.\u201d\n\nFor more information on the U.S. Virgin Islands profile in the 2020 Island Areas Census, please click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4185", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION\u2019S 8.7 PERCENT BENEFIT INCREASE FOR 2023", "2022-10-14", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, released the following statement following an announcement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding an 8.7 percent benefit increase for 2023.\n\n\u201cThis week, the Social Security Administration announced an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase which will begin automatically with benefits payable to more than 65 million Social Security beneficiaries in January of 2023, increasing benefits by more than $140 per month on average. This adjustment applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients as well and increased payments to more than 7 million beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2022. To note, some individuals receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.\n\n\u201cBy law, the SSA must annually review the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, determined by the Department of Labor, to calculate COLAs. This official measure ensures the purchasing power of Social Security and SSI is not eroded by inflation. The automatic COLA allowance is an essential feature of Social Security, protecting beneficiaries from losing purchasing power over time. The increase in Social Security benefits, coupled with a decrease in Medicare premiums, will provide vital assistance to seniors adjusting to higher costs of living. Additionally, based on the increase in average wages, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase from $147,000 to $160,200.\n\n\u201cIn the 117th Congress, I introduced legislation (H.R. 537) to include the U.S. Virgin Islands in the SSI program because although Virgin Islanders are American citizens, we are automatically denied benefits upon applying for this integral program. I will continue to advocate for the fair and equitable inclusion of Virgin Islands residents in the SSI program as there is no justification for this treatment. The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the Virgin Islands\u2019 economy and many are still struggling to make ends meet. Granting Virgin Islanders access to the SSI program continues to be at the forefront of my priorities.\u201d\n\nFor more information about Medicare changes for 2023, check out is www.medicare.gov and to learn more about how the COLA is calculated visit www.ssa.gov/cola.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4184", "BLUMENAUER, PLASKETT DISCUSS CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION WITH CARICOM NATIONS", "2022-09-29", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 29, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nBLUMENAUER, PLASKETT DISCUSS CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION WITH CARICOM NATIONS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee Chair Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after a discussion with Ways and Means Members on the status of the Caribbean Trade Resolution:\n\n\u201cThe Ways and Means Committee gained valuable insight from the Ambassadors from Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are committed to strengthening U.S. trade and investment with the Caribbean. Our continued engagement with the CARICOM Trade Ministers and policymakers, as well as labor, business, and civil society representatives will further develop our shared multilateral trade agenda in the region. The Ways and Means Committee has a long history of engaging in the Caribbean and we look forward to continuing that engagement in the months ahead.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4183", "PLASKETT STANDS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN", "2022-09-28", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 28, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT STANDS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement as Hurricane Ian strengthened to a powerful Category 4 storm in its travels to Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast today after knocking out power across all of Cuba.\n\n\u201cThe National Hurricane Center warned that Hurricane Ian is expected to cause life-threatening catastrophic storm surge, winds, and flooding in the Florida peninsula. Hurricane Ian is on the cusp of Category 5 strength with maximum sustained winds of almost 155 mph ahead of an expected landfall this afternoon. Only two Category 5 storms have made landfall in the U.S. mainland in the last 30 years, both happened to be in Florida. I am thankful to the 7000 national guard members that are present to help those in despair.\n\n\u201cI am relieved to also know that our Caribbean brothers and sisters in Cuba are working to restore electricity after the storm knocked out power to the entire island on Tuesday night, where at least two people were killed. We are a strong and resilient people in the Caribbean region, and we will get through this together.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will continue to stand with those affected by Hurricane Ian and send my prayers for safety and protection as those in its path weather the effects of this system.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4182", "U.S. HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) ANNOUNCES JOB OPENINGS ON ST. CROIX, USVI", "2022-09-25", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 25, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nU.S. HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) ANNOUNCES JOB OPENINGS ON ST. CROIX, USVI\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement on HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) job openings in St. Croix, USVI:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to share that HUD has announced job openings for the position of Management and Program Analyst at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Field Policy and Management in St. Croix. I am tremendously happy to see that the request of our office along with the Governor\u2019s team for additional HUD staff on the ground in the Virgin Islands has been heard and that they are trying to ramp up support.\n\n\u201cThe duties of the position include analyzing HUD programs and how to improve their effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency, designing and directing comprehensive management studies, identifying, and proposing solutions for FPM Management problems, as well as organizing and directing team analyst work. I encourage qualified members of the Virgin Islands\u2019 community to apply and become a part of HUD\u2019s mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities and universal quality affordable housing.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4181", "PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS HEARING ON THE SAINT CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT", "2022-09-21", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS HEARING ON THE SAINT CROIX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement following the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, hearing on S.4222, the St. Croix National Heritage Area Act.\n\n\u201cIn 2020, I first introduced legislation for the St. Croix National Heritage Area Act. Last year, I introduced H.R.1424 to bring a National Heritage Area designation to St. Croix. That legislation has passed the House and I am pleased that Senator Angus King introduced the Senate companion to my bill, S. 4222. This hearing today in the Senate brings us even closer to the bill becoming law. Our bill would designate the island of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area (NHA) site.\n\n\u201cNational Heritage Areas are places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, important landscape and tell nationally important stories that celebrate our diverse heritage. All Virgin Islanders and those that visit recognize that the history of St. Croix lends itself to an intriguing set of themes that connect people to the distinct resources of the island and contribute to the overall heritage of our nation.\n\n\u201cFor nearly 20 years, many individuals, community groups, and stakeholders have worked tirelessly to achieve this designation. My predecessor, the Honorable Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen, introduced legislation in 2003 to authorize a feasibility study of the NHA designation and successfully included a congressionally directed feasibility study in the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006. More than 10 years ago, in September of 2010, the National Park Service completed this study and concluded that St. Croix meets the evaluation criteria for this designation.\n\n\u201cI thank Senator King for his support of the designation of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area. I will continue to advocate for this legislation to finish the long-standing work of my home island to utilize our spectacular natural and historic resources to spur increased, relevant and culturally appropriate economic development.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4177", "PLASKETT STANDS WITH ALL CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE FIONA", "2022-09-19", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 19, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT STANDS WITH ALL CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE FIONA\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement as Hurricane Fiona made landfall in the Dominican Republic after slamming Puerto Rico with heavy rain, life-threatening flooding, and an island wide power outage.\n\n\u201cAs hurricane Fiona continues to move slowly northwest, it is still dropping flooding rain on Puerto Rico, where 1.4 million people are without power. We are grateful that U.S. Virgin Islands were spared despite the floodings and power outages as we are still in the rebuilding phases. My office has reached out the congressional office of Puerto Rico and the Embassy of the Dominican Republic. I deeply feel the pain of our Caribbean neighbors that are going through another catastrophic event as we commemorate the anniversary of hurricanes Irma and Maria five years later.\n\n\u201cDue to the medical service preparedness FEMA has in place, the residents benefited from more supplies and aid than in the past. At this time, we will continue to stand with our Caribbean brothers and sisters until they are on the path to recovery. We are strong and resilient people, and we will get through this together.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4175", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA", "2022-09-14", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 14, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 September 2022 marks the 5th year anniversary of Hurricanes Irma (September 6th) and Maria (September 20th) making landfall in the Virgin Islands and the widespread, significant destruction from those storms. Both storms are on record as Category 5 hurricanes while in the Virgin Islands and impacted our territory within 2 weeks of each other.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding her legislative activities to commemorate this noteworthy time frame:\n\n\u201cFive years ago this week, the residents of St. Thomas and St. John were reeling from the wrought by Hurricane Irma, while the residents of St Croix provided support for the recovery. Little did we know that Hurricane Maria would hit the island of St Croix a little over a week later. These back-to-back category 5 storms hit every part of the Virgin Islands. Since the hurricanes, I and my team have worked tremendously hard to elevate the plight of the Virgin Islands, bringing much needed attention, resources and landmark funding to our territory in order to foster necessary and transformational changes in our infrastructure through the rebuilding and recovery process.\n\n\u201cAs we commemorate the 5th anniversary of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and their impact on our islands, in honor of the progress that we have made as a territory and as a people, and in recognition of the continued hard work being done by myself, my team, the Government of the Virgin Islands and all Virgin Islanders, I am pleased to share the following initiatives:\n\nH.R. 1337 \u2013 My office has introduced a House resolution which lauds Virgin Islanders for their perseverance, grit, and tenacity through major disasters attributable to Hurricanes Irma and Maria and recognizes Members of Congress for their support in accruing funding to support the Virgin Islands through these disasters.\n\nH.R. 5774\u2013 This bill creates a new funding stream for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expeditiously (within 30 days) allocate additional assistance to cover unmet needs as a result of a major disaster. It would also clarify that FEMA individual assistance may be used to make more permanent home improvements for long-term disaster recovery, and that direct assistance for permanent or semi-permanent housing is permissible if it is a cost-effective alternative to other housing solutions. The next step in the legislative process is passage of the bill by the full House of Representatives, which is scheduled to occur this week.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has announced a hearing to be held on September 15, 2022, entitled \u2018Recovery Update: Status of FEMA Recovery Efforts in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands 5 Years After Hurricanes Irma & Maria.\u2019 At the hearing, Members of Congress will hear from witnesses on the current status of disaster recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands five years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne Williams will testify on behalf of the Virgin Islands. FEMA and the Government Accountability Office will also testify.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, the House Ways and Means Committee also has announced a hearing, to be held on September 15th, entitled \u2018Preparing America\u2019s Health Care Infrastructure for the Climate Crisis.\u2019 With this hearing, the committee intends to think through how the federal government can improve its work to build more resilient healthcare systems and prepare healthcare facilities for the 21st century, as we are experiencing more severe extreme weather systems.\n\n\u201cI am tremendously proud of our progress as a people thus far and of our response immediately after the storms\u2014transporting food and medical supplies and remaining incredibly strong in the process of rebuilding not only our homes and infrastructure, but our very lives. VI Strong, always.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4176", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY RESPONSE", "2022-09-14", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 14, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY RESPONSE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement lauding the passage of H.R. 5774 Expediting Disaster Recovery Act.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act (H.R. 5774) passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I am confident we will soon have a companion measure considered by the Senate and then to the President\u2019s desk for signature into law.\n\n\u201cThe passage of this legislation would create a separate funding stream for FEMA after the declaration of a major disaster to expeditiously, within 30 days, allocate additional assistance to cover unmet needs because of such disaster. This separate funding stream will allow FEMA to quickly disburse funds to assist with restoration projects and impacted communities. This funding can be used for repair, restoration and replacement of damaged facilities and assistance to individuals and households.\n\n\u201cThis legislation would allow the use of funding to make homes habitable during the disaster-recovery process or, if more cost-effective, provide assistance for permanent or semi-permanent housing.\n\n\u201cTo ensure accurate reporting, this legislation would require localities to submit reports six months after receiving funds, and every six months after that until funds are expended.\n\n\u201cI am tremendously proud and grateful to those consistently contributing to our progress as a people. Virgin Islanders have remained incredibly strong in the process of rebuilding not only our homes and infrastructure, but our very lives. VI Strong, always.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4165", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT CHOSEN AS GRAND MARSHAL OF NEW YORK 2022 WEST INDIAN/CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LABOR DAY CARNIVAL PARADE", "2022-09-01", "2022", "2022-09", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nSeptember 1, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT CHOSEN AS GRAND MARSHAL OF NEW YORK 2022 WEST INDIAN/CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LABOR DAY CARNIVAL PARADE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement announcing the invitation by West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) to lead as one of the Grand Marshals for the historic West Indian/Caribbean American Labor Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn, New York on Monday, September 5th:\n\n\u201cNew York\u2019s Caribbean American Labor Day Carnival is the largest cultural event in the United States and Canada, commanding an attendance of approximately 2 million people, with one million tourists coming from all over the USA, Canada, and around the world each year. This year\u2019s celebration is the first one of its kind since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be particularly special since New York was the epicenter of the COVID outbreak. We expect a record turnout of individuals ready to celebrate the beauty and significance of Caribbean culture.\n\n\u201cAs a proud Crucian, Caribbean American and Brooklynite, I am extremely proud to have been chosen as one of the Grand Marshals of this year\u2019s parade. New York has long been a rich epicenter of Caribbean families and our collective culture with multiple layers of Caribbean heritage that contribute to the arts, music, history, and cultural identity of this part of the United States.\n\n\u201cThroughout the weekend, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) will host various events throughout Brooklyn, including concerts, picnics, and of course, the historic Labor Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank the WIADCA Board of Directors, Members and Advisory committee for this opportunity. I look forward to joining New York Governor Kathy Hochul, along with Mayor Eric Adams to cut the ribbon and officially begin this year\u2019s Labor Day Carnival Parade on Monday.\u201d\n\nFor more information on the events taking place for the New York Labor Day Carnival experience, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4164", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RUM COVER-OVER TAX ADVANCE PAYMENT AND GERS CONCERNS", "2022-08-27", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 27, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RUM COVER-OVER TAX ADVANCE PAYMENT AND GERS CONCERNS\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement regarding the recent announcement that The U.S. Department of the Interior\u2019s Office of Insular Affairs has approved the payment of approximately $226,165,037 to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and $70,398,471 to Guam. The advance payments represent 2023 estimated rum tax-cover over payments for the USVI and 2023 federal income tax Section 30 advance payments for Guam and will be made the week ending September 9th.\n\nPlaskett stated: \u201cSince 1984 and the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act (P.L. 98-369), the cover over was capped and limited to $10.50. After that time, through various \u2018tax extender\u2019 pieces of legislation, those in Washington fighting for the interests of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been able to temporarily increase the cap to first $12.50 and then to $13.25 for short periods of time (usually one, two or three-year periods).\n\n\u201cAfter Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we were able to place a 5-year increase of the cover over to $13.25 in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123), which is the public law that gave the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico the unprecedented funding to rebuild the territories. That temporary increase in cover over expired in December of 2021. As some may recall, the rum cover over cap issues were included in the Build Back Better legislation. Unfortunately, that entire legislation did not make it through the Senate.\n\nI and my colleague, Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon have offered legislation to lift the cap permanently through H.R. 1425. We are confident that until such permanency becomes law, when tax extender legislation is taken up in this Congress, as has happened previously, the additional rate (bringing the cover over to $13.25) will be given for the period of the tax extender and the additional funds will be given retroactively to the Virgin Islands Government going back to the last expiration. My confidence that such tax extender legislation will be taken up comes from the many tax credits and other tax provisions that have or will expire by the end of this year that need to be extended \u2013 such as low-income housing credits, pharmaceutical company credits and others.\u201d\n\nPlaskett also stated the following, regarding reports that this money has been lost to GERS:\n\n\u201cI believe it may have been more fiscally prudent to have used the rum cover over amount at the $10.50 for recent bonding or valuation purposes, recognizing that the cap was expiring in December. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all tax-writing measures, we would have been happy to share our evaluation of the legislative process and dates of expiration. Be that as it may, we are where we are now and I\u2019m happy to work with all parties to support our Virgin Islands\u2019 financial needs and believe that through the extender process we will get the $13.25 rate and retroactive funding.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, while I know we are in a heightened political season, it is disappointing when those who are supposed to be legislators do not do the work of legislators but merely act as alarmists, frightening Virgin Islanders rather than doing the research to understand the federal legislative history and process or picking up the phone and calling my office to ask for an explanation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs I stated earlier, I am confident the tax extender legislation will bring us to the $13.25 rate and bring retroactive funds to GERS, and I welcome the support of my fellow elected officials to work together to amplify and support the needs of our fellow Virgin Islanders.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4163", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT HOSTS COMMUNITY CHECK-IN AND VIRTUAL/TELEPHONE TOWN HALL", "2022-08-25", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 25, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT HOSTS COMMUNITY CHECK-IN AND VIRTUAL/TELEPHONE TOWN HALL\n\nUS Virgin Islands (USVI) - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett hosted a community check-in and virtual/teletown hall on Thursday, August 25th, 2022 and shared the following statement:\n\n\u201cI would like to thank everyone who attended our Community Check-In Virtual/TeleTown Hall this week. I and my team reviewed the accomplishments of our office during the 117th Congress, both in Washington DC and the activities and initiatives of my district offices here in the territory. We also addressed numerous questions on various topics shared by the participants during the town hall. We remain available to answer questions and provide support, so please feel free to reach out to any of my offices here in the territory or in Washington.\u201d\n\nThe recording of the Community Check-In Virtual/Teletown hall can be viewed on Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s official Facebook page. Additionally, if you have a question that was not answered or if you need additional support, you may reach out to the offices at 340-778-5900 on St. Croix, 340-774-4408 on St. Thomas or 202-225-1790 in Washington, D.C.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4160", "PLASKETT TRAVELS TO DENMARK FOR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND GLOBAL FOOD CHALLENGES", "2022-08-12", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 12, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT TRAVELS TO DENMARK FOR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND GLOBAL FOOD CHALLENGES\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement after traveling to Denmark for a Sustainable Agriculture and Global Food Congressional delegation this week:\n\n\u201cThis week, I had the privilege to participate in a congressional delegation to Denmark with some of my fellow Members of Congress. The Agriculture Committee, as well as the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research, which I chair, are presently conducting targeted engagement with the agriculture industry and stakeholders to receive feedback on their experiences with provisions in the $428 billion Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known as the 2018 Farm Bill, as well as their needs for the forthcoming Farm Bill.\n\n\u201cThe primary focus of this trip to Denmark was to actively observe and learn from the practices employed by the Danish Agriculture sector. 60% of the land in Denmark is used for farming and their farm industry produces 3 times the amount of food needed in their country. Additionally, Denmark has continued to be on the cutting edge, leading innovation regarding wind and solar energy, carbon emissions and other important sectors. We toured several different farms and discussed the high degree of collaboration throughout the Danish Agriculture and Food sectors which is achieved by cooperative farming and results in increased knowledge and innovation.\n\n\u201cI look forward to expanding upon the conversations and observations I made during my time in Denmark with the Virgin Islands farming community and discussing methods to increase partnerships and collaboration for the agriculture sector in our territory.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4161", "PLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE & SENATE PASSAGE OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022 (IRA)", "2022-08-12", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 12, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT APPLAUDS HOUSE & SENATE PASSAGE OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022 (IRA)\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement on successful House and Senate passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):\n\n\u201cThe Inflation Reduction Act is historic legislation that will lower families\u2019 kitchen table costs, create millions of good-paying jobs delivering the most significant action on climate in history, and dramatically reduce the deficit. The bill:\n\n\u2022 Lowers prescription drug prices: finally enables Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, prevents excessive price hikes, and caps out-of-pocket costs to $2,000.\n\n\u2022 Lowers the cost of health care: caps insulin at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\n\u2022 Lowers energy costs and delivers largest-ever climate action: invests in domestic energy production and manufacturing, while reducing carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030 with historic investments in energy security and tackling the climate crisis.\n\n\u2022 Lowers the deficit and helps fight inflation: makes a historic down payment on deficit reduction of approximately $300 billion to fight inflation.\n\n\u201cThe investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will bring down consumer energy costs, increase American energy security, while substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and represents the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history, by far. This bill will support energy reliability and cleaner energy production coupled with historic investments in American clean energy manufacturing while also providing a range of incentives to consumers to relieve the high costs of energy and decrease utility bills.\n\n\u201cIn addition, the bill also makes significant investments in coastal communities, infrastructure, community development and agriculture. The Virgin Islands and its residents will be eligible for new federal funding opportunities, such as a new EPA program intended to reduce air pollution around ports, USDA electric loans for renewable energy, a Department of Energy HOMES rebate program to incentivize the installation of residential energy efficient products, a new Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant program administered by the Department of Transportation, NOAA grants for projects to restore coastal economies and protect communities that depend on healthy coastlines, and funding opportunities for underserved farmers and for agricultural research and extension at insular area land grant institutions like UVI. There is also a provision that will allocate $15 million to the Department of the Interior to provide technical assistance for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to U.S. Insular Areas.\n\n\u201cThe Inflation Reduction Act is a historic victory for America\u2019s families and for protecting our planet and I and my team worked hard to ensure the Virgin Islands\u2019 eligibility for all of the funding available in the IRA. It is my hope that the Government of the Virgin Islands will vie for as much of this funding as possible in order to help lower the cost of energy, address our pressing issues related to climate change, while also creating more jobs in community development and a cleaner energy sector for our territory.\n\n\u201cWith the House and Senate\u2019s passage of this legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk for his signature into law.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4159", "PLASKETT EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR HER SUMMER 2022 INTERN CLASS", "2022-08-08", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 8, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR HER SUMMER 2022 INTERN CLASS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement regarding her interns this past summer:\n\n\u201cThis summer, my office was energized by 10 hardworking and dedicated interns in the D.C., St. Croix, and St. Thomas offices. Eager to learn, each of them worked on a variety of substantive issues, including attending briefings with federal agencies and local partners, drafting floor speeches and press statements, community outreach as well as assisting in case work.\n\n\u201cIn the D.C. office, the interns - Denver Williams, Grant Castle, Heidi Smalls, and Hannah Edwards - served the people of the Virgin Islands by drafting numerous Floor speeches, press releases, memorandums, and letters on various topics including U.S.-Caribbean trade, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, Caribbean American Heritage Month, gun control, women\u2019s rights, and most notably a letter to President Biden denouncing the Insular Cases and in support of U.S. territories\u2019 rights. Our interns also aided the communications team by creating infographics and content for my social media platforms. Additionally, they contributed immensely to the legislative team by attending briefings, such as one to strengthen U.S. and Caribbean relation at the U.S. State Department. They also worked closely with the district offices on providing constituent assistance.\n\n\u201cThe St. Thomas and St. Croix office interns were also invaluable to our team. They worked closely with the community and provided hands on assistance to constituents, using innovative and create ways to resolve their issues. Dasmine Maynard, Anapia Brunt, Serena Mohanani, Jacques Liegard, Nia Canton, and Kyle Lewis played key roles in designing and implementing community outreach projects centered around teaching young Virgin Islanders the importance of civics education. They personally visited summer camps and gave civics presentations to elementary, middle school, and high school students. They also served as liaisons between local and federal governments to secure much needed funding and resources for the people of the Virgin Islands; as well as establishing and strengthening relations with over 30 local non-profit organizations.\n\n\u201cIt was wonderful to have such young and bright minds eager to be of service to our constituents and aid the U.S. Virgin Islands in any way they could.\n\n\u201cRecently graduated from Georgetown University, Grant Castle will pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Chicago. Hannah Edwards, who recently graduated from George Washington University intends to extend her time on Capitol Hill and aspires to attend law school. Heidi Smalls will return to Choate Rosemary Hall, my high school Alma Mater. Her experience has deepened her interest in current affairs, American Government, and a future career in politics. Denver Williams will be continuing her studies at the University of Maryland, College Park.\n\n\u201cFrom the St. Thomas Office, Anapia Brunt and Dasmine Maynard will begin their sophomore year at University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science and International Relations and Affairs. Jacques Liegard, a rising senior, will continue his studies at Georgetown University (we hope to see my fellow Hoya in DC!). Serena Mohanani plans to complete her B.A. in Political Science and Communication Studies this year at Northeastern University. In the St. Croix office, Nia Canton resumes her undergraduate year at Georgia State University and Kyle Lewis will return to University of the Virgin Islands to continue his bachelor\u2019s degree in Business Administration.\n\n\u201cI would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our Summer 2022 interns for their hard work and wish them the best in all their endeavors. The entire staff enjoyed and learned from our Summer Intern Trivia on \u201cCaribbean Regional Knowledge,\u201d \u201cOur Fragile Democracy,\u201d \u201cImpeachment,\u201d and \u201cThe Legislative Process!\u201d We are so happy that they have become a part of our family and know each one of them has a bright future ahead.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4158", "PLASKETT VISITS THE VETERAN AFFAIRS CLINIC IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO", "2022-08-05", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 5, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT VISITS THE VETERAN AFFAIRS CLINIC IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement after visiting the Veteran Affairs Clinic in San Juan, Puerto Rico this week:\n\n\u201cYesterday, I visited with the leadership at the Veteran Affairs hospital facility in San Juan, PR to receive updates. They were happy to share several changes made based on the requests from our veterans and highlighted several items for USVI vets at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOCs) in the territory:\n\nThe CBOCs have partnered with the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on STT to offer phlebotomy services at the CBOC in the near future, which would make it more convenient for veterans to do bloodwork.\n\nExpanded community care by adding care providers that are approved to provide services to vets here in the territory.\n\nAt the CBOC on STX, they are working to find a permanent provider, but there is a temporary provider in place.\n\nAt the CBOC on STT, the private contractor that now runs service will continue the lease at the existing location. So far, most of the feedback about the services has been positive. They are still working to improve the phone communication on both islands, but there has been a major improvement.\n\nImplementation of the new charter flight services to PR from each island in our territory will allow our veterans to travel more efficiently.\n\n\u201cI was encouraged by the positive progress made for our veterans. I will continue to work with our local partners, including Director Patrick Farrell of the Virgin Islands Department of Veterans Affairs, to advance equity for our veterans. Additionally, I would like to encourage all the veterans in our territory to register with our territory\u2019s local VA office. This will enable us to have accurate numbers which will improve our ability to obtain additional services.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4157", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS SUDDEN DEATH OF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COLLEAGUE JACKIE WALORSKI", "2022-08-04", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 4, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS SUDDEN DEATH OF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COLLEAGUE JACKIE WALORSKI\n\nST. CROIX, USVI \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the family and friends of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana:\n\n\u201cIt is with deep sadness that I convey my condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Congresswoman Walorski and her two staffers, Zachery Potts and Emma Thompson.\n\n\u201cJackie and I served on the Ways and Means Committee and we also served on the Agriculture Committee together. She was stalwart in her faith, was a thoughtful member and had a tremendous work ethic. We all as Members of Congress rely so much on the young staffers who dedicate themselves to public service and I am so sad for the family of the staffers who should be so proud of those individuals\u2019 service to our country and that their congressional family are sympathetic to the loss.\n\n\u201cI, my staff, and family are grateful for Congresswoman Jackie\u2019s service and the service of her team. I pray for God\u2019s peace and comfort for their family and loved ones.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4156", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT PRESENTS $42.4M CHECK TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HEAD START PROGRAM", "2022-08-02", "2022", "2022-08", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nAugust 2, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT PRESENTS $42.4M CHECK TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HEAD START PROGRAM\n\nST. CROIX, USVI \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement after presenting a check to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner and the DHS Head Start program team:\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to celebrate a grant in the amount of $42.4 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Head Start program. This funding is for construction grants and will require zero local match to fund the construction and restoration of facilities territory-wide.\u201d\n\nDHS Commissioner Kim Causey-Gomez shared, \u201cThe part that I love the best about being Commissioner is being able to serve all the populations of the Virgin Islands. We start with our little people in Head Start and our office of Child Care and we go all the way through every population. If we don\u2019t do this right for our children, we will not be right for our community. Providing access to Head Start supports children\u2019s growth by providing a positive learning environment through learning and development, health, and family well-being, all which have a positive impact on children\u2019s preschool readiness. The Territory embraces this opportunity to effectively leverage the Federal dollars that will impact the early childhood education environment for the children of the Virgin Islands for generations to come. We are actively recruiting children for Head Start school year 2022-2023. Sign-up today!\u201d\n\nAlso present were several other representatives from the Department of Human Services, including DHS Assistant Commissioner Carla Benjamin who stated that the grant funds will ensure that DHS is able to renovate, upgrade and build new facilities so that the territory\u2019s children are able to learn in a rich environment. DHS Head Start Administrator, Masikia Lewis also shared that the landmark amount of funding that the territory\u2019s Head Start program has been awarded will help construct state of the art, mega, multi-purpose head start centers around our territory.\n\nThe Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery, Mrs. Adrienne Williams-Octalien also shared, \u201cWe here at the Office of Disaster Recovery take deep pride in rebuilding the Virgin Islands. We call it a legacy of resilience.\u201d\n\nThe Head Start program was launched in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as an eight-week demonstration project designed to help break the cycle of poverty. The program promotes the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a variety of settings including centers, family childcare, and children\u2019s homes. Furthermore, this vital program engages parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family well-being, and creates opportunities for participation in leadership roles, including feedback on program operations.\n\nAt the check presentation event, Congresswoman Plaskett also stated, \u201cI would like to extend a special thank you to DHS Commissioner Gomez, Assistant Commissioner Benjamin and Head Start Administrator Masikia Lewis for the excellent work they do to support the children in our territory. We must remain unwavering in our commitment and in our advocacy and support for our next generations.\u201d\n\nClick here to view a recording of the check presentation event.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4155", "PLASKETT CHAIRS AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON THE EXAMINATION OF THE USDA HEMP PRODUCTION PROGRAM", "2022-07-28", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 28, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT CHAIRS AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON THE EXAMINATION OF THE USDA HEMP PRODUCTION PROGRAM\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement after chairing a Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research hearing entitled \u201cAn Examination of the USDA Hemp Production Program.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research heard has authority over the hemp industry; as such today the subcommittee from a panel of experts, including producers, researchers, tribal members, and State Agriculture Directors and Commissioners who provided a review of the USDA Hemp Production Program authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill (P.L. 115-334) as well as an update on the current state of domestic hemp production.\n\n\u201cThe witnesses shared information about the market complexities that emerged following the 2018 Farm Bill as well as steps the House Agriculture Committee can take to ensure states, territories, and Tribes are providing the necessary support to producers. Our witnesses shared that prior to 2018, the federal prohibition and controlled substance classification of hemp presented the largest barrier to industrial hemp production. Following the 2018 Farm Bill, new issues have emerged, including a lack of uniform state regulations and testing processes as well as clear federal enforcement standards, and other barriers.\n\n\u201cIn addition, the Subcommittee received requests for greater market certainty and stability for farmers, producers, and consumers of the hemp industry. We also heard about industry successes, which include creating space for market diversification as well as addressing gaps and limits in the supply chain, including processing and manufacturing, increasing production capacity, and strengthening the links between the supply chain.\n\n\u201cIn my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, farmers are keenly interested in the economic growth and expansion opportunities presented by the hemp industry. As we continue conversations leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill, we must ensure we include the voices of socially disadvantaged farmers, increase their involvement in these important discussions and generate equity across the industry.\n\n\u201cI look forward to continuing conversations about the hemp industry as well as engaging with the Virgin Islands community on the important takeaways from this Subcommittee hearing and encourage agriculture stakeholders to visit https://agriculture.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=9 and provide the House Agriculture Committee with direct input on their experiences with Farm Bill programs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4139", "PLASKETT LAUNCHES ONLINE SURVEY TO SHARE INFRASTRUCTURE IDEAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-07-21", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT LAUNCHES ONLINE SURVEY TO SHARE INFRASTRUCTURE IDEAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 For decades, disaster-stricken areas in the Virgin Islands have suffered from systemic underfunding. To combat these challenges, Congresswoman Plaskett has brought millions of dollars to our territory in recent years helping to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Additionally, President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R.3684) is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation\u2019s infrastructure and competitiveness and will allow the Virgin Islands an opportunity to make a quantum leap and develop not just a more sustainable infrastructure, but one that tackles climate change issues along with providing sustainable jobs. Not only does this legislation help the Virgin Islands, but it ensures that Americans have access to necessities like clean drinking water and high speed internet, as well as spurring the creation of good-paying union jobs that advance long overdue environmental justice and grow the economy sustainably and equitably.\n\nCongresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI) recently launched an Infrastructure Survey on her plaskett.house.gov website for constituents to offer suggestions which we will submit to the Governor and make available for private developers for potential projects under the new infrastructure law.\n\nPresident Biden has committed in this legislation to make American infrastructure resilient against the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events. The Administration is also focused on delivering the largest investment in tackling legacy pollution in American history. The Administration stated: \u201cThousands of rural and urban communities around the country, hundreds of thousands of former industrial and energy sites are now idle \u2013 sources of blight and pollution. \u2026.The bill will invest $21 billion to clean up superfund and brownfield sites, reclaim abandoned mine land and cap orphaned oil and gas wells.\u201d With the President\u2019s emphasis on funding going to underserved and minority communities, it is imperative that the Virgin Islands take advantage of this opportunity.\n\nThe Infrastructure Survey developed by our office allows Virgin Islands residents to pin a location or type in a specific address to report infrastructure issues that need attention in our community and share their creative ideas for new industry and new jobs which address climate change and create a more resilient economy. Survey respondents will help us expand our knowledge of issues with public transportation, flooding or water access, electrical outages, road and/or sidewalk repair, and broadband or internet access. Additionally, the survey provides a medium for Virgin Islanders here and abroad to share their suggestions and vision for what building back better looks like for our territory.\n\nClick here to access a video demonstration of how to use the survey and here to access the survey itself.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4138", "HOUSE PASSES FUNDING FOR NEW COMMUNITY PROJECTS REQUESTED BY PLASKETT", "2022-07-20", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 20, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nHOUSE PASSES FUNDING FOR NEW COMMUNITY PROJECTS REQUESTED BY PLASKETT\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement on the successful passage by the House of Representatives of federal government funding legislation (H.R.8294) that includes the 9 community projects specifically for the Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased that 9 of my office\u2019s Community Project Funding requests were approved by the full House of Representatives as we continue to make progress in the legislative appropriations process to fund the federal government over Fiscal Year 2023. Our project funding requests specifically focus on providing solutions through social services, particularly tackling homelessness, behavioral and mental health issues, as well as improving infrastructure in the territory. The requests reflect the great priority my office places on the need for education, health care, community development and providing more economic opportunities in our most vulnerable populations. Funding for the following 9 community projects was passed this week while funding for the other 5 will be passed by the House at a later time.\n\n\u201cThe NINE community project funding requests passed this week are:\n\nMENTAL HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS:\n\nCOMMUNITY FIRST! SERVICES FOR HOMELESS: Program to build homes for the homeless and provide support services that allow those who have spent years on the streets to find a path to permanent housing. Project to be carried out by the non-profit Liberty Place, Inc.\n\nAmount provided: $1,964,210\n\nBRIGHT PATH HOLISTIC WELLNESS: Program of after school and mental health services for public housing residents by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority.\n\nAmount provided: $900,000\n\nST. CROIX FOUNDATION:\n\nCHRISTIANSTED SUNDAY MARKET SQUARE: Revitalization of 3 historic properties in Sunday Market Square in Christiansted, which will house commercial spaces and an innovative nonprofit coworking space on ground floors, and low- to moderate-income housing units on the upper floors and behind. Project to be carried out by the non-profit St. Croix Foundation.\n\nAmount provided: $1,059,152\n\nARMY CORPS:\n\nST. THOMAS HARBOR PROJECT STUDY: Post-authorization change report to Congress (study) required for the Army Corps to resume the project for navigation in St. Thomas harbor.\n\nAmount provided: $200,000\n\nCHRISTIANSTED HARBOR PROJECT STUDY: Post-authorization change report to Congress (study) required for the Army Corps to resume the project for navigation in Christiansted harbor.\n\nAmount provided: $200,000\n\nAIRPORTS:\n\nST. THOMAS AIRPORT COMMUTER WING: Project for additional space for expansion of King Airport\u2019s current passenger terminal facilities, to be created by the renovation and expansion of the current inter-island terminal area, allowing for the inclusion of jet bridges for off-island air passenger traffic. Project to be carried out by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.\n\nAmount provided: $4,000,000\n\nST. THOMAS AIRFIELD SAFETY DRAINAGE: Project for the design and construction of a concrete lining for the drainage gut to ensure that the airport remains in compliance with FAA requirements and improve the safety of operating on the airfield at Cyril E. King Airport. Project to be carried out by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.\n\nAmount provided: $4,000,000\n\nST. CROIX AIRCRAFT PARKING APRONS: Project for rehabilitation of existing aircraft parking aprons to ensure the continued safety of airport operations at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Project to be carried out by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.\n\nAmount provided: $4,000,000\n\nST. CROIX AIRPORT RUNWAY: Project for rehabilitation of the existing runway at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport to improve the pavement strength and ensure safe operations. Project to be carried out by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.\n\nAmount provided: $4,000,000\n\n\u201cI am very pleased by House passage of my office\u2019s FY2023 Community Project Funding requests. I am also pleased that this House-passed funding legislation (H.R.8294) includes other important funding for the Virgin Islands and other insular areas of the U.S. For example, it includes my amendment to provide $10 million in funding for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. This is a program that helps the Virgin Islands and other non-contiguous areas to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations.\n\n\u201cThis legislation also contains an $7.4 million increase to territorial assistance by the Department of the Interior, to an overall level of $111 million for the small U.S. territories. There are also funding increases for energy and environmental protection programs, infrastructure programs, housing programs, research and development, and more funding for federal security assistance to the Caribbean basin.\n\n\u201cThere must now be further agreement with the Senate on annual government funding with the inclusion of funding for community projects such as those approved by the House today before it may be presented to the President for signature into law.\u201d\n\nClick here to view the full list of FY2023 Community Project Funding requests on Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s website.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4118", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE VOTE TO RAISE VIRGIN ISLANDS SERVICE MEMBER PAY, BOLSTER NATIONAL SECURITY", "2022-07-14", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 14, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE VOTE TO RAISE VIRGIN ISLANDS SERVICE MEMBER PAY, BOLSTER NATIONAL SECURITY\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement on the successful passage by the House of Representatives of H.R.7900, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will provide a well-earned raise for U.S. Virgin Islanders servicemembers, bolster America\u2019s national security and promote U.S. leadership on the global stage.\n\n\u201cPassed annually by Congress since 1961, the NDAA authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense. This legislation allows the Armed Forces to pay, train and equip U.S. servicemembers; support America\u2019s allies around the world; and carry out essential national security operations. This legislation also includes initiatives to support cutting-edge research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, expand our military\u2019s talent pipeline and bolster the security of our supply chains. Amid the rising threat of tyranny, House Democrats remain committed to keeping Americans safe and upholding our most cherished values around the world.\"\n\nWith this year\u2019s NDAA, House Democrats have advanced a range of key national security priorities:\n\nA well-earned raise for U.S. Virgin Islands servicemembers, including a 4.6 percent pay increase for uniformed and civilian personnel, 2.4 percent inflation bonuses for servicemembers earning less than $45,000 per year and a $15 per hour minimum wage for federal contract workers.\n\nSupport for the people of Ukraine, including $1 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and additional efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on Russian energy.\n\nResources for minority serving institutions, including more than $111 million in HBCU research funding and a pilot program to increase research capacity at MSIs.\n\nInvestments in next-generation defense technology, including $275 million to fund advances in hypersonics, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence.\n\nCivilian harm mitigation measures, including the establishment of a Commission on Civilian Harm and a Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation.\n\nImprovements to supply chain security, including an assessment of dual-use technology and strengthened risk management for pharmaceutical supply chains.\n\nExpanded cooperation with U.S. allies, including anti-trafficking and climate resilience efforts.\n\nFurthermore, this year\u2019s NDAA also contained the following amendments for the U.S. territories sponsored by Congresswoman Plaskett:\n\nAmendment to require a Department of Defense report to Congress on U.S. military capabilities in the Caribbean basin, particularly in and around the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.\n\nSuch report would have to include an assessment of the value, feasibility, and cost of increasing U.S. capabilities in the Caribbean to:\n\no combat transnational criminal organizations and illicit narcotics and weapons trafficking in the Caribbean;\n\no improve surveillance capabilities and maximize the effectiveness of counter-trafficking operations in the Caribbean;\n\no ensure that U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command have the necessary assets to support and increase measures to detect, interdict, disrupt, or curtail illicit narcotics and weapons trafficking activities;\n\no respond to malign influences of China and Russia in the Caribbean;\n\no increase supply chain resiliency and near-shoring in global trade; and\n\no strengthen the ability of the security sector to respond to, and become more resilient in the face of, major disasters, including to ensure critical infrastructure and ports can come back online rapidly following disasters.\n\nThe report would also have to include an assessment of United States military force posture in the Caribbean.\n\nAmendment to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas to provide advice and guidance to the VA on matters relating to veterans residing in U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands. Among other duties, the committee must advise the VA on how to improve its programs and services to better serve veterans living in the listed areas.\n\nA companion bill must now be taken up and passed by the Senate before it gets to the President\u2019s desk for signature into law. The Senate will take up its version in the coming months and the 2 versions, both from the House and the Senate, will likely go to conference. One final version will be negotiated, then head to the President\u2019s desk.\n\nIn addition, yesterday the House of Representatives passed a major, historic piece of separate legislation for our veterans, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (S.3373). The bill makes veterans who during their military service were exposed to burn pits or other toxic substances automatically eligible for VA health care and disability benefits if they develop any of almost two dozen illnesses, conditions and categories of cancer specified by the bill.\n\nThis veteran\u2019s bill also includes Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s amendment to require a Government Accountability Office study and report on access and barriers to veterans benefits and services for veterans in territories of the United States.\n\nYou may follow the progress of H.R. 7900 and S.3373 by clicking each bill number.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4116", "PLASKETT LEADS HOUSE COLLEAGUES IN CONDEMNING INSULAR CASES", "2022-07-12", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 12, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT LEADS HOUSE COLLEAGUES IN CONDEMNING INSULAR CASES\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett recently led a letter to President Biden condemning the Insular Cases and calling on the Administration to do the same and overturn the racist rulings that continue to negatively impact U.S. territories today. Plaskett shared the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Insular Cases, a series of Plessy-era Supreme Court decisions, established a racist and colonial legal framework that has denied the 3.6 million residents of U.S. territories equal constitutional rights and left them structurally disenfranchised for nearly 125 years.\n\n\u201cIn 2022, no one should use the racist language from the Insular Cases to deny citizenship rights to people born in U.S. territories. Not federal judges. And certainly not the Biden-Harris Justice Department. That\u2019s why I led my colleagues in Congress in sending a letter today urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to condemn the Insular Cases.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden has made fighting for residents of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories a priority. Last year, in speaking out against the denial of federal benefits in U.S. territories, he declared, \u2018there can be no second-class citizens in the United States of America.\u2019 Yet the Biden-Harris Justice Department expressly relied on the Insular Cases last Fall to argue that people born in U.S. territories have no right to U.S. citizenship at all, that citizenship in U.S. territories is a mere privilege for Congress to extend or retract at whim.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Justice Department will soon have a chance to correct this error when it files its response in Fitisemanu v. United States, a case which asks the Supreme Court to answer, \u2018whether the Insular Cases should be overruled.\u2019\n\n\u201cLeading civil rights organizations, scholars from across the ideological spectrum, and a bi-partisan group of elected officials and former judges from U.S. territories are all calling on the Supreme Court to turn the page on the Insular Cases. And, even Supreme Court Justices appointed by both Democratic and Republican Administrations \u2013 Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch \u2013 have criticized the Insular Cases. If President Biden is serious about confronting systemic racism and fighting for the equality of all Americans, as he has promised, the Biden administration must condemn the Insular Cases and the Justice Department should call on the Supreme Court to finally reckon with this legacy.\n\n\u201cWith Fitisemanu v. United States, we can finally end the racist and colonial framework of the Insular Cases, correct a historical wrong, and advance equal rights under the Constitution for all American citizens. It is my fervent hope and prayer that the Biden Administration will choose to be on the right side of history and once and for all condemn and overturn these cases that have relegated a significant part of our U.S. population to second class citizenship.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4117", "PLASKETT LAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION", "2022-07-12", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 12, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nPLASKETT LAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees released the following statement on the successful House passage of the Caribbean Trade Resolution (H.Res 1168), which reaffirms the economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean:\n\n\u201cThis resolution is the product of a year\u2019s worth of work by my office, and today would not be possible without the bipartisan support of my colleague from across the aisle, Representative Wenstrup, and his leadership, for agreeing with me that it is appropriate for there be a focus on U.S. trade reengagement with the Caribbean. The United States has a duty to support these neighboring nations, and reciprocal trade relations is one of the mechanisms to do that.\n\n\u201cThe resolution emphasizes and commits to enhance the economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean region through strengthened trade engagement, including by: promoting equitable economic growth and development across the region; engaging directly with diverse stakeholders from the Caribbean; and supporting critical trade policies and preference programs.\n\n\u201cThe Caribbean, along with Latin America, has been severely tried in recent years. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), we've seen a larger GDP contraction from the Caribbean and Latin America than any other region in the world. Simultaneously, the per capita deaths from COVID have been greater from the Caribbean and Latin America than any other region in the world. Furthermore, many of the islands and countries in the Caribbean have recently experienced severe natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, and numerous other extreme weather events like hurricanes.\n\n\u201cNow, the Ways and Means Committee will be taking a hard look at what is needed for the Caribbean. As this resolution provides, we will engage with diverse stakeholders, including CARICOM Trade Ministers, policymakers, as well as labor, business, and civil society representatives, to dialogue and develop a shared multilateral trade agenda.\n\n\u201cThis posture of strengthening U.S. trade and investment with the Caribbean is now the position of the U.S. House of Representatives concerning trade engagement with the Caribbean. I would like to thank my colleagues for their hearty support of this bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4113", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CHARLES W. TURNBULL", "2022-07-03", "2022", "2022-07", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJuly 3, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CHARLES W. TURNBULL\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of former Governor of the Virgin Islands, Charles W. Turnbull.\n\n\u201cOn this Emancipation Day, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor Charles Turnbull. A consummate gentleman, Governor Turnbull began his career in public service as a schoolteacher, then progressed to numerous positions in the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE)\u2014assistant principal and principal for Charlotte Amalie High School, then both assistant commissioner and commissioner of the department. At VIDE, he made several impactful strides in establishing a cultural education division and promoting deeper appreciation of Virgin Islands history and culture.\n\n\u201cGovernor Turnbull was tremendously dedicated to the field of education and the preservation of our Caribbean history and to the people of the Virgin Islands. His commitment to public service, including 2 terms as governor of our territory, is exemplary.\n\n\u201cHistorian, public servant and educator, Governor Turnbull had a deep love for these Virgin Islands that was reflected in his commitment to each of the roles he held.\n\n\u201cI send my prayers for comfort and peace to his loved ones.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4114", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP AWARD FOR STANLEY JACOBS OF THE TEN SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS", "2022-06-29", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 29, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP AWARD FOR STANLEY JACOBS OF THE TEN SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement announcing the National Heritage Fellow, Stanley Jacobs from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA):\n\n\u201cToday, I am honored to recognize Stanley Jacobs for receiving the National Heritage Fellowship Award. This year, Stanley is one of the ten fellows (chosen from 180) who will receive a $25,000 one-time honorific grant. The NEA Fellowship is our nation\u2019s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts that celebrates artistic excellence and supports continuing contributions to our traditional arts heritage.\n\n\u201cMr. Jacobs is known to thousands of Virgin Islanders for sharing the artfulness of \"quelb\u00e9\" music. Born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, to Crucian parents, Jacobs is a master musician, historian, and preservationist within this music and dance tradition that is distinct to the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cIn 1970, Jacobs formed the band Stanley Jacobs and The Ten Sleepless Knights (TSK), which would become the island's premiere quelb\u00e9 band. The group is still a very prominent musical representation of the local traditions of quelb\u00e9 music and tunes derived from 19th-century European dances, such as the quadrille, waltz, and two-step. Jacobs and TSK perform for numerous functions across the island each year, including senior citizen functions and Christmas celebrations. In recognition of the tradition's centrality to the islands' identity, the government recently declared it the official music of the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cThe NEA National Heritage Fellowship was created in 1982 to highlight the artistic excellence of people like Stanley. To date, 458 individuals and groups have received this prestigious honor, including BB King, Mavis Staples and fellow Virgin Islander Sylvester McIntosh in 1987.\n\n\u201cA master musician, historian, and preservationist, thank you to my cousin Stanley Jacobs, for sharing and preserving the beauty, quality, tradition, and artfulness of quelb\u00e9 music. You and the Ten Sleepless Knights continue to be a prominent musical representation of our beloved quelb\u00e9 music and the best of the Virgin Islands.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4111", "PLASKETT APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE BIPARTISTAN SAFER COMMUNITIES ACT TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE", "2022-06-28", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 28, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE BIPARTISTAN SAFER COMMUNITIES ACT TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement following passage by Congress of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S.2938) today on a bipartisan basis.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House successfully passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. As the most significant legislation addressing guns in 30 years, this legislation is truly historic. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will protect America\u2019s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. Also, this legislation is particularly impactful for the Virgin Islands where we have the second highest rate of guns smuggled across our borders and a homicide rate nine times higher than the 50 States.\n\n\u201cSpecifically, the bill includes:\n\nProtections for Victims of Domestic Violence: Closing the \u201cBoyfriend Loophole\u201d by adding convicted abusers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.\n\nSupport for State Crisis Intervention Orders: Incentivizing states to implement extreme risk protection order laws to keep weapons out of the hands of individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.\n\nCracking Down on Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchases: Preventing dangerous individuals from illegally evading background checks by establishing new federal criminal offenses that cover straw purchasing and trafficking.\n\nAnti-Violence Community Initiatives: Providing $250 million in funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives.\n\nChild and Family Mental Health Services: Improving access to mental health services for children, youth and families through Medicaid, the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other programs.\n\nInvestments in School Safety: Expanding mental health and support services in schools, including early identification and intervention programs.\n\n\u201cThese measures will save lives and are a tremendous step forward in addressing gun violence.\n\n\u201cThe horrific recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York are stark reminders of the horrors of gun violence in our country. In 2020, 45,222 Americans died of gun-related injuries, more than any other year on record. That is a 43 percent increase since 2010. Communities across the nation have been torn apart by nearly 300 mass shootings since 2009 \u2013 attacks that have killed more than 1,500 people and wounded 1,000 more. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in this nation.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the first step necessary to address this gun violence epidemic and make our children, our schools, our communities, and our country safer. Yet it is only the first step. House Democrats remain committed to fighting for additional gun safety legislation and finally putting an end to our nation\u2019s daily drumbeat of gun violence.\u201d\n\nClick here to view further details on S. 2938.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4110", "PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE", "2022-06-24", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 24, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett (VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding the Republican-appointed Supreme Court majority vote to overturn Roe v. Wade:\n\n\u201cToday, the Republican-controlled Supreme Court has taken away from American women the right to make their own reproductive health decisions. It is an alarming and extremist act of judicial activism. It offers a dangerous blueprint for future assaults on some of our most cherished rights. The door is now open to overturn other rights \u2013 birth control, same sex and interracial marriage, the list is long.\n\n\u201cWith Roe being overturned, radical Republicans are charging ahead with measures to take away the freedom of choice across our country. House Democrats, in anticipation of today\u2019s very sad decision to roll back the basic freedom of choice, has taken necessary steps to ensure that women can continue to make their own health decisions by passing the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act (WHPA).\n\n\u201cWHPA would legislatively protect access to legal and safe abortions. We need the Senate however, to pass this vital legislation. If passed in the Senate, President Biden will sign it into law and states will be barred from enacting arbitrary and medically dangerous barriers to care. I am working every day for better health outcomes for women, and policies that will give women more opportunities to succeed and build the future they want for themselves and their families.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s decision must be the clarion call to Americans to elect a wave of Democrats to keep our democracy safe and quite literally the safety of the American people. Make no mistake: the rights of women and all-Americans are on the ballot this November.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4109", "PLASKETT\u2019S LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY RESPONSE CLEARED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE", "2022-06-21", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT\u2019S LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY RESPONSE CLEARED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Last week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced a bipartisan disaster relief bill sponsored by Rep. Graves (R-LA-6), and co-authored by Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI). The legislation, the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act (H.R. 5774), authorizes the President, after the declaration of a major disaster, to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance necessary for meeting unmet needs as a result of such disaster.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding committee passage of the bill:\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the Transportation and Infrastructure committee successfully passed the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act (H.R. 5774)\u2013 a bill that creates a separate funding stream for FEMA, after the declaration of a major disaster, to expeditiously (within 30 days) allocate additional assistance to cover unmet needs as a result of such disaster.\n\n\u201cAfter the experiences of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, it was abundantly clear that our territory and the other disaster-impacted areas need the support of the federal government to rebuild lives, businesses, and communities as quickly as possible. This bill cuts out some of the unnecessary federal process to put a minimum amount of long-term recovery funding on the ground in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, without taking away oversight of taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, disruptive changes happen to people fast \u2013 the federal response needs to match the urgency that victims feel after having their lives turned upside down. By establishing a separate funding stream for FEMA to disburse at least 10 percent of the estimated amount of grants for repair, restoration and replacement of damaged facilities and assistance to individuals and households, and in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters to address long-term rebuilding needs, this bill plans to start to fix the slow, unnecessary federal processes that often re-victimize people and jeopardize recovery for entire communities.\n\n\u201cThe bill would require localities to submit reports six months after receiving funds (and every six months after that until funds are expended) detailing how the funds were used. It also would clarify that funds can be used to ensure homes are habitable during long-term recovery from natural disasters, and that direct assistance for permanent or semi-permanent housing is permissible if it is a cost-effective alternative to other housing solutions.\n\n\u201cThe next step in this process will be for full House consideration. The bill must still come to the Floor of the House of Representatives and be passed by the House and then also by the Senate before it gets to the President\u2019s desk for signature into law. I am confident the measure will be considered by the full House in short order, and we are working to have a companion measure considered by the Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cYou may follow the progress of H.R. 5774 by clicking here.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4112", "REPS. PLASKETT AND GONZALEZ-COLON CO-HOST 2ND ANNUAL RUM CAUCUS EVENT", "2022-06-16", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 16, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nREPS. PLASKETT AND GONZALEZ-COLON CO-HOST 2ND ANNUAL RUM CAUCUS EVENT\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding the 2nd Annual Congressional Rum Caucus\u2019s Rum Tasting Event:\n\n\u201cEarlier this week, I and my sister and colleague Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, hosted the the 2nd Annual Congressional Rum Caucus\u2019s Rum tasting event. It has been two years since our first Rum Caucus event, and I am thrilled to celebrate the importance of the rum industry especially to my home, the Virgin Islands of the United States.\n\n\u201cThe rum industry is an integral part of the economy of the Virgin Islands. As a fiscal revenue source, the U.S. Virgin Islands received $273 million from FY2021 rum taxes, and rum distilleries are a significant source of well-paying jobs on the islands. Both the Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan facilities are also known for their distillery tours, which help bolster the Virgin Islands of the United States tourism industry.\n\n\u201cTo continue to support this vital part of our territories\u2019 economies, Congresswoman Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n and I have introduced \u2018Rum Cover Over\u2019 permanency legislation. Since 1984, federal law has limited the amount of tax revenue from rum produced in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and sold in the mainland U.S. that can be rebated back to our islands to further economic development and growth. Temporary provisions which increased this limit unfortunately are just that: temporary. We aim to extend the higher carry over rate for as long as possible or, better yet, permanently repeal the arbitrary and unfair limit on the rum carry over once and for all.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank the sponsor of our event, the Distilled Spirits Council of America and extend a special thank you to Kelly Poulsen, the Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Jessica Brady, the Senior Director of Federal Government Relations, for their tremendous efforts organizing this event and supporting the work of the Congressional Rum Caucus.\n\n\u201cI must also thank all the Members of the Congressional Rum Caucus, especially my co-Chair Congresswoman Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n. To Caucus members Congresswomen Cammack and Salazar and Congressmen DeFazio, Soto, Suozzi, Gimenez, Steube, Dunn, Newhouse, and Steil\u2014thank you for your efforts in support of the Caucus and of American rum distillers. We look forward to many more Members joining. I believe we also added Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis this week.\n\n\u201cTo all other Members of Congress and staff who were in attendance, thank you for joining us. Finally, I also wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Congressman Neal, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for his continued support of the Rum Cover Over legislation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4108", "PLASKETT ATTENDS FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY", "2022-06-15", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 15, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT ATTENDS FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding her attendance at the Flag Raising ceremony at the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History:\n\n\u201cToday, we gathered in honor of a special Flag Day ceremony marking the raising of the flags representing American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and my home, the Virgin Islands of the United States. How fitting that one of the flags we raised is that of my Caribbean home during the month of June, which is Caribbean American Heritage month. I recently had a conversation with Secretary Lonnie Bunch regarding the importance of highlighting Caribbean contributions in national museums\u2014recognizing that the history and the story of Caribbean contributions and the contributions of all territories are a continuum in American History.\n\n\u201cIndeed, it is so fitting because a St. Croix planter, Abraham Markoe was a financier of the American revolution long before the Virgin Islands was part of the United States. He designed the Philadelphia Light Horse Calvary flag during the revolution, which is believed to be the pattern for the 13th stripes in the American flag.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the powerful and hallowed representation that our U.S. territories will have here at the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History now. We, the residents of our U.S. territories, who number more than 4 million people, have long deserved to have our flags flown here. Many of us\u2014our parents, grandparents and ancestors\u2014over many generations, have fought bravely and sacrificially for the American flag, but only now are our territories\u2019 flags being acknowledged in this sacred place.\n\n\u201cIt is my hope that today\u2019s ceremony will be the first of many long overdue acknowledgements of the contributions and significance of our territories and more importantly our people.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank Dr. Anthea M. Hartig, Director of the National Museum of American History, who enthusiastically stated, \u201cThe flags that surround our museum now represent each of us, they represent our dreams and struggles.\u201d The Director, Elizabeth MacMillan added \u201cSewn into each are the complicated histories that help us make a more perfect union.\u201d\n\n\u201cLastly, a special thank you to Secretary Bunch and the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History staff for putting together this very special ceremony.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4107", "PLASKETT ATTENDS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LED BY SPEAKER PELOSI TO THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS", "2022-06-10", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 10, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT ATTENDS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LED BY SPEAKER PELOSI TO THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Plaskett joins a Congressional delegation to Los Angeles, California, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the Ninth Summit of the Americas. The summit, which is hosted by the U.S. State Department, focuses on \u201cBuilding a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future\u201d for the Western Hemisphere.\n\nThe Ninth Summit marks the first time the United States has hosted the event since the inaugural meeting in Miami in 1994. As Chair and Host, the United States will work with the region\u2019s stakeholders toward securing leader-level commitments and concrete actions that dramatically improve pandemic response and resilience, promote a green and equitable recovery, build strong and inclusive democracies, and address the root causes of migration.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett shared the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs the Member of Congress who represents the Virgin Islands, the only congressional office within the English-speaking Caribbean, it is an honor to attend the Summit of the Americas with my fellow colleagues. It is my hope that I and other Caribbean leaders who are present will have the opportunity to continue the conversations we began at the Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable in April of this year.\n\n\u201cIn my op-ed published by The Hill in May, I shared that the Caribbean region has 14 votes in the United Nations and is being actively courted by China\u2014the Caribbean cannot be ignored. The urgency of the region\u2019s economic crisis and its exacerbation of poverty and exclusion is clear. Holistic engagement by the U.S. on trade and broader economic issues is critical. To this end, I introduced the Caribbean Trade Resolution (H.Res.1047) in the House of Representatives in May. The resolution, if passed, is an important first step toward prioritizing trade and achieving meaningful economic integration with the Caribbean, including Haiti.\n\n\u201cI look forward to further advocacy and proactive solutions that can be implemented collaboratively with the nations at this year\u2019s Summit.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4106", "PLASKETT HOSTS MEMBERS FROM HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE FOR 50TH ANNUAL AGRIFEST AND AGRICULTURE ROUNDTABLE", "2022-06-02", "2022", "2022-06", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nJune 2, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Release\n\nPLASKETT HOSTS MEMBERS FROM HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE FOR 50TH ANNUAL AGRIFEST AND AGRICULTURE ROUNDTABLE\n\nSt. Croix, USVI \u2013 Over Memorial Day weekend, Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Agriculture Committee hosted her congressional colleagues, Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Alma Adams of North Carolina\u2019s 12th District, and Congressman Salud Carbajal of California\u2019s 24th District, for the V.I. Department of Agriculture\u2019s 50th Annual Agriculture & Food Fair (Ag Fair).\n\nAfter participating in the Ag Fair opening ceremony, Congresswoman Plaskett and her guests had the opportunity to visit with local vendors and livestock and crop farmers on the Ag Fairgrounds. During the afternoon, Congresswoman Plaskett hosted a roundtable discussion at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) RT Park with local agriculture stakeholders and farmers, including representatives from the US Department of Agriculture\u2013Farm Service Agency, the US Department of Agriculture\u2013Natural Resources Conservation Service, the local department of Agriculture, Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, UVI and others. Following the Roundtable, Delegate Plaskett and her colleagues toured local farms and heard firsthand accounts of the challenges our local farmers encounter daily.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett shared: \u201cMy colleagues and I have a deep appreciation for the critical role that farmers play in achieving a more sustainable food system. Here in the Virgin Islands, our farmers are regularly confronted with unique challenges that we are committed to addressing through comprehensive legislation in the House Agriculture Committee. I and my team worked with the USDA Farm Service Agency office to add the Virgin Islands to the U.S. drought monitor in 2018. The data gathered by the monitor ensures that our territory\u2019s farmers are included in the areas deemed eligible for assistance, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), to offset yield and value losses from severe weather conditions like drought. Additionally, earlier this month, USDA announced that St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix were eligible to participate in the Emergency Relief Program, which covers losses to crops, trees, bushes, and vines during natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021.\u201d\n\nRep. Alma Adams shared the following statement on her time in the Virgin Islands: \u201cThe Agriculture Committee\u2019s trip to the Virgin Islands provided a unique opportunity for us to truly experience the culture and life of Caribbean farmers in a way we could not from the halls of Congress. Observing day to day farming, interacting with livestock, learning about the challenges impacting farmers, and understanding the region's struggle for sufficient potable and desalinated water was eye opening and humbling. As a legislator, being able to interact with community partners, elected leaders and stakeholders in person provided a broader understanding of agriculture, and a genuine appreciation for those involved with growing the food we need and eat. Attending the V.I. Department of Agriculture\u2019s 50th Annual Agriculture & Food Fair was an exceptional way to engage farmers and others who contribute to our country\u2019s economy. The trip was well-planned and life-changing thanks to our phenomenal host.\u201d\n\nRep. Carbajal shared this statement: \u201cAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am always grateful to have the opportunity to hear from American farmers directly\u2013whether it be on California\u2019s Central Coast or in the Virgin Islands. Their stories and insight allow me and my colleagues to create better policies and implement better programs to help them feed our communities and the world. I appreciate my colleague Rep. Plaskett for inviting me to attend the 50th Annual Agrifest this past week, and I look forward to working with her on the upcoming Farm Bill to increase the resiliency of all farms and improve our nation\u2019s food systems.\u201d\n\nClick here to follow the House Agriculture Committee\u2019s activity and see the committee\u2019s legislative updates.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4098", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES FY2023 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS", "2022-05-13", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 13, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES FY2023 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett (VI-00), a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement on her office\u2019s priorities for FY2023 community project funding requests:\n\n\u201cUnder Democratic leadership, the appropriations process this year has allowed for members to make requests for funding of specific projects with certain stipulations. Last month, Governor Bryan submitted a list of projects that his administration was interested in my office submitting. It has been my priority to focus my requests on providing solutions through social services, specifically tackling homelessness and behavioral and mental health issues, as well as reducing crime rates in the territory. My office\u2019s FY2023 community project funding requests reflect that focus by providing resources for improved infrastructure for our air and marine ports, STEM education, increased access to healthcare and health equity, and addressing violence, particularly through the requests for the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). I was happy to work with the governor\u2019s administration along with nonprofits and local government agencies in the community to develop their priorities for funding requests. I have taken those amazing partners\u2019 requests into consideration, some of those have been included and some have not.\n\n\u201cThe next step will be having my staff advocate with the House Committee on Appropriations decide whether any or all projects will be included in the House version of the annual government spending bills. I and my legislative team will continue to vocalize my support for the requests.\n\n\u201cAfter much discussion, these are the requests I have submitted for consideration by the Appropriations Committee:\n\n$1 million for the Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) Harbor Study project. This funding would be used to complete the post authorization change report required to be submitted to Congress for the Secretary to carry out the project for navigation.\n\n$6.1 million for construction of the Estate La Grange Project on St. Croix. This funding would be used to construct this flood risk management project at Estate La Grange, St. Croix, Virgin Islands under the Continuing Authorities Program of the Army Corps of Engineers.\n\n$1 million for the Christiansted Harbor Study project. This request will be utilized to review the permitting, NEPA and economic justification for the project for navigation at Christiansted harbor and for the Secretary to submit to Congress the post-authorization change report required for resumption of the project.\n\n$2.2 million for the USVI community STEM project. The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Department of Education to incorporate relevant STEM opportunities for students at all levels, ensuring that STEM initiatives are included in various courses and afterschool programs.\n\n$1.897 million funding for the Virgin Islands Fire Services to procure ambulances for emergency medical services. The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Fire Services to purchase seven ambulances to augment their current fleet and will be used across the three major islands of the Virgin Islands.\n\n$995,000 for the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence for the purchase of capital equipment required to diagnose diabetes and for services to help patients manage their diabetes.\n\n$4.3 million under the Department of Justice Byrne Justice Assistance Grants account for the VIPD Marine Enforcement Vessels project. This will increase the amount of law enforcement vessels to engage in marine law enforcement.\n\n$900,000 under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations, Research & Facilities account for the Coral and Aquatic Research and Restoration project.\n\n$1.9 million under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Community First Tiny Homes Build Out Phase III project. The requested funding would be used by Liberty Place, Inc. to build 25 Permanent Supportive Housing units - tiny homes \u2013 on their campus, with wrap-around medical and behavioral health services to formerly chronically homeless individuals and small families.\n\n$900,000 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Bright Path Holistic Wellness project. The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority to ensure Virgin Islands resident individuals and families in public housing have access to services and resources that are instrumental in promoting health and wellness, housing stability, economic mobility, and personal self-sufficiency for every household.\n\n$1,059,152 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative account for the Christiansted Sunday Market Square Revitalization project. The requested funding would be used by the non-profit St. Croix Foundation to build seven low to moderate income housing units in Christiansted, three commercial spaces in Christiansted, and an innovative nonprofit co-working space in Christiansted to nurture civic sector collaboration.\n\n$7 million under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Cyril E. King Airport Commuter Wing project\n\n$4.5 million under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Cyril E. King Airport Safety Drainage project.\n\n$7 million under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation project.\n\n$6 million under the Airport Improvement Program account for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Runway project.\n\nClick here to view the full list of FY2023 Community Project Funding requests on Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s website.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4099", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $251 MILLION TO REBUILD THE CHARLES HARWOOD MEDICAL COMPLEX", "2022-05-13", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee D. Scotland\n\nMay 13, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $251 MILLION TO REBUILD THE CHARLES HARWOOD MEDICAL COMPLEX\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement announcing a $251 million grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health\u2019s Charles Harwood Medical Complex:\n\n\u201cI am tremendously pleased to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant totalling $251 million to the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) for the rebuilding of the Charles Harwood Medical Complex after major damages to the seven buildings and grounds from Hurricane Maria.\n\n\u201cSeveral months ago, my office spearheaded a summit with FEMA, professional staff from the Appropriations Committee, and Governor Bryan\u2019s team. During that summit, agreement was reached on parameters of funding for rebuilding. The first success from that summit was the funding announcement of almost $2 Billion for our water system on St Croix and the rebuild of the Arthur A. Richards School. This announcement from FEMA further demonstrates the importance of advocacy and fighting for what rightly belongs to us.\n\n\u201cAfter the storms of 2017, the Charles Harwood Complex was damaged beyond repair, and even prior had ongoing issues with mold and other problematic conditions. With this critical funding, the V.I. Department of Health will have the resources to have all the buildings within the complex rebuilt to current codes and standards. These funds are long overdue and will serve to help VIDOH rebuild the Charles Harwood Complex not as it was but as it should be. I look forward to following the progress of this much needed project. The people of the Virgin Islands can be assured that I will continue to fight for what is ours.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4100", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONCERN AND EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE LOST IN THE RECENT IMMIGRANT BOAT ACCIDENT", "2022-05-13", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee D. Scotland\n\nMay 13, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONCERN AND EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE LOST IN THE RECENT IMMIGRANT BOAT ACCIDENT\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett today expressed her concern on the recent migrant boat accident that took the lives of 11 individuals and left 38 others stranded in open water:\n\n\u201cI was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic boat accident off the coast of Puerto Rico that resulted in the loss of so many lives. Of the 38 survivors, 36 were Haitian migrants.\n\n\u201cThe nation of Haiti faces a tremendous, ongoing humanitarian crisis\u2014recent natural disasters, including a major earthquake, tropical storms and hurricanes, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and health insecurity. These dire conditions prompt large numbers of individuals to attempt to travel, often under extremely unsafe and dangerous conditions, all in an effort to secure a better reality for themselves and their families. As the Member of Congress who represents the Virgin Islands, the only congressional office within the English-speaking Caribbean, the plight of my Haitian brothers and sisters is one that troubles me often.\n\n\u201cRural infrastructure investments can lead to higher productivity, employment and income opportunities\u2014solid infrastructure powers businesses, encourages trade, and provides much needed protection for countries from the unpredictability of the natural environment\u2014all things that Haiti is missing in large part because the U.S. has neglected to develop meaningful trade relationships there and in the larger Caribbean that could help strengthen critical infrastructure, create jobs, provide better opportunities and prevent tragedies like this recent one from happening. It is imperative for nations like ours to take responsibility for the gross and oft-times unacknowledged exploitation that accompanied generations of colonial rule in places like Haiti by doing the hard and necessary work to provide long-term solutions for the ongoing crisis faced by the people of Haiti as a whole.\n\n\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were lost and with those who are now in recovery.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4082", "OFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS 40TH ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION", "2022-05-11", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 10, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nOFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS 40TH ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION\n\nSt. Thomas, USVI \u2013 Last week on St. Thomas, Congresswoman Plaskett\u2019s office held the first of two receptions to announce the winners of the 40th Annual Congressional Art Competition and to exhibit the artwork of all the participating students. Of the 21 entries, 3 top winners were selected:\n\n1st Place\n\nSavannah Woodson Reeves\n\nVI Montessori School, STT\n\n2nd Place\n\nShadeyah DeCastro\n\nSt. Croix Educational Complex\n\n3rd Place\n\nAlondra Henry\n\nCharlotte Amalie High School\n\nThe Congresswoman\u2019s office would like to extend a special thank you to the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA), the Executive Director, Ms. Tasida Kelch and her staff. Also, to the parents, teachers and judges who continue to cultivate the arts in the hearts and minds of our young people, thank you.\n\nSt. Croix\u2019s reception will be held this Thursday, May 12th, 5:30pm at the Frederick Dorsch Cultural Center in Frederiksted.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4081", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT AND FELLOW COLLEAGUES SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON BLACK INNOVATION", "2022-05-09", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 9, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT AND FELLOW COLLEAGUES SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON BLACK INNOVATION\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett (VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement on the launch of the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation (CCBI):\n\n\u201cOn April 26th, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and I successfully launched the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation (CCBI). The launch events included a press conference, a lunch briefing and a reception which were widely attended by a range of companies and individuals in the technology, innovation, and creative space.\n\n\u201cI am happy to welcome additional members to CCBI, including Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1), Congressman Andre Carson (IN-7), and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-5).\n\n\u201cMy fellow members of CCBI and I look forward to engaging with private sector investors, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss solutions and leverage congressional resources to provide the programmatic, regulatory, and funding support necessary to advance Black wealth creation in the technological age.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4080", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DRAFT OPINION ON ABORTION RIGHTS", "2022-05-04", "2022", "2022-05", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 4, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DRAFT OPINION ON ABORTION RIGHTS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett (VI-00), a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe purported draft opinion of Justice Alito calls into question the fundamental right to privacy \u2014 the right to make personal choices about marriage, whether to have children, and how to raise them. The court is imposing a specific religious and personal belief system on the American people above the Constitution. Justice Alito in his draft opinion is making sweeping restrictions on the American people - changes to the fundamental rights outlined in numerous opinions by the court.\n\n\u201cAs stated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi: \u2018As drafted, Justice Alito\u2019s argument \u2014 that women are not entitled to basic human rights today because they have been denied those rights for generations \u2014 is alarming and extremist. It offers a dangerous blueprint for future assaults on some of our most cherished rights.\u2019\n\n\u201cFollowing Alito\u2019s argument, gay people could have their right to marry be taken away, black children could go back to segregated schools, black people can be denied the right to vote or in the extreme, be placed in chattel slavery - all because they were denied those rights before.\n\n\u201cThe House Democrats passed the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade in September. House Democrats passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing. House Democrats passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. As well as passing the child tax credit, measures to limit the costs of insulin, universal pre-K, child care supplement, and so many more measures to make Americans lives better. All these bills have been stalled in the Senate because of the filibuster and our slim majority in the Senate.\n\n\u201cCONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE HOLDING THE LINE through a slim majority in the House against the wave of power-hungry Trump and McConnell led GOP men. The same individuals who deny women the right to choose but WON'T support funding for childcare, universal pre-K or even school lunch programs.\n\n\u201cThe wording of this opinion should be the clarion call to Americans to elect a wave of Democrats to keep our democracy safe and quite literally the safety of the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4066", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ATTORNEY DELIA SMITH FOR U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-04-28", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 28, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION OF ATTORNEY DELIA SMITH FOR U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the confirmation of President Joe Biden\u2019s nominee for U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands, Delia Smith:\n\nLate yesterday afternoon, Attorney Delia Smith was confirmed through a voice vote in the U.S. Senate for U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cI am elated at the Senate confirmation of Attorney Smith and thankful that the Senate was able to push forward through the delays to get this vote done. Ms. Smith is not only highly qualified for the position but her unparalleled commitment to service makes her an ideal choice to work on behalf of the Virgin Islands. I commend President Biden for accepting my recommendation and the White House\u2019s commitment to nominees that represent America accurately. I had a chance to speak with the White House yesterday afternoon to express my gratitude to the President for the work of his team and Senate Democrats to push this nomination (almost a dozen individuals, both US Attorneys and US Marshal nominations were confirmed yesterday) to confirmation.\n\n\u201cAll U.S. Attorney\u2019s serve at the pleasure of the President that nominates them. President Biden definitively signaled that Delia Smith was who he wanted in the position of US Attorney for the US Virgin Islands when he nominated her in 2021. It is a shame that Gretchen Shappert was not more gracious and professional and simply resigned her political post when President Trump left office and President Biden nominated Ms. Smith. The actions of Shappert in the time that she has been there, particularly with regard to personnel, will take years to unwind and heal. I\u2019m sure that Delia Smith is up to the challenge, and I would like to congratulate Attorney Smith on her confirmation.\n\n\u201cI look forward to her continued and now elevated service to our territory as our U.S. Attorney.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4064", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISIT TO BARBADOS ON CARIBBEAN FINANCIAL AND TRADE ISSUES FOR EXPANDED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT", "2022-04-23", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 23, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISIT TO BARBADOS ON CARIBBEAN FINANCIAL AND TRADE ISSUES FOR EXPANDED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding her trip to Barbados with a Congressional delegation led by Maxine Waters, Chair of the Financial Services Committee of the US House of Representatives.\n\nCongresswoman Stacey Plaskett was invited to attend several meetings with her colleagues from Congress and several Prime Ministers of the Caribbean. During the trip the Representative Plaskett met with officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) along with the Caribbean Development Bank. In those meetings members of Congress and experts on economic development and financial stability and growth discussed increased engagement and support by the US. The delegation also had briefings on the current affairs in Haiti.\n\nPlaskett was also a part of the Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable co-hosted by Chairwoman Waters and the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley QC MP, Prime Minister of Barbados.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased with the outcome of the Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable, which convened U.S. policymakers, CARICOM heads of state, financial institutions, and industry experts to confront the economic challenges triggered by the harmful trend of de-risking in the Caribbean. De-risking efforts have led many U.S. banks to sever ties with their Caribbean affiliates, resulting in significant economic disruption to countries and businesses in the region.\n\n\u201cThe financial exclusion facing our Caribbean neighbors has also impacted remittances, posing serious financial challenges for families with modest resources. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Maxine Waters, we examined solutions to expanding financial access and shifting the economic landscape for present and future generations.\n\n\u201cSince the 1983 Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), efforts to strengthen and expand trade ties between the Caribbean and the United States have largely faltered. A robust U.S.-Caribbean trade agreement will help alleviate major pressures on local food systems and contribute to economic stability in the region. To this end, I promoted further discussion among Caribbean leaders on effective trade solutions on this trip and also introduced the Caribbean Trade Resolution (H.Res.1047) on the House floor in the last few weeks.\n\n\u201cThe Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable and the Caribbean Trade Resolution, if passed in the House, are the beginning of a concerted effort to enhance the economic vitality of the Caribbean. It is my hope that the Ninth Summit of the Americas will build on the significant progress made this week and move the region one step closer to attaining our shared goals of economic integration and growth.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4065", "REPS. PLASKETT, STRICKLAND, AND TORRES ANNOUNCED AS CO-CHAIRS OF THE INAUGURAL CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON BLACK INNOVATION", "2022-04-23", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 23, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nREPS. PLASKETT, STRICKLAND, AND TORRES ANNOUNCED AS CO-CHAIRS OF THE INAUGURAL CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON BLACK INNOVATION\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett (VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means, Budget and Agriculture Committees, released the following statement regarding the inaugural Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation (CBI), along with her colleagues and CBI co-chairs, Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure and Armed Services Committees and Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15), a Member of the House Committee on Financial Services and Homeland Security:\n\n\u201cI am tremendously pleased to be a co-chair of the newly formed Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation. My colleagues and I created this initiative in Congress out of great urgency and action. Our Caucus has been encouraged by many in the tech industry, other legislators and President Biden who have engaged in ways to create opportunities along with the great advocacy of the Black Innovation Alliance (BIA), and organizations that work to identify and address the challenging economic and financial realities of Black innovators.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is an incredible amount of talented Black founders, creatives, and innovators, yet the cross-sector trends and research show that even in the world of creative technology, bias is preventing Black innovators from equitable footing, competition, and autonomy. I and my colleagues firmly believe in the importance of Black innovators to the advancement of American economic growth, technological advancement, continued creativity, and positive social impact. I look forward to dynamic collaboration amongst my colleagues to advance the goal of Black founders and innovators having equitable access.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) shared, \u201cI am honored to serve as a co-chair of the inaugural Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation with Reps. Plaskett and Torres with support from the Black Innovation Alliance. We must acknowledge and address the barriers Black innovators face in our economy from limited access to capital to undue and discriminatory regulatory burdens. I am excited to work with my colleagues and industry as we craft legislation to achieve a more equitable and inclusive economy.\u201d\n\nCongressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) shared, \u201cAmerican history contains no shortage of Black innovators who have left their marks often without recognition. I\u2019m proud to stand with my fellow Co-Chairs in launching the Caucus on Black Innovation and kicking off Black Innovation Alliance\u2019s Decade of Black Innovation. It is my hope that this caucus will become a space for new innovation pioneers to access the resources they need to reinvigorate our economy with their ideas and form meaningful connections with other innovators. One of our nation\u2019s greatest strengths is our diversity, and we must ensure that our world-class innovative industries reflect that diversity.\u201d\n\nCBI exists to engage policymakers to advance the technological, creative, economic, and social impacts of Black innovators across industries and will officially launch next Tuesday, April 26th at 10:00am on Capitol Hill with a day-long event that includes a press conference, briefing and afternoon reception.\n\nFor more information on the inaugural Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation, please visit: https://blackinnovationalliance.com/cbi\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4063", "PLASKETT BLASTS SUPREME COURT DECISION TO CONTINUE U.S. TERRITORIES EXCLUSION FROM FEDERAL BENEFITS", "2022-04-21", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT BLASTS SUPREME COURT DECISION TO CONTINUE U.S. TERRITORIES EXCLUSION FROM FEDERAL BENEFITS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett (VI), a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to continue the unfair exclusion of residents of U.S. Territories from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program:\n\n\u201cThe Supreme Court\u2019s decision to reverse the lower court and the appeals court ruling and side with the discriminatory practice of inequitable treatment of people living in the U.S. territories is reprehensible. Justice Sotomayor was the sole dissent. Not only did the Justices receive information that the people of the territory fight in all our wars and contribute, but they also received information that we pay significant taxes.\n\n\u201cI know all my constituents and other people in the territories are extremely disappointed by the decision. Once again, we are reminded of and kept to second class citizenship and treatment. I am particularly disappointed in the Biden Justice Department for appealing the decision of the federal appeals court that was clearly in favor of SSI being rightfully extended to our U.S. territories. Once again, we find ourselves with an administration that does not have the will to fight and overturn the Jim Crow segregationist, racist Insular cases rulings. What possible justification can there be to uphold a ruling that prevents elderly and disabled people from receiving vital support for basic necessities like food and shelter?\n\n\u201cMy fellow Democrats and I on the Ways and Means Committee ensured that the House-passed Build Back Better Act would extend SSI to U.S. territories and we will continue to fight for that expansion to become law. I would like to thank Congressman Richard Neal for his ongoing support and advocacy on this front.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4062", "PLASKETT INTRODUCES CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION WITH REP. WENSTRUP IN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES", "2022-04-12", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 12, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT INTRODUCES CARIBBEAN TRADE RESOLUTION WITH REP. WENSTRUP IN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding her and Republican Congressman, Representative Brad Wenstrup\u2019s Caribbean Trade Resolution (H.Res.1047) introduced in the House of Representatives last week:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to share that I have introduced a Resolution in the House of Representatives with my colleague Representative Brad Wenstrup, focused on strengthening U.S. trade and economic ties with the Caribbean basin. Since the second Bush Administration, the Caribbean region has been known as the United States\u2019 Third Border. Although there have been numerous efforts to engage and build effective trade policies between the U.S. and the Third Border, Rep. Wenstrup and I are endeavoring to re-engage the Biden Administration, stressing the importance of the economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean region, and strengthening U.S. trade and investment ties with the Caribbean, including Haiti.\n\n\u201cStrong economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean region helps American stewardship of the Western Hemisphere, where we want to support budding democracies on our doorstep and create mutually beneficial economic stability with our neighbors. Our overall trade agenda is well served by agreements like the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the U.S. and the Caribbean Community, as well as important trade preference programs like the U.S.\u2013Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and the HOPE/HELP access programs for Haiti.\n\nRepresentative Wenstrup shared the following statement: \u201cI strongly support continuing our mutually beneficial trade relationship with our Caribbean partners. I'm pleased to join my colleague, Rep. Stacey Plaskett, in offering this resolution highlighting the value of maintaining U.S. trade and investment ties with the Caribbean nations, including Haiti. Programs like the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE-HELP) Program, are critical pieces of our overall trade policy agenda and these underpin the U.S.-Caribbean economic relationship.\"\n\n\u201cThe Resolution resolves that the House of Representatives:\n\nUrges the president to prioritize trade engagement with the Caribbean;\n\nCommits to engage directly with diverse stakeholders from the Caribbean;\n\nAffirms trade engagement that strengthens the economic relationship between the Caribbean and the U.S.;\n\nRecognizes the importance of further enhancing trade and investment relations;\n\nCommits to support efforts to rebuild and develop the Haitian economy; and\n\nCommits to support critical U.S. trade policies and preference programs for the Caribbean.\n\n\u201cIt is our hope that this resolution will pass the House in the near term during this current session of Congress. If passed in the House, the resolution becomes the position of the U.S. House of Representatives about trade engagement with the Caribbean.\u201d\n\nTo follow the progress of this legislative piece, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4060", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT CLARIFIES RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON VISA WAIVER BILL", "2022-04-09", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 9, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT CLARIFIES RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON VISA WAIVER BILL\n\nWashington, DC\u2014Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement of clarification regarding her Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act\u2019s (H.R. 5460) approval by the House Judiciary Committee:\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act was passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, which is one step in the legislative process. The bill does not become law until passed by the House, passed by the Senate then signed by the President. The next step in this process will be for full House consideration. I am confident the measure will be considered by the full House in short order, and we are working to have a companion measure considered by the Senate.\u201d\n\nYou can follow the progress of the Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act by clicking here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4061", "U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES LEGISLATION WITH NEW RELIEF FUNDING FOR RESTAURANTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-04-08", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 8, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nU.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES LEGISLATION WITH NEW RELIEF FUNDING FOR RESTAURANTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022 (H.R. 3807):\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the lifeblood of nation and territory\u2019s economy and are helping power our historic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the American Rescue Plan, my Democratic colleagues and I created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund: a true lifeline for Virgin Islands businesses to help them reopen, recover, and rehire. Yesterday, the House passed legislation that will build on that success: enabling restaurants that weren\u2019t able to take advantage of this program the first time to access essential relief in the wake of the omicron wave. This bill will also establish a new program to support the VI\u2019s hardest-hit small businesses \u2013 delivering assistance to businesses that have suffered revenue losses of at least 40 percent during the pandemic. I and my team will continue fighting to help Virgin Islands entrepreneurs keep their employees on payroll and continue serving our communities.\n\n\u201c28 restaurants in our territory received almost $6 million dollars from the first round of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) in 2021. There were numerous small businesses who, although they submitted their applications for consideration before the deadline, were unable to access the support because the previous funding ran out. The Relief for Restaurants & Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act will provide $42 billion to replenish the RRF so that these restaurants can apply for this assistance.\n\n\u201cThe bill also provides $13 billion to establish a Hard-Hit Industries Award Program to provide awards to small businesses across all industries and sectors that were hardest hit by the pandemic regardless of industry or business sector.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4059", "PLASKETT\u2019S VISA WAIVER ACT APPROVED BY HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE", "2022-04-07", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 7, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT\u2019S VISA WAIVER ACT APPROVED BY HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE\n\nWashington, DC\u2014Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement after her Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act (H.R. 5460) was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in a bipartisan vote of 24-14:\n\n\u201cI and my team have worked steadfastly with the House Judiciary Committee over several years on the Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act. I would like to thank my Republican colleague, Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky for his vote in favor of this bill.\n\n\u201cThe Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act would allow the Department of Homeland Security to consider approving nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days (primarily for residents of neighboring Caribbean countries). Such a nonimmigrant visitor visa waiver program is already being utilized successfully in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for nationals of other countries.\n\n\u201cThis legislation would extend this same program to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This limited visa waiver program would better enable the Virgin Islands to compete economically with other islands and nations in the Caribbean community. A nationwide U.S. Visa Waiver Program already allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This bill would apply solely to the U.S. Virgin Islands and because the Virgin Islands is outside the U.S. customs zone by law, it would not allow entry into any other part of the United States.\n\n\u201cI thank my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for their hard work during the marathon markup session that took place over the past few days.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4058", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EUGENE \u201cDOC\u201d PETERSEN", "2022-04-03", "2022", "2022-04", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nApril 3, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EUGENE \u201cDOC\u201d PETERSEN\n\nWASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement sharing her deep condolences with the family, friends and loved ones of Eugene \u201cDoc\u201d Petersen:\n\n\u201cWords cannot describe the immense sadness I felt when I heard of Mr. Doc Petersen\u2019s passing. I recently saw him at an event on St. Croix and was glad to see he was doing well and in good spirits.\n\n\u201cDoc, as he was affectionately known by so many, was a very dear and friend to me and my family for many years. One of the first Virgin Islanders to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM), he was a beloved veterinarian on St. Croix and owned and operated the Princesse Veterinary Hospital for over 20 years. He influenced many young Virgin Islanders to pursue veterinary science. Doc\u2019s love for animals was also evident in his devotion to horse racing on St. Croix. He served as the President and CEO of the Randall \u201cDoc\u201d James racetrack and was a true pioneer in the field, introducing simulcasting and account wagering to the Virgin Islands.\n\n\u201cA man of tremendous talent and various pursuits, Doc was also an excellent vocalist and musician, author and local radio talk show host. We have lost a true culture-bearer.\n\n\u201cI send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his family, loved ones and friends during this time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4057", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S FY2023 BUDGET", "2022-03-31", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee D. Scotland\n\nMarch 31, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S FY2023 BUDGET\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, released the following statement on President Biden\u2019s Budget for Building a Better America:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s Budget reflects three important values: fiscal responsibility, safety, and security at home and abroad, and an unwavering commitment to building a better America. I am pleased that the President\u2019s Budget also includes critical investments to help build a better Virgin Islands, with much needed improvements for the Virgin Islands in federal funding parity in Medicaid and equal access to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The actual language included in the budget document clearly delineates President Biden\u2019s support for eliminating Medicaid funding caps for our territory and finally providing the opportunity for the Virgin Islands and other U.S. Territories to participate in the SSI program.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, the budget recommends $107 million dollars for assistance to small U.S. territories (other than Puerto Rico) from the Department of the Interior, a $3.4 million dollar increase over the current funding level, as well as $4 billion dollars nationally, a $225 million dollar increase from the 2021 enacted level, for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Budget Committee to advance the measures proposed by President Biden on behalf of our territory and our nation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4051", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT APPOINTED TO CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION\u2019S BOARD OF DIRECTORS", "2022-03-26", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee D. Scotland\n\nMarch 24, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT APPOINTED TO CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION\u2019S BOARD OF DIRECTORS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding her appointment to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation\u2019s (CBCF) Board of Directors:\n\n\u201cAs a newly appointed member of the CBCF board of directors, I am charged with the CBCF\u2019s mission of advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. I am honored and look forward to excellent collaboration with my fellow colleagues (academics, business leaders and elected officials) to advocate for equitable policies in the legislative process and leveraging my role as a Member of Congress to advance the vision of this amazing organization.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4054", "BUSINESS EXPO ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT", "2022-03-21", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 21, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nBUSINESS EXPO ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement on the business expo sessions held by her office on St. Thomas and St. Croix this past weekend:\n\n\u201cI would like to thank all of the local and federal government agencies that made our Business Expo possible. We had a number of individuals who represented well for the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Development Program, the Economic Development Authority/Bank, V.I Housing Finance Authority, the Department of Property & Procurement the Small Business Development Center, our local banks and the UVI Research & Technology Park.\n\n\u201cI firmly believe that for the Virgin Islands to prosper, sustainable economic diversification is necessary, and the historic investments being made by Congress through transformational pieces of legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill present unique opportunities for our Virgin Islands businesses. The purpose of the Business Expo was to connect our local business-owners with the information they need to be able to successfully do business with the local and federal government. There were presentations on numerous topics, including the process of becoming a qualified government contractor, the bidding process, both local and federal, as well as information on vehicles of funding for small businesses, like loans and grants.\n\n\u201cIt is my hope that the information shared during the expo will be instructive and helpful for our local businesses as we work to rebuild our Virgin Islands home not just as it was, but much better.\u201d\n\nIf you\u2019re interested in seeing the recording of the business expo or any of the presentation slide decks, please contact the office via email at askstacey@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4052", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT TO HOST MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN MARCH", "2022-03-15", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 15, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT TO HOST MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN MARCH\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding numerous community events being hosted by her office this month:\n\n\u201cIn the month of March, I and my team will host several events to support our young people, business community as well as cultural activities for everyone. I hope to have our community members come out to participate in one or more. The events are:\n\nOn Thursday, March 17th at 6pm my office will hold our annual Service Academy Day for Virgin Islands high school students. It will take place virtually and requires that you register. There will be presenters from each of the prestigious service academies, including West Point, the Naval, Airforce and Merchant Marine Academies and the U.S. Coast Guard who will be available to answer questions and share critical information about the application process. We encourage high school students from freshman to junior year, along with parents, teachers, and counselors to attend.\n\nFor businesses, I will host a Virgin Islands Business Expo with two sessions\u2014one on March 18th at 6:00p on St. Thomas at the Antilles School Prior-Jollek Hall and another session on March 19th at 2:00p on St. Croix at the UVI Research & Technology Park. There will be government agency representatives (both local and federal) present to share information on government contracts, bonding, and other helpful topics.\n\nThen, in honor of VI History Month, I will host 2 gatherings, one on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix with special guests who will share stories and information about historical places of significance in the Virgin Islands. On Sunday, March 20th at 3:00p, the event will be at Fort Christian on St. Thomas and on St. Croix, the event will be held on Monday, March 28th at 5:30p at the Whim Museum and Great House. These will be interactive events so encourage everyone young and young at heart to come out to participate.\n\n\u201cI look forward to community-wide participation in all the events we have planned for the month of March. If you would like more information, please reach out to my offices on St. Croix at 340-778-5900 or St. Thomas at 340-774-4408.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4053", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS", "2022-03-15", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 15, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to announce that FEMA is awarding $1,398,161.39 in federal funding to the Bureau of Corrections\u2019 Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility for permanent work to be done to the facility in response to damage by Hurricane Maria. Since the facility suffered extensive damages to its perimeter lighting during the storm, the funds provided will allow repairs to restore the facility to pre-disaster design, function and capacity.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4041", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS FUNDING PACKAGE WITH PROVISIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-03-11", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 11, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT\u2019S STATEMENT ON OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS FUNDING PACKAGE WITH PROVISIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement on House and Senate passage of H.R. 2471, government funding legislation:\n\n\u201cThe investments in this package address some of our nation\u2019s biggest challenges while providing much-needed support to Virgin Islanders. Because of Democrats\u2019 leadership in Congress, we are investing in the Virgin Islands middle class. The bill\u2019s transformative investment will help working families with the cost of living, create American jobs, and support the vulnerable who work hard.\n\n\u201cI am tremendously pleased to share that the bill averts the Medicaid funding cliff in the Virgin Islands by extending the increased rate of federal funding (83%) for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands through December 13, 2022, averting a sharp decline in the rate of federal Medicaid funding to the Virgin Islands. Additionally, the bill contains the negotiated bipartisan agreement for federal government funding over the remainder of fiscal year 2022, which includes a $6.5 million increase in Department of the Interior assistance to territories.\n\n\u201cThe legislation also contains the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, which reauthorizes programs enacted under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and includes my amendment to double the minimum amount of funding made available to the Virgin Islands (and the other small U.S. territories) under the Sexual Assault Services Program and the Transitional Housing Assistance Program. These programs are essential for the protection and support of women who have been assaulted and/or abused and need to rebuild their lives.\n\n\u201cIn addition, I and my team worked hard to secure funding for all of the House-approved community projects requested for the Virgin Islands, including:\n\n$659,000 to purchase forensic equipment for use by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice Medical Examiner\u2019s Office on St. Croix\n\n$960,000 for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to improve residential wastewater collection sewers across the territory\n\n$750,000 for improvements to the DPNR marine enforcement pier at Krum Bay on St. Thomas\n\n$750,000 for improvements to the DPNR marine enforcement pier at Gallows Bay on St. Croix\n\n$1,120,000 for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to improve wastewater treatment facilities across the territory\n\n$1,200,000 for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to improve municipal water security infrastructure across the territory:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to have secured the Community Project Funding, along with the Medicaid match and VAWA funding in this bill. These funds will ensure that we are able to respond to some of the most pressing needs in our territory. These investments support underserved areas and foster economic development, making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4039", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE NON-DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR FLEEING UKRAINE", "2022-03-06", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 6, 2022 410-422-3334\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE NON-DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR FLEEING UKRAINE\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a letter to Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urging humane and non-discriminatory treatment for people of color fleeing Ukraine amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict:\n\n\u201cThe nation of Ukraine is dealing with an alarming crisis. I have been overwhelmed by the number of images and stories of families trying to escape the terrors and war crimes being unjustly committed against the people of this country. Equally disturbing are the reports and of mistreatment of Black families, Africans, as they try to evacuate a deadly war zone. This is completely unacceptable. I and my colleagues recognize the urgency of this moment and the grave needs of our brothers and sisters of African descent in Europe and have written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to ask that they provide more information about how European Union (EU) institutions and its member states are working to implement equitable and humane policies and procedures towards refugees.\n\n\u201cWe are also engaging with civil rights organizations who have expressed concern and are in continued conversation with the administration. I am thankful that Representative Greg Meeks, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee is looking into this issue at the border. We want to be sure that people of color can get to the border in the same manner as white individuals and families fleeing; I will do all in my power to be certain that any additional appropriation made for this war will attach safeguards against discrimination.\n\n\u201cIt is my fervent hope that President von der Leyen and her team will respond favorably to our request for an immediate briefing and confirmation that EU countries are enforcing equitable and humane policies and procedures toward ALL refugees.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4038", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT NAMES BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS VIRTUAL GUEST TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS", "2022-03-01", "2022", "2022-03", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMarch 1, 2022 410-422-3334\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT NAMES BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS VIRTUAL GUEST TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS\n\nMs. Jaynelle Pemberton is passionate about seeing the much-needed improvements in Virgin Islands\u2019 infrastructure. She was inspired to become a civil engineer because of the needs of our territory.\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement on her choice of a local Virgin Islander to join as her virtual guest at President Biden\u2019s 2022 State of the Union Address:\n\n\u201cI am extremely proud to be accompanied virtually by a super Virgin Islander, Jaynelle Pemberton, as my Hometown Hero virtual guest to President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address to Congress today. Jaynelle, a native of St. Croix, is a successful civil engineer who recently won the distinction of Black Engineer of the Year in community service. This honor is bestowed by a group called BEYA, an abbreviation for Black Engineer of the Year Awards. The group annually recognizes leaders who are developing innovation across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While on a call with one of my staffers, Jaynelle shared, \u2018I am honored to have the opportunity to be the Congresswoman\u2019s guest. I\u2019m very passionate about my home and seeing improvements in the infrastructure there. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons I became an engineer was because I recognized that we needed so much help at home.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cOur country has made tremendous strides this past year thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So, for this year\u2019s State of the Union Address I wanted to highlight one of our very own Virgin Islanders who is on the frontlines of the much-needed rebuilding of our country\u2019s infrastructure. People like my guest, Ms. Pemberton, are the true heroes behind America\u2019s progress over the past year, and I am proud to have her as my virtual guest to the State of the Union Address.\u201d\n\nYou can read more about Ms. Pemberton\u2019s story here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4036", "PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON LANDMARK INCREASE IN TERRITORIAL HIGHWAY PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-02-25", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 25, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON LANDMARK INCREASE IN TERRITORIAL HIGHWAY PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement on the increase in Territorial Highway Program funding included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Virgin Islands:\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the largest long-term investment in U.S. infrastructure in almost 100 years. I am tremendously pleased to announce that President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday announced more than $1.14 billion to repair and rebuild roads and bridges in Puerto Rico and four U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands, a 14% increase over the next 5 years. In FY2022, the Virgin Islands and three other U.S. territories, not including Puerto Rico, will receive a total of $46 million dollars to construct and improve a system of arterial and collector highways and necessary inter-island connectors.\n\n\u201cThis historic legislation will not only help to repair and rebuild our roads, but also provides funding that can be applied to climate change mitigation, resilience, equity and safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The roads and highways in the Virgin Islands have been in disrepair for decades, but the funding provided by the IIJA will help advance the major repairs needed to improve our transportation systems and ultimately increase highway safety while also stimulating greater economic opportunities.\n\n\u201cI promised that the priorities of Virgin Islanders would be included in the final infrastructure package, so I am very grateful to President Biden and his administration for their continued commitment to the Virgin Islands and the American territories.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4037", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S HISTORIC NOMINATION OF JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT", "2022-02-25", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 25, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S HISTORIC NOMINATION OF JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding President Biden\u2019s historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court:\n\n\u201cI applaud President Biden and his nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson is the first African American nominated to the Supreme Court in more than 30 years, and if confirmed, will be the third Black Supreme Court Justice, the fifth woman, and most importantly, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.\n\n\u201cJudge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a stellar choice and will serve well as a fair, impartial jurist with a clear commitment to equal justice. A former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Breyer, whom she is nominated to replace, Judge Jackson has broad experience across the legal profession\u2014she has served as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice and as a federal public defender.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden sought a candidate with exceptional credentials and unimpeachable character. Judge Jackson is an outstanding nominee for Supreme Court, and it is my hope and belief that the Senate will move forward with a fair and timely confirmation and hearing.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4035", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $1 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH", "2022-02-23", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 23, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $1 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $1,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to announce that the VI Department of Health was awarded a grant totaling $1 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) for the purpose of strengthening STD prevention and control. These funds have been allocated to assist our local health department in providing the necessary education and commensurate preventive measures against STDs in our territory. STD prevention and control efforts are essential, so I am hopeful that our local department of health will be able to utilize these funds in a way that will benefit our community.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4034", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION GRANT TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR PUBLIC FERRY SYSTEM", "2022-02-22", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nFebruary 17, 2022 340-201-6453\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION GRANT TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR PUBLIC FERRY SYSTEM\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW).\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to announce that the FTA is releasing $5.1 million dollars to the Department of Public Works for the specific purpose of purchasing a new passenger ferry to increase ridership between St. Thomas and St. John. The importance of reliable transportation between our islands cannot be overstated. The funding will serve to augment the current St. Thomas - St. John ferry fleet to accommodate an increase in ridership as well as maintain consistent service; it will cover the cost for a large capacity ferry \u2013 100 feet long, with a capacity of 300 passengers. The third ferry will ensure service remains consistent when any ferries are out for repair. I am hopeful that the Virgin Islands\u2019 Government will make use of the numerous other funding sources \u2013 the American Rescue Plan and especially the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to procure funding for a federally supplemented ferry system between St. Croix and St. Thomas.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttegieg, and his team for the support in getting this funding to us. I look forward to the work that Commissioner Gabriel and his team at DPW will do to get this project off the ground swiftly.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4033", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ATHNIEL \u201cADDIE\u201d OTTLEY", "2022-02-14", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\n\nFebruary 14, 2022 202-215-8524\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ATHNIEL \u201cADDIE\u201d OTTLEY\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Athniel \u201cAddie\u201d Ottley:\n\n\u201cI was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a giant in our territory, Addie Ottley. He was an excellent example of service and dedication to our community. He embodied what combining one\u2019s passion and public service should be. His love for the field of communications and for the Virgin Islands led him to be one of the most beloved radio personalities in our community.\n\n\u201cIn addition to his love for communicating with the public, he served three terms as a senator in the Virgin Islands and as Lieutenant Governor during the administration of Governor Melvin H. Evans. He continued his public service in a number of different roles, including public relations representative for the Department of Commerce. Addie also served with a number of community organizations and boards. He was a devoted, active Catholic and actually knighted by Pope Francis to the Order of St. Gregory. His jovial nature and distinctive voice will be missed in our territory.\n\n\u201cEnter your rest sir, you\u2019ve been a good and faithful servant. I send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4032", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT PLEASED BY DELIA SMITH\u2019S U.S. ATTORNEY NOMINATION HEADING TO THE SENATE FLOOR", "2022-02-11", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\n\nFebruary 11, 2022 202-215-8524\n\nPress Statement\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT PLEASED BY DELIA SMITH\u2019S U.S.ATTORNEY NOMINATION HEADING TO THE SENATE FLOOR\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden\u2019s nominee for U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, Delia Smith:\n\n\u201cI am delighted that the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to advance Ms. Smith\u2019s nomination to the U.S. Senate floor for a vote. While Senate rules and the pandemic caused a few delays, my confidence in Ms. Smith\u2019s nomination and eventual confirmation has never wavered. I was glad when President Biden accepted my recommendation and nominated Ms. Smith for the position of U.S. Attorney in our territory; her achievements as a Native daughter thus far serve as great evidence of her dedication, grit and overall commitment to serving our community well. President Biden\u2019s commitment to appointments that represent not only the most qualified individuals but nominees that look like America is outstanding.\n\nI look forward to Ms. Smith\u2019s service to our country and our territory.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4031", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF U.S. COMPETITIVENESS BILL THAT INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS", "2022-02-08", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\n\nFebruary 8, 2022 202-215-8524\n\nPRESS STATEMENT\n\nPLASKETT ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF U.S. COMPETITIVENESS BILL THAT INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the America COMPETES Act of 2022, which includes significant legislation sponsored by her office:\n\n\u201cThe America COMPETES Act of 2022 includes bold, smart and strategic investments to power the success of America\u2019s workers, businesses and economy \u2013 based on bipartisan bills, many of which have already passed the House with bipartisan support. I am extremely pleased that the House agreed to my amendment to include my and Rep. Don Young\u2019s proposal for a new $10 billion NOAA grant program to implement projects that restore a marine, estuarine, or coastal habitat in the United States, create jobs for fishermen in the United States, or facilitate climate change adaptation along U.S. coastlines.\n\n\u201cAmong other notable features, the bill contains the following provisions for the Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean:\n\nextends the trade adjustment assistance for workers program to the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories;\n\nexpands apprenticeship opportunities in the Virgin Islands;\n\nincludes funding for STEM education at HBCUs;\n\ndirects the U.S. State Department to submit a multi-year strategy for increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and promoting good governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Latin American and Caribbean countries;\n\npromotes U.S. regional cooperation with Caribbean countries for improving energy security, grid reliability, and energy efficiency, as well as reforming energy markets and investing in cleaner energy technologies;\n\npromotes long-term resilience in the Caribbean to natural disasters, severe weather events, and a changing ocean environment by authorizing appropriations in support of the U.S. Caribbean Resilience Partnership launched in 2019; and\n\nupdates and creates programs to address climate change, ecosystem loss, disease outbreaks, and other threats to coral reefs.\n\n\u201cThe America COMPETES Act reflects bipartisan work across committees: its major components include many bills that have already passed the House by strong bipartisan votes or have bipartisan cosponsors. My team and I continue to work diligently in order to secure provisions that will bolster our territory and the Caribbean region across every sector\u2014energy, climate change, disaster recovery, our economy, technology and education. My colleagues and I look forward to swiftly going to conference with the Senate so that we can put a strong bill for America on the President\u2019s desk to sign into law.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4030", "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RETURNS FROM A CONGRESSIONAL FACT FINDING VISIT TO DOHA, QATAR AT THE INVITATION OF THE QATAR GOVERNMENT", "2022-02-02", "2022", "2022-02", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry\n\nFebruary 2, 2022 202-215-8524\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RETURNS FROM A CONGRESSIONAL FACT FINDING VISIT TO DOHA, QATAR AT THE INVITATION OF THE QATAR GOVERNMENT\n\nWashington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding her recent trip to the Middle East:\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett and her colleagues - Reps. Eric Swalwell and Sean Patrick Maloney, from the Intelligence Committee, and Lou Correa, a veteran and member of Homeland Security and Judiciary Committee held high level meetings with government officials on Qatar US relations. The group also were briefed by US Defense, Homeland and NGOs on the work to support Afghan individuals and their families who supported US efforts during the Afghan war. Plaskett visited an Afghan refugee camp and got to speak with servicemen and women and Afghan guests being processed.\n\n\u201cSeeing first hand the tremendous work that has been done to bring more than 70,000 individuals out of harms way in Afghanistan and our government continue to keep its promise as we streamline and process thousands of individuals is more than impressive. I learned a lot from the work of AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups, primarily veterans working to support the mission,\u201d said Plaskett.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett also met with Qatar\u2019s officials charged with driving economic development. \u201cBefore 1950 Qatar faced bleak economic depression with natural disaster, health pandemics and regional instability. Not only the rise in wealth but the specific calculations on how to invest and grow an economy are fascinating and instructive. I was happy to talk with the CEO of the Qatar Investment Fund about projections and ideas in the Caribbean. I am always trying to learn and find ways to support our Caribbean region,\u201d said Plaskett.\n\nPlaskett also visited one of the 9 soccer stadiums being built and not renovated for the 2022 World Cup. \u201cStanding on the pitch of one of the stadiums was pretty awesome. More impressive was the work and preparation being done through Doha for the event this summer,\u201d said Plaskett.\n\nIn conclusion, Congresswoman Plaskett thought the trip was successful. \u201cThis was a pretty timely trip as our meetings came immediately before President Biden\u2019s meeting with the Emir of Qatar on a range of topic but front of mind Qatar\u2019s support of Europe with liquefied natural gas LNG as we shore up our defenses as necessary to deal with the Russia Ukraine conflict,\u201d said Plaskett.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4014", "CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $99 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING FOR THE TURPENTINE RUN FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT AND THE SAVAN GUT PHASE II FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT FROM BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW", "2022-01-19", "2022", "2022-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Part of $14 Billion Investment Nationwide That Will Help Ease Supply Chain Bottlenecks\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, announced $99 million in new funding for vital projects in the Virgin Islands through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Disaster Relief law:\n\n\u201cToday I am happy to announce $99 million in new funding for the Turpentine Run Flood Control Project and the Savan Gut Phase II flood control project. This new federal investment comes as the Biden Administration continues its nationwide focus on easing supply chain bottlenecks, improving infrastructure resilience and creating jobs for families.\n\n\u201cVirgin Islanders know that these projects are in urgent need of completion. Through the hard work of my office ensuring that the territory was included in the historic legislation, $99 million will soon be headed to the Virgin Islands to complete longstanding resiliency projects. With these new federal funds from the Army Corps, we will be able to initiate, physically complete and close out Savan Gut Phase II as well as the project at Turpentine Run. Also included was $500,000 for pre-construction engineering and design (PED) to be completed for the flood risk management project at Estate La Grange on St. Croix.\n\n\u201cThis is a historic investment for the Virgin Islands on projects which have been years in the making. I\u2019m grateful for the information and support of the Department of Public Works and the Virgin Islands Port Authority in particular, both agencies provided information and support for our relentless prodding of the Army Corps to build these projects in the Virgin Islands. Turpentine Run is funded with Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L.117-43) funding and Savan is funded with Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (P.L.117-58) funding.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration announced today that the Army Corps of Engineers will invest $14 billion in 500 projects across the nation that focus on strengthening critical supply chains. These new investments will create jobs and economic opportunity, while strengthening key water infrastructure projects, improving resiliency to the climate crisis, and restoring the environment.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4013", "PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $209,285,548 GRANT FOR THE REBUILDING OF ARTHUR RICHARDS SCHOOL", "2022-01-06", "2022", "2022-01", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey E. Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", "plaskett", "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing a $209,285,548.20 grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the V.I. Department of Education for the Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and Grounds:\n\n\u201cI am happy to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant totaling $209,285,548.20. This much needed funding will go toward to the U.S. Virgin Island Department of Education (VIDE) for the replacement of Arthur Richard Junior High School, including educational buildings, grounds, and infrastructure damaged as a result of Hurricane Maria. The Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and grounds were destroyed by Hurricane Maria.\n\n\u201cThere has been tremendous effort to come to this place. My office has been honored to work with the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Biden Administration leadership team at FEMA along with the professional staff at the Appropriations Committee under the leadership of Subcommittee Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. I thank FEMA for reevaluating the cost of rebuilding Arthur Richards school. FEMA had originally offered $148 million to rebuild the school, which was not consistent with the needs of the Virgin Islands and what the territory is entitled to under federal law. Governor Bryan\u2019s Office of Disaster Recovery along with the VI Government\u2019s consultants at Witt Obrien insisted that FEMA was not using the correct formula to evaluate the cost to rebuild our critical infrastructure. My office pressed and organized a summit between FEMA, the Virgin Islands government, and the appropriate professional staff in Congress to have FEMA re-evaluate the figures for rebuilding our critical infrastructure. That all day summit allowed FEMA to hear from the individuals working on the ground and have validation on the intent of the formula for rebuilding from the staff in Congress who wrote the language under the law for our rebuilding funding. I am pleased, that because of the summit, FEMA has come to a $61.2 million higher figure that is appropriate for the children of the Virgin Islands. This estimate represents a final acknowledgement by FEMA that the Prudent Replacement standard should be used for vital infrastructure. This, I believe, demonstrates that we must not accept substandard or less than what is rightfully ours. By working together \u2013 both local and federal officials \u2013 our children will have a brighter future.\n\n\u201cAs we all know, both Irma and Maria caused significant damage to the Virgin Islands and severely exacerbated the already deteriorating conditions within our infrastructure. These funds are to help build our facilities and infrastructure back better by incorporating resilient design and features. The acknowledgement of that standard is a watershed event and will be greater resources for us all. I am hopeful that these grants will be utilized to harden the infrastructure in our territory. We must be prepared and continue to build our resiliency against disaster. The funding provided by FEMA will provide VIDE with the resources they need to help fulfill their mission in the event of future emergencies.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 87, "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": "2022"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VI&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "VI", "label": "VI", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VI&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 87, "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": 33.298224210739136, "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"}