{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"VI\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=127", "Plaskett Statement on Shooting Death of 18-Month-Old", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plaskett Statement on Shooting Death of 18-Month-Old \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 15, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of an 18-month-old child in St. Thomas Wednesday.\r\rThe shooting death of this innocent child shocks the psyche. It is both senseless and barbaric, and is, sadly, yet another example of why we have offered to work with the local officials to formulate a comprehensive territorial action plan to mitigate the scourge of gun violence in our community.\r\r\r\r###\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=126", "Plaskett to serve on Democratic Steering and Policy Committee", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett will serve on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in the 115th Congress when it convenes in January 2017.\r\rI am humbled by the honor and opportunity to represent our region on Leader Pelosis Steering and Policy Committee for the incoming Congress. As the minority party, the responsibility of articulating and defending key democratic policy will become more strategic to not only advancing the interests of our constituents, but also to negotiating with and acting as a check and balance against the Republican-controlled Congress and White House, Plaskett said.\r\rPlaskett, who was elected as the Freshman representative on the Committee in the 114th Congress, was appointed by her colleagues to represent region seven in the 115th Congress. Region seven consists of Democratic representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.\r\rThe House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is responsible for recommending the appointment of members of the House to committees along with advising the House Democratic leadership on policy issues. Members of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee are also responsible for lobbying the Democratic caucus to support key initiatives, legislation and policy.\r\rThe House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is chaired by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=125", "Plaskett Statement on Death of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plaskett Statement on Death of Fidel Castro \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 26, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement regarding the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro:\r\rThe significance of todays news cannot be understated. Fidel Castro's death marks a time of reflection on a life and a movement. Today, we stand with the Cuban people who are hopeful for a freer society and in remembrance of those who gave everything in the fight for it. Now more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to comprehensive and thoughtful relations with Cuba that encompasses the interests of its people, the Caribbean and the United States and its territories.\r\r###\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=124", "Plaskett, U.S. Army to Host Congressional Oversight Activity in Territory", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Office of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett in conjunction with the Armys Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison will host a delegation of congressional staff in the territory for a congressional oversight activity beginning on Nov. 18.\r\nThe oversight activity will provide the delegation of congressional armed services staff with vital information and familiarization of the local homeland security efforts in combating drug trafficking within the USVI and Puerto Rico and the various issues and challenges impacting those efforts.\r\nThe delegation will also learn of the mission of the United States Virgin Islands Army and Air National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and the United States Coast Guard in the U.S. Virgin Islands and their role in the Defense Support to Civil Authorities in the Homeland Security defense mission.\r\nHaving these high-level congressional staff learn the functions and the challenges of our local component to this Nations homeland security mission is important. They are the individuals who advise Members of Congress when they make the policy decisions that directly impact these functions, so being familiar with the operations in the territory will serve to elevate our issues and challenges in the policy discussions in Congress. It is our intent to create new advocates among Congressional staffers who have visited and seen first hand the challenges in the territory and will be able to have points of reference when issues of border security, ports and transshipment, illegal gun and drug trafficking and military challenges are discussed, Plaskett said.\r\nThe Delegation will also visit the Veterans Affairs office and clinic, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Customs and Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and representatives from the National Park Service.\r\nThe Congressional Oversight Activity ends on Nov. 22.  \r\n  \r\n                                                     ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=123", "Plaskett Statement on Veterans Day", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plaskett Statement on Veterans Day \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 10, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      In commemoration of Veterans Day, Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement:\r\r\"Each year, we gather as a nation to honor the service of our veterans and to remember the contributions that our men and women in uniform have fought for to secure the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Virgin Island veterans carry a legacy of service to this nation that is unrivaled. That is evidenced by their history of service in protecting this nation even before they were officially a part of it. And also by the sacrifices of our brave Purple Heart veterans and their families. It is incumbent upon us all to honor the service and sacrifices of our heroes, not just with accommodations and medals, but also by making good on the promises we made to them and their loved ones when they return from service. I encourage every Virgin Islander show their support for our Purple Heart veterans by wearing purple this Veterans Day.\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=122", "Plaskett Statement on Liberty Day", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement in commemoration of Liberty Day:\r\rToday we celebrate the legacy and achievements of an extraordinary man.A son of the soil, David Hamilton Jacksons ideas and advocacy are responsible for much of the socio-economic and political progression of the Virgin Islands through the 20th Century.\r\rHe was without question one of our foremost though leaders.\r\rWhether it was through his work to improve workers rights in creating the first labor union in the Virgin Islands, His petitioning the Court of Denmark for a free press, or his advocacy for the Transfer and for Virgin Islands to receive citizenship as Americans, Jacksons work and advocacy was for the advancement and empowerment of his people.\r\rAs we approach the turn of a new century as the Virgin Islands of the United States, we have a duty and a responsibility to continue to build upon those hard-fought advancements.\r\rThe years after our Transfer commemoration is perhaps the most important to determining the future of our territory and underscoring the legacy of our ancestors, like D. Hamilton Jackson, who put their blood, sweat and tears into forging a pathway forward for our Virgin Islands.\r\r\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=121", "Plaskett hosts FCC Commissioner in the Territory", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As part of her ongoing effort to highlight opportunities for economic growth, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett is hosting a high-level official from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the territory this week.\r\rMignon Clyburn, a Commissioner with the FCC, will spend the week in the territory meeting with local stakeholders in the telecommunications sector learning of their challenges, as well as exploring existing opportunities for technological innovation and increasing access to technology for Virgin Islanders.\r\rThere are a number of ongoing initiatives in the territory that have the potential to make the Virgin Islands a key staging area for new advancements in telecommunications in the Caribbean basin. This is an opportunity for our local stakeholders in the communications and technology sectors to better understand and appropriately navigate federal regulations, and to fully capitalize and implement telecom opportunities into our economic portfolio, Plaskett said.\r\rDuring the week-long visit, Congresswoman Plaskett and Commissioner Clyburn will meet with members of the Virgin Islands telecommunications community to discuss opportunities and support in the territories.\r\rThe Congresswoman has assembled executives from WTJX, Innovative, Broadband VI, as well as the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network to meet with the Commissioner. Congresswoman Plaskett and Commissioner Clyburn will also visit schools on St. Thomas and St. Croix to understand first-hand the innovations and challenges of the territory.\r\rThe Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=120", "Plaskett Statement on Hurricane Matthew", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement on Hurricane Matthew:\r\nOur thoughts and prayers are with our Caribbean brothers and sisters in Haiti, as well as all those affected in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and those still in its path. I have been in contact with the U.S. State Department who is currently assessing the situation, and will work with members of Congressparticularly the members with large Caribbean constituenciesto ensure that assistance is ready and available once a need-assessment is complete. I am also looking into the possibility of discerning what resources may be available to assist Virgin Islanders in contacting and providing their own assistance to their relatives in Haiti.\r\nIn addition to working on supporting potential relief efforts, I am deeply concerned with Haitis plight and have been a fervent supporter of U.S. efforts to ensure a free and fair election and to stop the inhumane and extrajudicial deportation of Haitian nationals from the Dominican Republic. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress in our efforts to support the political stability and economic development of Haiti.\r\nFor more information from the U.S. State Department regarding Hurricane Matthew call the following numbers:\r\nFrom the US or Canada: 1-888-407-4747\r\nFrom all other countries: 1-202-501-4444", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=119", "Plaskett Statement on Sea View Nursing Facility", "2016-10-02", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "VI", "Stacey Plaskett", "P000610", "plaskett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plaskett Statement on Sea View Nursing Facility \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        October 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        \r\tVirgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement in the wake of the removal of residents at the Sea View Nursing Facility:\r\r  \r\t\"The issues at Seaview which provide support to our most vulnerable and needy citizens are long and deep. I am very concerned about what has transpired at the Sea View Nursing Facility. The families of the Sea View residents have entrusted us with the honor of providing the necessary resources to ensure appropriate care and a comfortable quality of life from their loved ones. This is a trust that must never be compromised. Equally important, is that we understand all of the facts surrounding the issues at the facility and that we address them in a manner that ensures the safety and dignity of its residents. I intend to make official inquiries with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and I pledge my commitment to utilize every capacity of my office to assist in resolving this matter.\"\r\r                                                  ###\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 9, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "VI", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 9, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VI&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 9, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "VI", "label": "VI", "count": 9, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 9, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 25.044418405741453, "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"}